Vermont’s Jay Peak Resort is well known as a destination for skiers or riders in search of perfect powder. And now, thanks to the Double Barrel Flowrider—just one of the many features in Jay’s new indoor waterpark, The Pumphouse—it’s becoming a mecca for those in search of the perfect wave.

The Double Barrel at Jay, courtesy Jay Peak Resort

Of course, the reason to go to Jay during the winter will always be the skiing and riding. With more than 50 miles of trails, 100 acres of gladed terrain, and an annual average snowfall of 370 inches per year, it’s FUN. (Yes, that is fun with capital letters.) As proof, here is a picture of me having lots-o-FUN at Jay a few years ago.

FUN at Jay a few years ago, photo Justin Cash

Now, thanks to a huge investment, Jay Peak has transformed from a mere ski mountain during the winter with golfing during the summer to a weather-proofed vacation land.

Mother Nature can be fickle when it comes to providing snow, but she cannot touch the balmy 85ish degree climate-controlled interior of The Pumphouse.

Eighty-five degrees feels pretty nice when you are vacationing in Florida. But, it never felt so nice after a day on the slopes in Vermont. Take my word for it.

If you or your teen-aged child  is  an adrenaline junkie, check out La Chute. The idea of La Chute, an indoor Aqualoop—with a vertical drop of 60 feet per second—makes me want to la puke.  Floating down Big River, which gently stretches around the perimeter of the waterpark, is more my speed. You see, there is something for everyone at Jay.

La Chute in the background, courtesy of Jay Peak Resort

And to further prove my point that there is something for everyone at Jay, here is a rundown of what else to expect at Jay:

Tram House Lodge at Jay, courtesy of Jay Peak Resort

• An ice rink (bring or rent skates)
• Nordic Center and Clubhouse
• Sweet lodging options at Tram House Lodge or Hotel Jay & Conference Center
• Ahhh, spa
• Tasty food and drink

My parting advice is two-fold. That bit about tasty food and drink? I’ve always been quite fond of Jay’s poutine;  perhaps, not the pinnacle of French-Canadian cuisine, but I for one cannot resist French fries with gravy and fresh cheese curds. (Jay is just an hour and a half from Montreal.) Now there is one more item to make my mouth water at Jay. Try the Duck Pockets, a tasty appetizer for dinner at The Foundry, with Brome Lake Duck Confit, caramelized onions, Cabot Cheddar, crispy wontons, with an apple cinnamon yogurt sauce. So, the first bit of advice is ski and surf hard so you can enjoy the food and drink guilt-free.

The second part of my advice is to get moving: Pack some ski gear , your bathing suit, and your family or friends and head north to Jay.  And please, leave some powder freshies  and poutine for me!

As a person who loves the outdoors, I’ve always admired people who are astute observers of the natural world. I am not one of them, not even close. Try as a might, I am no Goodall or Thoreau. I am impressed with myself if I can figure out the difference between a pine tree or a maple. Tree and plant identification, bird watching and animal tracking all fall within that same category of requiring a necessary skill I lack. I think it’s called detailed memory recall.

Nonetheless, I decided to take some pictures of animal tracks on a recent cross-country ski jaunt, with the goal to match those pictures to the animal track guide on page 83 in Yankee Magazine’s January/February issue. I thought this would be a simple game for me, one that might also be perfect for a very young child.

Even before I made it too far into my journey, I realized I had a tip for people endeavoring to do this sort of thing based on my own first error. Tip Number One: Make sure your camera batteries work. Yes, this is the most basic rule for any true photographer, but I am a hack. I checked my batteries before I left. I even had extra batteries in the camera case. The little red light indicating low batteries was flashing when I double-checked their status. Did I change the batteries? No. Did I bring the camera case with the extra batteries? No. I just headed off into the woods with my camera and one set of dead batteries. La, la, la.

Thanks to my sub par cell phone camera, I was able to snap some shots of animal prints in the snow despite my dead camera situation. The results of which, I share with you now, so you can play a fun game with me called “Name Those Tracks.” (You can even cheat. I’ll tell you why later.)

