Spring Like Day

If you weren't able to make it out onto the snow today I am sorry. Spring like temps under bluebird skies a great respite from our normal February days. We spent some time doing toboggan training on True Grit this morning and every run reminded me of the great spring we had last year. Alas, more seasonal temps will be returning tomorrow night, so we will be waiting a few more weeks before tee shirt temps to arrive.

This weekend there are two big events happening at Waterville Valley; first starting tomorrow is the North Face Park and Pipe Open Series and on starting Saturday the Plymouth State Ski Team is hosting ECSC regional races. The North Face event is drawing a large group of talented rides who put on quite a show in the Exhibition park today. Exhibition received a face lift this week with a new arrangement of the rail garden and some maintenance of the airs. The regional races are bringing racers from all over the northeast to compete at Waterville, so that they may qualify for nationals. There should be some great skiing and riding to watch as well as great conditions this weekend. Hope to see you out there

b

Be Open Minded

Every Wednesday we help to chaperon the Waterville Valley Elementary School's ski program. I have to admit that I was feeling a little skeptical this week with how the temps had been drastically jumping up and down and the fact that we haven't had too much snow recently. To my surprise, it was some of the best snow I have seen, especially for being in the afternoon!
Usually I ski with the advanced group of kids, but this week we switched it up and I went with the beginner skiers. It was so much fun watching them get pointers from their instructor and to see how much they improved in just one afternoon! Their instructor asked if they wanted to go into the Valley Run woods, some were a little nervous, but they conquered it and by the end of the day we got them up to the top of the mountain to enjoy and nice long run down Oblivion.
The snow was great all afternoon, so never judge the conditions up there by the weather down below!!

-5 wont stop this crew!

This morning I woke up to a pretty chilly sight on our thermometer...-5! My Fiance, Eric, couldn't believe that I was actually going to meet up with other Rec. staff for some runs before work. Well, I'm glad we all went. It seems that Fridays have had quit the trend of giving us those nice blue skies! The snow was great, as it always is when you get there bright and early. After a few runs we stopped into the Schwendi Hutte for some hot chocolate and an amazing breakfast burrito! The temps were on the rise and its a beautiful day...so get out there!

Starry Night

Oh, what a night! First a gathering at the base lodge to explain the agenda of the evening - then to Quadzilla for a ride up Valley Run at dusk and a gentle ski down to Sunnyside Lodge. The excitement begins - ski jackets and boots come off and we're given some cozy ski socks to wear upstairs. The second floor of the lodge has been transformed from a mountain cafeteria into a dimly lit cocktail party. The wine is flowing - the violinist plays background music as the conversations grow animated and appetizers are passed. Then it's time to dine - the food is exceptional - rack of lamb, beef tenderloin, salmon, and a vegetarian dish. Servers continue to float through the room refilling wine glasses and Joe Jung tells stories about the high mountain farms in Austria. The atmosphere was so intimate, by the end of the evening everyone felt like family. Then it was time for the torchlight ski - we were all given battery lights to help us along as we skied down Valley Run making first tracks. An unforgettable night. There are two more "Starry Nights" planned, so sign up soon if you want to experience this special event.
Terry Roper

SUPER bowl Sunday!

After last night's "lightening and variable precipitation" storm, I was a bit nervous that I had left our 1 ski day this weekend for today. If I had made a bad decision, I was prepared to pay the consequence of unhappy kids and a lot of wasted time. Was I ever wrong! Even though we left behind a sunny, warm, and windless personal playground just 10 miles away, it was well worth it. Despite ample parking spaces and a short walk, we hopped on the trolley that was so conveniently waiting. Immediately, we were greeted by a variety of demo/info canopies set up in front of Sport Thoma for the kids to explore. We booted up quickly and got on the hill. It had been awhile since we skied due to sprained ankles, birthday parties, theatre, etc. So today was a great; and the kids were so excited to see that everything was open and skiable. We only stopped quickly at the Sunnyside Lodge for a quick bite to eat. My kids think they have the best hot dogs! The conditions were fantastic and the trees were loaded with soft, soft newly fallen snow. By noon, lift lines were non-existent. I love Super-bowl Sunday!

Great Day for Nordic Silver Streaks on Friday

Friday, February 4

Today, after all the gifts of snow we received, we had some of the best conditions ever for nordic skiing. Eleven Nordics met early and two joined us later. Upon our arrival at the Nordic Center at 9 a.m. the temperature was 9°F; however, when we started skiing an hour later it had risen to 20° and the sun was shining brilliantly. Several of us were overdressed and had to shed layers soon. The sky was deep blue and the snow-laden trees sparkling. Two guests who were new to xc-skiing together with a couple of us skied Snows Brook, turned around, then Lower Fletcher and back. Two Nordics skied Criterion and the rest of the group went up Sloppy Joes with Bob. The plan was for them to ski back via HB Highway where I had planned to meet them. There were no skiers besides me on HB Highway! Thinking I missed them I returned to the Nordic Center. They weren’t back yet. Where were they? Half an hour later an excited and exhilarated group returned. They had taken a wrong turn at some point and ended up skiing Dry Joes and Drakes Brook all the way to the brook, then under the road and back via the Village Trail. Wow! A new group of expert Nordics! These were perfect conditions for Drakes Brook. In the Nordic Center, to go with lunch, we had homemade goodies: Bob had baked his famous delectable lemon bars, Lynn scrumptious chocolate chip cookies and I brought decadent brownies. Thank you, Bob and Lynn.

Joyce is recovering well and we miss her. To help her out Walt brought “rehab” ski poles to be delivered to her, namely crutches with ski baskets and hand straps.

What a great day. Next week: classic ski lessons.

Gigi

Eastern Regional Diabled Races

Amazing racers!

Sunglasses and Sunscreen-Don't Leave Home Without Them

The snow on Wednesday was fun but visibility was challenging. Skiing yesterday was super early and got somewhat clumpy later - at the end of the day, you knew you skied hard. Today was a definite "10". The sun seem to come up much earlier today and was so much brighter on the snow. Raccoon eyes will be appearing all over the mountain this weekend.
Terry Roper

Village Apres-ski and the Snowshoe Tour

Even after the so-called "Monster" storm came through Wednesday, we still had 30 or so Silver Streaks who enjoyed mingling at the Village Rec. room. We also listened to an informational talk by Melinda Johnston, the Physical Therapist in Campton. Many of the Silver Streaks in the room already knew Melinda professionally - she's helped a lot of us out with strains and issues. Melind talked about stretches and exercises we could do to keep us in the best skiing shape. It was very generous of her to take the time and travel out to Waterville in the bad weather. On Thursday evening we headed out from the Nordic Center for a "sparkling" snowshoe tour. The light from our headlamps made the surface of the snow shine in the crisp, clear night air. We stopped and Al Larsson described the various constellations while pointing with his green laser light - with no moon, the sky was full of stars. Gigi told us about the slaves who made their way to Canada following the North star. We finished a great evening at Diamond's Edge with some hot chili and cold drinks.
Terry Roper

High Country 1-31-11