The weekend before last at Saddleback and Sugarloaf in Maine, I skied on fresh snow and mid-winter conditions. Spring celebration festivities like pond skimming were a little on the chilly side this year, but the snow conditions were perfect. It was so chilly that headbands were a must for Sugarloaf’s Reggae Festival.

Most ski resorts in New England close in late March or early April.  Usually, running out of snow coincides with their customer base transitioning to spring activities. This winter was unusual in a wonderful way with lots of snow, but  many ski areas still closed their operations because people stop skiing when the snow in their backyard melts despite having great snow coverage at the mountain. There are a few areas that are open in the Northeast (Jay, Killington, Sugarbush and Sugarloaf), but most of them close up shop.

This past Sunday, I snowshoed up a ski mountain– now closed for the season– with my alpine skis and boots on my back. The sky was blue and the sun was bright with perfect spring corn snow for the ski down.

Then as quickly as Sunday passed, I hiked to the top of Gap Mountain in Troy, New Hampshire, on Monday afternoon where there was not even a patch of leftover snow. The ground was dry. And suddenly I started counting down the days to come back and pick blueberries.

Snow snow, no snow, and then (in a couple months) blueberries!

The post End of Ski Season | Snow Snow and No Snow appeared first on Yankee Magazine.

You are probably wondering about the one person who doesn’t enjoy hearing or saying the word “yurt.” What’s his deal? Who knows. I just thought the statistic would sound more scientific if I included a dissenter. The truth is, 100% of the people I spoke with enjoyed hearing or saying the word “yurt.” Yurt. It’s fun to read the word too, isn’t it?

Like many ski resorts in Maine this winter, Shawnee Peak in Bridgton, has been blessed with great snow.  An hour’s drive from Portland, it’s a perfect-sized mountain (not too big and not too small) with diverse terrain, night skiing, and a 75-year history. I had skied this mountain ever so briefly–one run to be exact–during my Ski Maine Three-Day Odyssey a few years ago. I was psyched to have more time–one night and one day–to get to know the mountain better.

On the evening of this adventure, as we loaded the chairlift, I had my backpack stuffed with ski gear, plus a bag full of food provisions for the evening and morning–and an extra-large sleeping bag. The plans for the evening and next day: ski, eat, sleep, eat, ski. Yurt.

0 out of 10 people enjoy hearing or saying the word “outhouse.” Yurt living is not glamorous, mostly because it involves  an outhouse, no running water, limited night-time lighting, and close living quarters (two bunk beds for four adults). And yet, you probably just smiled again when you read the word yurt. That’s because yurts are magical little huts in the forest.

The yurt was tucked off of the trail, and we stowed our gear and headed out for a few twilight lift-serviced runs. The snow was gently falling and it glistened under the bright lights shining on the ski trail. Without many other skiers on the mountain, the evening seemed calm and quiet.

When our stomachs started to grumble we headed back to the yurt. Dinner was reheated meatloaf and baby red potatoes with olive oil and fresh rosemary cooked on the propane stove. Dessert was fudge. After dessert entertainment included watching the groomer make fresh corduroy, and watching Chad make the fire.

Yurt living is simple and uncomplicated. It’s life without plugs.

Sleep. Rise. Eat. Goodbye to the yurt. Ski. Ski. Ski. Ski.

Thanks Team Yurt.

The end.

The post Night Skiing at Shawnee Peak and Sleeping in a Yurt on the Mountain appeared first on Yankee Magazine.

Corey Madden, Cover Shot and Face Shot, Yankee Magazine 2004

Corey Madden grew up skiing in the Mount Washington Valley. He’s worked at Attitash for 18 years as a ski instructor, park ranger, Alpine Slide manager, and most recently— for the past six years—events director.

This is what he told me about his “Perfect Day” at Attitash. To read more insider tips about skiing in New Hampshire, check out  NH Ski and Snow Magazine.

FAVORITE TRAILS
Corey’s favorite first run of the day starts at the summit, with a quick warmup on blue square Upper Saco, followed by the black diamond Tim’s Trauma. On his next ride up the Top Notch Double, if he notices that Grandstand is bumped up, he’ll take a run there before he heads to Bear Peak. If the woods have snow, he takes the Abenaki Quad, then skis Kachina and ducks into the Fever Trees just under the lift.

