To quote a former Secretary of Defense notable for a lack of insight and introspection, there are always 'unknown unknowns' when going into a situation. But a retrospective analysis sometimes shows clear signs of error, hubris, or willful incompetence leading us to ask: "what were you thinking?" From the world of backcountry skiing comes the …
Author: cfski
Living in the NYC area means watching for skiable conditions.
The winter that was, 2020-21
In brief This season was shorter but significantly better overall than last year's. The average number of weeks in the touring center season was at 13-1/2 this year vs. 14 for 2019-20. Season length was pretty consistent even when excluding the downstate and flatland regions. More revealing is the calculation of 'average quality of skiing': …
Last licks 4/5
As of today (Monday) Mt van Hoevenberg is hanging tough with their 5k's of the New Competition, Bobcat, and Mini loops. They say 'Ski it while you can' and advise "frozen granular base groomed this morning", and "Spring Conditions will likely return this afternoon." Barkeater Trails Alliance's final message for the season: And unless something …
Closing the curtain on the 20/21 season
The final fizzled snowstorm up north was our April Fool's joke coming right at the end of the season. I didn't want to make light of the season by posting yesterday- that would have felt cruel. Quick retrospective The Coronavirus pandemic created a stampede on purchase of outdoors equipment, including cross-country skis. Prospects that this …
Ostersonntag kommt 4/4
Summary Easter is this Sunday and the Waterville Valley Ski Touring Center director's note says: 'Stick a fork in it' for this season. If you really want it you can ski in a couple of places- for groomed trails only Mt. van Hoevenberg is still up, with its 5k manmade loop. State parks and other …
Across the Snow Line 