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DCSki has published 1370 original articles since 1997, and you can browse past stories here in the News Archives.
All Articles Ever Published on DCSki:
Re-Breaking News: Mid-Atlantic Resorts to Transition to Vertical Hopscotching
April 1: Due to an unseasonably warm string of winters, many Mid-Atlantic ski resorts will be using this summer to shift their focus from skiing and snowboarding to vertical hopscotching, a new sport that has seen rising popularity. (From the DCSki Archives.) (13 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Altitude Skiing with no Attitude at Telluride
March 31: In mid-March, DCSki Columnist Lou Botta spent four days at Colorado’s Telluride Ski Resort., In this Firsthand Report, he provides a detailed look at the experience, concluding with three simple words: “I love Telluride.” (2 reader comments)
Mid-Atlantic Ski Season Pushes into April
March 28: Yes, you can still ski or board in the Mid-Atlantic. Several resorts have announced that they plan to remain open into early April.
Firsthand Report: Snowy Luau at Timberline Resort
March 25: Jim Kenney thought he was done writing trip reports for the 2012-2013 season, but after one last trip to Timberline Resort in West Virginia, he had to share. He describes the Snowy Luau festival and prime late season conditions at Timberline. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Liberty Mountain Resort
March 25: Connie Lawn provides a late-season Firsthand Report from Liberty Mountain Resort, which recently held a “bring your pets to the slope” event. Liberty plans to stay open through March 30, 2013, conditions permitting.
Firsthand Report: Warfighter Weekend at Liberty Mountain Resort and Gettysburg, PA
March 6: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman participated in the Warfighter Weekend at Liberty Mountain Resort on March 3, 2013. The annual event hosts injured military veterans and their families for a weekend on the slopes.
“Hope on the Slopes” Event Comes to Canaan Valley Resort March 1-2, 2013
February 20: The 2nd annual “Hope on the Slopes” event is returning to West Virginia’s Canaan Valley Resort March 1-2, 2013, to help raise funds on behalf of the American Cancer Society.
Firsthand Report: Whitetail Resort
February 20: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman visited Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort over the Presidents Day holiday weekend, discovering prime conditions. They provide this Firsthand Report, describing Whitetail’s Adaptive program and sharing plans for future enhancements by Whitetail General Manager Don MacAskill.
February 17: On a recent winter road trip through the southwest desert, DCSki’s Editor captured photographs of the magical ingredient that makes skiing possible: snow. He provides this collection of shots from national parks such as Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capital Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches.
Firsthand Report: Sierra at Tahoe - Our Huckleberry Bowl Buddies
February 17: Sometimes lunch is worth skipping. Especially when a foot of fresh snow falls the night before. That’s the verdict Jim Kenney made on a recent ski trip to Sierra at Tahoe.
Firsthand Report: Kirkwood, California - Off the Beaten Track
February 17: The Kirkwood ski area is a bit off the beaten track, located 45 minutes south of Lake Tahoe, but on a recent trip, Jim Kenney discovered it’s worth a visit. He provides this Firsthand Report.
Firsthand Report: Wintergreen Wahoo
February 14: Jim Kenney has been skiing at Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort for the past 25 years. That tradition continued with a visit this past weekend, where Jim found Wintergreen’s 25 trails dressed in wonderful snow. Jim provides this Firsthand Report.
Firsthand Report: Snö Mountain
February 12: DCSki Columnist Lou Botta recently returned to Snö Mountain, where he discovered great skiing, but dining options that left a bit to be desired. He provides this Firsthand Report.
Firsthand Report: Keystone, the Key to Skiing Fun
February 10: DCSki Columnist Matthew Graham spent time skiing at what he calls one of the country’s most beautiful resorts: Keystone Resort in Colorado. He provides this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Roundtop Mountain Resort
February 9: Ed Fowler describes a recent trip to Roundtop Mountain Resort, finding good snow conditions, less crowded slopes, and hardly any lift lines.
Firsthand Report: Vail and the Vail Village at Night
February 8: DCSki’s Editor just wrapped up a day of skiing at Vail, and a night exploring Vail Village. He provides a Firsthand Report and pictorial, showing a snowy Vail Village at night. (2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Sugar Bowl, CA - Tasty Terrain Steeped in History
February 8: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney reports on his first-ever visit to Sugar Bowl, California, a Lake Tahoe ski area rich in history.
Firsthand Report: Alpine Meadows — Once Is Not Enough
January 31: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney skied the Alpine Meadows ski area in California in early January, 2013. He provides this Firsthand Report.
Firsthand Report: Ninth Annual Warriors Conference at Wintergreen
January 27: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman spent the past weekend at Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort, attending activities for Wounded Warriors. They filed this Firsthand Report. (5 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Squaw Valley - This Place Has the Goods
January 27: Heart-stopping steeps are all over the place at Squaw Valley, observes DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney. He provides this Firsthand Report after visiting the California ski area earlier in January.
Firsthand Report: Mont Tremblant
January 26: Returning to Mont Tremblant after a long absence, DCSki Columnist Lou Botta discovered that the Canadian ski resort has undergone a lot of changes since his college days. He provides this detailed Firsthand Report from a mid-January trip. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Homewood, California - Beautiful Eye Opener
January 26: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney recently stumbled onto one of the prettiest double black diamond runs of his life at Homewood, a folksy ski resort in Northern California. He provides this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Snowshoe in the Rain
January 22: Can skiing in the pelting rain at Snowshoe be fun? If you’re DCSki Columnist Matthew Graham, it sure can be. He describes his recent rainy adventure in this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Skiing Mt. Bachelor - Naturally
January 21: According to DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney, the prospect of skiing 360 degrees off the top of a 9,000-foot white volcano presented an irresistible draw to Mt. Bachelor, Oregon. In late December, Jim made the trek to the Oregon ski area. He provides this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
January 20: It seems like a January thaw has become par for the course for the mid-Atlantic. Thankfully, a cold front has pushed away warm weather, and snowguns are now roaring back to life. Temperatures over the next 5-10 days will remain below freezing with overnight lows dipping into the teens, providing a chance for significant snowmaking opportunities.
Postcard from Crested Butte, Colorado
January 20: A DCSki reader just returned from Crested Butte, Colorado, where he experienced low temperatures in the negative double digits. Did the cold and relatively modest 26-inch base dampen the skiing? Not at all. He provides this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
January 13: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman spent the weekend at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort. They filed this Firsthand Report. (7 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Liberty Mountain Resort
January 6: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman visited Liberty Mountain Resort on Saturday, making their first turns of the season and assisting Blue Ridge Adaptive Snow Sports (BRASS). They provide this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
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.
December 24, 2012: A downturn in the real estate market forced Wisp Resort to enter Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the Fall of 2011, but thanks to a new ownership structure, the Maryland ski area has emerged from bankruptcy and is charging forward.
Firsthand Report: Early Season Skiing at Seven Springs, PA
December 23, 2012: There’s never a dull moment for mid-Atlantic snowsports enthusiasts. Weather-wise we’re off to another roller coaster ski season, but the folks at Seven Springs, PA are doing their utmost to get in the game, as Jim Kenney discovered on an early-season trip on December 15, 2012. Jim provides this Firsthand Report.
What’s New for 2012: Hidden Valley Resort
December 23, 2012: Visitors to Pennsylvania’s Hidden Valley Resort will find a number of improvements this winter, including a widened Voyager trail and snowmaking enhancements.
Hidden Valley, Seven Springs to open Friday
November 29, 2012: On Friday, November 30, 2012, Pennsylvania’s Hidden Valley and Seven Springs Resorts will kick off their ski seasons.
What’s New for 2012: Wintergreen Resort
November 25, 2012: Wintergreen Resort is in the midst of a major snowmaking upgrade, which will double its already impressive snowmaking production.
What’s New for 2012: The Homestead
November 25, 2012: This winter, The Homestead debuts the Allegheny Springs Winter Wonderland, which will provide ice skating and swimming in addition to skiing.
November 25, 2012: The Weekly Altitude provides a look at what’s happening in the Mid-Atlantic ski and snowboard scene. In this weeks issue: Ready, Set, Fire the Snowguns!; Kickstarter Project aims to develop Adventure Case for iPhone; North Carolina Ski Areas Association Offers “Gold Cards.”
What’s New for 2012: Beech Mountain Resort
November 22, 2012: North Carolina’s Beech Mountain Resort is celebrating its 45th anniversary this winter. Thanks to recent snowmaking enhancements, Beech has the best snowmaking capacity in the resort’s history.
Going Further Afield: Ski the Plastic!
November 22, 2012: Robbie Allen recently found himself in Lynchburg, Virginia, and decided to try skiing some runs at the Snowflex Centre. What makes Snowflex unique is that it isn’t made out of snow, but rather misted plastic, providing a surface that can be skied year-round. Robbie provides his assessment of the experience.
What’s New for 2012: Seven Springs Resort
November 22, 2012: Dozens of improvements across Seven Springs Mountain Resort should provide skiers and boarders with a better experience this winter. The Pennsylvania resort has made strategic investments in snowmaking improvements, added an additional terrain park, and initiated a mountain beautification program that has made subtle refinements throughout.
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.
November 12, 2012: What’s so great about glade skiing? Is it the adrenaline rush of a high speed slalom through the trees or maybe the seductive siren song of better, softer snow? DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney explores this question, while sharing his own favorite glades.
Breaking News: Sugar Mountain Plans to Open on Halloween
October 29, 2012: North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain Resort plans to capture its earliest opening date, opening the Upper and Lower Flying Mile slopes for skiing and snowboarding on Halloween.
What’s New for 2012: Sugar Mountain Resort
October 27, 2012: North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain Resort is hoping that its 5,300-foot elevation will bring plenty of natural snow this winter. But to hedge its bets, the resort has invested a quarter million dollars in snowmaking improvements.
Firsthand Report: 2012 Fall Festival at Liberty Mountain Resort
October 27, 2012: Connie Lawn was on hand at Liberty Mountain’s Fall Festival October 21, 2012. She provides this Firsthand Report.
Shots of the Day: Austrian Visit
October 7, 2012: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood recently stopped by Zell am See Kaprun during a visit to Austria. Kaprun offers high elevation skiing up to 9,843 feet. John provides a few photos from his trip. (1 reader comment)
Ski Butlers Recognized in Washington, DC
May 28, 2012: The two young founders of Ski Butlers, Bryn Carey and Riley Tippet, were the Western Region winners of The US Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award, and were recently recognized in a ceremony in Washington, DC.
Book Review: Ski Training - How to Ski All Day, Volume 2, The Truth About Skiing
April 24, 2012: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood reviews a book that describes how to properly condition in preparation for the ski season. (1 reader comment)
Interview with Colorado Ski Country USA’s Jennifer Rudolph
April 24, 2012: Connie Lawn recently interviewed Colorado Ski Country USA’s Jennifer Rudolph. Jennifer describes how Colorado resorts weathered a milder-than-normal winter. (1 reader comment)
Not an April Fools Day Joke: Seven Springs Re-opens for Skiing
April 24, 2012: Let’s say a freak late-April snowstorm dumps over a foot of snow in parts of the mid-Atlantic. What do you do? If you’re Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs Resort, you re-open for skiing and snowboarding. And that’s what Seven Springs will do on Tuesday morning, April 24, 2012, at 10 a.m., if only for a day. (2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Spring Skiing at A-Basin
April 17, 2012: Katie Whiteman recently swung by Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin for some spring skiing. She provides this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Retirement Celebration in Zermatt, Valais, Switzerland
April 17, 2012: In celebration of his retirement, DCSki Columnist Lou Botta recently took a ski trip to Switzerland. He provides a detailed account of the magnificent trip in this Firsthand Report. (10 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Springtime in the Rockies
April 13, 2012: Connie Lawn, Charles Sneiderman, and Kathryn Whiteman went skiing in the Colorado Rockies in late March and early April, 2012. They contributed several dispatches from the trip, compiled into this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Snowbasin
March 23, 2012: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood decided to forgo a ski trip to Europe, saving money by heading west to Utah’s Snowbasin Resort instead. He has no regrets. John provides this detailed Firsthand Report from his trip to Snowbasin March 12-16, 2012. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Wounded Warfighter Weekend at Liberty Mountain
March 10, 2012: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman closed out their season (at least on the East Coast) with a visit to Liberty Mountain Resort on March 3, 2012, covering the Wounded Warfighter Weekend. Liberty and Whitetail ended their ski season on March 4, 2012.
Firsthand Report: Epilepsy Awareness Weekend at Big Boulder
March 2, 2012: DCSki Reader Mike Ross teamed with Pennsylvania’s Big Boulder Resort to organize an Epilepsy Awareness Weekend, held February 24-26, 2012. Mike provides this Firsthand Report, including his thoughts on the Poconos resort. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Ski Roundtop
March 2, 2012: DCSki Reader Mike Ross visited Pennsylvania’s Ski Roundtop for the first time on February 22, 2012. He provides this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Taos Grades High in Hospitality
March 2, 2012: In early January, 2012, Jim and son Vince Kenney headed west and hit the slopes of Taos Ski Valley, renowned for its steep and challenging terrain. They filed this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Liberty Mountain
February 21, 2012: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman spent Saturday at Liberty Mountain Resort, where they volunteered to helping 23 disabled students enjoy skiing. They filed this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Canaan Valley Resort’s “Hope on the Slopes” to Benefit American Cancer Society
February 18, 2012: Relay for Life of Tucker County and Canaan Valley Resort have teamed together to launch the first “Hope on the Slopes” event at the West Virginia Resort on March 2-3, 2012. Coinciding with Canaan Valley Resort’s annual “Wild Thing” weekend, Hope on the Slopes will raise funds to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Firsthand Report: Keep the Faith and Ski the Valley
February 17, 2012: A group of DCSki readers descended on West Virginia February 10-13, 2012, bracing for mediocre conditions in this mediocre winter, but discovering a foot of fresh powder. The next three days provided great camaraderie, great fun, and great skiing at Canaan Valley and Timberline Resorts. DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney was part of the group and filed this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
Interview with DCSki Editor M. Scott Smith on William World News (External Link)
February 6, 2012: DCSki’s Editor was recently interviewed by the blog William World News. He offered his take on topics such as this mild winter and the foundations of DCSki.
Firsthand Report: Beaver Creek, the Other Side of Posh
February 5, 2012: There are two sides to Colorado’s Beaver Creek Resort: A posh side most are familiar with, and “the other side” which offers a surprising amount of challenging terrain. On a recent visit, DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney sampled both sides. He provides this Firsthand Report. (4 reader comments)
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: Seven Springs - Not Giving Up on Winter 2012
February 5, 2012: According to DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney, the reports of winter’s death are greatly exaggerated. A recent trip to Seven Springs proved this. Jim provides this Firsthand Report.
Firsthand Report and Top Five Tips: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
February 5, 2012: DCSki Columnist Matthew Graham recently visited West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort, finding some of the snow that may have been missing this mild winter. Matthew provides five key tips for maximizing your time on the slopes at Snowshoe. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Bombproof Family Ski Vacation at Steamboat
January 29, 2012: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney and his family visited Colorado’s Steamboat in early January, 2012. While they spent plenty of times on the slopes, they also sampled other activities at Steamboat such as snowshoeing and a star-lit sleigh ride. Jim provides this Firsthand Report. (5 reader comments)
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)
Firsthand Report: Wintergreen Wounded Warrior Weekend
January 22, 2012: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman filed this Firsthand Report from Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort, which is hosting its Eighth Annual Wounded Warrior Weekend. (1 reader comment)
Postcard from Taos, New Mexico
January 21, 2012: A DCSki Reader just wrapped up a week skiing at Taos, New Mexico. He provides this Firsthand Report. (3 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.
Sense of Déjà Vu as Winter Returns
January 14, 2012: Mid-Atlantic skiers and snowboarders can be forgiven if they can’t quite figure out what season it is. Thankfully, colder temperatures have returned, paving the way for great conditions over the holiday weekend.
Firsthand Report from Liberty Mountain: Skiing is Therapeutic!
January 8, 2012: Connie Lawn provides a Firsthand Report from the slopes of Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Bryce Resort
December 22, 2011: Mike Ross swung by Virginia’s Bryce Resort for some early season skiing on Monday, December 19, 2011. He discovered that Bryce had made a valiant effort to provide skiing, despite warm temperatures and limited opportunities for snowmaking. Mike provides this Firsthand Report. (5 reader comments)
Snow and Cold Push Opening Dates within Reach
December 7, 2011: Mother Nature has been keeping the cold to herself so far this winter, but the arrival of snow on Wednesday has many local resorts pushing to open for the season in the next week or two. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2011: Seven Springs Resort
November 20, 2011: Freestyle skiers and snowboarders will find reason to celebrate this winter at Seven Springs, as the Pennsylvania resort unveils the first-ever urban terrain park and expands its halfpipe to Olympic proportions. Retrofitted chairlifts will reduce travel time to the top of the mountain, and a new beginner area will welcome new skiers and boarders looking to transition to greens.
Skiing Opportunities for Thanksgiving (Updated)
November 20, 2011: Want some skiing to go with your turkey on Thanksgiving day? At least two mid-Atlantic resorts are willing to oblige. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Ski Club of Washington DC 75th Anniversary
November 13, 2011: The Ski Club of Washington DC celebrated its 75th anniversary on Saturday night by hosting its annual Fall Fashion Show. Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman were on hand, and filed this Firsthand Report.
November 13, 2011: There’s a special place in Jim Kenney’s heart for the “anti-resorts”: those standalone ski areas with no slopeside lodging and few, if any, resort trappings. In place of glitz, they unapologetically offer one common attribute: top-notch skiing. Jim Kenney takes a tour through some of his favorite anti-resorts. (8 reader comments)
What’s New for 2011: Hidden Valley Resort
November 12, 2011: Pennsylvania’s Hidden Valley Resort has added approximately 3.5 acres of glade skiing in the North Summit area of the resort, as well as a new terrain park.
What’s New for 2011: Elk Mountain
November 12, 2011: Elk Mountain has continued its tradition of planting Norway and White Spruce trees, adding an additional 1,200 trees over the summer. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2011: Shawnee Mountain
November 12, 2011: Two new Piston Bully Snow Cats are joining Shawnee Mountain’s snow grooming fleet this winter.
November 11, 2011: Ready to ski? If you head to North Carolina, you can make some early-season turns. Sugar Mountain is offering skiing and snowboarding for the November 12-13, 2011 weekend.
What’s New for 2011: Winterplace Resort
November 11, 2011: West Virginia’s Winterplace Resort has expanded snowmaking, widened two trails, and upgraded its terrain park with a new feature.
Epilepsy Awareness Weekend Planned at Big Boulder
November 11, 2011: For DCSki reader Mike Ross, epilepsy hit close to home in 2009, claiming the life of his 5-year old son. Mike found some solace through his love of skiing, and channeled that passion into organizing an Epilepsy Awareness Weekend with the help of Pennsylvania’s Big Boulder Resort. The event will be held February 24-26, 2012, drawing participants from across the East Coast. Mike describes the event in this story. (2 reader comments)
What’s New for 2011: Massanutten Resort
November 6, 2011: Virginia’s Massanutten Resort is expanding the scope of activities this winter with the construction of a new outdoor ice skating rink. (2 reader comments)
What’s New for 2011: Beech Mountain Resort
November 5, 2011: It’s been a busy summer of upgrades at North Carolina’s Beech Mountain Resort, with the addition of a new beginner slope, removal of a chairlift, a continued shift to automated snowmaking, and other capital enhancements.
What’s New for 2011: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
October 29, 2011: Snowshoe Mountain Resort has made a number of enhancements for the 2011-2012 winter season.
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.
West Virginia Resorts Offer Statewide Mountain Pass
October 22, 2011: West Virginia ski areas have once again partnered to offer a statewide “Mountain Pass.” (5 reader comments)
Hidden Valley and Blue Knob Resorts Partner on a Passholder Exchange Program
October 22, 2011: Season passholders at Hidden Valley Resort and Blue Knob Resort will be able to benefit from a new Passholder Exchange program for the 2011-2012 winter season.
An Escape from Washington: Fall Festival at Liberty Mountain Resort
October 18, 2011: Liberty Mountain Resort recently held its annual Fall Festival, and Connie Lawn was on hand to file this Firsthand Report.
What’s New for 2011: Sugar Mountain Resort
October 18, 2011: Dedicated snowmaking at the Tubing Park will allow Sugar Mountain to expand its tubing season.
An Evening of Heli-Ski Stokage from Canadian Mountain Holidays
October 18, 2011: In early October, DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney attended a reception to learn more about Canadian heli-skiing. He provides this Firsthand Report.
October 4, 2011: Spanning three states and covering a 150-mile radius, some of the most popular resorts in the mid-Atlantic have teamed together to offer their Season Passholders additional value during the 2011-2012 winter season.
An Early Nine Inches Fall on Snowshoe
October 4, 2011: It’s been a rainy summer season in the mid-Atlantic this summer, and skiers and boarders are hoping some of that rain continues as snow once winter arrives. If the first weekend in October is any sign, Mother Nature just might oblige.
Firsthand Report: Great Allegheny Passage Bike Trail
September 4, 2011: In mid-August, Jim and Vince Kenney went on a 70-mile bike trip along the Great Allegheny Passage Rail/Trail. Jim provides this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2011: Liberty Mountain Resort
August 18, 2011: A new loading carpet on the Alpine Quad and continued enhancements to snowmaking highlight some of the on-mountain improvements at Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort this winter.
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)
Going Further Afield: The Smallest Ski Hill in Colorado - Frisco Adventure Park
June 29, 2011: While on a Colorado ski trip during the Spring of 2011, DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen swung by a local tubing/ski hill in Frisco, Colorado. He provides this Firsthand Report.
Going Further Afield: Beaver Creek - How Heaven became Hell
April 17, 2011: Robbie Allen recently returned from his family’s annual spring ski trip to Colorado. While there, they visited Beaver Creek to experience its heaven-like skiing. A sudden and freak lightning storm turned the visit into an unexpected adventure. (4 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Aspen, Snowmass, and Aspen Hospital with a Broken Hip
April 2, 2011: Connie Lawn’s trip through Colorado takes her to Aspen/Snowmass. Unfortunately, her trip includes an unscheduled visit to the Aspen Valley Hospital, where Connie is diagnosed with a hip fracture. That doesn’t stop her from covering the Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, hosted at Aspen/Snowmass. (4 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Beaver Creek
April 2, 2011: Connie Lawn continues her Colorado adventures with a stop at Beaver Creek Resort. She filed this Firsthand Report.
April 1, 2011: Connie Lawn checks in from the road with a report on skiing at Vail Resort, the first stop during a spring skiing trip in Colorado.
Firsthand Report: Annual DCSki Gathering at Blue Knob
March 20, 2011: Members of the DCSki.com and Epicski.com forums converged on Pennsylvania’s Blue Knob Resort in late February, enjoying the company of each other and snow-covered slopes. Jim Kenney provides this Firsthand Report and pictorial.
Firsthand Report: Liberty Wounded Warrior Weekend
March 11, 2011: Connie Lawn visited Liberty Mountain Resort on March 5, 2011 to cover the Wounded Warrior Weekend. She filed this Firsthand Report.
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.
Firsthand Report: Super Sunday at Bryce Resort
February 13, 2011: Want to avoid weekend crowds? Head to Virginia’s Bryce Resort, reports DCSki’s Jim Kenney. As he discovered on a trip on Super Bowl Sunday, Bryce Resort offers low crowds, great snowmaking, and beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain vistas. (5 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Perfect Day of Snowsports at Liberty Mountain
February 8, 2011: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman spent Sunday skiing at Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort. Connie checks in with some comments on the conditions, as well as information on adaptive programs at Liberty.
Firsthand Report: Gotta Luv Utah
February 6, 2011: Jim and Vince Kenney hit the road in early January and headed west — all the way to Utah. While in Utah, they sampled some of the famed “Greatest Snow on Earth,” hitting ski areas such as Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, Brighton, Solitude, Alta, and Snowbird. Jim filed this detailed Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Surprise Weekend Getaway at Northstar-at-Tahoe
January 30, 2011: An unexpected trip to the west coast gave DCSki Columnist Jim Chen a chance to ski someplace he had never skied before: Northstar-at-Tahoe. Jim provides this Firsthand Report. (5 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Wounded Warrior Weekend at Wintergreen
January 24, 2011: Wintergreen Resort hosted its Seventh Annual Wounded Warrior Weekend this past weekend; Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman filed this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: A Bumpy Day at Elk
January 22, 2011: DCSki Columnist Matthew Graham made a trip up to Elk Mountain over Martin Luther King Weekend, where he decided to battle moguls. Find out who won in this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
January 21, 2011: A DCSki reader just wrapped up a trip to Steamboat Springs, and he sums up the trip with one word: “Snow.” Learn what Colorado skiing currently looks like in his Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
West Virginia joins 33 other States in declaring January “Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month”
January 19, 2011: With the stroke of a pen and a proclamation from the Governor, the state of West Virginia joined 33 other states that have declared January as Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month.
Firsthand Report: Black and Gold MLK Weekend at Seven Springs
January 19, 2011: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney, fresh on the heels of a trip to Utah, swung by Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs Resort this past weekend to make a few turns. He filed this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Solitude at Sunset at Liberty Mountain
January 16, 2011: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman spent a day in early January skiing at Liberty. They provide this Firsthand Report.
Southern Alpine Race Association Establishes Kober Award
January 16, 2011: The Southern Alpine Race Association (SARA) recently established the Kober Award, to be awarded annually to the J1/2 (15-19 year old) SARA racer best demonstrating the character traits of leadership, sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, ambassadorship, and expertise.
Ski Equipment Sales Up in November
January 16, 2011: Data recently published by SnowSports Industries America (SIA) shows that skiers and snowboarders pulled out their wallets in November.
Wintergreen Enhances Programming for Adaptive Sports
January 16, 2011: Wintergreen Adaptive Sports (WAS) recently received two grants that will allow the organization to enhance its 2011 programming for people with disabilities. WAS will be sponsoring the Wounded Warrior Weekend at Wintergreen Resort from January 21-23, 2011.
Firsthand Report: Holiday Week at Liberty and Roundtop
January 7, 2011: Ed Fowler made recent visits to Liberty and Roundtop Mountain Resorts. He provides this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
Utah or Bust: The Kenneys Embark on a Road Trip to Utah Powder
December 28, 2010: Jim and Vince Kenney are packing their car and heading west, with the snowy slopes of Utah as their destination. They’ll be reporting to DCSki from the road. Follow along in their adventures starting with their first pre-trip dispatch.
Firsthand Report: Whitetail on Christmas Eve
December 24, 2010: DCSki’s Editor made his inaugural runs of the ski season at Whitetail Resort on Christmas Eve, finding prime conditions on 100% open terrain. He provides this Firsthand Report, complete with plenty of photos. (5 reader comments)
What’s New for 2010: Blue Mountain Ski Area
December 19, 2010: The 2010-2011 winter season is underway at Pennsylvania’s Blue Mountain Ski Area, and guests this winter will find three new trails, upgraded snowmaking, RFID-based lift tickets and passes, and improvements in the Summit Lodge.
December 7, 2010: Local blog promotes skiing as a family sport; new ski movie touts itself as the “worst ski movie ever made” (but may, in fact, be quite good).
Snowmaking Underway as Resorts Eye Opening Dates
December 2, 2010: Bummed about mild temperatures in November? No need to worry; December arrived with a blast of cold. Mid-Atlantic ski areas are busy making snow and will begin opening this weekend. DCSki has the latest scoop on opening plans for local resorts.