Corey skiing Tim’s Trauma at Attitash (Photo Credit: Attitash Mountain Resort)

LATE LUNCH & LIVE MUSIC
On Saturdays, Corey eats lunch in the afternoon so that he can listen to the live acoustic music series “The Den Sessions” from 2:00 to 4:00 at The Den at Bear Peak, which serves lunch daily and offers a full bar at Bear Peak Lodge.

View of Attitash from Wildcat (Photo Credit: Attitash Mountain Resort)

APRÈS & BEYOND
After some afternoon runs, he ends his ski day and starts his après rituals at Ptarmigan’s Pub (attitash.com/explore-attitash/diningand-amenities) on the third floor of Attitash’s base lodge.

Fortunately for Attitash and Corey, conditions are fantastic. The mountain is 100% open and their $40 Fridays in March & April discount lift ticket offer starts this week.

For more, visit Attitash.com.

The post Perfect Ski Day at Attitash appeared first on Yankee Magazine.

- Heather

*****

Introducing: Aimee Seavey!

I first learned to ski when I was eleven. Our town had a small mountain (Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford, MA) and my grandparents gave me and and my sisters lessons for Christmas one year. The lessons were once a week, and at night. My cousins had also been signed up, so while the kids skied, my mom and aunts would hang out and have dinner in the on-site Outlook restaurant. Everyone was happy with the arrangement, and while I do remember having fun on the mountain, I think I probably would have enjoyed the warmth of the fire in the restaurant more.

My mom remembers it pretty succinctly. “I can still see you sitting outside with your cup of hot cocoa and candy bar” she says. “That was all you cared about.”  After my lesson, it seems I thought it was time for a treat.

My instructor was nice enough — a young guy I now think was probably in his early twenties, but to my middle school mind that seemed very grown up indeed. His name was Mike, and while I am sure he did his best, the only thing I remember about his lessons was how to make a snow plow wedge with my skis to turn and slow down. Of course, that didn’t help when I lost my balance after he lined us up in a vertical line halfway down the mountain, taking all of the poor kids below me down like dominoes. And I guess I was screaming too much when I found myself hurtling towards a parked coach bus at the base of the bunny slope to remember that trusty wedge trick, since I collided with the bus a few seconds later, grateful for the marshmallow padding of my snow pants.

I eventually got the hang of it and survived the winter, but when it was over I never looked back. My skiing days, along with the ugly large purple glasses I wore back then, were long behind me.

Then in 2011, I moved from Boston to New Hampshire to work for Yankee, and met Heather Atwell. You, of course, know Heather as the rightful author of this blog. She’s been skiing since she was a toddler (and had the cutest pair of baby ski boots in the world to prove it), and is our resident ski expert. Her love and enthusiasm for skiing is so infectious that I had no trouble agreeing to get back on skis sometime, so long as she would be there to keep me from killing myself (or anyone else).

It’s likely I agreed to this on a hot summer day, dreaming of cold air, but then a few weeks ago, in early February, I found myself with Heather at Mount Snow in West Dover, Vermont on a busy, sunny Sunday afternoon. It was time.

Just to keep things organized, this is Heather…and then me.

I might look the part, but that’s only because I am wearing the Heather Ski Collection from head to toe. This included goggles, hat, outer jacket, inner jacket, shirt, pants, socks, and gloves. The only things of my own were my underthings and a pair of leggings that I bought the night before at TJ Maxx for $6. Also, it goes without saying that the boots, skis, and poles were rentals.

As I posed next to the “Beginner Green” sign, I tried to look excited, but I was starting to feel a little nervous about what was coming next.

Heather, on the other hand, didn’t have to mask her excitement, even if it meant doing beginner things all day. She has moguls in her blood.

Stepping into my skis was remarkably easy. It’s funny how your mind remembers how to position your toe in first and press down with your heel to lock the boot in place, but moving forward was a little awkward. After watching my progress in halting bursts, Heather advised me to hold the poles by the tops (like a the way you grasp a car shifter) rather than the sides for better leverage. This made a big difference.

