Merry Christmas!!!

Hi there! Sorry I haven't posted in awhile, but the last eight weeks have been very busy at the shop where I work. Christmas was a big milestone for us and we are breathing a collective sigh of relief and I for one am ready to get down to some serious skiing. I have been to Killington and Gore and the snow has been quite tasty. We need more though and I am looking forward to some big 2010 dumps. Oh, and I did get those skis I was talking about earlier - the Line Prophet 100's. I put Salomon 916's with a poweraxe energy2 plate. What? Lift on a 100mm waisted ski? Most would say it's unnecessary. I'll keep you posted. But, as a friend of mine once told me: "you don't lower your suv".

Peace.

Killington open for Veterans Day! Who knew?

Well, I'm sitting in the parking lot at work getting ready to go inside and my phone rings. It's ski reporter - did I know that Killington was open today? Why no, as a matter of fact I didn't. Well, I arrainged to take the day off and make some turns instead. The snow was firm and fast and they only had a few trails, but it was a blast. Sunshine, mild temps and no crowds. One of the best first days I can remember. Awesome!!

Killington is opening this weekend!!

Well, Killington is going to open this weekend with two lifts: K1 and Glades Triple and "seven" trails. I think this is great, but I will not be able to attend until the middle of next week. I hope they can remain open uninterupted from this point on.

Reflections

I'm not quite certain why but the Fall Season always brings me back in time.

L'il Girl

It's Still Fall

Though I'm anxious for turns on the soft white snow............hiking with "the little girl" is my true Summit!

Killington is back on track!

Finally, Killington seems to be getting back to it's roots by laying down early snow (note the cloudy haze from the snow guns in use).

Rumors abound as to an opening date. It seems realistic for an October 23-24 date, if the weather is cooperative. Otherwise, it will most likely be the beginning of November. Or,............perhaps a spooky, snow on the pumpkin Halloween Opening****

Pico O'Natural

Pico has snow and it's being provided by good ol' Mother Nature!

It's very clear where the frost line begins when looking up the hill.

No such luck . . . but soon, very soon!

Beast of the East is no longer saying this weekend . . . but stay tuned, turns aren't too far off . . .

OPENING DAY IN THE EAST!!!

Rumors are flying and cell phones are buzzing 'round the clock --- everyone trying to determine if Killington will open this weekend. So far, it looks good . . . sharpen those edges!

Colors Galore at Gore!

Tomorrow begins the Columbus Day Weekend. If you can, get to the mountains and experience first hand the beauty that is quite literally within your reach. Take some time for yourself, relax and enjoy that ride on the Summit Chair!

Chairs Being Tested

The colors are great!

If only there were snow so you could ski down through them.

Ahhh, that's what hiking is for...........I guess.

Gore has More Construction!

There are workers and construction everywhere at Gore Mountain!

All good signs for this winter and the Ski and Snowboard Industry.

It's Official!

Well, it's official! Ski season began yesterday with the opening of Loveland, Co and another resort in California. On a more personal note, I mounted my first pair of skis yesterday: It was a pair of Fischer fat skis, too fat for the Tyrolia jig I was using. I think that A-Basin is opening today. I'll look into it.

Spitting Snow in Color at Summit Chair

High winds, cool temperature, snowflakes here and there. I can feel it. It truly won't be long before we see tracks on these slopes.

little guy....BIG FUN !!!

This little one was having the time of his life mountain biking on the very brisk, windy, cool Fall Day. Snow was flying and so was he!

Superstar Lift Ready

CHAIRS ARE LOADED

Most all the chairs have been loaded and the lifts are ready to turn for the upcoming season.

In fact, the Gondola is now spinning and taking those who wish to see the colors of Fall upto the Summit!

Let the Snow Fly!!!

We're ready. Everyday, my skiing and riding friends and I check in with each other: "I heard it was snowing at Killington!". "My friend said it was snowing up in Minerva the other day". "Did you hear that Utah and Colorado are getting snow?". Yes, we are counting down the days just like we have been doing all summer except now, due to a rumour that Killington is going to try to open on November first, we are now counting in days instead of months. Yes, we're ready!!!

COOL NIGHTS CREATE COLORS TO SUMMIT

I can feel it in the air. The cool nights, the smell of Autumn and the Colors.