Firsthand Report: There’s Something about Skiing New Hampshire
November 28, 2010: Jim and Vince Kenney hit the road in March, 2010 to visit a collection of New Hampshire ski areas including Attitash, Wildcat, Black Mountain, Loon Mountain, and Cannon Mountain. Jim provides this Firsthand Report. (7 reader comments)
What’s New for 2010: Wintergreen Resort
November 10, 2010: Guests at Wintergreen Resort this season will have a new off-slope activity to enjoy. On December 18, 2010, the Virginia resort will open a new neighborhood-style ice skating rink.
What’s New for 2010: Beech Mountain
November 7, 2010: SMI Super PoleCat snowguns are finding their way to more and more eastern resorts. North Carolina’s Beech Mountain Resort has expanded its arsenal of the powerful snowguns for the upcoming season.
What’s New for 2010: Shawnee Mountain
November 6, 2010: Shawnee Mountain has installed its first high-speed quad, which will whisk skiers and boarders to the top of the Pennsylvania mountain beginning this winter. The new chairlift is the centerpiece of $5 million in capital improvements made over the summer.
What’s New for 2010: Roundtop Mountain Resort
November 6, 2010: One of the biggest changes at Roundtop this year is subtle: in recognition of its continuing adoption of year-round activities, Ski Roundtop has changed its name to Roundtop Mountain Resort.
What’s New for 2010: Winterplace Resort
November 6, 2010: Winterplace is in the middle of a 3-year program to upgrade its snowmaking system. The West Virginia resort has purchased 53 fully automatic SMI Polecats, bringing its total number of state-of-the-art fan guns to 88.
What’s New for 2010: Liberty Mountain Resort
November 6, 2010: Tired of searching for change to feed resort lockers? Over the summer, Liberty Mountain Resort replaced all resort lockers with GoPod Lockers, which enable rental payment through a credit card. Numerous other improvements throughout the Pennsylvania resort will greet skiers and boarders this winter.
November 6, 2010: Ready to ski? If you head to North Carolina, you can make some early-season turns.
What’s New for 2010: Hidden Valley Resort
October 27, 2010: A new beginner’s teaching area will greet guests to Hidden Valley Resort this winter. Located adjacent to the Ski Lodge at the base of the slopes, the new area will feature a gentle 7-8% grade and be serviced by its own conveyor lift. (6 reader comments)
What’s New for 2010: Big Boulder and Jack Frost
October 26, 2010: Sister areas Jack Frost and Big Boulder have received a number of upgrades over the summer, including a new glade riding area for beginners, snowmaking improvements, and other terrain enhancements.
What’s New for 2010: Sugar Mountain
October 26, 2010: Sugar Mountain has replaced its fleet of snow groomers, rebuilt the Red Lift, and made some snowmaking enhancements for the 2010-2011 winter season.
What’s New for 2010: Seven Springs
October 16, 2010: Recently recognized by Transworld Snowboarding magazine for having the #1 Superpipe and #1 terrain parks on the East Coast, Seven Springs is investing in a number of “back stage” improvements that should improve the experience of guests this winter season. (6 reader comments)
Skiing Magazine Suspends Print Version
August 18, 2010: If you had a print subscription to Skiing magazine, your mailbox might be a little lonelier this winter. The publisher is re-launching Skiing in a digital-only edition. (5 reader comments)
Wisp Resort Unveils Canopy Tour
July 10, 2010: Expanding the number of recreational opportunities available to summer visitors, Wisp recently unveiled its new Flying Squirrel Canopy Tour. The guided canopy tour allows participants to glide along multiple zip lines, experiencing the Maryland resort from a different and loftier perspective.
What’s New for 2010: Whitetail Resort
June 27, 2010: After a banner 2009-2010 winter season, Whitetail is plowing profits back into the resort with $4 million in capital improvements. The Pennsylvania resort is cutting an additional beginner trail and making improvements to its Marketplace dining area.
Going Further Afield: Ski Cooper - Old School Colorado
May 8, 2010: Robbie Allen was able to squeeze another ski day out of the season with a late-season trip to Ski Cooper, Colorado. He describes the throwback ski area, which provided great skiing on Easter Day for his family at a very affordable price. (4 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Heroes on the Hill at Massanutten
March 24, 2010: The rain and time change didn’t stop a few folks from coming out for Massanutten’s Heroes on the Hill day on March 14, 2010. Robbie Allen provides this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
March 7, 2010: Connie Lawn provides this quick Firsthand Report from Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort, where she skied on Saturday, March 6, 2010.
March 7, 2010: Local resorts have snow aplenty as we head into March, providing the possibility for an extended spring skiing season. Ed Fowler provides these tips for maximizing the spring skiing experience. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Blue Knob Get Together
March 7, 2010: From February 19-21, 2010, members of the DCSki and Epicski on-line communities met in the physical world on the slopes of Pennsylvania’s Blue Knob resort, enjoying conditions and camaraderie fit for the record books. Rob Davis provides this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Liberation at Liberty
March 7, 2010: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman visited Liberty Mountain Resort on February 27, 2010 to cover the Wounded Warrior Weekend. They filed this Firsthand Report.
Firsthand Report: Massanutten Weekend
February 28, 2010: DCSki Columnist Matthew Graham found ample opportunities for fun during a weekend visit to Massanutten February 20-21, 2010. He found fun on the Virginia resort’s popular snow tubing hills, in the indoor water park, on the ski slopes, and listening to live entertainment at night. OK, there might have been one face plant that resulted in a trip to the first aid office, and that probably wasn’t fun. But the rest of the weekend was “plain stupid fun.” (2 reader comments)
Getting Fit for the Slopes: The Benefit of Strength Training for the Skier
February 13, 2010: We often perceive skiing more as a pastime than a sport, especially in this region where the slopes are short and almost always groomed to perfection. Skiing, though, involves many muscle groups, some of which never get properly exercised under normal circumstances. DCSki Columnist John Sherwood describes the benefits of strength training for on- and off-slope activities, using his own experiences as a guide. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Snowpocalypse Now at Blue Knob
February 11, 2010: With so much fresh snow, what’s a mid-Atlantic skier supposed to do? Go skiing, of course! That’s what DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney decided to do on February 8, 2010, braving the roads to head to Pennsylvania’s Blue Knob Resort. In this Firsthand Report, he describes the day as one of the best days of local skiing in his 43 continuous seasons of downhill action. (4 reader comments)
Notes from the Road: Stuck in Utah
February 11, 2010: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman intended to take a short trip to Utah, but with back-to-back blizzards hitting the mid-Atlantic and airports closed, they’ve been unable to return to the East coast. Thankfully, there’s pretty good skiing in Utah, too. They provide this series of Firsthand Reports from the slopes of Park City, Deer Valley, Alta, and Snowbird. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Skiing Pretty at Seven Springs
February 7, 2010: Jim Kenney and his wife took a “Ski Date” to Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs Resort on Monday, February 1, 2010. Jim prescribes a ski date as a way to reduce stress, have fun, and improve your relationship. Great conditions at Seven Springs didn’t hurt, either. Jim provides this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Embedded with the Wounded Warriors at Wintergreen Resort
February 1, 2010: On January 23, Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman visited Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort to cover the Wounded Warrior Weekend, which brings service members wounded in battle to the slopes for winter recreation. They filed this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
January 24, 2010: A DCSki reader provides a trip report from Big Sky, Montana, where the majestic slopes are only outdone by the genuine friendliness of the locals. (5 reader comments)
Whitetail After Dark: A Pictorial
January 21, 2010: DCSki’s Editor spent the afternoon and evening at Whitetail Resort on January 21, 2010. This pictorial provides a number of after-dark scenes from Whitetail’s slopes. (7 reader comments)
The Ski Channel Expands Distribution to East Coast
January 20, 2010: The Ski Channel television network recently partnered with RCN to bring its content to additional geographies, including Washington, DC, the Lehigh Valley, and Philadelphia.
West Virginia Governor Proclaims January Learn a Snow Sport Month
January 20, 2010: In a ceremony earlier this month, Joe Manchin, Governor of West Virginia, announced that January was officially Learn a Snow Sport Month in his state (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Mad River Glen - True Believers
January 18, 2010: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney closed out his recent trip to Vermont by swinging by Mad River Glen. He describes the visit to the “minimalist ski-area-that-could” in this Firsthand Report. (11 reader comments)
“Jibbing for a Cause” Rail Jam at Roundtop to Benefit Leukemia/Lymphoma and Breast Cancer Research
January 18, 2010: Ski Roundtop, Scion Cars, and Signal Snowboards are teaming up to host a charity rail jam in support of Ski4Life Leukemia and Lymphoma and the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. The event will be held on Friday, January 22, 2010 at Ski Roundtop.
Firsthand Report: Pilgrimage to Stowe
January 18, 2010: It’s been 40 years since Jim Kenney last skied Stowe. As a teenager, his parents didn’t allow him to venture off the bunny slopes. In early January, he returned to the Ski Capital of the East in Vermont determined to venture beyond the greens with his own teenage son. Jim provides this Firsthand Report. (7 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Sugarbush, Vermont - A Classic Refreshed
January 17, 2010: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney recently returned from an early-January trip to Sugarbush, Vermont. His first visit to the resort in 10 years, he discovered perpetually great terrain and recent infrastructure investments. He provides this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Notes from the Road: Snowshoe Mountain (updated)
January 9, 2010: Connie Lawn is spending the weekend at snowy Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia. She filed these notes from the road. (7 reader comments)
December 24, 2009: Mother Nature delivered an early holiday gift to mid-Atlantic ski areas, dumping up to three feet of fresh snow the weekend before Christmas and keeping temperatures low enough to fire snowguns around the clock. As a result, many ski areas should have close to 100% of their terrain open in the coming days.
Firsthand Report: Copper Mountain
December 21, 2009: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman swung by Copper Mountain Resort in early December during a Colorado ski trip. They provide this Firsthand Report.
Notes from the Road: The Annual Hartford Ski Spectacular in Breckenridge, Colorado
December 21, 2009: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman recently attended the 22nd Annual Hartford Ski Spectacular in Breckenridge, Colorado, one of the largest winter sports events for people with disabilities. They filed these notes from the road.
Firsthand Report: Wonderful Weekend at Liberty
December 21, 2009: As a patroller at Liberty Mountain Resort, DCSki Columnist Jim Chen had to work over the weekend. But don’t feel too sorry for him; Liberty received 20 inches of fresh powder in the recent storm, and Jim was one of the first to make runs down powder slopes. Jim provides this Firsthand Report from a weekend that can only be described as “epic.” (8 reader comments)
Mid-Atlantic Ski Season Kicks Off, with Help from Mother Nature
December 6, 2009: The return of colder temperatures has allowed mid-Atlantic ski areas to fire up the guns, and Mother Nature helped kick off the festivities with some natural snow. Several resorts in the mid-Atlantic are now open for skiing and boarding, with more expected to come on-line soon. (1 reader comment)
Pro-Fit Ski & Boot Service Launches with Focus on Boot Fitting and Ski Tuning
November 23, 2009: When Pro-Fit Ski & Skate went out of business early this year, mid-Atlantic skiers were afraid they would lose the services of master bootfitter Brian Deely. Not to fear: Brian is back with a new store focusing exclusively on boot fitting and ski tuning. (1 reader comment)
Salomon USA Recalls Ski Bindings
November 22, 2009: Due to the possibility of unexpected release, Salomon USA is recalling certain models of ski bindings sold in the United States between September, 2008 and October, 2009.
What’s New for 2009: Wintergreen Resort
November 15, 2009: Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort is introducing a flex ticketing plan for the 2009-2010 winter season, and will also be offering several Women’s Ski Clinics. Wintergreen will also open a Zip Line.
DCSki Introduces New Features to Track Resort “Tweets”
November 15, 2009: The Twitter microblogging service allows individuals and companies to create and share short text-based updates called “Tweets.” Over a dozen ski areas in the mid-Atlantic region have created a presence on Twitter, using Twitter to post announcements and information. DCSki now captures these updates and makes them readily available to skiers and boarders, whether or not they have their own Twitter account.
What’s New for 2009: Hidden Valley Resort
November 14, 2009: Hidden Valley Resort is putting the finishing touches on several enhancements for the 2009-2010 winter season. The Pennsylvania ski area will offer improved snowmaking and expanded instruction offerings, and has also taken over management of food and lodging reservations.
What’s New for 2009: Blue Mountain
November 11, 2009: Visitors to Pennsylvania’s Blue Mountain Ski Area this winter will be greeted by a new double-black diamond slope and new “streets” terrain park. Two new outdoor dining areas will be available, and Blue Mountain will become one of the few U.S. resorts to have a “BigAirBag,” a fall cushion placed behind ski jumps.
What’s New for 2009: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
November 8, 2009: Snowshoe Mountain Resort puts the focus on safety this winter by including helmets with all youth rentals. A new restaurant will open, and Snowshoe is also providing guests with an opportunity to save a few bucks. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2009: Timberline Resort
November 8, 2009: Timberline has gained permanent access to a water source for snowmaking, and will soon celebrate the grand opening of a new hotel. (7 reader comments)
What’s New for 2009: Winterplace
November 8, 2009: Winterplace has installed 34 new automated snow guns, and widened one of its expert slopes.
What’s New for 2009: Shawnee Mountain
November 8, 2009: Shawnee Mountain has added a new Tubing Carpet lift, a new Snow Cat, and expanded its Rental Shop, fortifying its standing as one of the largest ski and snowboard rental facilities in the U.S.
What’s New for 2009: Liberty Mountain Resort
November 8, 2009: It’s been a busy summer at Liberty Mountain Resort. The Pennsylvania ski area has upgraded the Eastwind Quad Chairlift, increased the amount of automated snowmaking, and made a number of improvements both on and off mountain.
What’s New for 2009: Elk Mountain
November 8, 2009: Pennsylvania’s Elk Mountain Ski Resort has continued a long-standing tradition by planting nearly 1,300 new spruce trees on the mountain. The ski area has also made snowmaking improvements and widened the Susquehanna trail.
What’s New for 2009: Sugar Mountain Resort
November 7, 2009: North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain Resort made improvements to snowmaking over the summer, replacing and upgrading 2,500 feet of snowmaking pipes along the Big Birch slope and purchasing an additional energy-efficient snowmaking machine.
What’s New for 2009: Beech Mountain
November 7, 2009: Beech Mountain has converted a double chairlift into a quad chairlift.
Firsthand Report: Colorado Spring Skiing - Don’t Fear the April
November 1, 2009: In late Spring, 2009, DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney and his son Vince packed their car and headed west — all the way to Colorado for some late-season skiing. Their travels took them to Loveland, Arapahoe Basin, and Copper Mountain. Jim provides this detailed Firsthand Report from their April trip. (5 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Splendor in the Leaves - the 9th Annual Great Outdoors Festival at Whitetail
November 1, 2009: After checking out the Liberty Mountain Fall Fest earlier in October, Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman headed to Whitetail Resort on October 25, 2009 to visit the 9th Annual Great Outdoors Festival. They provide this Firsthand Report.
Firsthand Report: Liberty Mountain Fall Fest
October 18, 2009: Rain finally moved out of the area, allowing Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman to visit Liberty Mountain Resort’s Annual Fall Fest. They filed this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
DCSki Columnist Honored with West Virginia Division of Tourism’s “Stars of the Industry Award”
October 15, 2009: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney was recently honored with a Stars of the Industry Award, awarded by the West Virginia Division of Tourism for his January, 2009 story on skiing in Canaan Valley and Timberline Resorts, West Virginia. (8 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Ski Roundtop rounds them up at the Shawan Downs Steeplechase
September 28, 2009: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman recently participated in the Shawan Dawns, where they saw a taste of some adventurous activities offered at Ski Roundtop. Connie filed this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Wisp Founder Helmuth “Ace” Heise Passes Away
August 12, 2009: Mr. Helmuth “Ace” Heise, Founder of Maryland’s Wisp Resort, passed away on August 11, 2009. He was 82.
What’s New for 2009: Whitetail Resort
July 3, 2009: Last summer may have been a busy one for Whitetail, but Whitetail isn’t resting, investing another $1.7 million in capital improvements. Highlights include the cutting of a new halfpipe, the addition of a new beginner terrain park, and the installation of an adult beginner carpet lift. Whitetail also recently awarded scholarships to eleven outstanding resort employees.
Firsthand Report: Backcountry Experience in Switzerland
June 12, 2009: Seven Springs Snowsports School Director Iwan Fuchs recently visited his native Switzerland for some backcountry training. He provides this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Going Further Afield: Skiing in Orlando?
May 23, 2009: DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen travels the country looking for unique skiing experiences. And he recently found one in Orlando, Florida. Admittedly, the skiing was on water, but the source of locomotion might be strangely familiar to any snow skier. Robbie provides this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2009: Massanutten Resort
May 17, 2009: Massanutten Resort will unveil a new fixed quad chairlift this winter, replacing a double that was originally installed in 1972. (2 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Sunlight Mountain - Real Western Skiing in a Real Western Town
April 18, 2009: DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen is known for finding small ski areas tucked into unusual places, such as the midwest, but he also found a local ski hill in Colorado worth a visit — Sunlight Mountain Resort, near Glenwood Springs. Robbie provides this Firsthand Report describing the ski area and other attractions at Glenwood Springs. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Breckenridge - an Area in Transition
April 18, 2009: DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen organized a spring ski trip for his family to Colorado, hitting several ski areas along the I-70 corridor. Robbie provides this detailed Firsthand Report on their experience at Breckenridge. (2 reader comments)
Notes from the Road: Colorado or Bust
April 16, 2009: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney and his son Vince pointed their car west and headed to Colorado for some late-season skiing. Jim and Vince are providing daily dispatches from the road, describing the road trip and what it’s like to ski in Colorado in mid-April.
Extending the Season by Going Further Afield (Part 2): Head North to Whiteface Mountain, New York
April 15, 2009: Guest Author Michael French describes another way to extend your ski season: by heading north to Whiteface Mountain, New York. Michael provides a detailed Firsthand Report from a recent visit to Whiteface. (1 reader comment)
Going Further Afield: Echo Mountain
April 9, 2009: What do you call a ski area only 35 miles from Denver, Colorado, with only one chairlift, not much of a trail map, and night skiing? DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen calls it a “very cool idea.” He provides this description of the small ski area. (1 reader comment)
April 9, 2009: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman spent the first week of April in Colorado, covering a Wounded Warriors event at Snowmass. Colorado has received a healthy does of natural snow over the past week, leading to great April conditions. Connie filed these notes from the road.
Going Further Afield: Jay Peak, Vermont
March 29, 2009: Guest author Steve Bamonti provides this look at Vermont’s Jay Peak Resort. Unlike most East Coast resorts, you can ski anywhere there’s snow within the bounds of Jay Peak. Steve discovers that Jay Peak has everything a skier needs - and less. (2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Timberline Offers Up a Great Group Experience
March 20, 2009: George Lyle recently chaperoned a weekend trip to Timberline Resort, bringing together eight teenage boys from Asia and Africa to the mountains of West Virginia. George provides this Firsthand Report.
Extending the Season by Going Further Afield: Titus Mountain, New York
March 19, 2009: Guest Author Michael French describes a recent trip to Titus Mountain, a small mountain he learned to ski at in the rural northern Adirondack Park of New York. As ski areas in the mid-Atlantic begin to end their season, Michael notes that you can tag some extra weeks on by heading north to areas such as Titus Mountain. (4 reader comments)
Firsthand Report and Pictorial: Winter Hiking at Shenandoah
March 15, 2009: DCSki’s Editor decided to take the day off Friday and head for Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park for some winter hiking and photography. Overnight snow almost stymied his plans, as most of Skyline Drive was closed due to icing. Scott detoured to the southern portion of the Park, and started a chilly hike near dusk. He provides this Firsthand Report and set of photos. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Mardi Gras Weekend at Wintergreen Resort
March 12, 2009: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman visited Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort on March 7, 2009 to cover the Mardi Gras Weekend, which supported the Adaptive program at Wintergreen. They filed this Firsthand Report. (5 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Return to Seven Springs
March 9, 2009: After a ten year absence, Matthew Graham returned to Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs Resort and discovered a lot has changed. To put Seven Springs through its paces, Matthew and his wife Karen Carra tried out a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) ride, a horse-drawn sleigh ride, snowshoeing, a massage, some fine dining, and — oh yeah, even a few turns on the ski slopes. Matthew provides this Firsthand Report. (4 reader comments)
Liberty Mountain Resort - Band of Brothers, and a Sister
March 2, 2009: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman visited Liberty Mountain Resort on February 28, 2009 to cover the Third Wounded Warrior Weekend. The event brought 8 wounded warriors, their loved ones, instructors, and therapists to the slopes for a day on the snow. Connie provides this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: DCSki Gathering at Blue Knob, Pennsylvania
March 2, 2009: Eight DCSkiers met with five Epicskiers and stayed in a slopeside house for a hardy weekend at Blue Knob ski area in western Pennsylvania from Feb 20-23, 2009. It was very much a comingling of these two online communities known as great resources for skiing information and for stoking the passions of avid snowriders in the Eastern US and beyond. Jim Kenney and Rob Davis co-author this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
Synchro Skiing Event at Seven Springs
March 1, 2009: Seven Springs Snowsports School Director Iwan Fuchs provides a recap of the Second Annual Formation, Light, Music, and Fireworks Show, held recently at the Pennsylvania ski area. (3 reader comments)
Felt Like a Pro: ASRA GS/SL Races at Ski Roundtop
February 16, 2009: Ed Fowler provides this Firsthand Report from the ASRA race weekend at Ski Roundtop on February 7-8, 2009.
Firsthand Report: Catskill Trifecta: Hunter, Plattekill, and Windham
February 16, 2009: Mid-Atlantic skiing is still going strong in February, but once spring starts to settle in, you might still want to ski. Jim Kenney found a way to extend last year’s winter season by heading north to the Catskill Mountains in March. He provides this triple play of a Firsthand Report, describing stops at Hunter Mountain, Plattekill, and Windham. (4 reader comments)
Snowshoe to host Susan G. Komen Ski for the Cure Event
February 14, 2009: On Saturday, February 28, 2009, West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort will host a “Ski for the Cure event” to help raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
Firsthand Report: Snö Mountain
February 14, 2009: DCSki Columnist Lou Botta recently went on a group trip to Pennsylvania’s Snö Mountain (formerly Montage Mountain Resort). Lou provides this detailed Firsthand Report, describing the expert terrain that is among the best in the East and the unusually excellent ski cafeteria food. (4 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Spring Skiing in February at Liberty, February 8, 2009
February 14, 2009: With temperatures approaching 70 last week, DCSki Columnist Jim Chen headed to the mountains for a day mid-winter “spring skiing”at Liberty Mountain Resort on Sunday, February 8. Jim provides this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Shirtsleeve Weather in February at Whitetail, February 7, 2009
February 14, 2009: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman enjoyed unusually warm weather on Saturday, February 7, 2009 by swinging by Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort. There was plenty of snow and fun to go with the mild temperatures. Connie provides this Firsthand Report.
Firsthand Report: Blue Mountain, February 1, 2009
February 7, 2009: DCSki Columnist Lou Botta recently traveled to the Poconos to try out Blue Mountain Ski Area, which offers the highest vertical in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He discovered a lot to like and a lot of potential in the resort. (5 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Big Fun, Big Snow, and Big Adventure at Big Sky, Montana
February 7, 2009: Connie Lawn recently returned from a late-January trip to Big Sky, Montana. She discovered that Big Sky offers an awful lot of terrain per person with low crowds. She provides this Firsthand Report. (5 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Ski the Valley - Canaan and Timberline, West Virginia
January 31, 2009: Jim Kenney recently returned from a weekend trip to West Virginia, where he sampled Timberline and Canaan Valley Resorts. Jim provides this Firsthand Report. (8 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Liberty Mountain Resort - Skiing and Tubing in the Sunshine
January 26, 2009: After a busy week of covering the Presidential Inauguration, Connie Lawn and a friend left Washington on Friday, January 23 for a sunny day skiing and tubing at Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort. Connie provides this Firsthand Report.
Firsthand Report: Powder on Super Tuesday Weekend at WIsp
January 24, 2009: DCSki Columnist Jim Chen spent the Inaugural Weekend on the slopes of Maryland’s Wisp Resort, with a crew consisting of a snowboarder, a telemark skier, two alpiners and a seven year old sold determined to make it down the mountain with turning. Jim provides this Firsthand Report.
Firsthand Report: Super Tuesday at Blue Knob
January 22, 2009: Fleeing the crowds at D.C. on Inauguration Day, Jim Kenney and his three teenage boys headed straight for the slopes of Pennsylvania’s Blue Knob Resort. Jim provides this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
January 19, 2009: DCSki’s Editor spent Sunday evening skiing at Whitetail. He provides some night photos he took from around the base area. (3 reader comments)
New Whitetail Adaptive Sports and Wounded Warrior Program
January 13, 2009: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman visited Whitetail Resort on Sunday, January 11, 2009 to witness the launch of a new adaptive skiing program. They provide this Firsthand Report. (5 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Tubing at Ski Roundtop
January 11, 2009: Disappointed that a promised snowstorm never materialized, Sean Oser headed to Ski Roundtop with his family in tow on Saturday, January 10 for a lazy afternoon of snow tubing. He provides this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
January 11, 2009: DCSki’s Editor met up with a couple friends at Whitetail Resort for some weekday skiing on Friday, January 9. Ice-covered trees provided evidence of freezing rain earlier in the week, but the slopes had nothing but packed powder. Scott provides a photo-packed report, including a virtual video run down the entire length of Sidewinder, Whitetail’s newly-cut trail. (5 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Night Club Card Program at Liberty Mountain Resort
January 6, 2009: Ed Fowler provides a Firsthand Report from Liberty Mountain Resort, as well as information on the Night Club Program, which kicked off last Sunday.
Vail: Getting There is Half the Fun (or: It’s the Misadventures)
January 6, 2009: Vail has been the subject of many DCSki Firsthand Reports: The Colorado ski area offers a setting and conditions that are unparalleled. But sometimes, the adventure — or misadventure — starts before you arrive at the slopes. DCSki Columnist J.R. Patten provides an engaging story in this unconventional Firsthand Report. (7 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Liberty Mountain
January 4, 2009: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman spent Saturday skiing the slopes of Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort. They check in with this Firsthand Report.
Firsthand Report: Return to Massanutten
January 4, 2009: After a five year absence, DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney returned to Virginia’s Massanutten Resort on Friday, January 2, 2009 for a family ski trip. Jim provides this Firsthand Report. (5 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Spring Mountain - A bit of the Midwest in the Mid-Atlantic
January 4, 2009: In late December, DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen visited Spring Mountain, a small ski area just outside of Philadelphia. He found that Spring Mountain offers a bit of midwestern-style skiing. He provides this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Wonders at Whitetail on December 26, 2008
December 27, 2008: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman swung by Whitetail for some post-Christmas fun. They visited the Pennsylvania slopes on December 26, 2008 and tried out Whitetail’s new enhancements, including the new Sidewinder trail. Connie provides this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
December 26, 2008: Timing can be everything: A lack of early December snow meant that The Canyons had little of the “Greatest Snow on Earth” to offer DCSki Columnist J.R. Patten on a recent visit. But this didn’t stop J.R. from checking out the Utah resort and filing this Firsthand Report. (7 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Wisp Lookin’ Good on 53rd Birthday
December 18, 2008: Jim Kenney headed to Maryland’s Wisp Resort for their 53rd Birthday Celebration, and met up with several DCSki readers. He provides this Firsthand Report. (6 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado
December 17, 2008: Following on the heels of their Breckenridge visit, Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman swung by Colorado’s Beaver Creek and Vail Resorts. Connie filed this Firsthand Report.