We made our way over to the Mount Snow equivalent of a bunny slope — a hill with a long, gentle finish that’s also perfect for adult skiers re-learning how to move with long, skinny boards strapped to their feet. As I tried to recall the things I’d learned back in the early 90′s, Heather tells me not to bother. The shape of skis had totally changed since then, and I should just concentrate on what I’ll learn today. Fair enough.

Three things you can teach someone that’s rusty on a very limited time frame seem to have a lot to do with shins, when to lean, and when to lower.

1. Don’t rock back onto your heels in the boot. Keep your shin pressed against the front.
2. When making a turn, don’t make a big snow plow wedge and pirouette into it (the way I wanted to). Learn to lean into the turn with the outer leg and your body will gradually follow.
3. Lower your body a bit coming out of a turn, and rise going into one.  Rising helps slow you down a little so you have more control during the turn.

After a few “runs” down the easy slope (where I did not fall down once!) we made our way over to the map to choose an easy route on the main mountain. I couldn’t believe how many options there were…

But first — it was time for a snack. The smell coming out of the nearby Waffle Cabin was the most delicious aromatic combination of batter, sugar, and cinnamon. Picnic tables nearby were crammed with skiers taking a break and enjoying a hot drink or crispy waffle, totally at home in the cold winter air. There was such a feeling of camaraderie among the skiers and snowboarders — an entire community of folks that love heading outdoors in the winter weather to make their way up and down a snowy mountain. I fond myself feeling envious of their secret club.

Waffles eaten, it was time for a ride on the fanciest chair lift I’d ever seen (which isn’t saying anything). The blue wind screen on the Bluebird Express chairs came down automatically, offering a trippy view of the slopes en route to the top. It was like being on the Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour.

Once off the chairlift, it was the moment of truth.

There’s nowhere to go but down, and it’s a long way from here.

We spotted a sign for a green trail (the easiest trails) and headed for Long John.

I won’t tell you I made a graceful descent. I won’t tell you I didn’t fall, because I did…twice. Once in an awkward split that had me questioning the laws of bodily physics, and again after speeding over an icy patch while artificial snow rained down on me like a flash blizzard. I wildly lost control, but it still took a good five seconds to officially fall down. I bet those five seconds were mortifying, and I’m glad I was so terrified I don’t remember them.

But with every fall, Heather was right there to help me up and offer some advice. She’d wait for me to catch up if she got ahead, and had me ski in her tracks when the path was extra steep. It sure helps having a ski instructor for a friend to cheer you on — especially when kids half your size and one third your age are whizzing by you. On snowboards.

So the big verdict? Of course we’re still friends! I had a great day getting back in the saddle, or…you know, back on the skis. Thank you Heather and thank you Mount Snow!

But just one more thing…

While Heather clearly dominated on the slopes, what happened next was helpful in restoring a teensy bit of equilibrium to our friendship. Back at the car, Heather was taking off her ski boots (she owns her own, of course) and pulling on her everyday boots, but after putting on one she realized she couldn’t find the other one. After searching the car (and under it), we traced her steps back to the lodge where we had stayed the night before, a short drive away. She had changed into just one ski boot there in the parking lot (which is part of a longer story), and thought maybe the everyday boot would still be there, sitting on the snow next to where we had parked. When it wasn’t, she headed inside to ask if anyone had brought it to the lost and found, and emerged a moment later holding a large plastic bag with her boot inside.

Not only had she left the boot, but she’d also driven over it as we headed over to park closer to the ski entrance.

It’s the little things, my friends, the little things.

The post Learning to Ski…Again appeared first on Yankee Magazine.

Inside the Mid-Burke Lodge, a small stove cranked out heat and warmed the toes of those inside. I sat at the edge of one of the picnic-style tables and methodically booted up, preparing for a cold day on the slopes. It was chilly outside. The wind was howling.