NAME THOSE TRACKS

Species 1: Animal Tracks

Species 2 (which could be the same as Species 1): Animal Tracks

Species 3: Animal Tracks

Species 4: Animal Tracks

SO WHAT ARE YOUR  GUESSES FOR SPECIES 1, 2, 3, 4?

I know what Species 3 and 4 are, but I am still a little unclear about Species 1 and 2. My guess is a cute little white-footed mouse for Species 1 and a snowshoe hare for Species 2, but I would not be surprised if one is a gray squirrel or a chipmunk. That’s why I gave you permission to cheat by looking at the animal tracks guide on page 83. I cannot even figure out my own game with cheating. You know what? There are no wrong answers for this quiz. You get 100% for just playing along with this game.  A for effort.

Species 3 is a cross-country ski pole track, and Species 4 is a whole bunch of tracks (snowmobile tracks, cross-country ski tracks, lots of dog tracks) with a cameo appearance of a very cute dog who made 5 times the amount of tracks I made during my journey because he was running around in circles while I was skiing in a straight path.

I am sure you enjoyed this game. Check back soon for number two in this series: Identifying Animal Scat.

There is no better time than a few days before the first of January to get my resolutions in order. I was planning to re-use my “continue to be awesome,” resolution from 2011 in case anyone inquired. But rather than glib and over-used responses, I’ll begin 2012 with some heartfelt resolutions.

1. Do More Snow Rituals

In New England, we’re desperate for snow. Up until this point, I know that I have not done my fair share of snow rituals, but starting on January 1, 2012 I will do my part by wearing my lucky snowflake socks as often as possible. (I will double my stash to eights pairs for 2012.) And, I will also wear my lucky snowflake sweater. It’s very pink and not flattering at all, but it has a big snowflake on the front, and it possesses the magical ability to satisfy the snow gods.

Brenda Darroch Contributing editor Christine Chitnis, assistant editor Deb Despres, and I pose for a photo. I don't usually carry an axe and yarn around with me -- these were props.re props from a photo shoot.

2. Stop Being the Biggest Dork Ever in Pictures (or at least come up with a name for this affliction)

This has nothing to do with my adventure blog, but it’s been on my mind as a resolution. At the same time, I don’t think I can stop. I’ve admitted I have a problem. And, I am also sure that I will not get through any further steps toward my recovery without a major intervention. (This could be my way of asking for help). So, instead I’ve done the hard work of labeling my affliction: dorky picture poser addict. I could start a support group, but all I can think about is how silly our class photo would be.

3. Embrace Where I Am Now

I’ve been afflicted by sometimes comparing myself to others. And not in a competitive sense where I feel that I need to win, or go faster, but instead I think to myself that I am slower than that person; or I don’t run as far as that person. Nowadays, there are so many races and challenging events to enter, so many sports to conquer, so much gear to buy that a girl who wants to be a little adventurous can get overwhelmed. But guess what? Instead of getting overwhelmed I am getting inspired to take competition out of the equation, and focus on the self-fulfillment aspect instead. The reason I want to be outside running, or skiing, or snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing is because I love it. I love the way I feel when my heart gets pumping and my muscles get stronger. I love the outdoors. That’s what matters.

4. Go Cross-Country Skiing During Lunch at Least 10 Times This Winter

You might think that sounds like a small number, or you may think that sounds like big number. But, sadly, over the past few years, I’ve only cross-country skied about two or three times a year during my work lunch break. It’s always spectacularly lovely, so I resolve to do it more.

5. Admit That These Are Not New Resolutions

Finally, I resolve to admit that none of the above is a new resolution.

Perhaps, I’ve never given myself a specific numeric expectation for lunch-time cross-country ski outings, but it is always my plan to go more.

Embracing where I am now is something I’ve been tackling for years, because it’s really good for me. (Just as good for me as eating my veggies which I will also continue to do in 2012.)

Being a dork in pictures is something that I am hardwired for. And, yes, right before the flash goes off I hear the normal side of my brain saying, “Don’t do it; don’t do it.” Then all I see are those little blue and yellow spots and I think, “I did it.”