Don't miss the colors of New England!

Remember, they come early at the higher elevations.

Enjoy them now because in approximately 6 weeks I will be making turns on these Fall trails.

Down Time

At present, most all chairlifts are in a "sleep" mode.

However, it won't be long and these idle chairs will be replaced onto the cable system, tested and be ready for the first snow of the 2010 Season!

COLORS FROM SUMMIT CHAIR DOWN

Soon all the chairs will be added to the Superstar Lift.......then the addition of Skiers and Riders.

My Season's Pass to Killington!

Hi there! It's September first and I have just paid off my Killington pass. I am really looking forward to being back at Killington for the winter - I really think we are going to get the snow! Anyway, I have my eye on a pair of Line prophet 100's for this season - I think they will make a great addition to my quiver. Salomon bindings, of course.

SPRING IS HERE.....I ACCEPT IT

Ok, I guess I finally accept the fact that Spring is upon us and in a month it'll be Summer.

It generally hits me right about this time each year... The fact that I haven't skied in a couple of weeks, there is no snow or ice left on the mountains. And the waters here in the Adirondacks are being occupied by the true owners. Enjoy it while you can my feathered friend because all too soon you'll be walking on top of this shoreline while I will be riding the Summit Chair to the top!

Photo: Wild Mallard on Lake George

LOOKING FORWARD TO '09-'10 SEASON

The Castleton Coaching Staff is already looking forward to the '09-'10 Ski Season. G. Towle (photo), a Junior and returning Captain will be leading the Men's Team for another charge at the National Championships. "First things first" however, there is a great deal of dryland, gate training, Divisional and Regional play before a National Bid is even a possibility!

End of the Season Blues...

I haven't posted in a while as Killington has closed for the season and this is a very busy time for me on the lake. I'm always sorry to see the season go, but I am already looking forward to next season - I think we are really gonna get the snow! I'll try to touch base periodically throughout the summer, and though I'm counting down the days until winter, I wish you a happy summer season!

FAST TRACKS TO BE REPLACED

All-American and Tri-Captain, J. Schwartz will be graduating in a few days from Castleton State College, Vermont. His ability, leadership and constant drive to win will be difficult to overcome.

A number of the first class of recruits will be moving on this May. Graduation is very much like the change of seasons here in New England, offering reflection and then rejuvenation. Good luck ladies and gentlemen.

IN SUMMER MODE

Now that the season is over, I will be posting photos/bio's of my racers, team(s), trips and any items of interest which may pertain to the Summit Chair theme. I hope you enjoy these "cool" Winter shots on a hot Summer day.

Photo: Castleton State College Ski Team '09 Tri-Captain, J. Giegler in training session at Okemo Mountain.

SEE YOU IN THE FALL KILLINGTON

Well, Killington is now closed to skiing for the '08-'09 season. May 2nd was the last day for lift service and it is always a sad time of the year for me. I really have difficulty with the thought that I can't grab my skis, hop in the car and in a few minutes be making some turns.

Skiing brings balance into my life. It's the experience of nature, the beauty of weather in the mountains, a deep breath of clean fresh air, the wind that is howling and biting at you, the clouds... a foggy mist that can only be appreciated if present, the snowflakes hitting your face and melting as you sit and wait on what might be a long, slow... but wonderful ride on the SummitChair!

SAD TO SEE IT GO...BUT A GREAT YEAR!

It's time to say goodbye to the '08-'09 season but what a great time we had.

The Women's Team finished the regular season undefeated and placed 6th in the standings at the Regional Championships (just missing a top 5 berth to the Nationals).

The Men's Team missed having an undefeated regular season by .01 seconds (winning all but the very last race). They did however, place 4th at the Regional Championships earning a top 5 berth to the National Championships in Winter Park, Colorado. The Castleton Men's Team finished 10th overall in the Nation (not bad considering there are over 225 teams)! Thank you Castleton Ski Teams for some fond memories.

The end of ski season . . .