Firsthand Report: Deer Valley, Utah
December 15, 2008: In the midst of a Colorado ski trip, DCSki’s Editor somehow finds himself skiing in Utah, at the posh Deer Valley Resort. He provides this Firsthand Report. (8 reader comments)
Heroes of the Hills - Breckenridge, Colorado
December 10, 2008: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman check in from Colorado, where they recently attended a “Wounded Warriors” event at Breckenridge. (1 reader comment)
December 10, 2008: Kyle Dodd is a student of meteorology at Penn State. Check out his latest weekly Skier’s Forecast, including his thoughts on the weather for the upcoming week and how it will affect local skiing. (5 reader comments)
Notes from the Road: Return to Breckenridge and Vail Associates
December 9, 2008: Connie Lawn is currently on a Colorado ski trip, attending the Hartford Ski Spectacular at Breckenridge. She checks in with these Notes from the Road.
Seven Springs Resort Purchases Ski Assets at Laurel Mountain State Park
December 8, 2008: The move to re-open Pennsylvania’s Laurel Mountain Ski Area advanced in late November, as Seven Springs officially purchased the ski assets at Laurel Mountain State Park. DCSki provides the latest news, and a detailed look at the storied history of Laurel Mountain. (4 reader comments)
Canaan Valley Resort to Offer Free Skiing on Opening Day
December 8, 2008: West Virginia’s Canaan Valley Resort plans to open for the 2008-2009 winter season on Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 12 noon. To celebrate its opening, free skiing will be provided between noon and 4:30 p.m. The ski area will also offer significantly discounted lodging during opening weekend. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Opening Day at Liberty Mountain Resort
December 7, 2008: Ed Fowler was on hand for Liberty Mountain Resort’s opening day on Saturday, December 6, 2008. He provides this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
Whitetail Cuts Ribbon on New Trail as Season Opens
December 7, 2008: Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort opened for the season on Saturday, December 6, 2008, with seven trails and five lifts in operation. Skiers and snowboarders were able to take Whitetail’s newest trail, Sidewinder, for a spin.
December 4, 2008: Kyle Dodd is a student of meteorology at Penn State, and he’s putting his skills to good use by penning his first Mid-Atlantic Skier’s Forecast for DCSki. Find out Kyle’s thoughts on the weather for the upcoming week, and how it will affect local skiing. (14 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Seven Springs over Thanksgiving Weekend
December 3, 2008: DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen and his family had booked a Thanksgiving trip to Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs Resort, hoping Seven Springs would offer some skiing by the Thanksgiving holiday. They discovered great skiing, with mid-season conditions. Robbie provides this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: First Snowball of the Season at Ski Roundtop
November 30, 2008: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman made their inaugural season runs at Ski Roundtop on Saturday, November 29, 2008. Connie filed this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
What’s New for 2008: Canaan Valley Resort
November 19, 2008: West Virginia’s Canaan Valley Resort is expanding its Terrain Park this year, and will continue to partner with nearby Timberline Resort to offer a “Ski the Valley Pass,” a two-day lift ticket valid at both ski areas. (1 reader comment)
Liberty Mountain Patrol Gears Up for Ski Season
November 18, 2008: With the ski season rapidly approaching, DCSki Columnist (and volunteer ski patroller) Jim Chen provides a look at the preparations Liberty Mountain ski patrollers go through before the lifts start running. This past weekend, Liberty patrollers met for their annual “On-The-Hill” refresher, the first of many training sessions designed to ready patrollers for any emergency that might arise on the slopes. Jim also reports that Liberty was recently awarded with a prestigious award for their “National Safety Week Program.” (1 reader comment)
Aggressive Snowmaking Underway, as Resorts Race Towards Opening (Updated)
November 18, 2008: Have you noticed a chill in the air? Local ski resorts sure have. And many are taking advantage of it to fire up the snowguns. Mother Nature is also lending a hand, dumping nearly two feet of snow over higher-elevation resorts. Late November is being kind to Mid-Atlantic skiers, setting up resorts to offer some of the best early season conditions in recent memory. DCSki provides a complete update. Updated on November 20, 2008. (5 reader comments)
North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain Opens
November 17, 2008: A dip in temperatures this past weekend allowed North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain Resort to fire up its guns, and it made enough snow to launch its season at 9 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2008.
Spring Ski Vacation in Quebec City
November 16, 2008: There are ski trips and then there are ski vacations. During the last week of March, 2008, DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney traveled with his wife and two teenage children to Quebec City in Eastern Canada. They enjoyed a whirlwind weekend tour of Old Quebec City, topped off by some great skiing at Mont Sainte Anne and Le Massif. Jim provides this detailed Firsthand Report.
What’s New for 2008: Elk Mountain
November 16, 2008: Elk Mountain has increased snowmaking by adding an additional water pump, 66 new tower guns, and 10 new Areco fan guns. A couple trails were also re-graded.
What’s New for 2008: Seven Springs Resort
November 15, 2008: Visitors to Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs Resort will find a collection of small improvements across the resort this winter, including a re-worked Wagner slope, enhanced snowmaking, and new learning programs.
What’s New for 2008: Blue Mountain Ski Area
November 15, 2008: Pennsylvania’s Blue Mountain Ski Area has invested over $3.1 million in capital improvements over the summer, adding a new trail, new base facilities, and beefing up snowmaking.
What’s New for 2008: Winterplace Resort
November 15, 2008: Some snowmaking enhancements to Winterplace Resort should allow the West Virginia ski area to open trails earlier in the season.
What’s New for 2008: Whitetail Resort
November 15, 2008: Whitetail has had a very busy summer, putting the finishing touches on the most mountain improvements the Pennsylvania ski area has seen in the last decade. Visitors this winter will find a brand new trail, as well as a new double chairlift installed specifically to service the terrain park. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2008: Tussey Mountain
November 15, 2008: Tussey Mountain’s Avalanche Tubing Park is being upsized this winter, with the addition of new lifts and lanes. The Pennsylvania ski area is also installing more efficient snowguns on the mountain.
What’s New for 2008: Shawnee Mountain
November 15, 2008: Shawnee Mountain is thinking “green” this winter, installing more efficient snow guns and instituting a Recycling Program throughout the resort.
What’s New for 2008: Ski Roundtop
November 15, 2008: Ski Roundtop was one of the first ski areas in the region to offer snow tubing, and tubers will notice a big change this winter: a new Tubing Margic Carpet, covered by its own roof. Roundtop has also added new Areco snow towers at strategic places on several trails.
What’s New for 2008: Camelback
November 15, 2008: Camelback will eliminate the use of 50,000 gallon of diesel fuel annually through its purchase of 110 new low-energy snow guns. Improved lighting and a new park groomer round out improvements at the Pennsylvania ski area.
What’s New for 2008: Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain
November 15, 2008: Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain is installing an additional Magic Carpet lift on its beginner hill, and making enhancements to snowmaking and its terrain park.
What’s New for 2008: Bear Creek
November 15, 2008: Pennsylvania’s Bear Creek Mountain Resort has added a new quad chairlift and amped up its snowmaking arsenal with fourteen new automated guns.
Liberty Mountain to Purchase Carroll Valley Golf Course and Resort
November 11, 2008: In early November, Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain ski resort announced its plans to purchase the Carroll Valley Golf Course and Resort, located just next door to the ski area. DCSki Columnist (and Liberty volunteer ski patroller) Jim Chen provides an update on the purchase, as well as his thoughts on how it may affect the ski area in the future. (1 reader comment)
Early Snow Provides Hint of Strong Ski Season
November 1, 2008: In this campaign season, voters may have been wary of an “October Surprise,” but mid-Atlantic skiers and boarders were treated to an October Surprise that they probably have no quarrel with: snow at some higher-elevation ski areas.
National Ski and Snowboard Expo Returns to Dulles Expo Center November 7-9, 2008
November 1, 2008: The 2008 National Ski and Snowboard Expo will be held at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia from November 7-9, 2008, providing a chance for D.C. area skiers and boarders to interact with over 100 nationally recognized ski resorts, travel destinations, manufacturers and retailers.
Winter Weather Predictions for the Mid-Atlantic: 2008-2009 Ski Season
October 31, 2008: Ed Fowler is not a meteorologist, but he is a die-hard skier who studies a variety of weather resources each fall in an effort to predict what might be in store for skiers and snowboarders in the winter. Ed provides his predictions for the upcoming ski season in this guest story. (16 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Ski Center Ski Swap
October 26, 2008: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney visited the ski swap at the Ski Center of Washington D.C. on Sunday, October 26, 2008, and found some great deals. The swap benefits the Ski Liberty Ski Patrol. Jim provides this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Vail in the Fall
October 26, 2008: DCSki’s Editor discovered that the skiing at Vail in October really stinks. Thankfully, everything else about Vail in October is magical. Scott provides this detailed Firsthand Report from a recent trip to Colorado’s Vail Resort. (3 reader comments)
Seven Springs Snowsports School: A Firsthand Report from the School Director
October 20, 2008: Iwan Fuchs, guest contributor to DCSki.com and Snowsports School Director at Seven Springs, provides this update on the services that will be offered by the Snowsports School at Seven Springs this winter.
October 20, 2008: Connie Lawn visited Liberty Mountain Resort on October 19, 2008 for their Fall Festival. She provides this Firsthand Report.
Firsthand Report: A Long Summer Ski Week in July at the Feegletscher in Saas-Fee, Switzerland
October 19, 2008: Iwan Fuchs, Snowsports School Director at Seven Springs, spent a week in late July in his native Switzerland coaching at the Ski Academy Switzerland week. He provides his Firsthand Report. (10 reader comments)
The Black Diamonds of Quebec City
October 17, 2008: Vince Kenney and his family visited the Quebec City area of eastern Canada in late March 2008 for some late-season skiing. Vince provides this Firsthand Report. (5 reader comments)
What’s New for 2008: Sugar Mountain Resort
September 30, 2008: Minor snowmaking upgrades highlight improvements at North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain Resort this winter.
Sunspots Could Spell a Colder Winter
September 29, 2008: Guest Author Ed Fowler looks to the stars — or one specifically, our sun — and hypothesizes that a decrease in sunspots could mean a colder winter is in the cards. (5 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: The Ski Club of Washington DC Rocks at Ski Fest 2008
September 23, 2008: Connie Lawn recently attended Ski Fest 2008, sponsored by the the Ski Club of Washington DC, one of the largest ski clubs in the nation. She provides this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2008: Hidden Valley Resort
September 14, 2008: After seeing a frenzy of improvements in late 2007, Pennslyvania’s Hidden Valley Resort isn’t taking a breather. Now in its second year of ownership by The Buncher Company, Hidden Valley is continuing on an aggressive schedule of enhancements with the installation of a new quad chairlift, and the addition of 50 state-of-the-art snowguns.
What’s New for 2008: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
September 14, 2008: This fall, West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort will be installing a mid-station to its Western Express lift, allowing the upper half of Cupp Run and Shay’s Revenge to open earlier in the season.
What’s New for 2008: Wintergreen Resort
September 8, 2008: A snowmaking upgrade at Wintergreen will bring more snow earlier in the season to the slopes of the Virginia resort.
Busy Summer Underway at Whitetail
August 23, 2008: Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort is busy making capital improvements for the upcoming winter season, but is also welcoming summer and fall guests to try their hand at fly fishing or play a round of golf.
Agreement with Seven Springs May Provide Catalyst to Re-Open Laurel Mountain
August 21, 2008: The roller coaster history of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Mountain Resort is about to take another turn. An expected cash infusion from the state of Pennsylvania and an agreement by nearby Seven Springs Resort may provide the catalyst to re-open Laurel Mountain, although it is not clear whether the steps necessary to re-open the area will be completed this year. (2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: The Canyons, Utah
August 6, 2008: DCSki’s newest Columnist, J.R. Patten, just returned from a trip to The Canyons Resort. While most visit the Utah resort in the winter to take advantage of its deep powder and 3,700 acres of skiable terrain, J.R. discovered there’s more than one reason to visit during the “off season.” (10 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Sundance Resort, Utah
August 3, 2008: A recent business trip drew Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman to Utah, where they swung by Sundance Resort for a summer visit. Connie provides this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
Liberty, Roundtop, and Whitetail Offer $399 Three Mountain Season Pass
July 27, 2008: Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain, Roundtop, and Whitetail Resorts will be offering a “3 Mountain” season pass for $399 for the upcoming winter season. (3 reader comments)
What’s New for 2008: Liberty Mountain Resort
July 13, 2008: Liberty Mountain Resort is spending $3.6 million in capital improvements this summer, including a significant lodge expansion and continued enhancement of snowmaking. (2 reader comments)
Hiking Day and Night at Shenandoah: A Firsthand Report
July 8, 2008: Despite an ominous rainy forecast, DCSki’s Editor spent Sunday, July 7 hiking at Shenandoah National Park. One daytime circuit hike dipped into the valley and shadowed waterfalls, while an evening circuit hike led to the highest peak in the Park for a spectacular sunset, revealed by breaking storm clouds. (5 reader comments)
Crossing the Hudson on Horseback
June 29, 2008: While attending her son’s wedding, DCSki Columnist Connie Lawn visited the 1000 Acres Ranch Resort in New York. There was no skiing (not at this time of year, anyway), but she did try out activities such as horseback riding, and filed this Firsthand Report.
Choosing the Right Skis and Boots, and Summer Skiing in Switzerland
June 27, 2008: Guest contributor Iwan Fuchs, Snowsports School Director for Seven Springs Resort, checks in with some of his thoughts on choosing the right skis and boots. Iwan also provides some notes about skiing in his native Switzerland during the summer. He will be skiing and working at the Ski Academy Switzerland in August.
Springtime Snapshots: The Canaan Valley Region in Late Spring
June 25, 2008: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood recently made a trip to the Canaan Valley region of West Virginia, where he visited Dolly Sods, Roaring Plains (South Prong Trail), and the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. He provides some photos from his visit. (2 reader comments)
Breaking News: Whitetail Adds New Trail, Lift
May 5, 2008: Whitetail Resort is currently embarking on a “summer of upgrades,” cutting a new trail and installing a new double lift to service the terrain park. (15 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Beaver Creek
April 20, 2008: Robbie Allen believes he has found heaven on earth, during a late-season trip to Colorado’s Beaver Creek Resort. He provides this Firsthand Report from a recent trip. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Belleayre Mountain, April 10, 2008
April 20, 2008: Brenton Archut closed out his season by heading north to New York’s Belleayre Mountain for some late-season snowboarding. He provides this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Vail - The Killington of the West
April 20, 2008: He may normally spend his time skiing at out-of-the-way and lesser known ski areas, but for Spring Break, Robbie Allen took his family to one of the most popular ski resorts in the world: Vail. He provides this Firsthand Report.
Guess What? It’s Not Too Late to Ski
April 3, 2008: The vast majority of Mid-Atlantic resorts have ended their ski and snowboarding season. However, if you’re itching to get in a few last turns, it’s not too late. Several resorts plan to offer skiing and boarding for one last weekend, on April 5 and 6. (4 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Chestnut Mountain Resort - Towboats, Trains, and Tough Terrain!
March 30, 2008: Tucked away in the Northwest corner of Illinois on a high rocky bluff overlooking the Mississippi River is a ski area that offers a surprisingly steep vertical. Robbie Allen describes a late-season visit to Chestnut Mountain Resort in this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Going Further Afield: Mountain High - A True SoCal Experience
March 19, 2008: Robbie Allen’s travels took him all the way to the West Coast, where he grudgingly left a sun-kissed beach to head into the mountains, discovering a ski area where the boarders outnumber the skiers. He provides this Firsthand Report from California’s Mountain High Resort. (2 reader comments)
Who’s Open? A Detailed Look at Mid-Atlantic Ski Areas
March 17, 2008: Spring is a mixed blessing: Mid-Atlantic resorts begin to close one by one, but the weather is nice and the rates can’t be beat. DCSki provides a detailed look at the current operating status of Mid-Atlantic ski areas.
Firsthand Report: Elk Mountain
March 15, 2008: He may have a season pass at Blue Mountain, but Brenton Archut finds himself visiting Pennsylvania’s Elk Mountain at least once a season, and always yearns to return. In this Firsthand Report, Brenton describes a memorable trip he made to Elk on March 11, 2008. (4 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Ski Utah Ability Awareness Trip
March 15, 2008: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman recently returned from a magical week in Utah, where they visited several ski areas to learn about adaptive programs, including Park City, Snowbasin, Snowbird, and Sundance. Learn more about their trip in this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
Western Wanderings: Alpine Meadows and Diamond Peak
March 9, 2008: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman check in with a firsthand report from California’s Alpine Meadows and Nevada’s Diamond Peak - two ski areas located near Lake Tahoe. (2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Bryce Resort
March 5, 2008: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney led a youth group of about 20 skiers and snowboarders to Virginia’s Bryce Resort on March 1, 2008. He provides this Firsthand Report.
Firsthand Report: Wounded Warrior Weekend at Snowshoe Mountain Resort
March 5, 2008: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman visited West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort February 23-24, 2008, where they observed Snowshoe’s first Wounded Warrior Weekend. The event brought wounded service members to the slopes of Snowshoe to learn how to ski and snowboard. Connie filed this Firsthand Report, describing both the event and the overall skiing experience at Snowshoe. (1 reader comment)
March Signals Arrival of Mid-Atlantic Resort Festivals
March 5, 2008: It’s March, and that means it’s time for spring festivals at Mid-Atlantic resorts. A number of resorts will hold carnivals and festivals in the coming weeks, bringing fun activities to the slopes such as pond-skimming contests, games, live music, and prizes.
DCSki Gathering at Blue Knob: A Pictorial
February 25, 2008: A group of eleven DCSki readers converged on Pennsylvania’s Blue Knob Resort on Sunday, February 24, 2008 for a day of sunny skiing. Jim Kenney provides this pictorial and report. (2 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Detroit Rock City - Mt. Holly
February 25, 2008: As DCSki’s roving columnist, Robbie Allen has made a habit of visiting small ski areas across the country. His latest visit was to Mt. Holly, an area that rises above Michigan thanks to an unusual land swap with a mining company. (2 reader comments)
Results of the 2008 DCSki Annual Survey: Top Resorts in the Mid-Atlantic
February 22, 2008: During January, DCSki asked its readers to complete a survey, ranking Mid-Atlantic ski areas in a number of categories. Over 100 readers filled out this detailed survey, providing a measurement of what local resorts are doing well, and what they could be doing better. We also asked readers to cast a critical eye on DCSki itself. The results are in, so kick back, relax, and see if you agree with readers’ picks for best resort in various categories.
Skiing Horizontal and/or Vertical? A Seven Springs Update by Iwan Fuchs
February 21, 2008: DCSki Contributor Iwan Fuchs checks in with some thoughts on the ski industry, after returning from his native Switzerland this past summer to take the helm as Snowsports School Director at Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs Resort. Iwan describes a recent light, music, and formation skiing/boarding event at Seven Springs, and also touches on whether instruction should focus more on “horizontal” skiing than “vertical” skiing. (12 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Gliders and Sunshine at Liberty Mountain Resort
February 18, 2008: Connie Lawn swung by Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort on Saturday, February 16, 2008. She provides this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Tips for Avoiding Crowds on Weekends
February 18, 2008: DCSki’s best tip is to ski on weekdays: crowds are often nonexistent, and it’s usually less expensive, too. But what if your schedule only allows you to ski on weekends? No worries. DCSki Columnist Matthew Graham provides his “top ten” tips for avoiding weekend crowds at Mid-Atlantic ski areas. (6 reader comments)
February 18, 2008: George Lyle and his family recently returned from a great ski trip to Vermont’s Stratton Mountain. George provides this detailed Firsthand Report.
Wounded Warrior Weekend Comes to Liberty
February 14, 2008: On March 1-2, 2008, the Blue Ridge Adaptive Snow Sports (BRASS) will host a Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project Snow Sports Weekend at Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort. (1 reader comment)
February 12, 2008: Last season, DCSki Columnist Matthew Graham visited Colorado’s Vail Resort. Even though a friend broke her arm on the trip, Matthew describes the trip as one of his best ski trips ever. (1 reader comment)
February 10, 2008: DCSki Reader M. Ethan Ross visited Virginia’s Massanutten Resort midweek last week, and describes the trip in this Firsthand Report. (4 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park
February 10, 2008: As DCSki’s wandering Columnist, Robbie Allen uncovers a lot of smaller ski areas across the country. In his latest report, he describes the Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park. Located near Chicago, this area was originally only for snowboarders. Today, the area is one large terrain park (open to double plankers as well now). (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Whitetail Resort on Groundhog Day
February 10, 2008: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman visited Whitetail Resort on Groundhog Day, just after Whitetail had experienced the effects of a small ice storm. Icy conditions caused Connie to reflect on slope safety. She also describes the Adaptive Skiing program at the Pennslyvania resort. (6 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Cloudmont - Alabama Skiing!
February 3, 2008: DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen travels the country looking for tiny, out-of-the-way ski areas. For a decade he has tried unsuccessfully to ski in Alabama at a small area named Cloudmont. Find out whether he finally succeeded in this Firsthand Report. (5 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Game On at Blue Knob
February 3, 2008: Jim Kenney provides this Firsthand Report of a recent visit to Pennsylvania’s Blue Knob Resort, where he encountered great terrain for beginners and experts alike. (3 reader comments)
Wintergreen and the Fourth Annual Wounded Warrior Weekend
February 2, 2008: From January 25-27, 2008, Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman participated in the Wounded Warrior Weekend at Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort. The event introduces wounded soldiers to skiing. Connie filed this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Canaan Valley, Timberline, and Special Love Families
January 27, 2008: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman ventured to the Canaan Valley region of West Virginia January 18-21, 2008 to participate in Special Love, which brings families with children battling cancer to the slopes. Connie describes the trip, which included visits to Canaan Valley and Timberline Resorts. (5 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Pando Park - the Snurfer Capitol of the World
January 26, 2008: DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen ventured to Pando Winter Sports Park, a tiny and historic ski hill in Michigan. He describes the area in this report. (7 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Hidden Valley, PA - a New Beginning
January 22, 2008: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney had never visited Hidden Valley Resort, so it was with great interest that he took his family to the revitalized Pennsylvania ski area to discover why so many DCSki readers are passionate about the resort. He learned why, and shares his experience in this Firsthand Report. (15 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Geared Up for MLK Weekend at Seven Springs
January 21, 2008: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney and his family got a head start on MLK weekend and swung by Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs Resort for an enjoyable day and evening of skiing. Jim provides this Firsthand Report from their January 18, 2008 trip. (7 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Snow, Sunshine, and Beautiful Trails in Tahoe
January 17, 2008: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman visited several ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe region frmo January 8-13, 2008. They filed this Firsthand Report, describing a whirlwind press trip that included lots of skiing and lots of eating. (3 reader comments)
January 16, 2008: DCSki Reader M. Ethan Ross visited Whitetail on a weekday last week, as unseasonably warm temperatures ate away at snow bases throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Ethan provides this irreverent look at his trip. He discovered admirable conditions despite the challenging weather. Thankfully, cold temperatures have returned, and Whitetail is on track to have 70% of its terrain open by this weekend. (9 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Two Dueling Michigan Areas
January 16, 2008: Robbie Allen enjoys traveling the midwest, sampling smaller ski areas across the country. In his latest story (and as DCSki’s newest Columnist), Robbie finds two nearby Michigan areas — Timber Ridge and Bittersweet - that remind him in ways of the past rivalry between Liberty and Whitetail. (4 reader comments)
The Long and Winding Road to Bryce Resort - Skiing with the Camp Fantastic/Special Love Children
January 10, 2008: In her 100th story for DCSki, Connie Lawn describes a visit to Virginia’s Bryce Resort on January 5, 2008. During the trip, Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman participated in Special Love and Camp Fantastic, which brings children recovering from serious diseases such as cancer to the slopes for a day of fun and instruction. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Ski Roundtop
January 8, 2008: Ed Fowler visited Ski Roundtop on Sunday, January 6, 2008 for some Nastar racing. He provides this Firsthand Report.
January 6, 2008: Going on a road trip to the slopes with your family in tow can be a wonderful experience, or a disaster, and it often comes down to effective planning. DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney provides a wealth of useful tips on planning the perfect family road trip, leveraging his own experience and the experience of other Mid-Atlantic ski dads. (5 reader comments)
Looking Back: The Top 25 Most Popular Stories of 2007
January 5, 2008: During 2007, DCSki published 107 original news stories, feature reports, and Firsthand Reports from 15 individual contributors. (Readers contributed over 500 comments on stories, in addition to thousands of posts in the DCSki Message Forum.) The following list contains the 25 most popular articles DCSki published during 2007, starting with the most-read article.
January 2, 2008: The mercury began falling on New Year’s Day, settling in below freezing and accompanied by a snow storm that is dumping powder across many resorts in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Firsthand Report: The Beast of the East: Killington, Vermont
January 1, 2008: Brenton Archut braved treacherous roads to visit Vermont’s Killington Resort from December 16-21, 2007. He provides this detailed Firsthand Report. (4 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Winterplace Resort
January 1, 2008: Guest contributor George Lyle and his daughter headed to the slopes of West Virginia’s Winterplace Resort for their inaugural trip of the season on December 27, 2007. George provides this Firsthand Report.
Preview of the Wounded Warrior Weekend at Wintergreen
December 30, 2007: Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort will be hosting its fourth Wounded Warrior Weekend January 25-27, 2008. Connie Lawn provides a preview.
Firsthand Report: Christmas Eve at Liberty
December 30, 2007: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman visited Liberty Mountain Resort on Christmas Eve, and filed this Firsthand Report.
Firsthand Report: Pre-Christmas Bonfire and Winterfest at Whitetail
December 30, 2007: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman visited Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort on December 22, 2007. They filed this Firsthand Report, describing pre-Christmas conditions and Whitetail’s Winterfest festivities.
Resorts Head Into Holiday Week with Plenty of Snow
December 20, 2007: There might not be snow on the ground outside of your house, but it will be a white Christmas at Mid-Atlantic ski areas.
Firsthand Report: Misty Mountain Hop at Wisp Resort
December 11, 2007: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney headed to the slopes of Maryland’s Wisp Resort this past weekend for his inaugural ski trip, coinciding with Wisp’s 52nd birthday celebration. Jim provides this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
Blogging from Breckenridge, Part Three
December 11, 2007: Connie Lawn provides her third and final installment of notes from the Wounded Warriors and Disabled Skiers Conference in Breckenridge, Colorado. (5 reader comments)
Fisrthand Report: Opening Day, Liberty Mountain Resort
December 9, 2007: Ed Fowler visited Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort on opening day. He provides this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Blogging from Breckenridge, Part Two
December 7, 2007: Connie Lawn is currently in Breckenridge, Colorado, attending the Wounded Warriors and Disabled Skiers Conference. She provides these latest notes direct from the slopes.