And snow rituals. I’ve been doing them since my earliest memories of anything. But, this year, I feel a lot more pressure because we need so much snow.

In the end all of my New Year’s Resolutions are actually Old Year Resolutions–to do again in the new year. So, fine. I’ll add a healthy dose of peace, love, empathy, and happiness, and hope that it spreads to all those who need it.

PS: Absolutely none of the above is copyrighted material. If you’d like to use any of my resolutions as your own feel free to do so. I know a lot of snow lovers who will appreciate your efforts.

In just a couple weeks, Yankee Magazine’s January/February issue will be on newsstands. It’s a not-so-serious guide to loving winter and includes 43 reasons to embrace the season.

This issue resonates with me for many reasons, primarily because I love everything about snow. Plus, who wouldn’t welcome a good excuse to eat doughnuts? (Reason No. 13 in Yankee’s guide to loving winter is: “It’s Okay to Eat Doughnuts.”  According to cold-weather expert Murray Hamlet, D.V.M., formerly of the U.S. Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, you need to consume more calories during the winter, especially slow burning foods. His solution: doughnuts.)

But before we actually get to the January/February issue, we must deal with the complicated task of finding the perfect gift for someone who you may have already spent your whole (or close to your whole) life buying the most perfect holiday present for. I’ve rounded up some outdoor adventures for those on your gift list who love winter, love working off doughnuts, love a little adventure, and who don’t need another festive sweater or pair of slippers. An added bonus to giving an experience rather than an object for the holidays is you don’t have to buy wrapping paper! (That is unless you want to wrap the box of doughnuts that can accompany one of the following gifts.)

Outdoor Adventure Gift List Ideas

50+ Winter Sports Adventure Camp

A week-long adventure hosted by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) at the Highland Center in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire. Your days will include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, yoga, stretching, plus historic and cultural programs.

Catamount Trail Multi-Day Cross-Country Tours

This season, The Catamount Trail Association is offering two week-long tours and two three-day tours where you will spend your days cross-country skiing sections of this 300-mile-long trail that meanders through the entire length of the Green Mountain State.  A list of lodging options will be made available, and participants will be responsible for arranging their own lodging and meals. To read more about the Catamount Trail, check out “Fresh Tracks to Cozy Inns” from Yankee‘s January/February 2012 issue.

Road Scholar Adventures at Craftsbury Outdoor Center

Craftsbury Outdoor Center, a non-profit offering outdoor activities in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, hosts week-long Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel) programs.  During the winter, Craftsbury offers cross-county ski Road Scholar programs for newbies and experts alike combined with either yoga, astronomy, music & dance, or film & fiction.

Kripalu Cross-Country Skiing and Yoga Retreat

The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health is located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, in the Berkshires. A world-renowned yoga center, they also offer a three-day cross country skiing and yoga retreat starting on February 17.

Learn to Ice Climb in Connecticut

Eastern Mountain Sports Climbing School offers ice climbing lessons in New England  in North Conway, New Hampshire, and West Hartford, Connecticut.  Winter Climbing 101 is a one-day program that gives you the basics to ice climbing. Follow it up with Ice Climbing 201 or Mountaineering 201 course. Before you go, read about my ice climbing adventure.

Here’s to loving winter, Yankee Magazine-style.

Here's to loving winter, Yankee Magazine-style.

Kayaking, Climbing, Hiking, Mountain Biking in Northern New England—May through August

Credit: Heather Atwell River Kayaking

The essential elements for a town to make it on my list include water and mountains. What I like to do during the warmer months of the year: hike, bike, swim, sail, kayak, run, and hammock. My favorite adventure towns have all of the above or something of the like very close by, though you may have to BYOH (bring your own hammock).