Although the west is still getting hammered with snow in some places, the season is over for me.
Hanging up the skis for the season is always tough ---- but this time, leaving the slopes for the next five months or so only makes the anticipation of next season's first turns that much more exciting.
Sometimes the warmer months -- and the thought of a hot summer -- bring on a period of melancholy -- but this year I have a new perspective and new goals: work harder now so I can play more -- meaning SKI MORE -- next winter.

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY TODAY ---- GET OUTSIDE!

Try to take some time today to get outside and appreciate the beauty, wonder, and peace that the natural world has to offer ---- think about our connection to the earth and to each other ---- even the small, simple things we choose to do every day can add up to bring about change.
Treating each other with respect, being kind, making the effort to make connections with people -- all can add richness to our daily interactions and before you know it, can become a way of living.
Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world", and it is a strong, powerful and simple call to action ---- which I am thinking about as I celebrate Earth Day today.

WHAT WILL YOU DO ON EARTH DAY?

We all share this beautiful blue planet.

Our actions affect all living creatures.

Take some time, use your imagination and make a connection with this world in a positive manner!

Let's all celebrate Earth Day now and for the future.

Photo: Lake George, New York

TOMORROW IS EARTH DAY! APRIL 22

Now, more than ever, we need to think about our impact upon the earth and our individual commitment to attempting to live greener ----- especially for those of us who love the outdoors and spend as much of our lives as possible outside ---- skiing, hiking, exploring . . . we each need to find ways to give back and protect the wilderness we cherish.

The theme for Earth Day 2009 is "The Green Generation" and here is a link to explore many cool things you can do tomorrow and in the coming years -- check it: http://www.earthday.net/earthday2009

Collectively, we can make a difference and keep generations to come out on the slopes!

Killington is Still Open!

Well, I went skiing at Killington today and I have to say that the skiing was quite good. They only have the Superstar chair turning and ten trails - there were only a few people skiing, I guess that's the rationale for the limited terrain (they could have more open if they wanted to, there is certainly enough snow), but it does seem like a bit of a self fulfilling prophesy - you know: would more people come if there was more terrain open? I say, let's find out...

Anyway, I must admit that I sampled the closed trails and they were much better than the open ones. Let's just let that be our little secret.

CASTLETON SKI TEAM @ A-BASIN, COLORADO

The Castleton Men's Ski Team enjoying a day off at the USCSA National Championships. Photo is set atop the Montezuma Bowl at Arapahoe Basin, Colorado. A-Basin has received 32 inches of snow in the past three days and appears to be in the best ski conditions of the year. Get there if you can......it'll be worth it!

The BEST of SPRING . . .

Back in K-Town yesterday for more sunshine and sweet corn turns! A short walk ---- and the buttery turns on Bunny were well worth the (minor) effort!

HAPPY EASTER!

Taking a few moments this Easter to be thankful for many things: the beauty and newness of spring, spending time (off today!) with friends and family, chocolate bunnies, hard-boiled eggs and fresh-baked rolls, baseball, and traditions like watching Easter Parade. Enjoy the day and take a minute to think about what makes the holiday cool to you!

PIPE DREAM........No it's the real thing!

Blue Sky........Puffy Clouds.......

50 Degrees......Great Skiing..........

Awesome Friends........My girl Chels.....

IT MUST BE A PIPE DREAM!

Nope, it's all real at Killington.

Extended season and new snow in K-Town

Caught up w/friends for sunny-skied spring skiing with great conditions today. Can't argue with Modine too much -- was nice --- oh, and good. Also was glad to find that Killington exec's extended the season from the orginal closing date of April 19 to May 2 --- that's more like it -- just make more snow next year and we can keep it going until Memorial Day!!!

Sunny and 50 Degrees @ Killington

Today was sunny and 50 at Killington and the skiing was terrific!!! The woods - Low Rider, Superstar Woods, and the Light were very nice. Helter Skelter, a personal fav of mine, was very good. Even Cascade was nice. Bunny Buster was particularly good. It was all very good and warm and good. It was good. And nice.

28 DEGREES AT SUMMIT CHAIR

April 7, 2009 at Killington Summit.

The winds were howling, the temps. were low and snow was all about. The lucky and hearty experienced a "Spring (winter) Wonderland".

NOR'INCHER HITS KILLINGTON

It's not over yet! Mid-winter conditions and a big blanketing of 1-2 inches of snow fell at Killington giving those in attendance a great day. Take my advice......you'd better have a good edge on your skis or snowboard.