Complete Breakdown of Opening Dates
December 6, 2007: If you live in the Mid-Atlantic, you’ll have your pick of several dozen resorts to ski or snowboard at this weekend. DCSki provides a complete breakdown of opening-day plans for resorts from North Carolina up through northern Pennsylvania. Cold temperatures and natural snow have produced remarkable early-season conditions.
Hidden Valley Plans “Soft Opening” This Weekend
December 6, 2007: Although Hidden Valley Resort won’t celebrate its activity-packed grand opening until December 15, the Pennsylvania ski area will have a “soft opening” this weekend, December 8 and 9, 2007, with limited terrain open for skiing and boarding.
Winter Storm Brings Fresh Powder to Mid-Atlantic Resorts
December 4, 2007: A winter storm has dumped over half a foot of snow on high-elevation resorts in West Virginia, western Maryland, and western Pennsylvania, serving as an early-season treat to skiers and snowboarders. Learn more in this article. (1 reader comment)
Hidden Valley Resort Plans Festivities for Grand Opening
December 4, 2007: Pennsylvania’s Hidden Valley Resort is preparing to launch its first season under new ownership. The resort’s grand opening on Saturday, December 15 will be filled with festivities.
Blogging from Breckenridge: The Wounded Warriors and Disabled Skiers Conference
December 4, 2007: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman are spending the week in Breckenridge, Colorado, covering the Wounded Warriors and Disabled Skiers Conference. Connie describes the first three days of the event in this article. (2 reader comments)
New DCSki Feature: Resort Webcams
December 3, 2007: Many Mid-Atlantic web sites have webcams, and DCSki makes it easy to find them. Use the new DCSki Webcams page to view direct links to resort webcam pages, or to view a selection of live snapshots straight from the slopes. You can find the Webcams page by navigating to the main Weather tab, then selecting “Resort Webcams.”
The Transplanted: A DC Skier Heads West
December 1, 2007: Many DCSki readers know Tim Romano and his wife Madeline. They’re regular attendees at DCSki slope-side gatherings. After spending 28 years in the DC area, Tim recently packed up and moved to Logan, Utah. DCSki Columnist John Sherwood interviews Tim to learn about the differences in skiing and lifestyle between the Mid-Atlantic region and a state that includes the word “Ski” on its license plate. (4 reader comments)
An Update on Mid-Atlantic Resort Openings
November 29, 2007: A trickle of Mid-Atlantic resort openings in early November is growing into a steady stream. DCSki provides the latest update. (3 reader comments)
Private Gated Community Under Development at Snowshoe
November 29, 2007: A new 22-acre gated residential community is currently under construction at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort, featuring the first 100 percent Energy Star-rated homes in West Virginia.
Seven Springs Appoints Iwan Fuchs New Snowsports School Director
November 16, 2007: Seven Springs recently announced the appointment of a new Snowsports School Director, and the name may be familiar to DCSki readers. Iwan Fuchs, a Guest Columnist at DCSki, recently returned to the east coast from his native Switzerland, and will be heading up the Snowsports School at Seven Springs Resort. (2 reader comments)
November 16, 2007: Starting Thursday and continuing into Friday, many higher-elevation resorts throughout the mid-Atlantic region received their first significant snowstorm of the season. Several inches of snow fell in some parts, covering slopes and providing a strong hint that the ski season is just around the corner. (2 reader comments)
What’s New for 2007: Seven Springs Resort
November 16, 2007: Over the summer, Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs Resort added its second “six pack” high-speed lift. At a cost of $3 million, the new lift reduces travel time up the North Face from 12 minutes to three.
What’s New for 2007: Timberline Resort
November 16, 2007: Timberline has added 40 additional snow guns to its snowmaking arsenal. (17 reader comments)
Hidden Valley Unveils Vision for Future
November 15, 2007: On November 15, 2007, the Buncher Company shared its vision for Hidden Valley, just 75 days after purchasing the four-season resort. Learn more about improvements in store for the Pennsylvania ski area. (2 reader comments)
What’s New for 2007: Hidden Valley Resort
November 15, 2007: It’s been a busy fall for Hidden Valley Resort. After changing ownership on August 31, 2007, a raft of improvements has been made in preparation for the 2007-2008 winter season. Find out more about dozens of changes at Hidden Valley, and a sneak peak at what future years will offer.
What’s New for 2007: Camelback Ski Area
November 15, 2007: Pennsylvania’s Camelback Ski Area has improved lighting at the halfpipe, installed two handle tows at the terrain park and halfpipe, and installed a Magic Carpet conveyor lift in the Tubing Park.
November 13, 2007: Snow has made its debut in the mid-Atlantic region, from both the sky and snowguns. Today’s News Briefs provides a roundup of current conditions, and confirms that the new owners of Hidden Valley will unveil a master plan on November 17 detailing the future of the resort.
What’s New for 2007: Blue Mountain Ski Area
November 12, 2007: Pennsylvania’s Blue Mountain Ski Area has increased snowmaking capacity between 15-20 percent and built a new building at the snow tubing area.
What’s New for 2007: Liberty Mountain Resort
November 12, 2007: Guests will find enhanced snowmaking and dozens of improvements scattered across the resort at Liberty Mountain this winter.
What’s New for 2007: Ski Sawmill
November 12, 2007: A number of small improvements are on tap for the 2007-2008 winter season at Ski Sawmill.
Firsthand Report: Hiking the Kalalau Trail
November 12, 2007: Some people start running on a treadmill to get ready for the ski season. DCSki Columnist Lou Botta had another idea: he decided to hike the Kalalau Trail in Kawaii, one of the most strenuous hikes in the U.S. Lou provides this detailed Firsthand Report. (6 reader comments)
What’s New for 2007: Wisp Resort
November 12, 2007: Wisp has added a new year-round Mountain Coaster, and built a new facility at the Bear Claw Tubing Park. Burton’s Learn to Ride Freestyle Center is also coming to Wisp this winter.
November 8, 2007: Sugar Mountain wasn’t the only North Carolina ski area to open on Wednesday. Cataloochee Ski Area also opened two slopes on November 7, 2007.
Sugar Mountain Opens for Skiing
November 7, 2007: North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain Resort began its winter season at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, November 7, 2007, becoming the first ski area in the region to open.
November 7, 2007: Snowshoe, Sugar Mountain Begin Snowmaking; Canaan Valley and Timberline Team Up with Joint Lift Ticket; Canaan Valley Region Receives Dusting of Snow; Wisp Offers Year-Round Mountain Coaster.
Firsthand Report: Snapshots from Shenandoah
November 3, 2007: On Friday, November 2, DCSki’s Editor spent the day at Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park hiking and taking photos. He provides a collection of 28 photos in this Firsthand Report. (Warning: photos could take awhile to load on a slow Internet connection!) (10 reader comments)
Whitetail’s 7th Annual Great Outdoors Festival: A Firsthand Report
October 28, 2007: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman attended Whitetail’s 7th Annual Great Outdoors Festival, held October 27-28, 2007 at the Pennsylvania resort. They provide this Firsthand Report, including a look at Whitetail’s snowmaking facilities.
Going Further Afield: Boston Mills Ski Resort (Without Snow)
October 28, 2007: If you thought you saw a small ski area flash by on the right as you drove northwest on the Ohio Turnpike, you weren’t mistaken. DCSki’s Editor went exploring and found two small ski areas tucked into the side of the valley in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. (5 reader comments)
October 28, 2007: New snowguns arrive at Hidden Valley Resort; local retail shops honored by Ski Magazine; North Carolina Ski Areas Association offers Golf Cards. (2 reader comments)
Winter Weather Predictions for the Mid-Atlantic
October 25, 2007: Although he’s not a meteorologist, Ed Fowler spends time each October studying forecasts from multiple sources in an effort to make predictions about the upcoming ski season. He shares his predictions for the 2007-2008 Mid-Atlantic winter season in this guest article. (4 reader comments)
April in Keystone, Colorado: A Firsthand Report
October 24, 2007: In April, Jim Kenney and his family visited Colorado’s Keystone ski area. In Colorado skiing circles, Keystone is often overlooked by its more prominent neighbors, but Kenney found the area to have great snow, diverse terrain, and low crowds. Learn more in his detailed Firsthand Report. (7 reader comments)
Ski Liberty Fall Festival: A Firsthand Report
October 23, 2007: Connie Lawn visited the Fall Fest and Customer Appreciation Picnic at Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort on October 21, 2007. She provides this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
The Fagowees Ski Club Meeting - a Firsthand Report
October 8, 2007: Connie Lawn recently attended a meeting of the Fagowee Ski Club, which has been serving the D.C. area since 1966. She provides this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
Sunshine, Steeplechase, and Ski Roundtop: A Firsthand Report
October 3, 2007: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman recently attended the Ski Roundtop Timber Steeplechase at Shawan Downs, where they touched based with Irv Naylor, owner of Ski Roundtop, Liberty, and Whitetail. They filed this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
October 2, 2007: Iwan F. Fuchs spent the past two years as a ski instructor in his native Switzerland, but is returning to the East Coast. In this guest column, he describes his bittersweet feelings about leaving Switzerland and his latest thoughts on snowsports. (3 reader comments)
The Ski Club of Washington DC’s SkiFest - A Firsthand Report
September 17, 2007: On September 15, 2007, Connie Lawn attended SkiFest, an event sponsored by the Ski Club of Washington DC (SCWDC). SCWDC is one of the largest ski clubs in the nation, with over 2,200 members. She describes the event in this Firsthand Report. (4 reader comments)
What’s New for 2007: Sugar Mountain
September 10, 2007: Ice skating will join the menu of activities available at Sugar Mountain Resort this winter, as the North Carolina ski area adds a 10,000 square foot refrigerated, outdoor ice skating rink.
Hidden Valley Resort Changes Hands
September 4, 2007: On August 31, 2007, Hidden Valley Four Seasons Resort changed ownership from the Kettler family to the Buncher Company, a Pittsburgh-based real estate developer. This transaction marks a new chapter in the history of the Pennsylvania resort, and ends months of speculation over the fate of the ski area and year-round resort. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2007: Sno Mountain
September 3, 2007: Terrain park enhancements are on tap at Pennsylvania’s Sno Mountain this winter.
What’s New for 2007: Bear Creek
September 3, 2007: Pennsylvania’s Bear Creek Mountain Resort is constructing a new, 80,000 square-foot facility at the base of its slopes, providing additional hotel rooms, meeting space, a deli, and a spa.
A Look Back at DCSki’s First Decade
August 12, 2007: DCSki first hit the web during the summer of 1997, and since then, it has undergone a continuous evolution. We take a look back at the first decade of DCSki as we prepare to unveil the latest evolution in DCSki’s design. (7 reader comments)
What’s New for 2007: Whitetail
August 12, 2007: Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort is making several enhancements this summer, improving snowmaking, adding a new groomer, upgrading its fleet of webcams, and improving the tubing area.
What’s New for 2007: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
August 11, 2007: Snowshoe Mountain Resort is in the process of cutting three new trails for the 2007-2008 winter season, including a glade trail. (12 reader comments)
What’s New for 2007: Shawnee Mountain
August 7, 2007: Shawnee Mountain is investing $2 million in capital improvements, moving 40,000 cubic yards of earth around to increase the size of its snowmaking pond while building a new Beginners Area and Learning Center.
Intrawest Appoints New President of Snowshoe, Affirms Resort Will Not be Sold
August 1, 2007: Intrawest recently appointed Bill Rock as President and Chief Operating Officer of West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort, while affirming that the corporation has no plans to sell Snowshoe. Last fall, Intrawest was purchased by a private equity firm. Intrawest owns or operates many ski areas including Snowshoe and Whistler Blackcomb. (1 reader comment)
Going Further Afield: Aspen Extreme! (Well, maybe Mt. Brighton)
April 7, 2007: In March, DCSki’s Traveling Correspondent Robbie Allen visited the hallowed grounds of Mt. Brighton, Michigan, which was the launching point for two skiers in a classic Hollywood skiing movie. (14 reader comments)
Paradise at Crested Butte, Colorado: March 28 - April 1, 2007
April 7, 2007: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman recently returned from a trip to Colorado’s Crested Butte, where they attended the annual North American Snowsports Journalists Association convention. They provide this Firsthand Report.
A Late Ski Winter Escape to Switzerland
April 3, 2007: Writing from Switzerland, Iwan F. Fuchs provides some tips on finding good spring skiing deals in Switzerland. Before moving back to Switzerland, Iwan served as the Ski School Director at Pennsylvania’s Hidden Valley Resort. (13 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Crystal Ridge Ski Area, Wisconsin
April 3, 2007: In a recent midwest skiing adventure, Robbie Allen skied a trash heap. Literally. In this Firsthand Report he describes skiing at Crystal Ridge, a ski area located on a landfill in the city limits of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (16 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: The Home of the Newest Ski Conglomerate - St Louis, MO?
March 22, 2007: Robbie Allen’s midwest travels recently took him to St. Louis Missouri, where he discovered another Hidden Valley Ski Area. (4 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Liberty Mountain Resort, March 18, 2007
March 22, 2007: Connie Lawn made her final trip of the season to Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort this past Sunday. She filed this Firsthand Report and video snippet. (2 reader comments)
Who’s Open? A Detailed Look at Mid-Atlantic Ski Areas
March 20, 2007: The season isn’t over — far from it. Thanks to a dumping of natural snow this past weekend, many mid-Atlantic ski areas are in prime form as the end of March nears. A few resorts have thrown in the towel, but the majority of mid-Atlantic resorts will remain open through this weekend, with some aiming to stay open until April 1 or later. DCSki provides a complete roundup as of March 20, 2007. (6 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Ski Snowstar
March 19, 2007: Continuing his travels across the midwest, Robbie Allen stops by a small Illinois ski area, expecting little at first but finding that the area grows on you. (6 reader comments)
Colorado Quickie: A Firsthand Report
March 19, 2007: Matthew Graham and Karen Carra took advantage of discounted flights to Denver to make a quick Colorado ski trip, visiting Loveland Ski Area, Copper Mountain, and a frozen lake. Learn about their trip in this Firsthand Report. (6 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Mad River Mountain
March 19, 2007: In February, Robbie Allen skied Mad River Mountain. No — not the Mad River you’re thinking of, but about 500 miles southwest. Learn more in Robbie’s Firsthand Report. (6 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Whitetail, March 11, 2007
March 18, 2007: Connie Lawn skied one last time at Whitetail Resort on March 11, 2007, enjoying Springfest, the Pond Skimming competition, and a live band. Whitetail closed for the season on March 18 at 5 p.m. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Epic Conditions at Whitetail, March 7, 2007
March 8, 2007: The trip was a last-minute decision, but wow, what a great decision it was. DCSki’s Editor spent Wednesday afternoon skiing 6-7 inches of fresh, untracked powder at Whitetail Resort. Learn more in his Firsthand Report. (11 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Cardboard Derby at Whitetail, March 4, 2007
March 7, 2007: Connie Lawn visited Whitetail Resort this past Sunday, where she observed the Cedar Ridge Wild and Wacky Cardboard Sled Derby. (1 reader comment)
Resorts Offer Deep March Discounts and Excellent Conditions
March 6, 2007: It’s March, and that means the end of the ski season is near. But not as near as mid-Atlantic natives might think. Resorts have built up strong bases and continue to make snow as temperatures permit, hoping to provide excellent ski conditions through (at least) the end of the month. To make sure skiers and snowboarders keep coming to the slopes, they’re sweetening the deal with some great spring discounts. (6 reader comments)
Liberty Mountain Firsthand Report: Wounded Warriors, Spring Fling, and Wacky Aliens
March 6, 2007: This past weekend was many things at Liberty Mountain Resort: both wacky and touching, with plenty of good snow conditions to go around. Connie Lawn provides a Firsthand Report explaining why Liberty employees dressed up like aliens. She also provides a description of the Wounded Warrior Weekend, which brought wounded soldiers to the slopes. (2 reader comments)
February 28, 2007: DCSki Columnist and ski patroller James Chen spent the weekend at Maryland’s Wisp Resort with many of his fellow ski patrollers. He provides this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Whitetail, Feb. 26, 2007
February 27, 2007: DCSki’s Editor approaches his first ski trip of the season with some trepidation, unsure how an injured knee or brand new skis will fare. Learn more about his trip to Whitetail in this Firsthand Report. (8 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Liberty Mountain, Feb. 21, 2007
February 25, 2007: Connie spent Wednesday afternoon at Liberty Mountain, finding good conditions and low crowds, leading her to believe Liberty was her own “private resort.” (4 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Snowshoe, Feb. 11-15, 2007
February 23, 2007: Guest contributor George Lyle describes a recent trip to West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort. (2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Peak Time at Blue Knob
February 20, 2007: Perfect conditions at Blue Knob this past weekend led to one of Jim Kenney’s most memorable ski experiences in the past few years. Jim describes his trip in this Firsthand Report. (14 reader comments)
News Brief: Olympian Jonny Mosely to Visit Wintergreen this Weekend
February 20, 2007: Two-time Olympian and X-Games Silver Medalist Jonny Mosely will be visiting Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort on Saturday, February 24 and Sunday, February 25, 2007. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Massanutten, Feb. 17, 2007
February 19, 2007: Connie Lawn skied at Virginia’s Massanutten Resort on Saturday, and provides this Firsthand Report. (6 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Jackson Hole
February 19, 2007: Anne Fitzpatrick just returned from her second trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Despite a lack of snow this year, Anne discovered that the unpretentious Wyoming ski area offers something for everyone. Learn more in her detailed Firsthand Report. (7 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Perfect North Slopes
February 19, 2007: A “perfect delay” turns into a “perfect day” as an overbooked flight into Cincinnati turns into an opportunity for Robbie Allen to ski nearby Perfect North Slopes. Robbie’s midwest travels again provide an opportunity to try out a small, local midwest ski area. (6 reader comments)
Liberty Mountain Enhances Safety Efforts
February 19, 2007: Ski patroller James Chen describes recent efforts at Liberty Mountain Resort to raise awareness of skier and snowboarder safety. (22 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Whitetail, Feb. 11, 2007
February 12, 2007: Connie Lawn spent Sunday skiing at Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort. She provides this Firsthand Report. (4 reader comments)
Postcard from Sun Valley, Idaho
February 12, 2007: A DCSki reader provides a description of Sun Valley, Idaho, after returning from a week-long trip. (8 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Bavaria in Ohio
February 12, 2007: During his travels, DCSki Guest Contributor Robbie Allen finds a small Ohio ski area that offers a taste of Bavaria. (2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Whitetail, Feb. 5, 2007
February 9, 2007: Jim Kenney enjoyed a great day at the slopes of Whitetail Resort on Monday, February 5, 2007. He provides this Firsthand Report. (5 reader comments)
Avoiding Weekend Crowds at Wisp and Whitetail: Two Firsthand Reports
February 6, 2007: Matthew Graham spent the past two weekends on the slopes, first at Wisp and then at Whitetail, and managed to avoid crowds each time. He spills the beans on how to avoid weekend crowds and describes the stellar conditions in this entertaining Firsthand Report. (8 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Liberty Mountain Resort, Feb. 3, 2007
February 4, 2007: A minor spill did not keep Connie Lawn from enjoying a day skiing at Liberty Mountain Resort, but it gave her a chance to reflect on ski and snowboard safety. Connie also participated in the Verizon Luge Challenge. She provides this Firsthand Report. (10 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Camelback, Jan. 30, 2007
February 4, 2007: Brenton Archut swung by Pennsylvania’s Camelback Ski Area on January 30, and provides this Firsthand Report.
Firsthand Report: Stratton Mountain, Vermont
February 4, 2007: In Matthew Graham’s estimate, Stratton Mountain is “so good you’ll cry.” In March of 2006, Matthew and his wife met up with friends at Vermont’s Stratton mountain. During the trip, Matthew ate waffles. Lots of waffles. He describes the waffles and the skiing in this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Killington, Vermont, Jan. 8-11, 2007
February 4, 2007: Brenton Archut went on a family ski trip to Vermont’s Killington Resort in early January. Although the trip began with pouring rain, it ended in glory, with temperatures dropping and Killington’s massive snowmaking system stepping up to the plate. Brenton provides this detailed Firsthand Report.
Going Further Afield: Paoli Peaks, Indiana
February 3, 2007: Traveling in the midwest, DCSki Contributor Robbie Allen swung by Indiana’s Paoli Peaks ski resort. He provides a description of the small ski area and his own philosophy on skiing, a philosophy that has been grasped by Robbie’s six-year old son. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Wounded Warriors Weekend at Wintergreen Resort
February 3, 2007: Connie Lawn visited Wintergreen Resort January 26-28, 2007, participating in a great weekend of skiing and witnessing Wintergreen’s “Wounded Warriors Weekend.” The event provided an opportunity for soldiers wounded in Iraq, Afghanistan, Europe, and Saudi Arabia to be introduced to adaptive skiing. (2 reader comments)
Video from the Slopes: Colleen Kenney Interviews Bryce’s Ryan Locher
January 24, 2007: Daughter of DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney, Colleen Kenney is a senior at American University majoring in Communications. After a night of supervising snowmaking and other mountain operations, Ryan Locher, Mountain Manager at Bryce Resort, was awoken from an afternoon nap and generously agreed to join Colleen for this brief video interview. (4 reader comments)
Bryce Has Snow: A Firsthand Report
January 24, 2007: Jim Kenney took three of his children to Virginia’s Bryce Resort this past weekend, exploring the amenities of the family-run resort and enjoying great snow conditions and fresh powder. Jim filed this Firsthand Report. (4 reader comments)
Spot Report: Timberline Four Seasons Resort, January 21, 2007
January 23, 2007: John Sherwood skied at West Virginia’s Timberline Resort on Sunday, and provides this Firsthand Report. (8 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Frozen Tundra
January 22, 2007: Traveling near Green Bay, Wisconsin, DCSki Reader Robbie Allen discovered a recently-reopened ski area named Hidden Valley Resort. (No, not the Pennsylvania one.) Robbie describes the unassuming area and how a local skier rescued and reopened the resort after it had shut down four years ago.
Postcard from Snowmass: A Firsthand Report
January 22, 2007: A DCSki reader just returned from his fourth trip to Colorado’s Aspen/Snowmass, and provides this Firsthand Report. (4 reader comments)
Liberation at Liberty: A Firsthand Report
January 21, 2007: Connie Lawn skied at Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort on Saturday, and found great conditions thanks to aggressive snowmaking the past week. She filed this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Winter Scenes: Some Shots from the Region
January 17, 2007: The winter season made a sharp turn this week — back towards winter. Temperatures plummeted, and the mountain regions of West Virginia were greeted by up to 6 inches of fresh snow on Wednesday morning, January 17, 2006. The long-term forecast shows no sign of the cold abating, and more natural snow could arrive soon. View some West Virginia photos provided to DCSki on Wednesday. (2 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Sundown Mountain, Iowa (yes, Iowa)
January 17, 2007: When there’s a lack of snow in the Mid-Atlantic, where do you go? DCSki reader Robbie Allen had an unconventional choice: Dubuque, Iowa. In this Firsthand Report, Robbie describes a small area in Iowa called Sundown Mountain that offers surprisingly good conditions, all within view of corn fields and cows. (2 reader comments)
High Altitude with Fresh Attitude
January 17, 2007: After serving as the Ski School Director at Pennsylvania’s Hidden Valley Resort, Iwan Fuchs headed home to his native Switzerland, where he serves as a Swiss-Snowsport Instructor. He now provides periodic glimpses of skiing “across the pond” to mid-Atlantic skiers and snowboarders. In this Firsthand Report, he describes a freeriding trip he took in late December at Engelberg-Titlis in Switzerland. Iwan also notes that conditions in the Alps, like the mid-Atlantic, have been marginal so far this season. (2 reader comments)
“Special Love” Ski Weekend at Canaan Valley Resort: A Firsthand Report
January 16, 2007: Rain and warm weather didn’t dampen spirits at the Special Love weekend at Canaan Valley Resort. Connie Lawn and her husband, Charles Sneiderman, volunteered over the holiday weekend to help introduce the joys of skiing to children and families of those who have or have had cancer. Connie provides this detailed Firsthand Report. (4 reader comments)
News Brief: Demo Day Relocation
January 14, 2007: Originally scheduled at Liberty Mountain Resort, Ski Center is moving its demo day to Wisp Resort. The demo day will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (1 reader comment)
January 10, 2007: After wandering off, winter has returned to the mid-Atlantic region this week, and the timing is perfect. After flirting with sustained highs that would sway the most ardent global warming skeptic, the temperature finally plummeted to more seasonal levels early this week. This allowed the return of aggressive snowmaking, and Mother Nature contributed as much as 7 inches of fresh powder in some areas by Wednesday evening. (2 reader comments)
Balmy Weather Takes its Toll on Mid-Atlantic Skiing
January 8, 2007: The ski season was off to a reasonable start. Resorts big and small began launching their season during the first two weeks of December. And then, the cold air swirled away and disappeared from the region, as if frightened away by an unseen force — global warming, or perhaps El Nino, theorized many skiers as they looked forlornly at quickly-melting slopes. Since mid-December, sustained cold weather hasn’t returned. That could change soon, but for many resorts, the damage has already been done. (6 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Timberline, December 30-31, 2006
January 1, 2007: Despite less than ideal conditions, John Sherwood made his first run of the season at Timberline Resort this past weekend. He filed this Firsthand Report. (4 reader comments)
Looking Back: The Top 20 Most Popular Stories of 2006
January 1, 2007: We look back on the 20 most popular articles published on DCSki during 2006, starting with the most-read story. (1 reader comment)
Of Empty Slopes and Polar Bears
December 28, 2006: The above-freezing weather has driven DCSki Columnist Connie Lawn to poetry. She provides these rhythmic thoughts on the ski season’s current state of affairs.
Firsthand Report: Okemo Mountain Resort, Dec. 18-22
December 27, 2006: Brenton Archut fled some of the warmer temperatures in the Mid-Atlantic to spend five days at Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, Vermont just before Christmas. He provides this Firsthand Report on a ski trip he didn’t want to end. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Wisp’s One Week Wonder
December 17, 2006: Despite temperatures of 70 degrees in early December, Jim Kenney planned a group trip to Maryland’s Wisp Resort for opening day weekend on December 10. He found that Wisp went from green grass to offering excellent terrain with only one week of snowmaking. Jim provides a detailed Firsthand Report. (8 reader comments)
Opening Weekend Photos from Mid-Atlantic Resorts
December 9, 2006: It was opening day weekend for many ski resorts in the mid-Atlantic region, and with a solid week of snowmaking, opening day conditions were pretty stellar. The following photos show opening weekend conditions from several resorts throughout the region. (1 reader comment)
Natural Snow Accumulates at Many Mid-Atlantic Resorts
December 7, 2006: Snow began falling in many mountain regions of the mid-Atlantic on Thursday, dumping natural snow on several local resorts. By Friday morning, accumulation could climb as high as 10 inches at some ski areas. With or without natural snow, sub-freezing temperatures are allowing snowguns to fire aggressively throughout the mid-Atlantic. (1 reader comment)
Resorts Gear Up for Season: A Complete Roundup
December 7, 2006: Low temperatures in early December have allowed mid-Atlantic ski resorts to fire up the guns and prepare for their season openings. This detailed story provides opening plans for over 30 resorts in the mid-Atlantic region. (2 reader comments)
Snowmaking Begins and Continues
November 20, 2006: Several resorts began making snow on Monday evening, including Timberline, Wintergreen, Wisp, and Seven Springs. Sugar Mountain continues to make snow after opening for the season on Monday, and Snowshoe continues round-the-clock snowmaking after 72 solid hours of snowmaking over the weekend. (1 reader comment)
November 20, 2006: On Monday, November 20, 2006, North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain Resort became the second ski area in the southeast to open for the 2006-2007 winter season. (4 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Season Finale at Wachusett Mountain, Massachusetts
November 19, 2006: In mid-March, 2006, Jim Kenney and his family closed out their 2005-2006 ski season by skiing the slopes of Wachusett Mountain in Massachusetts. Jim provides this Firsthand Report.