Who: Heather Atwell

What: Favorite outdoor adventure towns

Why: I promised I would write this top 5 list

Where: Northern New England

How: The complete opposite of an exact science

When: May to August

Burlington, Vermont

Burlington is the hotspot in Vermont. It’s the closest thing Vermont has to a city. It’s also the closest vibe the northeast has to Boulder, Colorado, well-known for its decidedly hip outdoorsy folk. In fact, Burlington’s Church Street has the same pedestrian style walkway that Boulder’s Pearl Street has, and a similar lively scene of shoppers, eaters, and street performers especially in the warmer months. One thing Church Street does not have is a jaw-dropping view of Lake Champlain with the Adirondack’s as the backdrop. 125 miles long, it’s no mere puddle. For a bike ride that follows the shoreline, The Burlington Waterfront’s Bike Path travels 7.6 miles. Longer road rides and mountain biking trails are also nearby, but just remember, as the saying goes, Vermont ain’t flat. Rent a kayak or canoe at North Beach, or a sailboat at the Community Sailing Center. You’ll need to travel out of town for truly majestic hikes of Camel’s Hump or Mount Mansfield. Then hurry back for yummy food, shopping and great nightlife. Eat your way up and down Church Street: Leunig’s Bistro, American Flatbread, The Single Pebble, Ben & Jerry’s, Penny Cluse. Shop at the Outdoor Gear Exchange where you can buy new duds or re-sell your used equipment. For bike-o-philes, check out Old Spokes Home , a bike shop that sells and services new, used and vintage bicycles.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

New Hampshire has 18 miles of seacoast, and Portsmouth is the perfect home base to take it all in. Head to Hampton, about 25 minutes from Portsmouth, for Northeast style surfing. Take a surf lesson or rent a board from Cinnamon Rainbows based at North Beach. Nearby Seabrook Beach and York Beach are also popular surf spots. And speaking of beaches, there are more than 30 nearby, though you may have to cross the border to explore all of them. Check out Portsmouth Kayak Rentals for kayak rentals and group tours. Do a little bit of honkey tonk in Hampton Beach. Head back to Portsmouth by night-fall. Sneak in some culture at The Music Hall, a historic theatre downtown that features movies, performances, and live music. And, be sure to eat and drink. Portsmouth is overflowing with great restaurants.

Jackson, New Hampshire

This small village is nestled in the Mount Washington Valley. There are quite a few towns that would make for a suitable base camp to enjoy all the outdoor activities available in this area, but staying in Jackson will provide some special comforts in the areas of food and lodging after a couple rugged days of hiking Mount Washington while overnighting at AMC lodges and huts. This outdoor adventure will focus on hiking. Oh sure, you could drive your car to the peak of Mount Washington, then buy a bumper sticker that says, “This Car Climbed Mount Washington,” but I am sure just the mere thought of that makes you feel a little sick to your stomach, and not because of the altitude. Your boots were made for hiking. And that is why it is okay to call Jackson, New Hampshire, one of your favorite adventure towns. Cause you’ve adventured and now you need to hammock a little. If you feel like you need to get more activities in, Eastern Mountain Sports, located in North Conway, offers guided kayaking, climbing, hiking and mountain biking programs. Or to get on the Saco River, check out Saco Bound for guided whitewater rafting and canoe trips. But, don’t forget to relax a little.

The March/April issue of Yankee Magazine features many of the more positive first signs of spring—maple festivals, swan boats, flower shows. But this time of year isn’t all bright yellow daffodils or rows of tulips in red, pink, and violet. In fact for those who suffer from SSAD—Shoulder Season Affective Disorder—it’s tough. Okay, so there is no official SSAD, but Seasonal Affective Disorder does afflict people during different seasons, not only winter, though winter seems to rank highest in cases of SAD.

As I am sure you know, early spring in New England is also referred to as mud season. The snow is gone, but it’s a little too early and too mushy to hike or bike on trails. There are still bits of ice in nearby lakes and ponds. Oh sure, the tough guys and gals are out there white water kayaking in super thick wetsuits or dry suits or whatever it is that keeps then from freezing to death. But not me.

When I go for a short run around the neighborhood in early spring, I bask in the stages of melt. In more specific detail, that means once the snow disappears I see lots of dog poo, old trash, and partially decomposed leaves. Those are the true first signs of spring for me.

But there is an upside. Yesterday I saw a sweet old gentleman raking his lawn. Sure, the grass was not close to green, but his yard looked so clean and neat—free of dog poo and trash.