I got some friendly what-to-wear advice from a man and woman who sat across from me.  As they sipped their hot chocolate, they grinned with wide smiles and advised me to layer up. They said it was so cold that the little bit of skin showing on their faces between their goggles and neck warmers kept freezing up as they skied down. I took it as a warning to watch out for frostbite. But, more importantly, it made me appreciate people who embrace winter.

Bundled up at Burke

They weren’t telling me that it was too cold to ski. They weren’t telling me to stock up on water, and locate emergency candles. They were telling me that they drove up on Thursday night to make sure wouldn’t miss out on fresh snow.  And despite needing to take a hot chocolate break every now and again, they told me that the snow was fantastic. Was it 20+ inches of powder like some of the more southern resorts got from the storm? No. But it was pretty darned good, wind chill and all.

I could have asked them more questions, like where they were from and if this is their home mountain. Those are simple pleasantries and the small talk that gets exchanged inside a ski lodge. But, I saw their season passes hanging around their necks and that told me everything I needed to know about them—that they were my kind of winter-loving people.

Burke is definitely my kind of mountain—lots of great skiing, and very little hype.

View from Burke of Willoughby Gap

If you know anything about the Northeast Kingdom, you’ll have a sense for what Burke is like. It’s certainly not about glitz and glamour; you’d be hard-pressed to find something that falls in the category of hustle and bustle.  Will this all change now that Burke is under new ownership? Not according to their website. They have plans for minor development in the future, but they are taking it slow. According to this, from their web site,  Burke will remain Burke:

“In the summer of 2012, a new ownership group purchased the mountain. People who understand what made Vermont skiing great in the first place. People who want to keep the trails narrow and the trees thick. Maverick types. True Vermonters. We like that. We also like that the same group owns fellow Northeast Kingdom (and now sister) mountain, Jay Peak. But, no worries, they’re not out to make Burke Jay East. There are no plans for a water park or a golf course–that’s Jay, and it’s fun–you should try it. But it’s not Burke–we’re siblings, not identical twins. Any changes that are made, including additional trails or lodging options, will stay true to the area’s natural heritage and racing traditions. For better or worse, Burke is going to stay Burke.”

Good thing. Cause if you couldn’t tell, I like it just the way it is.

A Friendly Reminder

Other Burke Tidbits:

World Class Skiers: Burke Mountain is home to the renowned Burke Mountain Ski Academy, founded in 1970 by Warren Witherall, the oldest ski academy in the United States. They churn out top quality athletes and students. According to BurkeMtnAcademy.org :  “Since 1970, over 110 BMA graduates have been members of the US Ski Team or other National Teams. More than 50 have been Olympians and more than 60% matriculate into highly selective colleges.”

Burke Ski Academy

Year-round Mountain Biking: Come back for mountain biking fun at nearby Kingdom Trails which operates year round (snow biking and Nordic skiing in the winter).

Wind Turbine: The Burke Wind Turbine supplies 15-20% of the mountain’s energy needs with renewable wind power.

Wind Turbine

Local Food Sourcing: Check out the Vermont products Burke sources for their on-mountain food and drink.

The post Skiing Burke Mountain in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom appeared first on Yankee Magazine.

Before I left for the mountain–when the temperature was barely 4 degrees–I thought how nice life could be if I were one of those people who spends her winter days indoors with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and a stack of books. But, no, I am one of those people who makes plans to do things outdoors when even furry woodland creatures are hibernating.

Of course after all that dread of frigid cold, as soon as I was in the lift line at Mount Sunapee, I could feel sweat trickling down my back. As I stowed my neck gator, removed my hand warmers, and opened my jacket’s pit zips, I realized that I was overdressed. In fact, it was a balmy15 degrees with the sun beating down. Those few degrees may not seem like a lot, but I felt the difference. In fact, just as the weatherman predicted, it was in the mid-twenties by the afternoon, the perfect temperature for late-January skiing, especially with bluebird skies.

A bluebird-sky ski day at Mt. Sunapee.

Mt. Sunapee is located in Newbury,  in western New Hampshire’s Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region,  about 90 minutes from Boston and two and half hours from Hartford. This past Sunday, the mountain hosted the Bob Skinner Cup, a USSA Giant Slalom race for for JIV & JV racers. These kids, all under 14 years of age, were zipping along in their race suits with big smiles on their faces, while doting moms and dads cheered for them from the side of the trail.