I don't like it, but there's not much I can do about it.

Well, Gore and Whiteface are closed this week and may open again for next weekend. West Mt has been closed for over a week. Boo. Killington is still open, thank goodness, but they have closed Bear and Needles Eye effective today and Ramshead and Skyeship stage one have been closed since last week. That's a reduction from 111 trails to 37. Boo. Oh well, it's that time of year - things are winding down.

KILLINGTON PEAK

From a distance, Killington Peak appears to be in great shape for an extended Spring. Unfortunately, the snow pack conditions are about a month ahead of schedule. Most locals think they're skiing May "mashed potatoes" vs. April "corn". Get out there and get it while you can!
It's going to be a long summer.

HELTER SKELTER

Modine exiting from Helter Skelter. The sun is doing a number on the trails (60 degrees) but there definitely is still plenty of good skiing to be had at Killington, April 2, 2009.

THE CABRIOLET

Once a long cumbersome walk from the parking area to the lifts and village.......is now merely a memory. Take the Cabriolet, it's great!!!

EASY VILLAGE ACCESS

The Cabriolet drops off at the entrance of the newly constructed expansion to the Winter Park Village.

SPRING SKIING . . . how (bitter)sweet it is . . .

Recent sunny, warm weather in the Northeast has been a VERY welcome treat following a real old-fashioned winter with consistent cold temps. But -- you gotta get it while it's good! Enjoy those spring turns!

Why I like Gore Mt in North Creek, NY

I like Gore. I was there today and the conditions were variable. It wasn't warm and it threatened to rain. The upper mt was socked in all morning. The staff was cheery, as usual and I had a very nice time. They were running the High Peaks double chair which accesses the best terrain on the hill, in my opinion. Staying on the groomed was advisable for the most part and the lower mt is almost cooked. Oh, I almost forgot - I saw a bear while on Chatiemac! Not really, but I think putting in a bear sighting makes almost any story more interesting. Try it.

Skied at Killington today...

The weather was a real mixed bag with fog in the morning and sunny skies in the afternoon. The snow was good - soft and bumpy. The woods were particularly good - there was a couple of inches of fresh from the day before. On piste highlights included Needles Eye, OL, Ovation, esp the upper head wall - the lower hw was closed for no reason, Cascade.

CASTLETON STATE COLLEGE ALL AMERICAN

CSC's All-American Skier J. Swartz (center of photo), grabs his skis for a well earned free run during some "down time" at the USCSA National Championships in Winter Park, CO.

SUNSET IN WINTER PARK

Sunset view from Winter Park Ski House (March 2009).

FREEZING IN THE GATES

Once the course has been set for the Men's Slalom Race all the gates must be watered in to insure stability (freezing them in). The task, though arduous, is essential.

SETTING MEN'S SLALOM COURSE EARLY AM

USCSA Coaches working together in the setting of the Men's Slalom Course at the National Championships, Winter Park, Colorado (March 7, 2009).

USCSA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009

United States Collegiate Ski & Snowboard Championships Winter Park, Colorado.
Photo displays the finish corral of the Women's Slalom Race held on Lower Hughes (Trail), March 5, 2009.

Why I have so many skis and most of them are fat

I have a lot of skis. I have an addictive personality and my main addiction these days is skis and bindings. I prefer Salomon bindings. I used to have one pair of skis, slalom skis and I skied them all the time 100 days a year. It was really great because I always knew what skis to take. Now I'm never sure. But it's fun. Now, I love slalom skis and I think everyone should have a pair in their quiver, but my main interest these days is fat skis. I call them my optimistic skis because they seem to work best when snow is deep and conditions are optimal. Fat skis are fun in powder. Anyway, I have a lot of skis. The end.

WE LOVE SNOW!

Worth checking out on SCI channel (airs 10 pm & 12 midnight in our area): "Let It Snow".

WELCOME TO . . . THE SUMMIT CHAIR BLOG

A place to share ideas, photographs, things of interest, thoughts, etc. about our love of the outdoors --- and outdoor fun --- 3 very different bloggers with different viewpoints . . . join us for the ride!