DCSki Adds Coverage of Ski Big Bear
November 12, 2006: DCSki has expanded its coverage to include Ski Big Bear. Located in northeast Pennsylvania, Ski Big Bear has 18 trails with a vertical drop of 650 feet. DCSki now offers a detailed Resort Profile for Ski Big Bear and will track news, events, and bargains related to the ski area. (3 reader comments)
DCSki Adds Coverage of Tanglwood
November 12, 2006: DCSki has added coverage of Pennsylvania’s Tanglwood Ski Area. The Poconos ski area has a vertical of 415 feet and 8 trails. DCSki now offers a detailed Resort Profile for Tanglwood and will cover news, events, and bargains related to the ski area. (1 reader comment)
DCSki Adds Coverage of Spring Mountain
November 12, 2006: DCSki has expanded its coverage to include Pennsylvania’s Spring Mountain ski area. Spring Mountain is a small ski area located just 28 miles from Philadelphia. DCSki offers a detailed Resort Profile for Spring Mountain, and will track news, events, and bargains related to the ski area. (3 reader comments)
DCSki Adds Coverage of Ski Sawmill
November 12, 2006: DCSki has expanded its coverage to include Pennsylvania’s Ski Sawmill. The north-central PA ski area has a vertical of 515 feet with 12 trails. DCSki now offers a detailed Resort Profile for Ski Sawmill, and will cover news, events, and bargains related to the area. (2 reader comments)
What’s New for 2006: Canaan Valley Resort
November 11, 2006: West Virginia’s Canaan Valley Resort will be celebrating its 35th Anniversary this winter, and the celebration will include various discounts throughout the season. Canaan Valley Resort is also capitalizing on the popularity of Airboarding, which it introduced last winter season, by creating a separate area and terrain park just for Airboarding. (12 reader comments)
Montage Mountain Sold, Renamed Sno Mountain
November 8, 2006: On November 6, 2006, Pennsylvania’s Montage Mountain was sold to a private Philadelphia-based firm and renamed Sno Mountain. The Poconos ski area had been owned by Lackawanna County. (8 reader comments)
DCSki Exclusive Interview: Jim Kettler, Owner of Hidden Valley Resort
November 7, 2006: DCSki recently interviewed Jim Kettler, owner of Pennsylvania’s Hidden Valley Resort. In this exclusive interview, Mr. Kettler describes trends in the Mid-Atlantic ski region and future plans for Hidden Valley Resort.
November 5, 2006: Jim Kenney and family packed up the car and headed to Vermont’s Okemo Resort this past March. Jim provides this detailed Firsthand Report.
What’s New for 2006: Seven Springs Resort
November 4, 2006: This summer, Seven Springs Resort will be continuing capital improvement projects begun last year. These projects include continued real estate development, hotel and lodge renovations, and groundbreaking on a new water park. The resort will also unveil a new terrain park and superpipe. (13 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Fall Fest and Barbecue at Liberty Mountain Resort
October 31, 2006: DCSki Columnist Connie Lawn spent a beautiful fall day at Liberty Mountain Resort on October 22, 2006, enjoying a barbecue and other family-oriented activities. She provides this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
Mother Nature Provides First Taste of Snow
October 24, 2006: With temperatures dipping into the 20’s and teens in the mountains of the mid-Atlantic, Mother Nature provided a taste of the approaching ski season on Monday, October 23, 2006 with some light snowfall. This article includes some photos of the accumulation, along with shots of a newly-opened stretch of Corridor H.
Firsthand Report: Great Outdoors Festival at Whitetail Resort
October 22, 2006: On Saturday, October 21, 2006, Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman attended Whitetail’s Great Outdoors Festival. Connie filed this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
Leaf Peeping at Shenandoah: Photos (Part Two)
October 19, 2006: On October 18, 2006, DCSki’s Editor visited Shenandoah National Park and hiked the Whiteoak Canyon trail. He provides a second set of photos from the trip here. (3 reader comments)
Leaf Peeping at Shenandoah: Photos
October 19, 2006: On October 18, 2006, DCSki’s Editor visited Shenandoah National Park and hiked the Whiteoak Canyon trail. He took the following photos along the trail.
DCSki Adds Coverage of Pennsylvania’s Tussey Mountain
October 14, 2006: DCSki has expanded its coverage to include Pennsylvania’s Tussey Mountain ski area, bringing DCSki’s total coverage to 30 mid-Atlantic ski areas. Located in central PA, Tussey Mountain is a small area that attracts many visitors from nearby Penn State University. DCSki now offers a detailed Resort Profile and will track news, events, and bargains for Tussey Mountain.
Mount Snow, Vermont’s Mondo Cruiser: A Firsthand Report
October 14, 2006: Last spring, Jim Kenney and his son visited a resort Jim refers to as the “first best place”: Mount Snow, Vermont. Despite some pelting sleet, Jim put together a memorable trip, which he describes in this Firsthand Report. (7 reader comments)
October 14, 2006: Limited North Carolina Season Passes Available; Ski Utah Launches KeepUtahCool.com to Address Global Warming.
What’s New for 2006: Wintergreen Resort
October 14, 2006: A brand new beginner area will debut at Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort this season, featuring new beginner-friendly conveyor lifts and terrain designed for learning.
October 9, 2006: It was Sunday River, not Killington, that snagged honors for being the first on the east coast to make snow this fall. Although Sunday River does not plan to open until early November, it took advantage of 20-degree temperatures early Saturday morning to fire up some snowguns.
What’s New for 2006: Bear Creek Mountain Resort
October 9, 2006: Bear Creek Mountain Resort has invested $2 million over the summer in an elaborate game of “musical chairlifts,” including installation of a new quad chair.
What’s New for 2006: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
October 7, 2006: A third high-speed quad will begin running this winter at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort, replacing the older Widowmaker lift and reducing ride time from more than nine minutes to less than three. (2 reader comments)
What’s New for 2006: Beech Mountain Resort
October 7, 2006: Over the summer, North Carolina’s Beech Mountain Resort has continued an effort to upgrade its snowmaking infrastructure, replacing equipment along slopes including Oz Run, Upper and Lower Shawneehaw, and the Meadows.
What’s New for 2006: Jack Frost/Big Boulder Resorts
October 7, 2006: Pennsylvania’s Jack Frost and Big Boulder resorts have invested $5 million in snowmaking improvements for the 2006-2007 winter season, and to make the best use of that new snow, they have hired two of the East Coast’s top terrain park designers to develop what they believe will be the most extension terrain parks in the region. (2 reader comments)
What’s New for 2006: Sugar Mountain Resort
September 16, 2006: North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain Resort has continued its multi-year effort to bring capital improvements to the resort. Visitors this winter will benefit from upgraded snowmaking and more comfortable lift chairs. (5 reader comments)
September 13, 2006: Connie Lawn recently returned from a trip to New Zealand. What can you do in the southern hemisphere during the summer? You can ski, of course! Connie and her husband, Charles, traveled across New Zealand, taking in the sites and catching a few carves on the slopes. She documents some of the highlights in this detailed trip diary. (11 reader comments)
What’s New for 2006: Liberty Mountain Resort
August 19, 2006: Lots of enhancements are on tap for Liberty Mountain Resort this winter. The Dipsy Double chairlift will become a quad, while many slopes will be upgraded with improved lighting and automated snowmaking. There will also be some expanded terrain at Sneaky Pete and the West Side Terrain Park. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2006: Camelback Ski Area
August 3, 2006: Camelback is making Terrain Park and Half Pipe enhancements as a new participant in the Burton Progression Park Program, while offering a discounted Nights Only Pass for college students. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2006: Shawnee Mountain
August 3, 2006: A new SKIwee Bowl Teaching Area and Incubator Terrain Park highlight improvements this season at Shawnee Mountain.
Vail Resorts Harnesses the Wind
August 3, 2006: On August 1, 2006, Vail Resorts announced that it will offset 100% of its energy use through the purchase of wind energy, making it the second largest purchaser of wind power in the United States. Individual consumers can also make a difference through the purchase of clean energy credits.
July 2, 2006: In late June, Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs Resort announced that it would be changing ownership from the Dupre family to the Nutting family, marking the first time in 74 years that the family-run resort will have changed hands. (3 reader comments)
Construction of New High-Speed Lift Underway at Snowshoe
July 2, 2006: In June, industrial-strength helicopters dropped new towers into place, completing the first installation phase of Snowshoe’s third high-speed chairlift. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Engelberg, Switzerland
July 2, 2006: Iwan Fuchs, formerly hailing from Pennsylvania, is back in his native Switzerland as a ski instructor. He provides this Firsthand Report from a recent trip to Engelberg, which provides year-round glacial skiing. (10 reader comments)
June 4, 2006: Snowshoe Kicks Off Summer Season; Wisp Resort Partners with Orvis Company; Ski Roundtop Selling Fife & Drum Chairs
What’s New for 2006: Whitetail
June 4, 2006: Whitetail will light 100% of its expert terrain for night skiing this winter, and will also install a Magic Carpet at the Snow Tubing area. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2006: Ski Roundtop
June 4, 2006: Ski Roundtop is spending $1.3 million this summer on improvements. Topping the list is the replacement of the Fife & Drum double chairlift with a brand new triple.
What’s New for 2006: Blue Mountain
June 4, 2006: A 6-person high-speed lift is slated to replace the Challenge double lift at Pennsylvania’s Blue Mountain Ski Area.
Whitetail Purchases Golf Resort
May 3, 2006: In early April, Whitetail Resort and its parent company Snow Time, Inc. announced the purchase of the Whitetail Golf Resort. Located a short drive from the ski resort, the Whitetail Golf Resort originally opened in 2000 and has been operated by the Hummelstown General Authority since then. The course will now be operated directly by Whitetail Resort. (5 reader comments)
April 12, 2006: Wisp Announces New Outdoors Program; Whitewater Season Begins in West Virginia; Summer Skiing Opportunities in the South (Way South) (4 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Blue Mountain, March 24
March 26, 2006: Brenton Archut spent some time Friday evening snowboarding at Pennsylvania’s Blue Mountain Resort. He provides this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
March 25, 2006: Providing an Eastern Pennsylvania perspective, Brenton Archut provides an update on local ski resorts that are closed, closing soon, or pushing into April. He also reflects on this past ski season. (4 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Elk and Gore Mountains, March 5-8
March 25, 2006: In early March, Brenton Archut took advantage of his college’s spring break by making a road trip to Elk Mountain and Gore Mountain. He discovered great conditions at both resorts and a lack of crowds. Brenton describes the two areas in this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
March 23, 2006: Connie Lawn recently returned from her last major ski trip of the season. She visited New Hampshire’s Bretton Woods, staying at the historic Mount Washington Hotel. Connie provides this Firsthand Report.
Firsthand Report: Ski Roundtop
March 19, 2006: Connie Lawn swung by Ski Roundtop on Saturday, March 18, the day before Roundtop closed for the 2005-2006 winter season. She filed this Firsthand Report. (4 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Snowbasin, Utah
March 19, 2006: On her last visit to Snowbasin in 2003, Connie Lawn didn’t get to see much due to whiteout conditions caused by a blizzard. The views were much better on her recent visit, and Connie now rates Snowbasin as one of her favorite resorts. She wraps up her series of Utah Firsthand Reports with this look at the Utah resort. (2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Solitude, Utah
March 19, 2006: On her recent Utah trip, Connie Lawn found “abundant beauty, wonderful scenery, and terrific skiing” at Solitude Mountain Resort. She provides this Firsthand Report.
Firsthand Report: Snowbird, Utah
March 19, 2006: There aren’t too many ski resorts in the U.S. that get you to the top of the mountain on a tram, but Utah’s Snowbird ski area is one of them. Connie Lawn provides this Firsthand Report from a recent visit. (3 reader comments)
March 19, 2006: Utah’s Alta Ski Area is known for its steeps and deeps. Connie Lawn visited the area during her recent Utah trip, and checks in with this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
March 19, 2006: Connie Lawn swings by the Canyons during her Utah trip, catching up with Eric Mosel, a frequent contributor to the DCSki Message Forums. Connie provides this Firsthand Report describing the expansive ski area. (8 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Utah’s Park City
March 4, 2006: In the midst of a Utah ski trip, Connie Lawn filed this Firsthand Report from Park City Mountain Resort. (2 reader comments)
A Little Bit of Vermont in Pennsylvania: A Firsthand Report from Elk Mountain
March 4, 2006: Single-digit temperatures and gusting winds did not deter Matthew Graham from enjoying a trip to his favorite Pennsylvania resort in late February. Matthew provides a detailed trip report from Elk Mountain. (7 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Utah’s Deer Valley Resort
March 4, 2006: Connie Lawn is currently sampling different ski resorts in Utah. Her first stop was at the posh Deer Valley Resort, where she filed this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
February 26, 2006: Rusty Carr, a ski instructor at Whitetail, has written a primer on Shaped Skis. This article will help skiers who are returning to the sport after a long layoff make adjustments to their technique to get the most out of modern skis.
A Very Special Trip to Canaan Valley - with “Special Love,” and the NIH Ski Club
February 26, 2006: Over President’s Day weekend, Connie Lawn visited Canaan Valley Resort, where she interacted with children battling cancer as part of the “Special Love” program. Connie details this experience, along with her own hands-on attempt at airboarding, a new sledding adventure offered by Canaan Valley Resort. (6 reader comments)
Winter Highs, Lows, and Highs Again: A Wisp Firsthand Report
February 23, 2006: DCSki Columnist Jim Chen spent the past weekend skiing at Maryland’s Wisp Resort with his family and friends. He provides this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
Wintergreen Part Deux: A Firsthand Report
February 23, 2006: After his recent visit to Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort, Jim Kenney was left wanting more. So he and his son braved potential President’s Day crowds and revisited Wintergreen on Monday, February 20. The crowds had departed the day before, leaving excellent snow conditions and minimal lift lines. Jim provides this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
Wonderful Weekend - Winter Wonderland at Whitetail, Wintergreen, and Wisp
February 23, 2006: On the weekend of February 11, Connie Lawn and her two sons, Daniel and David Rappaport, split up and headed to three “W” resorts in the region: Whitetail, Wintergreen, and Wisp. They provide a “three for one” special in this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
February 22, 2006: A DCSki Reader provides a Firsthand Report after returning from a trip to Wyoming’s Jackson Hole ski area. (2 reader comments)
Winter’s Return: A Firsthand Report from Liberty Mountain, Feb. 13
February 18, 2006: After suffering through a warm January, DCSki Columnist Jim Chen hit the slopes of Liberty Mountain on February 13, right after the return of cold temperatures and a dumping of natural snow. (1 reader comment)
Agony and Ecstasy at Wintergreen: A Firsthand Report
February 9, 2006: Jim Kenney witnessed an amazing transformation at Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort over the weekend, as heavy rain on Saturday turned into blue skies and aggressive snowmaking on Sunday. Returning to Wintergreen after an 8-year hiatus, Jim discovered impressive changes. He details the trip and takes a look behind Wintergreen’s impressive snowmaking system in this Firsthand Report. (5 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: The Canyons, February 4-8, 2006
February 9, 2006: John Sherwood just returned from a trip to The Canyons, an up-and-coming ski resort in Utah that offers over 3,500 acres of skiable terrain. John filed this Firsthand Report describing the pros and cons of the ski area. (7 reader comments)
February 9, 2006: Checking in from the Poconos, DCSki Contributor Brenton Archut provides a Firsthand Report from an afternoon of skiing on February 8, 2006 at Pennsylvania’s Camelback Ski Area. (2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Beech Mountain
February 9, 2006: After getting too much use from his golf clubs during a balmy January, the return of cold weather allowed George Lyle to grab his skis and head to North Carolina’s Beech Mountain for some skiing on Monday, February 6, 2006. He provides this Firsthand Report. (4 reader comments)
February 8, 2006: Knowing that Super Bowl Sunday means Super Uncrowded Ski Slopes, Matthew Graham and his wife headed to the slopes of Massanutten this past Sunday. Matthew provides this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
Whitetailtele to Sponsor Tele-Day at Whitetail February 19
February 8, 2006: Whitetailtele, a group of local tele skiers who frequent Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort, will be sponsoring their third annual Teleday on February 19, 2006 at Whitetail. During the event, PSIA Nordic Examiners and Level Three instructors will be on hand to challenge and offer advice to skiers of all levels.
February 3, 2006: During a recent visit to West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort, Connie Lawn learned about adaptive wintersports programs that allow athletes with a range of disabilities to enjoy the slopes. Connie reports on the program in this story. (6 reader comments)
Springtime at Liberty Mountain… in Late January
January 30, 2006: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney spent time on the slopes of Liberty this past Saturday, where he bumped into fellow columnists Connie Lawn and Otto Matheke. Jim found the slopes of Liberty to be holding up well despite the balmy January temperatures. He provides this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
January 30, 2006: The Verizon Luge Challenge was held at Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort this past weekend, and Connie Lawn was among those present. She provides this Firsthand Report.
January 30, 2006: Fresh off a plane trip home, a DCSki reader provides a Firsthand Report from Mammoth Mountain, California. (4 reader comments)
Snapshots of Snow from the Mid-Atlantic Region
January 29, 2006: Over the past few days, winter returned, dumping up to 15” of snow at the higher elevations and enabling snowmaking at the lower elevations. January wasn’t the coldest month on record, but the blast of cold weather at the end of the month — brief as it may have been — provided a shot in the arm to ski resorts as they head into February. (1 reader comment)
January 29, 2006: In his third guest column for DCSki, Iwan F. Fuchs, former Ski School Director of Hidden Valley Resort, encourages skiers to try out the halfpipe for a new challenge. (3 reader comments)
Snowshoe and Silver Creek: A Firsthand Report
January 29, 2006: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman visited West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort on January 21-22, 2006, and provide this Firsthand Report. (4 reader comments)
Bryce to Celebrate 40th Year in Operation with Winterfest Party
January 28, 2006: On Saturday, February 4, 2006, Virginia’s Bryce Resort will celebrate its 40th year of ski operation by throwing a WinterFest party.
DCSki Book Review: The Essential Guide to Skiing by Ron LeMaster
January 28, 2006: How many things do you know about skiing? In his 259-page book, The Essential Guide to Skiing: 201 Things Every Skier Must Know, Ron LeMaster compiles a list of tips geared towards snowsports enthusiasts. DCSki provides a detailed review of LeMaster’s excellent book. (1 reader comment)
Almost Heaven Mountain Resort Update
January 21, 2006: In 2003, John Sherwood published an article on DCSki describing tentative plans for Almost Heaven, a ski resort that, if built, would offer over 2,000 feet of vertical in Randolph County, West Virginia. John’s article in 2003 touched off a firestorm of commentary by DCSki readers, garnering over 120 comments. John provides an update on Almost Heaven. (34 reader comments)
January Thaw and Special Olympics Training at Whitetail
January 16, 2006: On a recent visit to Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort, Connie Lawn watched volunteers train for the upcoming Maryland Special Olympics. She describes the program in this Firsthand Report. (7 reader comments)
Snowshoe Announces Upcoming Installation of Third High-Speed Lift
January 12, 2006: Snowshoe Mountain Resort’s mountaintop village continues to expand, and next season, the Soaring Eagle Lodge should open — with a new, high-speed chairlift landing at its doorstep. Earlier this week, the West Virginia Resort announced that it had purchased a new detachable lift from Doppelmayr CTEC, which will replace the existing Widowmaker Lift this summer.
Quick, Quirky and Quaint at Timberline, WV
January 11, 2006: Revisiting Timberline Resort for the first time in many years, Jim Kenney discovers a lot of character in the ski area and ski town. Jim provides this Firsthand Report describing a midweek visit late last week, which included sampling skis at demo days, taking in the ambiance of the White Grass cafe, and staying in an historic B&B, to the delight of his accompanying daughters. (7 reader comments)
New Year’s Eve 2005 at Whitetail: A Firsthand Report
January 2, 2006: Connie Lawn hopped on the Attiva Outdoors bus shuttle on New Year’s Eve and headed to the slopes of Whitetail. While at Whitetail, she took a private lesson and tackled the moguls on Exhibition. She filed this Firsthand Report. (5 reader comments)
Spot Report: Timberline on New Year’s Day
January 2, 2006: John Sherwood rang in the new year at West Virginia’s Timberline Resort. He provides this second spot report describing the conditions. (19 reader comments)
Attiva Outdoors Begins Ski Shuttle Service
January 1, 2006: Brad and Lori Kenemuth, co-founders of Attiva Outdoors, describe their company’s efforts to start a ski shuttle from the D.C. area to local ski slopes. (2 reader comments)
Rain Can’t Ruin Roundtop - a Firsthand Report
January 1, 2006: Despite recent rain, Connie Lawn visited Ski Roundtop the day after Christmas and found conditions she couldn’t complain about. She filed this Firsthand Report.
Spot Report: Timberline on Christmas
December 26, 2005: John Sherwood spent Christmas battling a cold and morning rain at Timberline Resort, but the day ended up offering some good skiing. He provides this Spot Report direct from Timberline’s lodge. (15 reader comments)
Sunny Christmas Eve at Liberty - A Firsthand Report
December 26, 2005: Connie Lawn visited the slopes and lanes of Liberty Mountain Resort on Chistmas Eve, skiing with Santa and then hurtling down an inner tube at Liberty’s Boulder Ridge Snow Tubing area. She provides this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
Passing the Inspection: A Firsthand Report from Whitetail
December 22, 2005: After undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery on his knee (the culmination of a really bad trip to Colorado’s Vail Resort last season), Jon Hsieh spent Tuesday trying out his “new knee” at Whitetail Resort. He found ideal conditions at Whitetail, and determined that his knee is up for snowboarding. Jon provides this Firsthand Report. (5 reader comments)
Wisp Celebrates 50th with North Camp Debut: A Firsthand Report
December 15, 2005: Jim Kenney and family headed to Maryland’s Wisp Resort this past weekend and met up with a number of DCSki Message Forum regulars. The DCSki posse frolicked in great snow conditions, $7 lift tickets, and the grand opening of Wisp’s new North Camp terrain. Jim provides this Firsthand Report. (4 reader comments)
Ups and Downs at Snowshoe: A Firsthand Report
December 12, 2005: DCSki Columnist Matthew Graham has been banned from the Eurobungee at Snowshoe. And only because he’s older than 20 years old. He is, however, still allowed to ski the slopes at Snowshoe. Matthew visited Snowshoe this past weekend and describes his adventures on the slopes, in the air, and rotating every which way. (10 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Timberline, Dec. 11, 2005
December 11, 2005: As snow falls on Sunday afternoon, John Sherwood filed this Firsthand Report direct from the lodge at Timberline Resort. (No one ever said ski reporting was easy!) (7 reader comments)
December 11, 2005: For many skiers and boarders in the mid-Atlantic, this past weekend marked the start of the season. A long stretch of snowmaking temperatures, capped off by a dumping of snow from Mother Nature early Friday, allowed many resorts to open for the season, and others to push forward with additional terrain. Some early-season photos from around the region are included in this update. (1 reader comment)
2006 Verizon Luge Challenge Set for Jan. 28-29 at Liberty
December 11, 2005: Winter sports enthusiasts can try the luge firsthand in the 2006 Verizon Luge Challenge, which will be held at six ski resorts this winter, including Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort.
Firsthand Report: Whitetail, Dec. 10, 2005
December 11, 2005: Connie Lawn began her ski season at Whitetail Resort. She provides this Firsthand Report from Saturday, Whitetail’s second day of the ski season. (2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Whitetail’s Opening Day
December 11, 2005: DCSki’s Editor stumbled out of bed Friday morning, saw fresh snow, and decided to head to Whitetail Resort for its opening day. Whitetail had received 8-10 inches of fresh snow, and opened with mid-winter conditions. Scott describes the trip in this detailed Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
From the Archives: How Resorts Make Snow
December 6, 2005: With snowguns firing throughout the region, now seemed like a good time to dust off John Sherwood’s excellent introduction to snowmaking. In this story, John describes the art and science behind snowmaking.
Flood of Resorts to Open, with Bargains on Tap
December 5, 2005: A number of Mid-Atlantic resorts have already opened for the season: Wisp, Seven Springs, Blue Mountain, Wintergreen, Massanutten, Canaan Valley Resort, and Snowshoe, to name a few. This weekend, that count is going to grow. And thrifty skiers and boarders will find a selection of bargains available. (1 reader comment)
Local Company Plans Bus Service to Whitetail
December 5, 2005: Connie Lawn reports on a local company’s efforts to bring weekend bus service from the D.C. metro area to the slopes of Whitetail. (4 reader comments)
December 2, 2005: A Piece of Wisp at L.L. Bean; Pro-Fit Ski & Skate Selected as One of America’s Best Bootfitters; Winter Feels Good Campaign Launches Third Year
Ski Resorts in a Sluggish, Growing, Mature Market
December 1, 2005: In this second guest column for DCSki, Iwan F. Fuchs, former Ski School Director of Hidden Valley Resort, provides reflections on the ski industry and ways ski resorts can adapt to remain competitive. (7 reader comments)
Mid-Atlantic Ski Season Off to an Early Start
November 27, 2005: A blast of arctic air last week fueled snowmaking at resorts across the mid-Atlantic region, allowing several resorts to open for the season, while others began laying down a base in anticipating of an opening date. This article provides an update on conditions and some early season photos. (2 reader comments)
The Art of a Multifaceted Teaching Method
November 13, 2005: Iwan F. Fuchs is returning to his native Switzerland after serving as the Ski and Snowboard School Director of Pennsylvania’s Hidden Valley Resort. In this guest article, Iwan reflects on his time leading a ski school on the East coast, contrasting the teaching styles he’s seen at small and large resorts in the U.S. and Europe. (8 reader comments)
What’s New for 2005: Shawnee Mountain
November 13, 2005: Shawnee Mountain has made a number of minor improvements in preparation for the ski season, rebuilding the Bushkill chairlift and purchasing a Piston Bully Pipe Magician to help shape the halfpipe.
What’s New for 2005: Bear Creek Mountain Resort
November 11, 2005: Two new magic carpets and a restaurant expansion highlight improvements at Pennsylvania’s Bear Creek Mountain Resort.