Racers were ready for the annual Bob Skinner Cup at Mt. Sunapee.

One of the things (though there are many!) that I love most about Mt. Sunapee is the “Beach.” Not to be confused with the actual beach at Lake Sunapee, just down the road, the Beach at Mt. Sunapee is the snow that stretches between Sunapee Lodge and Spruce Lodge. Whenever I’ve skied this mountain, the Beach is filled with happy tailgaters who barbecue and celebrate the day on the slopes. The festive scene and the smell of hamburgers and hot dogs wafting through the air always gives a positive ski-friendly vibe. (NOTE:  Be sure to check out another favorite of mine, the Summit Lodge located at the peak of the Sunapee Express Quad. Head inside to warm your toes in front of a real crackling open hearth fireplace and fill your belly with a Belgian waffle or carbs from the make-your-own macaroni and cheese bar.)

Season passholder Lianne works her grill at the Beach for tailgating Sunapee-style.

As the “youngsters” were racing gates, I did laps on my favorite run of the day, Upper Flying Goose off of the North Peak Triple, which was all bumped up.  Since I love to ski moguls this was perfect for me. It’s also a great spot for those practicing their bump skiing skills since the sides of the trail are groomed flat and mogul-free if an escape route is needed.

I skied laps on my favorite run of the day, Upper Flying Goose off of the North Peak Triple, which was all bumped up.

The rest of the mountain lived up to the accolades it gets each year from SKI Magazine readers:  It’s averaged a top three ranking in the East for both Grooming and Snow Quality for 13 consecutive years in the Annual SKI Magazine Reader Survey.

I headed to fully frozen Lake Sunapee, seen here in the distance, for an après-ski kite lesson.

After a day on  Sunapee’s slopes, I headed to Lake Sunapee for an après-ski kite lesson.  Amidst the ice fishing bob houses on the frozen surface, a few skiers were enjoying some late afternoon kite skiing in the light wind, while I learned the basics of flying the kite so I would be ready for my next adventure. The kite serves as a “sail” and pulls the skier or rider across the ice. Skiing and sailing at the same time? Sign me up!

The post Skiing Mount Sunapee Resort in New Hampshire appeared first on Yankee Magazine.

A History of Cannon Mountain: Trails, Tales & Skiing Legends by Meghan McCarthy McPhaul

THE START: GRAB & GO JOE
On solo days, Meghan hits Wendle’s in town (603-823-5141; wendles.com) to pick up
a hearty sandwich; she recommends the “Breakfast Reuben” (corned beef, egg, Swiss
cheese, and red onion on rye toast) and “The Oddball” (turkey, mushrooms, provolone, and
egg on your choice of bread). Scattered couches and bar tables may entice you to linger, but
there’s a snow day ahead, so keep moving.

ARRIVAL
Meghan arrives early, but her morning plan depends on who’s in tow. “If I’m skiing solo on a
powder day, I park at the tram. It opens earlier than the other lifts, so you get first tracks,” she explains. “With kids, I always park by the pods at the Peabody Base Area. You just get out of the car and on the snow and ski down to the family area.” The tram is open Friday to Monday during non-holiday weeks, and all week during holiday periods. Weekends and holidays, the mountain opens at 8:30; 9:00 a.m. midweek.

SKIING WITH KIDS

Meghan's kids check out the Rabbit Path sign in the Tuckerbrook Family Area at Cannon before heading down the trail.

Meghan’s kids love to ski the Tuckerbrook Family Area. The trails here are named
after animals: Rabbit Path, Fox Tail, and Turkey Trot. “My kids will ski there all day
and love it,” she says. “After my kids ski for an hour, they’ll warm up in the base lodge
with cocoa and a cookie or crackers—and then go back out.”