If you are still skiing, be sure to look around the ski racks and under chairlifts as the snow melts. Sure, you’ll see lots of beer cans and candy wrappers, but you just might score some single gloves (hey two single gloves just may make a pair), or a handkerchief, or even some loose change. I found a wet ten dollar bill once.

Ah, spring.

“If you don’t like the weather in New England, wait a few minutes.”
– Mark Twain

I first heard this quote not in one of my college English classes, but on a chairlift post-college from a fellow ski bum. And, finally, I decided to research it in a way I could not have done during my undergrad years, Google. Twain nailed that one.

I followed my own advice, and skied two days mid-week. But going into these two days, I was borderline noncommittal about taking the days off, mostly because rain was in the forecast. Of course, the weather report continued to change. Back and forth. Rain, no rain. Sun, no sun. Clouds with snow. Snow with snow. You get the idea. All of it was fine with me except the rain part. I have skied many, many days in the rain. And yes, the snow surface is actually nice in the rain. But, I just did not feel like getting soggy. So, I waited till the little thumbnail image on weather.com did not feature raindrops to commit to a couple days off.

Despite understanding the whole “If you don’t like the weather in New England” thing, I was still expecting spring-like conditions. This past Sunday I enjoyed some on-the-brink mashed potatoes spring skiing. I just assumed I would get the same this week. Instead, mid-winter snow conditions, fresh snow, and hand warmers were on the schedule. (The hand warmers were not completely necessary, but I was on vacation so I thought I would live it up.)

The good news (for skiers) is the snow on the mountain is in great shape so there is no reason to summer your skis just yet. In fact, I will postpone my car appointment for a few weeks too. I do live in New England, so even though it’s spring, I’ll keep my snow tires on a little while longer. You never know.

Keep reading for lots of information from ski and ride professionals.

There are certain childhood memories that stand out. One for me was counting my turns as I skied down a trail with my father. I loved this game. He would ski behind me as I would yell out the numbers as I made pretty turns down the mountain.

When I started teaching skiing, I realized this was a game masked as a learning tool. A couple weeks ago, I tried this with my five-year-old nephew, who loves to ski but has not yet become all too fond of turning. Based on some unscientific research, I think most young kids love to ski but aren’t really that thrilled about turning.

So, we skied down the mountain. My nephew was counting the whole way down, shouting out his updates. Somehow he managed to make 20 more turns than I had made. The next run, the same thing happened. Well, I knew how he made 20 more turns. He used a looser definition of the term “turn.”

Over hot chocolate, we discussed the turn situation. Of course, I was trying to be the diplomatic aunt, albeit, a little conniving with my attempt to get him to make more turns. I explained I was fine with only making 80 turns even though he made 109 because my turns were really curvy and helped me control my speed. He was neither impressed with my turns, nor convinced that I was “okay” with being the loser in the game. His response: “You are not okay with the fact that you only made 80 turns and I made 109.” I responded that every fiber of my being was okay with the fact that I made 80 turns to his 109. My nephew’s response as he sipped his hot chocolate and shook his head, “Every fiber of your being is not okay with the fact that I made 109 and you only made 80.” Thank goodness he doesn’t say things like, “Loser,” because in his estimation, that is what I was.

The thing is, I know this kid is going to kick my butt skiing in about thirteen years—or at least I am hoping he will. By then, perhaps the fact that my turns were prettier than his when he was five will have more of an impact on him. (I know—whatever, Aunt Heather.)

Tips to Teach Kids to Ski or Ride

If you are teaching your favorite little ones to ski or ride, here are some excellent tips, courtesy of a few select ski professionals in New England.

Burton’s Riglet Board and Riglet Reel—Best for Small Tots

I started teaching my daughter Ryder how to snowboard last year when she was 2 and a half. I used the Burton Riglet board and Riglet reel to tow her around the base area before riding the magic carpet and introducing downhill sliding. The Riglet reel (a retractable cord attached to the nose of the board) is the best aid in getting your 3+ year old started on the board.