What’s New for 2005: Canaan Valley Resort
November 6, 2005: Canaan Valley Resort will become the sixth resort in the nation to offer Airboarding, a new on-slope activity. Night skiing will expand to four nights per week during prime season, and an overhauled web site greets on-line visitors. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2005: DCSki Web Site
November 6, 2005: This article will be continually updated as enhancements are made to the DCSki web site in anticipation of the 2005-2006 winter season. You can always find a link to this article by clicking on the “What’s New” item in the main menu. (Last updated August 21, 2005.) (4 reader comments)
Photos of the Canaan Valley Region Following the Snowstorm
October 28, 2005: Following the October snow storm earlier this week, Laura Reed went hiking in Blackwater Falls State Park and provides these photos from the Canaan Valley region, including distant shots of snow-covered ski slopes. (9 reader comments)
Additional Pictures from the Early Season Snow
October 26, 2005: Up to a foot of snow fell at higher elevations in the Mid-Atlantic Monday and Tuesday, causing some school and road closures and a lot of excitement by area skiers and boarders. DCSki provides updated photos from the storm at areas including Wisp, the Canaan Valley, and Snowshoe. (1 reader comment)
First Snow of the Season Arrives to Higher Elevations: A Pictorial
October 25, 2005: On Monday, October 25, the first snow of the season arrived to the higher elevations of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Snow and mixed precipitation fell throughout the day in areas such as Snowshoe, Canaan Valley, Deep Creek Lake, and Seven Springs. View some photos of the early snow. (4 reader comments)
Snow Time, Inc. Sells Ski Windham
October 25, 2005: On October 24, 2005, Snow Time, Inc. announced it is selling New York’s Windham Mountain ski area to a group of investors with connections to the Windham community. Snow Time intends to focus its efforts on the operation of Pennsylvania ski areas Ski Roundtop, Ski Liberty, and Whitetail. (3 reader comments)
Wildcat - The Cat’s Meow of Eastern Skiing
October 25, 2005: This past March, DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney headed to New Hampshire’s Wildcat Ski Area. In this detailed trip report, Jim makes the case that Wildcat is an undiscovered gem of skiing on the East Coast. (4 reader comments)
Whitetail Fall Foliage Festival: Firsthand Report
October 24, 2005: Connie Lawn visited the Fifth Annual Great Outdoors Festival at Whitetail Resort this weekend, and filed this Firsthand Report. Connie also reports that Whitetail is looking for ski instructors and will soon begin instructor training courses. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2005: Blue Mountain
October 16, 2005: Terrain park enhancements highlight some of the new features at Pennsylvania’s Blue Mountain Ski Area this winter. (4 reader comments)
DCSki Interview: Joe Stevens, Outgoing Communications Director, Snowshoe Mountain Resort
October 14, 2005: After leading the Communications Department of Snowshoe Mountain Resort for 15 years, Joe Stevens is opening a new chapter in his career. DCSki’s John Sherwood talked to Joe about Snowshoe, the local ski scene, and the future of snowsports in the region in this candid interview. (8 reader comments)
What’s New for 2005: Sugar Mountain Resort
October 14, 2005: North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain Resort continues to rebuild older lifts for a smoother ride, and has also replaced a handle rope tow in the tubing park with a new Magic Carpet.
The Roughest Part of the Mid-Atlantic Ski Season
October 13, 2005: In his first guest column for DCSki, Brenton Archut describes the agony of waiting for the mid-Atlantic ski season to begin, as resorts in the west receive their first winter storms. (2 reader comments)
The Ski Season is Up and Running — at a Steeplechase Track!
October 3, 2005: Connie Lawn recently attended the Shawan Downs horse race in Hunt Valley, Maryland, where she bumped into some officials from local ski resorts Liberty, Ski Roundtop, and Whitetail. She provides a glimpse of upcoming improvements at these three areas and passes on word that there’s a need for instructors. (3 reader comments)
What’s New for 2005: Blue Knob Resort
September 28, 2005: The addition of a 15 million pond will allow Blue Knob to address previous water shortages, significantly improving snowmaking. The resort has also added a new X-C Ski Center, regraded a beginner slope, and doubled the size of its Terrain Park. (4 reader comments)
What’s New for 2005: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
September 18, 2005: Terrain park enthusiasts will find that Snowshoe has been “supersized” this winter season. Significant enhancements for freeskiers and riders top the list of improvements made to West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort. (1 reader comment)
Planning the Big Trip: Some Lessons Learned the Hard Way
September 17, 2005: In early fall, the ritual begins. We inventory our equipment, comb through the equipment issue of Ski Magazine, and maybe watch a ski film or two to put us in the mood. And then our thoughts inevitably migrate towards dreams of the “big trip.” John Sherwood offers a wealth of advice for planning that one big trip of the season. (9 reader comments)
New Owner of Ski Chalet Addresses Mid-Atlantic Skiers and Boarders
August 17, 2005: Barry Goldware is the Founder and President of Sun & Ski Sports, a chain of 15 retails stores across the country that has just purchased Ski Chalet. Barry addresses DCSki readers in this guest column. (6 reader comments)
August 13, 2005: ESPN to broadcast live from Snowshoe Mountain Resort; Wisp’s Hank Thiess takes GM position at Durango Mountain Resort; Alpine Adventures and SkiEurope merge operations.
What’s New for 2005: Liberty Mountain Resort
August 11, 2005: Liberty has embarked on a multi-year upgrade to enhance lighting across the resort, while expanding the Boulder Ridge Snow Tubing Area and beefing up snowmaking.
What’s New for 2005: Wisp Resort
July 31, 2005: Maryland’s Wisp at Deep Creek Mountain Resort is spending $9.1 million this summer to add 10 new trails and 2 new quad chairlifts. (5 reader comments)
July 31, 2005: Camelback Ski Corporation changes hands; Timberline Resort recognized by Navy for service to military personnel; Massanutten Resort prepares for “Hoo-Ha!” race; New gondola opens up ski opportunities in the Himalayas.
New Facility Under Construction at Snowshoe for Challenged Athletes
July 6, 2005: In mid-June, construction began on a new adaptive ski center and ski patrol clinic at Snowshoe Mountain Resort’s Silver Creek area. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2005: Whitetail Resort
July 6, 2005: Whitetail is spending $2 million this summer to double the size of its ski rental biulding, making it the largest of its kind on the east coast. (5 reader comments)
What’s New for 2005: Timberline Resort
May 30, 2005: Timberline Resort is adding a new intermediate trail and increasing snowmaking capacity for the 2005-2006 winter season. (14 reader comments)
What’s New for 2005: Seven Springs Resort
May 30, 2005: Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs Resort is investing $100 million in new residential developments, a new expert slope, an automated snowmaking system, a new water park, and more. (11 reader comments)
May 8, 2005: Guest Columnist Jon Hsieh spent his last ski trip of the season at Colorado’s Vail Resort, but it wasn’t his last trip by choice. Two words that every skier fears made a surprise visit on the first day of his trip: torn ACL. Jon describes the experience in this Firsthand Report. (6 reader comments)
Adventure at Arapahoe Basin, Colorado
May 8, 2005: While snow may seem a distant memory as spring flowers continue to bloom, there’s still a month left to the ski season at Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin. Connie Lawn filed this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
On the Top of the Continental Divide at Loveland, Colorado
May 8, 2005: During her spring trip to Colorado, Connie Lawn spent Earth Day skiing at the Loveland Ski Area, and provides this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
April 24, 2005: Canaan Valley Resort adds Geocaching, Eurobundy, and Climbing Wall to Summer Menu; Bill Rock to Serve as General Manager at Snowshoe; Jack Frost to Host 19th Annual Pocono’s Irish and Celtic Festival; Snowshoe’s Spruce Lodge Demolished to Make Room for New Construction. (8 reader comments)
Eldora - A Gold Nugget in the Colorado Rockies
April 23, 2005: It may not be the largest or most popular ski resort in Colorado, but as Connie Lawn describes in this Firsthand Report, the Eldora Mountain Resort has a healthy dose of character.
Timberline General Manager discusses “Vision” for the Mountain
April 23, 2005: In an April 22, 2005 interview with DCSki Columnist John Sherwood, Timberline General Manager Tom Blanzy outlined changes that are due to take place at the West Virginia resort during the next 1-3 years. (60 reader comments)
April 23, 2005: Unphased by the closing of Mid-Atlantic ski resorts, DCSki Columnist Connie Lawn headed west and spent Vail’s closing weekend on the high-altitude snow. She provides this Firsthand Report direct from Colorado. (4 reader comments)
Adaptive Skiing at Wintergreen
March 28, 2005: Connie Lawn provides this Firsthand Report from a recent trip to Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort. She describes the resort, with a focus on Wintergreen’s adaptive skiing program. (4 reader comments)
One Heavenly Day: A Firsthand Report
March 27, 2005: “Our epic California ski day ended on a nice note of universality among young and old, skiers and boarders, domestic and international; appreciation of powder and the incomparable scenic beauty of Heavenly at Lake Tahoe,” writes Jim Kenney, in this detailed Firsthand Report from his recent trip to Heavenly. (3 reader comments)
Spring may be here, but the snow’s not gone yet
March 24, 2005: The vernal equinox (i.e., spring) may have arrived last weekend, but the mid-Atlantic ski season isn’t over yet. Plenty of skiing and snowboarding options remain open for the Easter weekend, and thanks to a deep base, Snowshoe plans to keep the season going until April 10. Once summer is finally here, if you still want to ski, South America and southern hemisphere skiing is just a plane ride away. (3 reader comments)
March 24, 2005: Visiting family in California, DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney headed to the slopes of Kirkwood Mountain Resort. In this detailed Firsthand Report, he describes the challenging and bountiful terrain at this remote corner of the High Sierras. (4 reader comments)
Postcard from Big Sky Montana: A Firsthand Report
March 22, 2005: A DCSki reader just returned from a trip to Montana’s Big Sky Resort, where he discovered uncrowded slopes and a nightly dose of fresh powder. He provides this Firsthand Report. (6 reader comments)
Rollicking Runs at Roundtop: A Firsthand Report
March 21, 2005: Connie Lawn swung by Ski Roundtop for the resort’s Spring Carnival, and provides this Firsthand Report. (6 reader comments)
Whitetail at Night: A Firsthand Report
March 21, 2005: Joey Echeverria spent Wednesday night at Whitetail, and provides this Firsthand Report.
Firsthand Report: Whitetail Resort
March 12, 2005: Great snow conditions at Whitetail in mid-March? Could that be true? As DCSki’s Editor found out on Friday, it sure is. Read more in his Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
March 12, 2005: For the first time, DCSki provides a short video clip to supplement a Firsthand Report. This clip includes video from Whitetail Resort, shot on March 11, 2005. The video is about 3 megabytes and requires QuickTime; if you do not have a broadband connection, please do not click the link. (6 reader comments)
Timberline: A Firsthand Report
March 11, 2005: DCSki Columnist Jarrett Baker met up with other DCSki readers at Timberline Resort on March 5-6, 2005, finding epic snow conditions. During his trip, Jarrett interviewed Timberline officials, who cleared up some common misconceptions about the resort. Jarrett reports on the conditions and provides a sneak peak at possible improvements in store for the West Virginia resort. (40 reader comments)
Wild Wisp Weekend - A Firsthand Report
March 8, 2005: Matthew Graham and his wife rushed to Maryland’s Deep Creek Lake region this past weekend, on the heels of a recent snowstorm. They discovered that there’s a lot more to the Deep Creek region than skiing at Wisp alone. In this Firsthand Report, Matthew describes their adventures in dog and horse on-snow locomotion, as well as some winter hiking and, of course, skiing. (2 reader comments)
Love Life at Liberty - Firsthand Report from March 5, 2005.
March 6, 2005: Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort celebrated Springfest this weekend, and Connie Lawn was on hand to document the event. She provides this Firsthand Report. (6 reader comments)
Snow News is Bad News: Lost Opportunities during a Poconos Trip
March 2, 2005: DCSki Columnist Matthew Graham spent the weekend sampling ski resorts in the Poconos, but decided to head home early due to the threat of snow. But the snow didn’t arrive as early as forecast, so Matthew missed some opportunities to ski. Even so, he did get to try out Blue Mountain and Montage, and provides this Firsthand Report. (8 reader comments)
Bold Decisions at Whitetail - A Feb. 26, 2005 Firsthand Report
March 1, 2005: DCSki Columnist Connie Lawn hit the slopes of Whitetail this past weekend and provides this Firsthand Report. Whitetail has received over a foot of fresh snow over the past few days.
Ski the World: Bad Gastein, Austria
February 27, 2005: John Sherwood continues his series of Trip Reports from a recent European trip, describing the Bad Gastein area in this installment. (5 reader comments)
Ski the World: Dachstein Tauern Ski Region, Austria
February 27, 2005: Continuing his series of Firsthand Reports from his recent European trip, DCSki Columnist John Sherwood describes several Austrian resorts unfamiliar to most North American skiers. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Ski Roundtop, Feb. 19, 2005
February 26, 2005: Connie Lawn visited Ski Roundtop on Saturday, February 19, 2005, and provides this Firsthand Report. She also describes some upcoming events at Roundtop, including the “Ski 4 Life” 24-hour marathon scheduled for March 12-13. (5 reader comments)
Ski the World: Biele Vody and Jasna, Slovakia
February 24, 2005: Today, President Bush is in Slovakia to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. DCSki Columnist John Sherwood traveled to the country last week for a different purpose: record snowfall in the region. This is the first of three articles profiling various resorts he visited during his recent 12-day ski trip to Europe. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Ski the Homestead, Feb. 17-19, 2005
February 24, 2005: Jim Kenney and his family tried out skiing for the first time at the Virginia’s historic Homestead resort Feb. 17-19, 2005. In this detailed Firsthand Report, Jim reports that great skiing is only one of the many delicasies on the plate at the Homestead. (7 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Taos Ski Valley
February 24, 2005: Connie Lawn concludes her New Mexico trip with a Firsthand Report from the Taos Ski Valley. (6 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Red River Ski Area, New Mexico
February 21, 2005: Connie Lawn swings by the Red River Ski Area during her trip to New Mexico, and provides this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Whistler/Blackcomb
February 21, 2005: DCSki Columnist Lou Botta recently returned from a trip to Canada’s Whistler/Blackcomb. He provides this detailed Firsthand Report. (8 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Angel Fire, New Mexico
February 17, 2005: Connie Lawn continues to file Firsthand Reports from New Mexico, where she recently visited the Angel Fire ski area. (1 reader comment)
ISSA Races at Ski Roundtop will Decide Top Three Teams
February 16, 2005: The final International Ski and Snowboard Association (ISSA) Giant Slalom and Slalom races will be held this Saturday, February 19, 2005 at Ski Roundtop. Ed Fowler provides this article describing the event. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Ski Santa Fe, New Mexico
February 15, 2005: Still in the midst of a New Mexico ski trip, Connie Lawn files this Firsthand Report on Ski Santa Fe. (8 reader comments)
Ski Apache - Land of the Mountain Gods
February 10, 2005: Connie Lawn files a Firsthand Report from Ruidoso, New Mexico, describing a trip to Ski Apache on February 6, 2005. (10 reader comments)
First and Second Trips to Whitetail: A Firsthand Report
February 10, 2005: Guest Columnist Joey Echeverria tried downhill skiing for the first time at Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort in late January. He provides two Firsthand Reports — from his first trip January 26, 2005, and his second trip on February 5, 2005. (2 reader comments)
Spring Skiing in February - Liberty Mountain Firsthand Report
February 7, 2005: DCSki Columnist James Chen spent Superbowl Sunday skiing with his family at Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort. He didn’t make it home in time to catch kickoff, but that’s because his family had so much fun on the slopes, as he describes in this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Book Review: Time Out Skiing & Snowboarding in Europe 2005
February 4, 2005: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood reviews the new Time Out Skiing & Snowboarding in Europe 2005 guide, finding that the first edition of the book has several shortcomings.
Sentimental Ski Journey to Canaan Valley
February 1, 2005: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney spent the last weekend of January 2005 at West Virginia’s Canaan Valley Resort, returning to the area where he first met his wife 25 years ago. This time, he brought his wife, four kids, and skis. He provided this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
The World is at Whitetail - Firsthand Report from Saturday, January 29, 2005
January 30, 2005: Connie Lawn headed to Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort on Saturday to enjoy mid-season conditions, and filed this Firsthand Report.
Perfect Night of Skiing at Liberty - January 25, 2005
January 26, 2005: Connie Lawn headed up to Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort on Tuesday evening for night skiing. She provides this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Whitetail, January 26, 2005
January 26, 2005: DCSki’s Editor snuck away from work on Wednesday with a few friends to hit the slopes of Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort. The verdict? Conditions worth writing home about. So he does just that, in this Firsthand Report. (6 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Seven Springs, January 20-21, 2005
January 24, 2005: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood had planned a trip to Okemo, but ditched those plans this past weekend and decided to head to Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs Resort instead. He describes why that was a good choice in this Firsthand Report. (24 reader comments)
Inauguration Ski Day with the Dubya
January 23, 2005: Jim Kenney took advantage of local office and school closures on Thursday to spend Inauguration Day on the slopes of western Maryland’s Wisp Resort. He filed this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Celebrating the New Year at Tremblant
January 19, 2005: Guest Columnist Jon Hsieh rung in the New Year with friends at Canada’s Mont Tremblant. He provided this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
January 17, 2005: With meager amounts of snow in the mid-Atlantic over the holidays, DCSki Columnist Matthew Graham headed north for the holidays. He filed this Firsthand Report on his Canadian ski trip. (1 reader comment)
January 16, 2005: Connie Lawn closes out her series of Firsthand Reports from the Lake Tahoe region with an entry on Squaw Valley, and tips on avalanche survival. (2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Northstar at Tahoe, January 9, 2005
January 15, 2005: Connie Lawn files another Firsthand Report from her trip to Lake Tahoe. In this installment, she describes her experience at Northstar at Tahoe.
December ‘04 trip to Beech and Appalachian
January 15, 2005: DCSki Columnist Jarrett Baker closed out December by taking a road trip from Florida to North Carolina’s Beech and Appalachian Mountain Ski Resorts. He provides this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Jay Peak, Dec. 28, 2004
January 13, 2005: Guest Columnist Jon Hsieh closed out 2004 by taking a trip to Vermont’s Jay Peak. He provides this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
Elvis Skis in the Nevada-California Blizzard
January 10, 2005: Dodging heavy winds and blustery blizzards, Connie Lawn filed this Firsthand Report from the snow-battered Sierras. (2 reader comments)
January 9, 2005: While the mid-Atlantic region has been befuddled by warm temperatures and a lack of snow this January, the Lake Tahoe region is experiencing the opposite problem: too much snow. Why is that a problem? Connie Lawn, in the midst of a trip to the Tahoe region, reports that blowing snow and heavy winds have temporarily shut down many ski areas. With skiing out of the question, she reports on an activity she has been able to participate in: dog sledding. (6 reader comments)
December 30, 2004: Jim Kenney recently returned from a group ski trip to Virginia’s Bryce Resort, and provides this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
A Tale of Two Mountains: Canaan Valley and Timberline Resorts, December 24-27, 2004
December 27, 2004: John Sherwood spent his holiday weekend visiting West Virginia’s Timberline and Canaan Valley Resorts, and provides this Firsthand Report. (66 reader comments)
Powder at Roundtop - December 26, 2004
December 27, 2004: Connie Lawn spent the day after Christmas on the slopes of Ski Roundtop, and provides this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)
Skiing, Southern Style: A December 18-21, 2004 Trip to Snowshoe
December 26, 2004: Guest Columnist Jon Hsieh visited Snowshoe Mountain Resort for his first time right before Christmas, and filed this Firsthand Report. (7 reader comments)
December 19, 2004: Connie Lawn swung by Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort this weekend and provides this Firsthand Report on opening weekend conditions. (1 reader comment)
Equipment Review: Volkl Supersport 6 Star All Mountain Expert Skis
December 19, 2004: John Sherwood tried out a new pair of skis at West Virginia’s Timberline Resort this past weekend, and provides this Firsthand Report. (18 reader comments)
December 19, 2004: Connie Lawn visited Whitetail Resort on Saturday, December 18, 2004, and provides this Firsthand Report of opening day conditions. (1 reader comment)
Flood of Resorts to Open This Weekend
December 17, 2004: The 2004-2005 winter season has officially begun as resorts throughout the region open their slopes to skiers and boarders. Find out the latest opening information in this article.
Book Review: Ski Style: Sport and Culture in the Rockies
December 15, 2004: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood peels back the cover and reviews a new book by Annie Gilbert Coleman. Ski Style traces the history of skiing in the United States and tries to capture the essence of why Americans love the sport so much. (2 reader comments)
December 14, 2004: Natural snow and the type of frigid temperatures snowmakers love has snowguns roaring out throughout the mid-Atlantic region. As of Monday, two mid-Atlantic resorts were open, but that number is set to explode over the next few days. (7 reader comments)
December 13, 2004: DCSki Columnist Matthew Graham made his first trip of the season to West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort this past weekend, and filed this Firsthand Report. (13 reader comments)
The ABC’s of First Aid - Or How to Help Before Help Arrives
December 12, 2004: James Chen, a patroller at Liberty Mountain, provides a detailed look at what you should do if you encounter an injured skier or boarder on the slopes. These tips could save a life. (15 reader comments)
International Ski and Snowboard Association Gears Up
December 5, 2004: The International Ski and Snowboard Association will be sponsoring ski and snowboard races for all ability levels throughout the mid-Atlantic region this winter. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2004: The Homestead
December 5, 2004: Skiers and boarders will find numerous enhancements at Virginia’s Homestead Resort for the 2004-2005 winter season, including widened trails, a new rope tow, and an expanded terrain park.
North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain Opens
November 26, 2004: North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain Resort launched its winter season on Friday, November 26, 2004, becoming the first resort in the Mid-Atlantic to offer skiing and boarding for the 2004-2005 winter season. (11 reader comments)
Top Ten Reasons to Keep On Skiing
November 25, 2004: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney provides an eloquent look at ten reasons why aging skiers and boarders should stick with the sport. (10 reader comments)
What’s New for 2004: Jack Frost Resort
November 15, 2004: Jack Frost has added a second terrain park for the 2004-2005 winter season, geared towards beginners.
What’s New for 2004: Big Boulder Resort
November 15, 2004: Big Boulder officially adds a “secret” slope to its trail map, while beefing up its terrain parks.
What’s New for 2004: Camelback Resort
November 14, 2004: Snowmaking and lighting improvements round out some of the enhancements at Pennsylvania’s Camelback Resort this winter season.
What’s New for 2004: Shawnee Mountain
November 14, 2004: Shawnee Mountain has spent $2 million in improvements for the 2004-2005 winter season, including a major upgrade of its snowmaking system. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2004: Liberty Mountain Resort
November 14, 2004: Liberty Mountain Resort has expanded snowmaking, and beefed up three freestyle terrain parks. The lodge has been renovated and will offer free wireless Internet access.
What’s New for 2004: Timberline Resort
November 14, 2004: Timberline has cut a new gladed trail for the 2004-2005 winter season, and will be beaming near-real-time images to the Internet with two new webcams. (5 reader comments)
What’s New for 2004: Wisp Resort
November 14, 2004: This season, Wisp will offer an Advantage Card providing season-long discounts. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2004: Massanutten Resort
November 13, 2004: Virginia’s Massanutten Resort has a $30 million enhancement on tap — but it won’t be unveiled until after the close of the 2004-2005 ski season. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2004: Bryce Resort
November 13, 2004: A new carpet lift will service Bryce Resort’s snow tubing park this winter.
November 13, 2004: Winter job hiring season in full gear; North Carolina Ski Areas Associations offers 7-resort season pass. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2004: Canaan Valley Resort
November 6, 2004: Snowmaking and lodge enhancements highlight changes at West Virginia’s Canaan Valley Resort this winter season. (22 reader comments)
Whitetail Hosts Outdoors Festival
October 24, 2004: Connie Lawn made a trip to Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort on Saturday, October 23, taking in all the activities at the resort’s annual Outdoors Festival. She provided this Firsthand Report.
October 24, 2004: DCSki Columnist honored by West Virginia Division of Tourism; International Ski and Snowboard Association launches new web site; Canadian Mountain Holidays to show heli-skiing film locally November 22. (1 reader comment)
Seven Springs to Operate Laurel Mountain Ski Area
October 17, 2004: Pennsylvania’s Laurel Mountain Resort is scheduled to re-open this winter season, thanks to a creative partnership with Seven Springs Resort. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2004: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
October 13, 2004: The Village at Snowshoe continues to evolve this season with over $6 million in new capital improvements. New Outdoor Adventure Activities are also some of the many improvements to the West Virginia resort. (11 reader comments)
Oglebay to bring back downhill skiing
October 12, 2004: West Virginia’s Oglebay Resort plans to bring back downhill skiing this winter season, after closing ski operations in 1997. (3 reader comments)
What’s New for 2004: Alpine Mountain
October 11, 2004: A redesigned Terrain Park and Half Pipe highlight improvements this season at Pennsylvania’s Alpine Mountain Resort.
Former DC’er Founds Snowboarding Videography Shop
October 11, 2004: Anthony Cupaiuolo, a former DCSki contributor, recently moved west to the Lake Tahoe region and has formed First Tracks Productions, a snowboarding videography outfit. He is offering a special discount to DCSki readers on Perception, the company’s second snowboarding movie.
Firsthand Report: Ski Roundtop Rail Jam
October 10, 2004: Snow in October is always a treat for Mid-Atlantic resorts, and Ski Roundtop hauled in some of the white stuff for its Roundtop Rail Jam, held this past Saturday. Connie Lawn was on hand and filed this firsthand report.
Wilbur McBay, Founder and Owner of Ski Chalet, Passes Away
October 1, 2004: Wilbur McBay, founder and owner of the Ski Chalet line of ski shops, passed away on September 27, 2004. (4 reader comments)
What’s New for 2004: Blue Mountain
September 26, 2004: Blue Mountain has constructed a new building for its Snowboard School, and added three lanes to the tubing park. (1 reader comment)
Ski Roundtop Plans October Rail Jam on Snow
September 25, 2004: Snow in October? Pennsylvania’s Ski Roundtop plans to make that a reality, if only for a day.
What’s New for 2004: Sugar Mountain
September 14, 2004: Sugar Mountain has refurbished two of its lifts, replaced 3 grooming machines, and enhanced snowmaking. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2004: Bear Creek
September 12, 2004: The base area of Pennsylvania’s Bear Creek will see the arrival of a new lodge and hotel this winter. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2004: Wintergreen
September 11, 2004: Wintergreen is adding its second high-speed 6-passenger lift, as well as expanding terrain. (4 reader comments)
September 11, 2004: You’re looking at the brand new version of DCSki — the result of hundreds of hours of effort over the past few months. This article provides a summary of some of the major enhancements to the site. (2 reader comments)
August 28, 2004: Jim Kenney visited Ski Chalet’s Annual “Dilly in Chantilly” in late August, and provides this firsthand account.
August 15, 2004: DCSki Columnist Jarrett Baker took his mind off skiing this summer by embarking on a photo trip in Florida. He provides a firsthand report here, along with several photos. (2 reader comments)
What’s New for 2004: Whitetail
August 14, 2004: Whitetail has spent $1.4 million in capital improvement this past summer, making the resort more snowboarder- and beginner-friendly.
July 16, 2004: Ski Chalet sets date for “Dilly in Chantilly”; Old Spruce Properties becomes RE/MAX office; Wisp expands summer activities.
Whitetail Invests in Capital Improvements
June 11, 2004: On the heels of a successful winter season, Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Ski Resort is spending $1.4 million in capital improvements this summer. Many improvements are targeted specifically towards making Whitetail more snowboarder- and beginner-friendly. (10 reader comments)
June 11, 2004: Marsh Mt. LLC, one of the partners at Wisp, recently purchased Tory Mountain outside of Harman, West Virginia. Current plans include roadway/access improvement, further topographical studies and a select-cut timber harvest. Future plans for recreation at Tory Mountain are uncertain.