SKIING SOLO
Without the kids, “my favorite run is Upper Cannon,” Meghan says. “It’s one of those original curvy trails, where you can ski as though you’re racing a giant slalom
corner to corner. Upper Ravine is another oldiebut-goodie, curvy and fast, and it
faces a different exposure. So if the sun’s not hitting one, it’s hitting the other.
When it’s really windy at the top, I ski off the Zoomer lift and the Front Five,
the trails you can see from the highway. They’re shorter and more protected, so you
can do quick laps down there. If the top gets too crowded, go to Zoomer; normally
if one area is crowded, the other isn’t. You just need to find the sweet spot,
depending on the day and the weather.”

LUNCH
Unusual at a ski area, Cannon has a dedicated Brown Bag Room, so often Meghan
will pack a lunch for herself and her family before heading off to the slopes.

APRÈS & BEYOND
Cannonball Pub on mountain, or head to the Dutch Treat—a longtime local establishment with views of Cannon Mountain and live music on the weekends. If everyone is hungry Meghan will grab an “amazing”  pizza to go from Mojo Headquarter’s in Franconia. If it’s a weekend , Chef Joe’s Bistro, in the old Village House in town has a small menu, but great food.

To read more about Meghan’s book, visit: A History of Cannon Mountain: Trails, Tales and Skiing Legends. 

ABOUT MEGHAN: As a freelance writer, mother of three young children, gardener, skier, hiker, bicyclist, avid reader, and woods explorer, Meghan leads “a pleasantly full life.” Read some of her musings on her blog,  Writings from a Full Life.

The post Perfect Ski Day at Cannon Mountain appeared first on Yankee Magazine.

I wrote a story for the magazine called “Tips for the Perfect Ski Day.” It features 10 locals who share their favorite ways to spend a day at their home mountains. These are the kind of insider tips that you definitely want before you head to the hills!

When I started to think about the people I wanted to interview, the first person on my list was Martha Wilson. I first met Martha when she worked at Ski NH. After working there for a couple years, she became the PR person for Omni Mount Washington Resort and Bretton Woods.

Martha and Family!

Now she is  the  Outdoor Mom bretton-woods-outdoormom.blogspot.com, an über ski mom who knows the mountain as if it were her home. With two winter-loving kids in tow, she blogs about her family’s adventures for Bretton Woods.

Here’s what she told me about her perfect ski day at Bretton Woods.

THE ARRIVAL
Martha avoids chaos by pulling up to the unloading zone, stashing her family’s gear at
the rack (with the help of mountain ambassadors), and then parking. The unloading zone
is your friend, and the ambassadors are there to help.

FAVORITE RUNS
Martha’s favorite runs are on the mountain’s far reaches. To access the eastern side of
Bretton Woods, she rides the Rosebrook Quad. At the peak, she takes in her favorite
view: the valley, the Mount Washington Hotel, the Cog Railway, and even the Mount
Washington Observatory in the distance.

The nearby peak and slopes of Mt. Rosebrook are in clear view from the new Mount Stickney Cabin at Bretton Woods.

On powder days, the woods hold snow, so Martha first skis McIntire’s Ride and Zealand.
Next, she heads to the Stickney Backcountry Glades.  She is also very excited about the expanded gladed terrain, new surface lift, and warming cabin as part of the Mount Stickney expansion. The new 600-square-foot log cabin features an outdoor stone fireplace.

For going “fast and furious,” Martha’s favorite run is Waumbek, the mountain’s westernmost
trail. “It’s got a good sustained headwall,” she reports, “where you can cruise over the lip,
then make some really fast, steep turns.”

LUNCH AT A RAILWAY DEPOT
The kids’ favorite lunch spot is Fabyan’s Station Restaurant (603-278-2222; bretton
woods.com/dining/bretton_woods_dining/overview), just across the street from Bretton
Woods. “They love to watch the model train while they’re eating,” Martha notes. A special
dessert treat: Hoodsies, little cups of half-chocolate and half-vanilla ice cream.

APRÈS & BEYOND
At the base lodge on select Saturdays and daily during vacation weeks, children can go
to “Kids’ Après-Ski Parties” to meet clowns, storytellers, musicians, and more—while
Matt and Martha head to the Slopeside Pub (603-278-3320; brettonwoods.com/dining/
bretton_woods_dining/overview). If après-ski is sans kids and she needs some pampering,
Martha books a treatment at The Spa at Mount Washington Resort (603-278-4286;
mountwashingtonresort.com). Or she might meet a friend for a hot toddy and an appetizer
at the Rosebrook Bar (603-278-1000; omnihotels.com).

