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Firsthand Report: Shirtsleeve Weather in February at Whitetail, February 7, 2009
By Connie Lawn, DCSki Columnist

February 14, 2009 — My husband Charles says it will be a “warm day in Heaven” before you see 65 degree weather in February. But we had it, and it was fun, as we visited Whitetail on Saturday, February 7, 2009. There were some young men skiing with no shirts, and bare skin badly in need of exposure to sunlight. There were also some men who may have severe sunburn on their balding heads! We were sweltering in our heavy ski clothes, but had a wonderful few hours of skiing. It was soft, of course, and that was a good thing; Charles and I each had a fall, but on the soft snow we got back up laughing.

The mountain was packed, as we knew it would be. Who could resist such a beautiful day? Unofficial estimates put the crowds at 5,000 but the Whitetail Express Quad and the Experts Choice lines moved amazingly well; Easy Rider was jammed. The Expert side of the mountain was terrific, with hardly any crowds. I had a wonderful few runs on my favorite trail, Bold Decision. There were few moguls on it, but there were lots of them on Exhibition. Charles’ knees don’t like moguls so we decided to skip that one! Charles preferred Farside, while I stayed on Bold Decision. He said Farside was smooth, fast, and empty. When we tired of the Expert side, we took Fallmount, back to the base. Although we had to pole at the end next to the lodge, it was totally empty and in the trees; Charles said it had the feel of a cross country trail. I did not want to go back up and face the crowds again on Angel Drop or Homerun, but, they are much better now, with the addition of the Jib Junction Double to the Terrain Park.

We were pleased to see a large group of skiers and boarders from the Maryland Special Olympics, receiving excellent training and practicing for competition. About 150 athleters were there training. Perhaps they were inspired by the international Special Olympics Games underway in Boise, Idaho. There were also some adaptive skiers coming down the mountain on their sit skis. That program is also growing.

Tubing was also in full swing, with all 10 lanes in operation, as well as special kiddie tubing.

In general, rates have dropped for all tickets from the peak holiday period, although there are more holidays coming up. There is also a special Mountain Passport package for first time skiers and boarders. The price is a bargain at $45.

Whitetail is such a beautiful, extraordinary mountain! It is incredible to have such a wonderful resort so close to the Washington and other metro areas. It is also well run by a dedicated staff - many of whom have worked there for years. I wish I were a good enough skier to help with instruction or patrol, but I am privileged to be able to visit and write about it. Thanks to my husband Charles for his photos and driving, and making these wonderful visits possible!

Related Links:

• Whitetail Resort

Related DCSki Stories:

Firsthand Report: Whitetail Resort (January 4)
A midweek escape to Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort on Thursday revealed the perfect skiing trifecta: plenty of sun, plenty of snow, and no crowds. DCSki’s Editor provides this Firsthand Report from his first turns of the season.
(3 reader comments)

Mid-Atlantic Ski Season Gains Momentum (December 27, 2012)
A shot of cold air and some natural snow has helped launch the 2012-2013 winter season in a big way. Find out the status of Mid-Atlantic ski areas.

The Weekly Altitude (November 18, 2012)
The Weekly Altitude provides a look at what’s happening in the Mid-Atlantic ski and snowboard scene. In this week’s issue: Wisp Resort to change hands; Wintergreen’s “Snow License Program” offers free skiing to 5th and 6th graders; Thanksgiving Eve Pub Crawl at Bear Creek; and Whitetail pledges $10,000 to the MPMC Project.

Firsthand Report: Liberty and Whitetail (February 5, 2012)
In recent days, Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman visited Pennsylvania’s Liberty and Whitetail Mountain Resorts. On Saturday, they experienced a snow squall at Liberty, which added a layer of snow across the resort. They provide this Firsthand Report.

Firsthand Report: New Ski Technology for Whitetail Rentals (January 28, 2012)
Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman visited Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort this past week, where they tried out new ski technology available across Whitetail’s rental fleet.
(2 reader comments)

Whitetail’s Buddy Hauk Passes Away (January 17, 2012)
On Sunday, January 15, 2012, long-time Whitetail Ski Resort mountain host Buddy Hauk passed away. Buddy was 63.
(1 reader comment)

AT&T Expands Cell Service at Whitetail Resort (January 14, 2012)
A recent tower upgrade at Whitetail should deliver solid 3G cell coverage to AT&T cell phone subscribers visiting the Pennsylvania resort.

Firsthand Report: Whitetail Great Outdoors Festival (October 23, 2011)
Connie Lawn filed this report from the first day of Whitetail’s 11th Annual Great Outdoors Festival.

What’s New for 2011: Whitetail Resort (August 13, 2011)
The Fanciful trail is getting some love for the upcoming season at Whitetail Resort. $2.8 million in capital enhancements will see lighting added to the intermediate trail, as well as snowmaking improvements, a new deck area, and a loading carpet on the EZ Rider Quad.
(2 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Special Times at Whitetail (February 19, 2011)
Connie Lawn recently made two visits to Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Mountain Resort. She provides this combined Firsthand Report.

Lodging Near Whitetail (extracted from the DCSki Lodging Finder):

• Buck Valley Ranch
• Slopeside Town Home at Whitetail Resort

About the Author

Connie Lawn is an avid skier. In her spare time, she has covered the White House as a reporter since 1968. To read other articles by Connie, click here.

 

 

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