(49 reader comments)
Laurel Mountain Future Remains in Question
May 23, 2004: According to an article published in the May 21, 2004 edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the future of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Mountain Resort remains foggy. The Post-Gazette reports that the state of Pennsylvania has pulled the resort’s lease after an aborted sale last fall prevented the resort from re-opening for the 2003-2004 winter season.
(3 reader comments)
Home on the Slopes: A Spring, 2004 Look at Mid-Atlantic Ski Real Estate
May 23, 2004: John Sherwood takes a look at the current real estate market at several Mid-Atlantic ski resorts, finding that property values have shot up with the rest of the housing market over the past year. (7 reader comments)
Notes from the Washington Ski International Banquet
May 16, 2004: Connie Lawn attended the Washington Ski International banquet on April 18, and filed these notes. (4 reader comments)
Retail Changes on Tap for Snowshoe
May 16, 2004: The Village at Snowshoe continues to evolve at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort. The mountaintop village will be joined by a new full-service restaurant, coffee shop, and crafts store later this spring.
(3 reader comments)
Snowshoe preps for mountain biking
April 21, 2004: West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort is preparing to launch its mountain biking season, and will unveil a new Mountain Bike Park this spring.
Firsthand Report: Taos, New Mexico
April 12, 2004: Connie Lawn closed out the month of March by spending a couple days skiing at New Mexico’s Taos Ski Valley Resort. She filed this firsthand report.
(8 reader comments)
The Perfect Storm: Timberline, April 3-4, 2004
April 7, 2004: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood filed what he thought would be his last firsthand report of the season in mid-March, but a snowstorm this past weekend changed his mind, and he made one last trip to West Virginia’s Timberline Resort. He didn’t regret it; some late season snowstorms brought 26 inches of fresh snow to Timberline for its last weekend of the 2003-2004 ski season.
(12 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Telluride, Colorado (Mar. 24-28, 2004)
April 7, 2004: Connie Lawn recently returned from a convention in Telluride, Colorado, and filed this detailed firsthand report.
(9 reader comments)
Spring Skiing at Canaan Valley
March 29, 2004: DCSki Columnist Jarrett Baker swung by West Virginia’s Canaan Valley Resort March 21-23 for some late-season skiing. He filed this Firsthand Report.
(4 reader comments)
March 24, 2004: It’s not too late to ski; Spring skiing going strong at Snowshoe; Ski and Golf weekend at Wisp; Reprieve at Roundtop; Final Season Thoughts on Liberty from Connie Lawn
March 18, 2004: Weekend lift ticket specials at Wisp; Snowshoe launches 24 Hour Race this weekend; Checking the status of resorts.
Snowshoe Trip Report: March 13-14, 2004
March 17, 2004: John Phillips traveled to West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort this past weekend, and provides this Firsthand Report.
(2 reader comments)
March 15, 2004: John Sherwood swung by West Virginia’s Timberline Resort this past Saturday for his last ski trip of the season. He provides this Firsthand Report.
(7 reader comments)
March 13, 2004: Connie Lawn swung by Whitetail Resort for one last time this season on Thursday, and filed this brief firsthand report. She notes that Whitetail, Liberty, and Roundtop are offering a “two for one” special on lift tickets, rentals, and lessons March 13-14, for the final weekend of the season.
(1 reader comment)
Altar Boys Light Up Bryce Mountain Resort
March 11, 2004: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney recently arranged a church outing to Virginia’s Bryce Resort. Despite arriving at the resort on the heels of a warm spell, Jim describes the great time the group had in this Firsthand Report.
(3 reader comments)
Springfest at Whitetail and Liberty: Firsthand Report
March 8, 2004: Connie Lawn swung by Whitetail and Liberty Resorts this past weekend to check out some Springfest action. She filed this Firsthand Report.
(1 reader comment)
March 6, 2004: Matthew Graham, seasoned alpine skier, decided to try snowboarding for the first time recently at Whitetail. In this entertaining story, he recounts the (painful and humbling) experience.
(5 reader comments)
March 1, 2004: Temperatures may be warming, but there’s still plenty of snow at area resorts. Need something to do this weekend? Many mid-Atlantic resorts will offer spring-themed festivals, with the requisite pond skimming contest.
The Verizon Luge Challenge at Liberty
February 27, 2004: Last weekend, Connie Lawn swung by Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort to participate in the Verizon Luge Challenge. The United States Luge Association swung by the resort to offer free instruction and an opportunity for visitors to try out a scaled-down version of the Olympic Sport. Connie describes the experience along with current conditions at Liberty.
February 27, 2004: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney spent last weekend with his family at Maryland’s Wisp Resort, and describes his visit in this Firsthand Report. Jim reports that Wisp’s variety of terrain, consistently good snow conditions, topflight management team, and well oiled infrastructure add up to a local ski experience that is hard to beat.
(6 reader comments)
February 17, 2004: Connie Lawn visited Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort on Valentine’s Day, and filed this Firsthand Report.
(5 reader comments)
February 17, 2004: Condition update; Canaan Valley hosts Mountain Arts and Bluegrass Festival Feb. 21; Wisp to host Annual Mountain Reggae Fest
Going Further Afield: St. Moritz, Switzerland
February 17, 2004: John Sherwood wraps up his recent trip to Europe in this third installment, describing the world-renowned St. Moritz region in Switzerland.
(2 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Sölden, Austria
February 16, 2004: In this second report, DCSki Columnist John Sherwood describes a recent trip to Austria’s Sölden region, an area known for wide, snow-sure slopes.
(2 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Ischgl, Austria
February 11, 2004: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood just returned from a 13-day, 3-resort ski safari of Austria and Switzerland. This report, on Ischgl in Austria, is the first of three articles on this trip, describing his experience in Ischgl, Austria January 28-31, 2004.
(13 reader comments)
February 9, 2004: Review: Touching the Void; the unique challenges Snowshoe Mountain Resort faces as a neighbor of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.
Firsthand Report: Snowshoe on Superbowl Sunday
February 8, 2004: Matthew Graham met up with some friends at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort a week ago, and found some Super Skiing to go with Superbowl Sunday. He provides this Firsthand Report.
Ice and Rain Hammer Region, Causing Temporary Stress for Resorts
February 6, 2004: Mixed precipitation is a term familiar to mid-Atlantic skiers and boarders, and many resorts prefer to use the phrase to describe snow that might have a little sleet or rain mixed in, but an ice storm moving through the region Thursday and Friday brought a refreshing dose of honesty from area resorts.
(1 reader comment)
February 4, 2004: Need a $15 cure for insomnia? That’s what DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney found during a “Late Night Ski” session at Whitetail this past Saturday. He describes the trip and the conditions he found in this Firsthand Report.
(2 reader comments)
February 2, 2004: A DCSki reader just wrapped up a trip to Colorado’s Snowmass Resort, and filed this electronic postcard providing a summary of the trip.
(4 reader comments)
January 30, 2004: In this column, Connie Lawn explains why you’re never too old to ski or board, and provides some money-saving tips for senior skiers.
(16 reader comments)
January 29, 2004: As a native of Florida, DCSki Columnist Jarrett Baker normally has more opportunities to water ski than snow ski. But he does make it to the slopes each winter, and recently spent a weekend at Virginia’s Massanutten Resort. He provides a detailed Firsthand Report, complete with photos and a description of his chance to ride in a snow groomer. (5 reader comments)
Ski and Snowboard Recreational Racing
January 28, 2004: In this guest column, Ed Fowler encourages skiers and boarders to try out recreational racing. (3 reader comments)
January 27, 2004: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney and his son visited Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort on Saturday night for a nine-to-midnight Late Ski session. He provides this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)
January 26, 2004: Connie Lawn visited Virginia’s Massanutten Resort on Saturday, January 24, and provides this Frsthand Report.
January 20, 2004: Resorts see busy holiday weekend; Snowshoe announces “Snowshoe 24” race; Sugar Mountain details upcoming capital improvements; Connie Lawn’s Notes from Whitetail
Holiday Fun on Colorado’s Front Range
January 15, 2004: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney recently returned from a trip to Colorado, where he visited three resorts popular among locals: Eldora, Loveland, and Winter Park. He provides a detailed account of the trip in this report. (3 reader comments)
January 11, 2004: Frigid temperatures settle over region, boosting snowmaking; Connie Lawn provides notes from a recent trip to Whitetail; Canaan Valley Resort to host Winter Games competition.
January 7, 2004: Cold weather returns; Timberline upgrades Silver Queen lift; Verizon Luge Challenge to visit Liberty; Jack Frost offers Women’s Ski Clinic.
Firsthand Report: Ski Roundtop
January 6, 2004: DCSki Columnist Connie Lawn didn’t let the January thaw keep her from hitting three local resorts in recent days: Liberty, Roundtop, and Whitetail. In this Firsthand Report, she focuses on a trip she took to Roundtop this past Saturday.
(1 reader comment)
January 4, 2004: Connie Lawn visited Whitetail Resort on Thursday, January 1, and found that warm temperatures don’t dampen the fun. She filed this Firsthand Report, including a description of Whitetail’s tubing. (5 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Hidden Valley
January 3, 2004: On Dec. 19-21, Dave E. visited Pennsylvania’s Hidden Valley Resort with his two daughters. He describes the trip in this Firsthand Report. (4 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Timberline, Dec. 25-28
December 29, 2003: John Sherwood spent the past several days skiing at West Virginia’s Timberline Resort. Fresh snow on Christmas Day helped provide excellent ski conditions, which made up for some lift difficulties. He describes the trip in this Firsthand Report. (7 reader comments)
Wisp Opens Fantasy Valley Winter Recreation Area
December 29, 2003: Maryland’s Wisp Resort has added a new dining and recreation area to the resort called Fantasy Valley, which will provide snowmobiling, ice skating, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Fantasy Valley is located on Hoyes Run Road adjacent to the golf course at Wisp.
Free Skiing for Fourth Graders in Pennsylvania
December 29, 2003: This winter, fourth graders will be able to take advantage of free skiing opportunities at 21 of Pennsylvania’s ski resorts. The Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association (PSAA) is offering a program called “4th Grade Snowpass” which will allow fourth graders to obtain a booklet containing a free learn to ski or snowboard package including a beginner lift ticket, rental equipment, and lesson voucher. The booklet also contains three lift tickets to each of the 21 member ski areas across Pennsylvania.
Going Further Afield: Killington, Vermont
December 28, 2003: John Sherwood recently returned from a trip to Vermont’s Killington Resort, the largest resort on the East Coast. Does Killington have anything on Mid-Atlantic resorts? John provides a detailed report on the trip. (4 reader comments)
Liberty Mountain Resort - Skiing with the Ghosts of Gettysburg
December 28, 2003: DCSki Columnist Connie Lawn hit the slopes of Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort on Saturday, and provides this firsthand report.
(3 reader comments)
December 24, 2003: DCSki’s Editor made his first ski trip of the season to Whitetail Resort on Tuesday night. He found conditions to be perfect after a pleasantly mild day: not too soft, and not icy. Read more about his visit and view a selection of photos. (4 reader comments)
Whitetail Before Christmas - Snowdancing at Sunset
December 22, 2003: Connie Lawn visited Whitetail Resort on Saturday, December 20, and provides this firsthand report.
(2 reader comments)
Photos from Ski Roundtop, Seven Springs
December 21, 2003: Neal Palumbo is a freelance photographer specializing in Mid-Atlantic winter sports shots. Over the past several days, he visited Ski Roundtop and Seven Springs Resort. He provides some photos he shot, as well as some words about his visit to Ski Roundtop, in this story.
Winter Trails Day Comes to Wintergreen Resort
December 21, 2003: Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort will participate in Winter Trails Day on January 17, 2004 with free snowshoeing clinics. The events is sponsored by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and Snowsports Industries America.
Snowshoe Celebrates 30th Birthday
December 21, 2003: This winter, West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort celebrates its 30th season in operation. On December 19, 1974, Snowshoe first opened with nine trails and three lifts. Today, Snowshoe boasts 57 trails and 14 lifts.
DCSki Columnist Encourages President Bush to Take Up Skiing
December 21, 2003: DCSki Columnist Connie Lawn, a White House reporter, suggested to President Bush last week that he take up snow skiing. She relays the encounter in this story.
(15 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Timberline (Dec. 13)
December 15, 2003: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood visited West Virginia’s Timberline Resort on December 13, and provides this firsthand report. (4 reader comments)
Common Snow Sports Injuries and How to Avoid Them
December 15, 2003: It’s the ski season again, and a good time to reflect on ways to make sure this season is fun-filled and injury free. DCSki Columnist and ski patroller James Chen takes a look at some of the most common ski and snowboarding injuries, and how to avoid them.
(4 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Killington (Dec. 5-7)
December 10, 2003: Connie Lawn just returned from a trip to Vermont’s Killington Resort, where she spent time skiing and attending an annual gathering of snowsports journalists. She describes both in this two-part firsthand report. (18 reader comments)
December 9, 2003: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood made his first tracks of the season at Seven Springs Resort on Sunday. He filed this firsthand report. (6 reader comments)
Storm Launches Resorts into Great Early Season Conditions
December 8, 2003: Mid-Atlantic skiers wondering whether November’s mild temperatures would mean a slow start to the season were rewarded this past weekend, as a double-barreled storm swept across the region, leaving over a foot of snow on the slopes of many ski resorts. As a happy coincidence, this past weekend was the time many Mid-Atlantic resorts chose to open for the season. A week of solid snowmaking combined with the fresh snow resulted in some of the best opening day conditions on record. (6 reader comments)
Weekend Brings Resort Openings, Winter Storm
December 5, 2003: Updated: A confluence of events has Mid-Atlantic skiers and boarders looking towards the weekend with anticipation. Cold temperatures throughout the week have translated into solid snowmaking, allowing many resorts to open for the season this upcoming weekend. And a winter storm hitting the region Friday may add some natural snow to the mix. DCSki has the latest on the forecast and resort openings in this updated article. (1 reader comment)
4th Annual Kids’ Safety Poster Contest
December 2, 2003: The National Ski Patrol and the Southeastern Ski Areas Association have teamed together to sponsor the 4th Annual Kids’ Safety Poster Contest, intended to increase awareness of the safety aspects of winter sports. (2 reader comments)
Snowmaking Continues as More Resorts Prepare Openings
December 1, 2003: November and its relatively mild temperatures are behind us, and a stretch of cold temperatures should allow many Mid-Atlantic ski resorts to open in the next 7-10 days. Find out the latest in this article.
Nordic Skiing Beats Out Downhill Skiing
November 30, 2003: It’s a little unusual for Nordic skiing opportunities to arise before downhill skiing in the Mid-Atlantic region, but a snow storm over the weekend has allowed the White Grass Touring Center and Snowshoe Mountain Resort to open up some cross country terrain.
November 30, 2003: Everybody loves a good cruiser, unless maybe you’re an elite extremist or an extreme elitist. In this feature, Jim Kenney takes a look at some of his favorite cruisers — in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. (13 reader comments)
White Grass Touring Center to Open Saturday
November 29, 2003: Thanks to an overnight snow storm, West Virginia’s White Grass Touring Center plans to open 5 kilometers of Nordic ski terrain on Saturday once winds die down and grooming can commence. (2 reader comments)
Two Resorts Plan Thanksgiving Holiday Openings
November 27, 2003: Maryland’s Wisp resort will open on Thanksgiving day with limited terrain; North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain will reopen on Friday. (Update: Sugar Mountain has changed it opening date from Friday to Saturday.)
Ski Roundtop Celebrates 40th Anniversary
November 26, 2003: On Sunday evening, Ski Roundtop celebrated its 40th anniversary with a dinner attended by many of the people that made Roundtop possible. DCSki Columnist Connie Lawn attended the dinner and files this firsthand report. (5 reader comments)
November 26, 2003: Hopes for an early start to the ski season were raised in mid-November when temperatures dipped and Mid-Atlantic resorts began making snow. We all know what happened next. Well, cold temperatures made a comeback on Monday, and many area ski resorts responded in kind, firing up snowmaking systems once again. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2003: Massanutten
November 23, 2003: Massanutten Resort has replaced an aging double chairlift with a new fixed grip quad.
What’s New for 2003: Mystic Mountain
November 21, 2003: Located at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa, Mystic Mountain Resort will offer new programs targeted to families this winter, along with new and expanded cross country trails.
What’s New for 2003: Canaan Valley Resort
November 20, 2003: An upgraded terrain park and high-speed Internet access in the lodge highlight improvements at West Virginia’s Canaan Valley Resort this season. (4 reader comments)
November 19, 2003: Warm weather pushes back resort openings; early season equipment sales up; Burton releases iPod accessories. (2 reader comments)
November 18, 2003: If you’ve been reading DCSki lately, you know that snowmaking operations have already started in the Mid-Atlantic. But how do resorts turn water into snow? And is it “real” snow? In this DCSki classic article, John Sherwood explores the art and science of snowmaking, describing why the process is so crucial to Mid-Atlantic resorts. (23 reader comments)
Photos of Snowmaking Throughout the Region
November 17, 2003: On-and-off cold temperatures over the past week allowed many Mid-Atlantic ski resorts to dust off their snowguns and take them for a test run. This article contains photos from recent snowmaking efforts throughout the region.
What’s New for 2003: Seven Springs
November 15, 2003: Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs Resort will unveil a new Challenge Park this winter designed just for kids.
Snowguns Sing Out Throughout Region
November 14, 2003: The past couple of days have brought a flurry of snowmaking activity to resorts throughout the Mid-Atlantic. North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain will become the first resort to open when it drops ropes on the Upper and Lower Flying Mile slopes on Saturday morning. (3 reader comments)
What’s New for 2003: The Homestead
November 12, 2003: Visitors to the historic Homestead Resort in Virginia could benefit from a longer ski season this winter and beyond, thanks to a multi-million dollar investment to modernize snowmaking operations.
November 10, 2003: West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort fired up its snowguns Saturday night, taking advantage of sub-freezing temperatures in an effort to lay down a base for an anticipated November 21 opening date. (15 reader comments)
November 7, 2003: Laurel Mountain Ski Resort changes hands, allowing the resort to re-open this winter; Ski Chalet plans 2004 equipment seminar.
(7 reader comments)
Whitetail in October - The 3rd Annual Great Outdoors Festival
October 26, 2003: DCSki Columnist Connie Lawn visited Whitetail Resort over the weekend, attending Whitetail’s 3rd Annual Great Outdoors Festival. She discovered great fall views and plenty of fun for the whole family, which she describes in this firsthand report. (2 reader comments)
What’s New for 2003: AvalancheXpress Tubing Hill
October 26, 2003: The AvalancheXpress Tubing Hill, located at the Heritage Hills Golf Resort in York, Pennsylvania, has stepped up its tubing hill by 33% and added a new snowmaking system. (2 reader comments)
Country Roads: What Every Skier Should Know About Driving to West Virginia’s Slopes
October 24, 2003: Over the years, DCSki readers have debated over the best route for reaching West Virginia ski resorts such as Snowshoe or Timberline. John Sherwood examines the options and offers his own suggestions, pointing out which routes have the least switchbacks or the best food, and noting how Corridor H might change the equation in the future. (26 reader comments)
Leaf Peeping at Sheanandoah: A Pictorial (Part 1 of 2)
October 23, 2003: DCSki’s Editor just returned from a quick jaunt to Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, where he was able to catch many trees in their prime fall color. In this two-part pictorial, he describes the trip, complete with numerous photos. (1 reader comment)
Leaf Peeping at Shenandoah: A Pictorial (Part 2 of 2)
October 23, 2003: Scott continues his trip report from Shenandoah in this second part. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2003: Big Boulder / Jack Frost
October 20, 2003: The expansion of two expert slopes highlight changes at sister resorts Jack Frost and Big Boulder. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2003: Bear Creek Ski Area
October 19, 2003: A new quad lift highlights improvements at Pennsylvania’s Bear Creek Ski Area, along with an expanded teaching area, moving sidewalk, additional terrain park and increase in snowmaking capacity.
What’s New for 2003: Sugar Mountain
October 18, 2003: Sugar Mountain plans for a big launch to the season with SugarFest ‘03, a two-day festival in December. The resort has also made snowmaking improvements to beginner terrain. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2003: Blue Mountain
October 18, 2003: Blue Mountain will unveil Barney’s Bumps, a new expert mogul run, while adding a new snowmaking system to the Vista Trail. The resort has also added a new magic carpet lift on its learning hill.
DCSki Receives West Virginia’s “Stars of the Industry” Media Award
October 13, 2003: On October 2, 2003, DCSki.com was awarded with a “Stars of the Industry” award from the West Virginia Division of Tourism. DCSki received top honors in the “Best Web/Internet/E-Magazine Article” category, in recognition for DCSki’s series of “Firsthand Reports” published throughout the winter season.
(3 reader comments)
October 2, 2003: Jeannie Thoren Ski Clinic offered at Ski Chalet; Sugar Mountain plans 13th Annual Oktoberfest Celebration; Areas begin to see first snow of the season; Vermont Ski Industry offers one-stop job information on-line.
(6 reader comments)
Porte Crayon Ski Resort Considered
September 30, 2003: The development of a new ski resort in West Virginia is being explored by the owner of Winterplace Resort. The new resort could potentially bring slopes with a vertical drop of 2,300 feet to the Mid-Atlantic region, but economic and environmental considerations make the development far from certain.
(133 reader comments)
Nuts and Bolts: Successfully Putting Together a Group Ski Trip
September 22, 2003: In his first article as a DCSki Columnist, Jarrett Baker leverages his own experience planning trips to offer advice on how to plan a youth group ski trip.
(2 reader comments)
September 21, 2003: Patrollers practice lift evacuations at Snowshoe; Copper Mountain begins snowmaking; SnowSports Industries America launches “Winter Feels Good” campaign in D.C.; Tree sitters end protest at Wachusett Mountain.
What’s New for 2003: Ski Roundtop
September 20, 2003: Enhancements at Pennsylvania’s Ski Roundtop include a newly renovated lodge, a new Super Pipe, a Conveyor Lift, and more. (1 reader comment)
Laurel Mountain Placed on Auction Block
September 18, 2003: After struggling with poor weather and limited attendance since its re-opening in 1999, Pennsylvania’s Laurel Mountain has been placed on the auction block. The opening of Laurel Mountain this winter is dependent on the success of an October 15 auction or the arrangement of other financing deals.
(7 reader comments)
Mid-Atlantic Resorts Eye Hurricane
September 17, 2003: As Hurricane Isabel barrels directly towards the Mid-Atlantic region, local ski resorts are taking precautions to handle the expected high winds. Find out what precautions they’re taking, and why all of this summer’s rain could translate to great skiing this winter.
What’s New for 2003: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
September 8, 2003: 10 new acres of skiing, enhanced terrain parks, and a new restaurant and retail store highlight some of the improvements at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort.
What’s New for 2003: Camelback Ski Area
September 7, 2003: A major snowmaking upgrade has been underway this past summer at Camelback. The Pennsylvania resort has added a new pumphouse that will allow more snow to be made earlier in the season.
What’s New for 2003: Shawnee Mountain
September 7, 2003: Pennsylvania’s Shawnee Mountain ski area has spent $1 million in capital improvements over the summer, adding two new “people mover” lifts, a new groomer, new snowguns and additional rental gear.
What’s New for 2003: Liberty Mountain Resort
September 7, 2003: Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort has added new magic moving carpets, an additional rope tow for the tubing area, enhanced snowmaking and grooming, and more.
What’s New for 2003: Wintergreen Resort
September 7, 2003: The Virginia resort has computerized its snowmaking system, and widened its Upper Wild Turkey advanced terrain.
What’s New for 2003: Wisp Resort
September 1, 2003: Maryland’s Wisp Resort has made numerous enhancements aimed squarely at beginners. A new ski carpet, upgraded lifts, and a beginner-oriented season pass complete with lessons are among the improvements.
What’s New for 2003: Timberline Resort
August 30, 2003: Visitors to West Virginia’s Timberline Resort this winter will find upgraded lifts and snowmaking capacity, as well as a new slopeside grill. (18 reader comments)
What’s New for 2003: Whitetail Resort
August 30, 2003: Whitetail has beefed up snowmaking for the upcoming season by adding airless guns to expert slope Exhibition. The snow tubing lodge has also received a significant expansion.
August 18, 2003: Ski Chalet annual sale set for this weekend; 2002-2003 skier/boarder visits reaches all-time high; National Ski Areas Association provides update on Sustainable Slopes program.
Snowmaking in July? New Hampshire Resort Shows it Can be Done
July 10, 2003: On July 4, temperatures reached the mid-90’s in New Hampshire. This didn’t stop Tenney Mountain resort from opening for summer skiing and tubing, thanks to some new temperature-independent snowmaking technology.
Firsthand Report: 24 Hours of Snowshoe
July 1, 2003: The 12th Annual 24 Hours of Snowshoe mountain bike race was held June 28-29, 2003 at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort. The challenging race drew 179 teams, and DCSki was on hand to cover the event. Learn about the grueling race in this detailed firsthand report. (2 reader comments)
Racers Face a Lonely, Foggy Night at 24 Hours of Snowshoe
June 29, 2003: As the sun set on West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort Saturday night, a fog rolled in, bringing with it a cool breeze. Racers competing in the 24 Hours of Snowshoe mountain bike race turned on their lights as they cruised into the ninth hour of the race. View a selection of photos from Saturday night. (1 reader comment)
Kids Battle in 24 Minutes of Snowshoe
June 29, 2003: While adult teams tackled mud, steep climbs, and slippery tree roots in the 24 Hours of Snowshoe endurance race, kids were presented with their own mountain bike race: the 24 Minutes of Snowshoe.
June 29, 2003: View a selection of results and award ceremony photos from the 24 Hours of Snowshoe mountain bike race.
Early Scenes from 24 Hours of Snowshoe
June 28, 2003: The 24 Hours of Snowshoe mountain bike race began on Saturday, June 28, 2003. This article contains a selection of photos from the first three hours of the event.
Mountain Biking in Gear at Local Resorts
June 16, 2003: Riders from across the region and country will find no shortage of mountain biking events at Mid-Atlantic resorts this summer. DCSki provides a look at some events scheduled at Wisp, Snowshoe, Blue Knob, Canaan Valley, and Sugar Mountain.
June 13, 2003: DCSki’s Editor made a quick visit to Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, and provides a selection of spring photos and commentary from the trip. (14 reader comments)
Local Company to Offer Fractional Ownership in Condos at Snowshoe
June 3, 2003: The real estate market at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort continues to be robust. With the cost of new condos now climbing above $300,000 at the resort, a local company has started offering fractional ownership to lower the cost of entry to Snowshoe’s burgeoning real estate market. (3 reader comments)
Places You May Never Ski: Slovakia
June 1, 2003: There are a lot of places to ski in the world but, let’s face it, you probably won’t make it to all of them. John Sherwood kicks off a new series on DCSki that looks at places Mid-Atlantic skiers probably won’t have a chance to visit. In this first article, John takes a look at the ski areas of Slovakia. (21 reader comments)
May 20, 2003: Wisp to add new chairlifts over summer; Snowshoe to host National Trails Day June 7.
May 7, 2003: Snow tubing in the summer; snow dome development targeted; NPS to limit weekday traffic at Rock Creek National Park; Snowshoe Raven Golf Club opens; Wisp appoints new General Manager.