Martha's daughter and a clown at the Kids Apres-Ski Party.

To read more about the Outdoor Mom’s adventures, visit: bretton-woods-outdoormom.blogspot.com.

The post Martha Wilson’s Perfect Ski Day at Bretton Woods appeared first on Yankee Magazine.

It’s early winter 2012-2013 and we’ve got our work cut out for us. It’s time to pull together and harness the power of positive thinking. Let’s promise each other to act on all possible early season snow rituals in honor of Ullr to help ensure a bountiful snowy winter. Because just in case any of the above works, we need to do it.

Positive thinking. There is some good and a smidgen of bad in The Old Farmer’s Almanac outlook for the Northeast. Click here to see the forecast for this month and next. Or better yet, buy a copy and turn to page 193. Their accuracy rate is said to be 80% on average , which means  that we’ll take the positive forecast and anything slightly negative can fall into the 20% inaccurate category–and we will ignore it. Are you with me on this? Good. Now, the next step is to grab your favorite color highlighter and outline any part of the forecast that bodes well for winter enthusiasts and cross out any part that is negative. The great news is that things look good for December through March. I only had to cross out one word. Hint: it starts with “spr” and rhymes with tinkles.

Act on all possible early season snow rituals. Jackson, New Hampshire’s Black Mountain is a prime example of the sort of actions we need to take this time of year. In their effort to set a world record for the largest snow dance, they, along with the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, hosted a snow dance.  But this is not about winning a record, it’s about making the snow gods happy. That’s why Carlene from Symmetree Yoga wore a bikini when she led this year’s snow dance. She wore it because she thought it would satisfy the snow gods. That’s exactly how we all need to act now. Do things that you believe will make the snow gods happy.

Carlene, from Symmetry Yoga, dons her bikini and leads us in a snow dance.

Now, I am 100% certain that the snow gods wanted me to be fully clothed. I am pretty sure all they were expecting from me was that I followed along and did some “snow” salutations.  That’s because the snow gods know that I will continue to pay homage to them during the entire season with other daily rituals.  For instance: Snowflake socks are especially important this time of year. Put them on your feet. Snowflake sweaters. Even if they are bright pink and red, wear them with snowflake pride.

Here I am wearing my snowflake sweater while doing "snow" salutations. My before and after picture is slightly different than Carlene's from Symmetry Yoga, but we are both doing our part to make the snow gods happy.

We all need to do our part. If you don’t have a ritual of your own, now is the time to start. If you have one, spread the word and get others involved in your practice.

Here’s to a snowy and prosperous 2012-2013 winter!

The post Early-Season Snow Rituals appeared first on Yankee Magazine.

The Underbelly of Spring

But not this year.

This year’s weather has been very unusual. Therefore, our typical signs of spring–the ugly side–are less apparent. The images from above were taken today, but I had to search for that lone ugly snowbank; and that’s fresh garbage, not the kind that was chucked to the curb in late November and has aged over the past few months.

Mud and Leftovers

With so much less snow this year, there is not much runoff. In fact, the mud is really more like dirt. There is some mud, but it’s nothing like our usual. We’ve had so much warm weather that yards look neat. Sometimes in late-March, there are lawns scattered with half-melted snowmen, or even better those deflated plastic holiday lawn ornaments. There are still remnants of winter, like Christmas lights or a forgotten scarf, but just like the lone dirty snowbanks, you really have to make an effort to find these things. People are just way ahead on their spring chores and yard cleaning. Which means, this year typical signs of spring are actually coinciding with the official start of spring for us in southern New Hampshire.

Ice Out

Ice out is another sign of spring. It usually does not happen this early. The ice is certainly out; though, I am not sure that the ice was ever really completely in. There were a couple days this winter when it seemed like the ice would be sturdy, but there were so many warm days sprinkled here and there that I never felt like I needed to test it.

