Ellicottville, NY – The warm rain washed away the early December snow that had fallen in copious amounts the prior weekend and frigid air was on its tails. The conditions for the coming weekend were looking like refrozen saturated snow, in other words “boilerplate” and “death cookies.” The cold air worked up the moisture from … Continue reading Ski Capital of Western New York→
Photos by Henry Georgi Fernie (BC), Canada -Combine exceptional powder, exceptional terrain, exceptional food and exceptional service, and you have Island Lake Lodge. Island Lake Lodge is perhaps the most famous snowcat skiing operation in Canada. A couple of outfits in the Selkirk Mountains are older, … Continue Reading ››
Photos by Marc Guido Six warm, snowless months have passed. The leaves have fallen from the trees, and the first stretches of cold weather have come to the northeastern United States. On the Internet, ski-related chat rooms, message boards and listservs are busy with the buzz of the dawning winter season. Ski swaps, pre-season shop … Continue reading Early Season, O.K.→
Truckee, CA – Every ski resort has a Dark Side. You know, that trail sends shivers up your spine, starts your knees knocking, and makes you wish you had hit the restroom more recently. Some resorts feature the Dark Side prominently: the Front Four at Stowe, Paradise at Mad River Glen, Alf’s High Rustler at … Continue reading Northstar at Tahoe: In Search Of the Dark Side→
Cortland, NY – When the lake-effect snow cranks up off Lakes Ontario or Erie, work in New York’s Southern Tier ends early, and the rest of the day is spent choking on powder turns in a blinding blizzard into the night under the lights of Greek Peak. Dinner is a Power Bar, or waits until … Continue reading Greek Peak: Central N.Y. Skiing As Good As It Gets→
Lake Placid, NY – What makes a perfect family ski vacation? Is it a mountain large and diverse enough to satisfy all abilities, preferences and choices? Or, is it a quaint village with historical values, a feeling of remote tranquility, invariably warm and hospitable locals, and a festive atmosphere? Perhaps it’s an ample … Continue … Continue reading Lake Placid: Family-Friendly Olympic Heritage→
Avoriaz, France – Perched atop of an enormous cliff only an hour and a half from Geneva airport, the custom built village of Avoriaz is a unique skiing and snowboarding destination with an atmosphere all of its own. The unique architecture of the wooden buildings make … Continue Reading ››