Jeff Wise, Stowe Mountain Resort, Director of Communications and former Snowboard School Director

Living Room Skiing and Riding, Toys on the Mountain, and Marshmallows—Best for Small Tots

To get three-year-old Bridget comfortable moving around with ski boots and skis, we had her practice at home wearing her ski boots, scooting around on the carpet in her skis, then out in the snow-covered driveway. At the ski area, she would forget all about the potentially awkward feeling of moving around in skis if we threw rubber duckies in the snow for her to retrieve. And stashing a treat like mini-marshmallows in your pocket can prove to be just the reward a little skier needs for successfully making a turn and getting down the slope.

Martha Wilson, Outdoor Mom Blogger for Bretton Woods

Your Kid Needs to Stand Up on His/Her Own Two Feet—Little Tots

Another important element to teaching kids to ski is to ask them to be in charge of their own balance. It may be slow going, but in the long run, if your kid can stand up on his or her own right from the beginning, you’re on the right track. If you feel you must help, be sure to be in front of your kid (as opposed to behind) to encourage the balance to be toward the front of the ski. Kids have a higher center of gravity than adults due to their disproportionally large heads, so balanced over their skis will look different in them than it does with an adult (lower, further back), but they need to be balancing on their own.

Katherine Rockwell, Pico Ski & Snowboard School Manager

Let Your Kids Set the Pace—All Ages

One of the most important things about teaching your kids to ski is to go at their pace. It can be really tempting to push them to stay out that extra half an hour, or go on that blue trail, but in the long run, taking it slow is the key to longevity in the sport. With very young kids, you may only be out on skis for 20 minutes, if you even get to skiing at all. It is just as important to make snow angels, explore snow banks and chase you around as it is to actually be on skis. The first time your young kid is cold or unhappy out skiing will stay with them for a long time. Watch for signs of stress, be it emotional or physical and get back inside or off skis before it bubbles all the way to the surface.

Katherine Rockwell, Pico Ski & Snowboard School Manager

Activate Prior Knowledge—Best for Kids (and Adults) 6 Years and Older

Work on movements that kids already “own” from playing other sports and then transferring those familiar movements into skiing and riding skills. This technique works really well with improving balance. If your kids play soccer, you can say something like, you know how you have to put your weight on one leg when you kick a ball? That will help them focus on where their balance is when they are skiing or riding.

Rob Bevier, Okemo’s Ski + Ride School Assistant Director

Make Skiing Fun and Develop Fundamental Skill Development—Best for Ages 7 to 12

When I am working with a bunch of kids, (typically “Superstars” ages 7-12 in the Killington Ski School) the first chairlift ride often begins something like this: “I saw a dead skunk in the middle of the ski trail, I one it, I two it, I three it, and so on until the unsuspecting skier cries I EIGHT it! The kids all get hysterical and the one who “ate it” gets to think up an even more gruesome scenario as the game continues. (We sometimes think of nice things to eat, a candy bar or hot fudge sundae, but more often than not the grosser items win out). I like to encourage levity on the chair so that when we land on snow we are ready for some serious work! The kids loosen up a bit and are eager to listen to the next installment. I like to have fun on the hill, but what could be more fun than learning how to ski well? For this reason, I steer clear of on hill “games” and prefer to get results from solid skill development and positive reinforcement. It all depends on what level you are teaching, but I also tend to use every possible natural feature: bumps, banks and “woodsies” to get kids comfortable with changes in terrain. Often we’ll try to make our skis “purr” on fresh corduroy. On moguls and fresh powder we hop and bounce along, or do sneezing turns which require a quick rise as we AH! And a slow sinking CHOOOO! After teaching for 25 years it still amazes me that new fun can be found every day, all it takes is a little imagination. I do, however, possess a Secret Weapon, that never fails if our young skier is reluctant. It’s the Sound Machine! I actually have two of them that make a variety of sounds ranging from the “howling powder hound” to the “screaming banshee”. There is of course the ever popular farting and burping sounds as well. The burp sound helps us recall the fundamentals of skiing: Balance, Edging, Rotation and Pressure, and that is as technical as I get!