In fact, rather than testing the ice, I decided to test the water. If you are wondering, it was chilly, but very refreshing. (Look, I am kind of walking on water!)

Here are some other signs of spring I found today: Flowers are blooming.

Buds are budding.

People are puttering. Legs are showing. Car tops are down.

It’s spring!

The post It’s Officially Spring–And It Looks Like Spring Too appeared first on Yankee Magazine.

Despite having  somewhat lackluster all-natural conditions, snowmakers across New England pounded the slopes with man-made flakes whenever they had the chance this winter, which has provided a nice base for springtime. Thankfully, the snow patterns have changed a bit in the last few weeks. Resorts have reported freshly fallen snow pretty consistently. And now that it is March, we can hope that this month will continue the  historical trend of being one of the snowiest times of the year.

Spring skiing is delightful, and this year we really deserve to enjoy it. That means, in addition to perfect corn snow and sweet bump lines, we should also get lots of bluebird sky days. Pretty please, Mother Nature. Puh leaze.  (Note: I decided to take back the last bit in case Mother Nature is like most moms and does not like whining.)

Spring will soon be in full swing. From pond skimming parties, to beers on the deck, to maple syrup open house weekends (cold nights + warm days=flowing sap), we deserve to celebrate spring in New England’s ski country. Here’s a short list of some events that will round out the “winter that wasn’t” into the “spring that is!”

Happy Spring! Happy Skiing!

Wednesday Child’s Ski Race at Waterville Valley (NH) – March 10

Head to Waterville for a race to benefit Wednesday’s Child, a non-profit organization that supports special needs adoption. Find out if you can ski as fast as Jack Williams, WBZ-TV’s news anchor. 

Vermont Adaptive Annual Ski Challenge at Pico Mountain (VT) – March 10

Help raise money by participating in this race to benefit Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, a non-profit that provides sports and recreational opportunities to individuals with disabilities/handicaps, regardless of their ability to pay.

Spread Eagle World Championships at Attitash Resort (NH) – March 11

Calling all hot doggers. If you skied prior to the ’90s, you know what this is.  Find out if you are as flexible now as you once were.

Pats Peak Pond Skimming and Garage Band Party (NH) – March 17

You can participate, or just watch. If you participate, you’ll probably get wet. If you just watch, you’ll probably laugh.

Maple Open House Weekend

It’s tree tapping time. After making some turns, visit a local sugar house to sample maple.

• New Hampshire (March 24 – 25)
• Vermont (March 24 – 25)
• Maine (March 25)

Collecting sap at Trapp Family Nordic Center in Stowe, Vermont

Mueller Cup Mogul Thing Race at Mount Sunapee (NH) – March 18

Once a Mogul Queen, always a Mogul Queen. See if you can beat the local favorites.

US Freestyle Championships at Stratton (VT)  – March 22- 25

Be prepared to be impressed.

Bud Light Reggae Fest at Mount Snow – March 23 – 25

Beer and reggae, mon.

FestEVOL at Okemo Mountain Resort (VT) – March 24 – 25

Ski all day, then jam out with Barenaked Ladies, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, and Guster.

Spring BrewFest at Smugglers’ Notch Resort (VT) – April 7

Beer.

Easter Sunrise Service at Stowe Mountain Resort – April 8

You’ll need to wake up early to board the gondola for Stowe’s 58th annual non-denominational Easter Sunrise Service, held at the Cliff House.

The post Spring Skiing Means Sunny Days, Fun Events and Maple Syrup appeared first on Yankee Magazine.

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!

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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.

The post Indentifying Animal Tracks (Unsuccessfully) appeared first on Yankee Magazine.

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.

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.

The post New (Old) Resolutions for the Year appeared first on Yankee Magazine.

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.

The post Holiday Gift List: Wrap Up an Outdoor Adventure appeared first on Yankee Magazine.

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.

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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.

The post When It All Melts Away appeared first on Yankee Magazine.

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.

The post New England Weather Patterns appeared first on Yankee Magazine.

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

The post Tips for Teaching Young Kids How to Ski appeared first on Yankee Magazine.

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?”

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