The snowfall up north last week, and the return of cold weather for a couple of days reminds me of May 2020, when we got snow flurries downstate. This year's event isn't being described as due to the polar vortex, but clearly some arctic air has swept south to greater effect than many of us …
Decisions, decisions
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 …
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 …
Across the Snow Line 