Amy Chessia, Killington Mountain Resort Ski Instructor

Don’t Go Too Steep—All Ages

Regardless of age, one of the biggest mistakes parents make is taking their kids too steep too soon. If your kids can’t ski a green trail with parallel skis, they are not ready for intermediate trails. It is one thing to make it down, and another to ski it in control and balance. The bad habits we form from defensive skiing on trails that are too steep are very difficult to break. As I was taught growing up, there’s no such thing as a “nice big wedge.” It’s either nice or it’s big. The wedge is a tool to get to parallel skiing, and if we have our feet wide underneath us, we ultimately can’t steer both feet in a parallel turn. No matter how tempting (and no matter how bored you are on the beginner trail), taking the time on the greens to build those skills is the key to accurate, balanced skiing in the future.

Katherine Rockwell, Pico Ski & Snowboard School Manager

Lessons with a Professional Instructor—All Ages

If you’re tired of skiing on the greens with your kid, you can always put them in a lesson. The social aspects of lessons are really valuable, as is the opportunity to work on skills on proper terrain while giving you a break to go make some turns yourself.

Katherine Rockwell, Pico Ski & Snowboard School Manager

Properly Fitting Equipment—All Ages

Properly fitting equipment is paramount to success. If finances are prohibitive, I recommend renting equipment rather than buying equipment “to grow into.” Ski boots are like the steering wheel of your car- you want them tight enough that when you move they move (and in turn move the skis). Too big and it’s like driving a car that takes half a turn of the steering wheel before the car even responds. That’s stressful, dangerous and ultimately will have you doing anything you can to avoid driving in the future. Also consider seasonal rental programs at local shops that offer a mid-season switch and get the boots your kid needs now and upgrade as they grow.

Katherine Rockwell, Pico Ski & Snowboard School Manager

Bribery—Any Age

Bribery is alive and well. A few pieces of candy in the pocket can be a great motivator/distraction when a little one has a bad tumble or is struggling.

Karl Stone, Ski NH Marketing Director

This is when focusing on the fluff is a good thing.

You are at the top of a double black diamond—your favorite trail after the groomers lay down fresh corduroy. But, it’s late afternoon, and all you see is an icy slope, with no convenient way to change your mind and head to another trail. Heart palpitations, weak knees, and shortness of breath ensue. Uh oh. You are in trouble.

Focus is a good thing, but not when you are focused on the opposite of what you want. But, when you are at the top of a steep slope, about ready to nose dive it down a sheet of ice, it’s hard to think about or see anything but the glaze.

Take a moment, though, and you may be surprised to see mounds of softer snow in between those slick patches. Some days the mounds will be minuscule. But, very often, if you look for it, you will realize that there is some softer snow hiding amongst the truly shiny areas. And, it’s a lot easier and more fun to control your speed on the fluffy stuff than it is on the icy stuff.

On any given afternoon when this icy snow phenomenon occurs, I would guess that about 90% of people are skiing in the slippery and icy troughs. But you don’t have to. You will need to change the pattern of your turns, but it’s worth it. You will be taking the line less traveled. Robert Frost would be very proud.

You can completely ignore the icy patches and just ski the mounds of fresh snow, but you will need to change the pattern of your turns. (If you are skiing on a true sheet of ice, you’ll need to refine your movements. You should be extra subtle with your pressure control and edging—probably the opposite of what your natural reaction is. Just like driving, when you hit a patch of ice, you might react by slamming on your brakes. This does not end well while you are in a car. It does not end well if you are skiing either. But this is another topic for another day.) Your direction of travel will be more diagonal across the trail following the mounds of soft snow while making short radius turns rather than heading straight down in a fixed corridor. You can also make wide long radius turns following the same diagonal pattern of the softer snow, but you will need to absorb the mounds by flexing and extending your ankles and knees. In either case, this will be much more enjoyable than scraping your way through the icy path.

Sometimes I forget that not everyone knows this trick. I’ll get to the end of a run and the person I am skiing with will make a comment about the ice and I will reply: “Ice? There was ice?”