A Home on the Slopes: Mid-Atlantic Real Estate, Spring 2003
May 6, 2003: Purchasing real estate at a ski resort isn’t always a wise investment, but DCSki Columnist analyzes three hot resorts in the Mid-Atlantic where the value of homes has been appreciating rapidly. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Snowbasin, Utah
April 13, 2003: Connie Lawn concludes her series of firsthand reports from Utah with a look at Snowbasin. (16 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Return to the Canyons and Deer Valley, Utah
April 7, 2003: Connie Lawn continues her Utah ski trip with a report on Deer Valley and a return visit to the Canyons. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Park City, Utah
April 6, 2003: Connie Lawn continues her Utah ski trip with a report on Park City, Utah.
Firsthand Report: The Canyons at Park City, Utah
April 3, 2003: Guest Columnist and White House reporter Connie Lawn is currently skiing in the Park City region of Utah. She took a break from skiing to describe her visit to The Canyons, which has received 14 inches of new snow in the past day. (7 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Santa Fe, New Mexico
April 2, 2003: In this guest article, Washingtonian Anne Fitzpatrick, currently residing in New Mexico, provides a look at Ski Santa Fe based on a recent trip there. (4 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Weekend Snowstorm at Snowshoe
April 2, 2003: DCSki Reader Roy Stevenson was at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort this past weekend, where he was able to watch brown snow turn white compliments of the unexpected 18-inch snowstorm. He filed this firsthand report. (4 reader comments)
April 2, 2003: DCSki reader Jarrett Baker spent most of the season reading ski trip reports from his home in snowless Florida, but made a 20-hour trek to Snowshoe to get in some spring skiing. He provides this firsthand report from his visit in late March. (4 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Salzburg (Part 2)
March 27, 2003: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney continues his look at the Salzburg region in Austria, following a recent trip. (4 reader comments)
Jackson Hole: The Steep and the Deep
March 24, 2003: Kevin Rice spent a week skiing at Wyoming’s Jackson Hole earlier in March, and contributes this firsthand account. (10 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Wolf Creek, Colorado
March 20, 2003: Anne Fitzpatrick, a Washingtonian currently living in New Mexico, recently visited a little-known Colorado ski area called Wolf Creek. She provides this firsthand report. (14 reader comments)
March 16, 2003: DCSki’s Editor capped off his season by skiing at Whitetail Saturday evening. He found great springlike conditions, and lots of people having a blast. Read more in his firsthand report. (4 reader comments)
March 16, 2003: Guest Columnist Connie Lawn spent the day skiing at Whitetail on Saturday, and filed this firsthand report.
(3 reader comments)
March 15, 2003: A DCSki reader spent the past week skiing at Park City, Utah. Unseasonably warm temperatures turned Utah’s famed champagne powder into something more akin to a slurpy, but the reader had a good time, nonetheless. Find out more in his firsthand report. (2 reader comments)
Discounts Abound at Area Resorts
March 13, 2003: It’s March, and many resorts in the region still have 100% of their terrain open with healthy bases. And that’s good. Even better? Resorts are offering the best prices of the season, in some cases offering free lift tickets. Find out more.
March 11, 2003: Recently, Matthew Graham headed west for a weekend of skiing at Colorado’s Winter Park Resort. Winter Park isn’t the most famous Colorado resort, but Colorado locals know it’s the place to go for some of the best skiing in Colorado. Matthew provides a detailed trip report. (1 reader comment)
March 11, 2003: After recently skiing in Europe, did DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney have fun skiing Saturday night at Virginia’s Massanutten Resort? You bet he did. Find out what conditoins were like in his firsthand report.
(1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Timberline (Mar. 8-9)
March 11, 2003: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood hit the slopes of West Virginia’s Timberline Resort this past weekend, and provides a firsthand report. (3 reader comments)
March 10, 2003: Snow conditions remain ideal at local resorts. As temperatures begin to slowly rise, prices are dropping at area resorts, with lots of festivals providing fun for the whole family.
Firsthand Report: Salzburg (Part 1)
March 10, 2003: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney is back from a recent trip to the Salzburg region in Austria. Jim sizes up his first European ski trip in part one of this detailed firsthand report. (2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Elk Mountain
March 6, 2003: DCSki Columnist John Phillips hit the slopes of Pennsylvania’s Elk Mountain recently, and describes how one of the Mid-Atlantic’s best kept secrets is now spreading fast. Read more in his firsthand report.
(6 reader comments)
March 5, 2003: DCSki Reader John Bell recently went snowboarding at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort for the first time, and provides this firsthand report.
(10 reader comments)
Firsthand Report, Part 2: Snowshoe
March 1, 2003: Scott spent the weekend at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort, and wraps up his Firsthand Report in Part 2. This report dives into great detail in a number of areas, including Snowshoe’s Sunrise Backcountry Hut, Grooming the Slopes, Of Trees and Squirrels (and Salamanders), and Snowshoe TV. (7 reader comments)
Freeheeling It in the Alps: Nordic Skiing at Lech, Austria
March 1, 2003: After 7 days of downhill skiing in the Alps, John Sherwood and his wife decided to try some cross country skiing in Lech, Austria. Read more about their experience in this firsthand account. (2 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Lech, Austria
March 1, 2003: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood’s ski adventure in Austria continues, with part 2 of his firsthand report focusing on Lech. (9 reader comments)
Firsthand Report, Part 1: Snowshoe
February 28, 2003: DCSki’s Editor is enjoying a trip to West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort, and checks in with part one of a two-part Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)
Skiing with Olympic Gold Medalist Diann Roffe at Liberty
February 25, 2003: Ever take a ski lesson from an Olympic Gold Medalist? There’s only one way to do it east of the Mississippi. DCSki Guest Columnist Connie Lawn visited Liberty this past weekend and took a lesson from Olympian Diann Roffe. (22 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Ski Roundtop
February 25, 2003: The recent blizzard prompted John Phillips to head to the slopes of Ski Roundtop last Thursday. He checks in with this firsthand report.
(1 reader comment)
February 24, 2003: DCSki Columnist James Chen headed to Wisp this past weekend, hoping he wouldn’t share the slopes with forecasted rain storms. Find out how his trip went in this firsthand report.
(2 reader comments)
Notes from the Road: Moab, Utah
February 23, 2003: Although DCSki’s Editor is back from his road trip, he’s not done providing “notes from the road.” In his third entry, he describes a day of hiking and (mild) offroading near Moab, Utah, all while he battled a vicious cold. (3 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: St. Anton, Austria
February 23, 2003: DCSki’s John Sherwood is back from an European ski trip, and has a lot of details to share. His first trip report describes his arrival in Europe and skiing at St. Anton, Austria, where he was pleased to discover tons of freshly-fallen snow. (8 reader comments)
February 14, 2003: The snow keeps piling up at local resorts, with more snow on the way this weekend. Snowshoe Mountain Resort has only had temperatures stay above freezing for six nights since Nov. 16. Canaan Valley is planning an upcoming Wild Thing Weekend, while Wisp Resort is organizing its upcoming Winterblast Celebration. Find out more in this update.
February 9, 2003: In late January, DCSki reader Kevin Rice visited Heavenly Resort in the Lake Tahoe region. He contributed this firsthand report describing his two day trip. (12 reader comments)
February 7, 2003: In this guest column, Tim Sprinkle provides reflections on Craig Kelly, a pioneering snowboarder who recently passed away in an avalanche accident in British Columbia.
(6 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Whitetail (Feb. 2)
February 7, 2003: Connie Lawn visited Whitetail Resort on February 2, and was surprised to find a lack of crowds, despite great conditions. Connie contributes this firsthand report, and also offers her reflections on the Columbia tragedy.
(2 reader comments)
Helicopter Skiing: Man, You Have Got to Try This!
February 6, 2003: James Chen recently tried out heli-skiing for his first time at Whistler-Blackcomb. His verdict? Everyone ought to try it. Read more in his firsthand account. (6 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Whitetail on Superbowl Sunday
January 30, 2003: Matthew Graham visited Whitetail on Superbowl Sunday, knowing that crowds would disappear and he’d have the slopes to himself. He describes the experience in this firsthand report. (6 reader comments)
Notes from the Road: Vail (Part 2 of 2)
January 24, 2003: DCSki’s Editor is currently in the midst of a road trip, and his latest stop is Vail, Colorado. This is Part 2 of a 2-part series on Vail. (11 reader comments)
Notes from the Road: Vail (Part 1 of 2)
January 24, 2003: DCSki’s Editor is currently in the midst of a road trip, and his latest stop is Vail, Colorado. This is Part 1 of a 2-part series on Vail. (7 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Whitetail (Jan. 22)
January 24, 2003: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney headed to the slopes of Whitetail on Wednesday, and discovered the best conditions he’s seen there. He filed this firsthand report. (4 reader comments)
Notes from the Road: The Long Road West
January 23, 2003: DCSki’s Editor is currently in the midst of a road trip, which will take him to destinations such as Colorado. This series will provide occasional “notes from the road.” In this first entry, Scott describes the experience of driving on I-70 — past Whitetail, and past Seven Springs, and a few more states besides. Coming from Scott, you can expect to find plenty of photos to accompany this series. (3 reader comments)
Dangers and Joys of Snowsports
January 22, 2003: In her debut article for DCSki, Guest Columnist Connie Lawn describes some of the dangers of snowsports, and how to take precautions to ensure your visit to the slopes is a pleasant and fun one. You might recognize Connie — when she’s not skiing, she covers the White House as a reporter, thus earning the nickname “The Skiing White House Reporter.”
(7 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Timberline (Jan. 17-20)
January 21, 2003: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood spent the weekend skiing at West Virginia’s Timberline Resort, and checks in with a firsthand report. (10 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Blue Knob (Jan. 19)
January 21, 2003: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney took several friends to Pennsylvania’s Blue Knob Resort on Martin Luther King day. Jim and daughter Colleen provide a firsthand report. (1 reader comment)
Snowshoe Weekend - More of the White Stuff
January 18, 2003: DCSki Columnist Lou Botta recently spent a weekend at Snowshoe, and describes the conditions, along with some tips for getting to the slopes.
(3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Blue Knob (Jan. 10)
January 17, 2003: DCSki Columnist John Phillips visited Blue Knob Resort on January 10, and filed this firsthand report.
January 9, 2003: DCSki’s Editor provides an update on local conditions, and explains what he was doing Wednesday morning instead of skiing. (If he wasn’t so bitter about it, he’d make a terrible pun here, but he’s just too… tired.) (4 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Seven Springs (Jan. 6)
January 8, 2003: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney hit the slopes of Seven Springs on Monday, Jan. 6, and filed this firsthand report. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Timberline (Jan. 3-5)
January 7, 2003: John Sherwood headed to West Virginia’s Timberline Resort with some apprehension this past weekend, following in the footsteps of recent snowstorms, but fresh snow throughout the weekend make the trip worth it. Find out more in his trip report. (6 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Ski Across the Country in 7 Days
January 6, 2003: Skiing 5 days at 4 resorts in 7 days from the east coast to the west coast — now that’s a good ski trip. In this guest article, DCSki reader Roy Stevenson describes a recent whirlwind ski trip that took him from Liberty to Vail to Loveland to Kirkwood. (10 reader comments)
January 3, 2003: DCSki’s Editor reflects on the start of the ski season.
(2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Wisp Ski School (Dec. 30)
January 2, 2003: Colleen Kenney, daughter of DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney, tried out Wisp’s Ski School on Monday and provides her own firsthand report. (2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Wisp (Dec. 30)
January 2, 2003: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney revisited Wisp on Monday, and provides a firsthand report. (1 reader comment)
Going Further Afield: Skiing at 4 a.m.?
January 2, 2003: In this guest article, DCSki reader Robbie Allen, currently on business in the midwest, describes his experience skiing at Kentucky’s Paoli Peaks ski resort. At 4 a.m. (As Robbie explains, Paoli Peaks stays open around the clock on weekends.) (6 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: White Grass Touring Center (Dec. 29)
January 1, 2003: Last weekend, DCSki Columnist John Sherwood decided to stray away from downhill skiing for a day to try out West Virginia’s White Grass Touring Center, a mecca for area cross-country skiers. He provides a complete firsthand report. (9 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
December 30, 2002: In this guest article, former Washingtonian Anne Fitzpatrick describes a recent ski trip to New Mexico’s Taos Ski Valley. (9 reader comments)
Book Review: Where to Ski and Snowboard Worldwide
December 29, 2002: John Sherwood provides a review of a guide book that covers 400 of the best ski resorts worldwide.
December 24, 2002: In DCSki’s latest “Going Further Afield” installment, columnist Jim Kenney draws from 35 years of skiing experience to reflect on most of the major resorts in New England. (4 reader comments)
December 24, 2002: AvalancheXpress tubing area to open; Savage River Lodge offers XC skiing; Winter Trails 2003 celebrates snowshoeing; Intrawest to operate Winter Park Resort.
Firsthand Report: Snowshoe (Dec. 14 & 15)
December 17, 2002: A year ago this past weekend, it was 64 degrees at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort. DCSki Columnist John Phillips discovered the difference a year can make while visiting Snowshoe this past weekend. He checks in with a trip report, describing the fresh snow and bluebird day on Sunday. (7 reader comments)
December 16, 2002: In this guest column, two DCSki readers chime in with different perspectives on the start of the ski season. Kevin Rice starts off by waxing poetic on the plight of DC Skiers, while Jarrett Baker chimes in by describing the tribulations of a Florida (snow) skier. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Timberline (Dec. 14 & 15)
December 16, 2002: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood and his wife headed west to Timberline Resort Friday night, a little apprehensive with rain falling in the D.C. region. They needn’t worry; as John describes in his firsthand report, the rain turned to snow by Saturday at the West Virginia resort. (2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Wisp (Dec. 14 & 15)
December 16, 2002: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney spent the weekend at Wisp Resort, and provides a complete firsthand account. With nearly 10 inches of fresh snow and a $7 lift ticket special, Jim and his family found great skiing a great bargain at Maryland’s only ski resort. (2 reader comments)
Going Further Afield: Sunday River, Maine
December 12, 2002: John Sherwood recently returned from a trip to Sunday River, Maine, and provides a detailed firsthand report. Find out how Maine skiing compares to Mid-Atlantic skiing. (6 reader comments)
December 10, 2002: DCSki’s Editor spent some time Monday skiing at Whitetail, and provides a detailed firsthand report and a collection of 10 high-resolution photos. He found primo conditions and non-crowded slopes. (5 reader comments)
Local Resorts Slide into Great Early Season
December 9, 2002: The calendar may say it’s only December 9, but the conditions at Mid-Atlantic ski resorts are in mid-season form. And a good mid-season, at that. Find out the latest in this article. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2002: Canaan Valley Resort
December 8, 2002: West Virginia’s Canaan Valley Resort will offer extended night skiing this season, NASTAR Racing, and improvements to the Bear Paw Lodge.
Cold, Snow Prime Great Season Start
December 5, 2002: Round-the-clocking snowmaking this week has been followed up by a winter storm that is dumping up to a foot of snow on Mid-Atlantic resorts. All but a handful of resorts will be open by this weekend, with the best early-season conditions in many years. Find out more in our complete summary.
December 1, 2002: Breaking from the tradition set by recent warm winters, it’s now the beginning of December, and it’s cold. Cold enough for many resorts to snag opening dates, and for snowmaking to continue in earnest over the next week. Find out which Mid-Atlantic resorts are open, and what’s in store for the next few days. (1 reader comment)
Book Review: Why the Corporate Ski Industry is Bad for Skiing
November 25, 2002: In a controversial new book, Hal Clifford paints a grim picture of the recent trend towards consolidation and aggressive real estate development at North American resorts. DCSki Columnist John Sherwood dissects the book in a review, adding his own thoughts on the issue with a focus on the Mid-Atlantic. After reading John’s review, feel free to add your own comments. (2 reader comments)
New Snowshoe Access Road Opens
November 23, 2002: Getting to Snowshoe Mountain Resort just got easier, with the opening of a new access road that promises to shave 30 minutes off the trip for many visitors.
(2 reader comments)
Snowshoe Receives 7 Inches of Snow
November 23, 2002: Snow fell across parts of western Maryland, Pennsylvania, and at high elevations in West Virginia over the past 24 hours. View a photo gallery from Snowshoe Mountain Resort, which received 7 inches of natural and is making snow aggressively in preparation for its opening Nov. 27.
Snowshoe Pushes Back Opening Date
November 19, 2002: Snowshoe Mountain Resort has pushed back its opening date to Wednesday, Nov. 27, in order to offer better opening day conditions. (1 reader comment)
Sugar Mountain Launches Season
November 19, 2002: North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain Resort became the first ski resort in the Mid-Atlantic to begin its ski season, opening two slopes Tuesday morning. (7 reader comments)
ABC’s Good Morning America Broadcasts Live from The Homestead
November 14, 2002: ABC’s Diane Sawyer took a mountain boarding lesson Monday at The Homestead resort, in front of an audience of millions of viewers. ABC’s popular morning show highlighted the numerous recreational activities provided at the historic Virginia resort.
North American Ski Season Opens with a Roar
November 14, 2002: The snow is falling fast and furiously out west, while cold temperatures allow the snowguns to fly in the east. Find out what effect the favorable weather is having on resorts from west to east, and view a gallery of photos. (1 reader comment)
Destination Skiing: The European Option
November 11, 2002: A strong dollar continues to make a European ski trip surprisingly affordable. Does it make sense to head east, across the “pond,” for a ski trip this winter? DCSki Columnist John Sherwood shares the results of his research. (3 reader comments)
A Crisp Fall Day at Shenandoah
November 9, 2002: DCSki’s Editor spent a recent day at Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, photographing waterfalls and the setting sun. View his trip report and a selection of photos. (8 reader comments)
Snowshoe Gets Head Start on Snowmaking
November 2, 2002: On Friday morning, Snowshoe Mountain Resort became the first resort in the southeast region to launch snowmaking operations. The guns continue to fly, building up a strong base in anticipation of a Nov. 22 opening date. Find out more and view a gallery of some of the first snowmaking photos of the season. (1 reader comment)
Staying in Shape for the Slopes: Bike Commuting
October 19, 2002: Each morning, DCSki Columnist John Sherwood hops on his bike for a 8.5-mile commute to work. In this article, John explores the many benefits of bike commuting and what it’s like to commute by two wheels into Washington D.C. (7 reader comments)
October 13, 2002: It’s that time of the year: time to hit the local ski swaps and load up on gear on the cheap. DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney provides a look at ski swaps and describes how he fared on a recent visit. (5 reader comments)
What’s New for 2002: Hidden Valley Resort
October 13, 2002: Pennsylvania’s Hidden Valley Resort is debuting a new “super lease” rental program this winter, as well as a “Lucky Friday Lodging” special.
What’s New for 2002: Sugar Mountain
October 13, 2002: North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain Resort has added a new surface lift to the Terrain/Snowboard Park and has also invested in Main Lodge renovations. (1 reader comment)
Wisp Expands “Ski Free with a B” Promotion
October 12, 2002: Fourth graders throughout the region maintaining a B or higher grade average will be treated to a free season pass at Maryland’s Wisp Resort.
(2 reader comments)
What’s New for 2002: Alpine Mountain
September 29, 2002: The Alpine Mountain ski area, located in the Poconos, will offer numerous improvements across the board this winter.
September 27, 2002: Maryland’s only ski resort will debut the region’s largest “Super Pipe” this winter, along with a lodge expansion and two new tubing runs. Wisp also emphasizes that the summer’s drought will have no effect on snowmaking operations.
What’s New for 2002: Camelback
September 18, 2002: The Camelback Ski Area has been busy improving snowmaking, adding a snow groomer, regrading trails and enhancing rental inventory.
Cloud Seeding to Expand in Colorado
September 8, 2002: Drought conditions are making some Colorado resorts nervous as the ski season approaches, but countermeasures — such as cloud seeding — are being used as an insurance policy.
(3 reader comments)
What’s New for 2002: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
September 7, 2002: A new access road to Snowshoe could shave off 30 minutes from the trip for D.C. area visitors. Snowshoe will also be offering a “free Wednesdays” promotion throughout the season. (11 reader comments)
What’s New for 2002: Timberline Resort
September 3, 2002: West Virginia’s Timberline Resort will be augmenting its snowmaking capacity by 15 percent this season. (28 reader comments)
What’s New for 2002: Shawnee Mountain
September 2, 2002: High-tech improvements to Shawnee Mountain this winter include state-of-the-art snowmaking equipment and a computerized equipment rental system.
What’s New for 2002: Blue Mountain
September 2, 2002: A new black diamond slope will debut at Blue Mountain this winter, along with a new teaching hill, snowmaking improvements, and an expanded rental shop.
What’s New for 2002: Wintergreen Resort
September 2, 2002: A 4,000 square foot mid-slope facility is under construction at Wintergreen resort, adding food and beverage services, a ticket outlet, locker space and restrooms. Wintergreen is also unveiling a new, calmer tubing park, and snowmaking improvements. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2002: Liberty Mountain Resort
September 1, 2002: Liberty will unveil the new Boulder Ridge Snow Tubing Park, among other improvements.
What’s New for 2002: Bear Creek
September 1, 2002: Over $2 million has been spent on improvements at Bear Creek Resort, including a new snow tubing park, two new trails, an enlarged terrain park, and snowmaking enhancements.
Big Boulder, Jack Frost Invest in Future
August 8, 2002: The Jack Frost and Big Boulder ski areas will be spending more than $3.8 million in capital improvements this year, but will be holding the line on lift ticket prices.
July 22, 2002: Remember El Nino? It’s back! The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center has determined that El Nino is once again brewing in the Pacific Ocean. Last time around, El Nino wasn’t kind to Mid-Atlantic ski resorts. Find out how El Nino might impact skiing this winter.
(17 reader comments)
PA Supreme Court Rules on Seven Springs Dispute
July 21, 2002: The long-running battle between family members over the future of Seven Springs Resort may be nearing an end, as the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a ruling clearing the way for a possible merger. However, no merger plans have been announced.
A Tale of Three Resorts: Steamboat, Jackson Hole, and Whistler
July 21, 2002: Roy Stevenson tries to take his mind off the heat of summer by reflecting on trips to Steamboat Springs, Jackson Hole, and Whistler/Blackcomb, comparing and contrasting the three. (10 reader comments)
Sneak Peek: Resort Improvements for 2002-2003
July 21, 2002: DCSki provides a look at improvements currently underway at Blue Mountain, Liberty Mountain Resort, and Whitetail Ski Resort for the upcoming winter season. (2 reader comments)
Gearing Up for Next Season: An Exclusive Interview with Timberline/Canaan Race Coach Mark Fiorini
July 16, 2002: Timberline / Canaan race coach Mark Fiorini recently returned from the prestigious National Alpine Coaches Academy at Mount Bachelor, Oregon. In an interview with DCSki columnist John Sherwood, Fiorini shares some of the new skiing techniques he learned from the U.S., Austrian, and Slovenian national coaches who taught at the academy in May 2002. (3 reader comments)
Potomac Highlands, West Virginia: Biking and Hiking Report
July 2, 2002: On the weekend of June 20, John Sherwood and his wife spent time hiking and biking various trails in the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia. John checks in with a firsthand report. (3 reader comments)
24 Hours of Snowshoe: Firsthand Report
July 1, 2002: DCSki’s Editor spent the weekend covering the 24 Hours of Snowshoe mountain bike race. In this firsthand report, he provides a detailed description of the race. Find out what motivates experts and novices alike to race around the clock on a challenging course that tests body and mind. (5 reader comments)
Scenes from Snowshoe: Snapshots from 24 Hours of Snowshoe
June 29, 2002: The 24 Hours of Snowshoe mountain bike relay race is underway as this article goes to press. Check out some photographs from the openings hours of the event. (Page may take awhile to load with slower net connections.)
NORBA Championship Series Arrives at Snowshoe
June 19, 2002: Over 3,000 competitors will head to Snowshoe Mountain Resort June 20-23 to participate in the National Off Road Biking Association’s (NORBA) championship series event. Snowshoe’s Appalachian Uprising Mountain Bike and Music Festival will be held in conjunction with the event. Find out more.
Gearing Up for 24 Hours of Snowshoe
June 17, 2002: There aren’t many races like it in the world. On June 29, mountain bikers from across the country will converge on West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort to participate in a 24-hour relay race. DCSki/DCBike will be on hand to cover the event; in the meantime, check out this preview.
Twenty Four Hours at Shenandoah
June 15, 2002: DCSki’s Editor visited Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park last weekend and provides a detailed trip report and photos. Read all about his experience hiking Whiteoak Canyon and Dark Hollow Falls, then add your own comments about visits to Shenandoah. (1 reader comment)
A Home on the Slopes: Ski Real Estate in the Mid-Atlantic
May 13, 2002: John Sherwood explores the pros and cons of owning your own home at a ski resort, and provides a glimpse at several resorts in the region offering real estate. (7 reader comments)
Firsthand Bike Report: Canyon Rim Trail and West Fork Trail, WV
May 13, 2002: DCSKi Columnist John Sherwood recently tried out two mountain biking trails in West Virginia, and provides a firsthand report. (3 reader comments)
May 12, 2002: Ready for some hiking? Matthew Graham provides a detailed description of Old Rag Mountain, a popular hiking destination in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. (1 reader comment)
Several Expansion Projects Underway at Whitetail
May 2, 2002: It’s a busy summer at Whitetail: In addition to building a 17,000 square foot addition to the main lodge, the resort is adding a tubing park and lighting up several expert slopes.
(2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Snowshoe (April 6)
April 14, 2002: John Sherwood couldn’t resist one last chance to ski this season, and took Snowshoe up on their offer of free skiing for their closing weekend. Several inches of snow greeted skiers and boarders at Snowshoe on its last weekend, April 6-7. Find out more in John’s firsthand report.
Last Run: Timberline (Mar. 23 and 24)
March 26, 2002: John Sherwood closed out his ski season this past weekend with a trip to West Virginia’s Timberline Resort. He provides a trip report as well as some of his reflections on the 2001-2002 winter ski season. (4 reader comments)
March 25, 2002: Matthew Graham spent last weekend skiing at Maryland’s Wisp Resort, and describes the experience. Wisp plans to stay open until March 31.
March 22, 2002: Jarrett Baker made the trek from Florida to West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort last weekend, and checks in with a firsthand report. (3 reader comments)
Trip Report: Beaver Creek and Vail
March 13, 2002: Have you always wanted to visit Colorado’s famed Vail and Beaver Creek resorts? DCSki reader Kevin Rice recently visited the two for the first time, and provides a complete trip report. (11 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Sugar Mountain (Mar. 7)
March 12, 2002: You wouldn’t normally think of going south for good skiing, but John Sherwood discovers Snowshoe isn’t the only place south of D.C. to offer great skiing. John recently visited North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain Resort and found a resort that offers a 1,200 foot vertical. John checks in with a firsthand report. (9 reader comments)
March 11, 2002: Great scenery, legendary skiing, and small-town coincidences - Kevin Rice ties the three together in his firsthand report from a recent trip to Colorado’s Crested Butte resort. (3 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Whitetail (Mar. 6)
March 10, 2002: DCSki reader Albert Marsh took a second trip to Whitetail to end his season, and checks in with a report. Earlier in the week, Whitetail had made a last-ditch effort to make snow, keeping conditions good before the warm temperatures and rain returned. Whitetail closed for the season on Saturday, March 9.
Going Further Afield: Ski Arlberg, Austria
March 5, 2002: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood recently took a break from Mid-Atlantic skiing to try skiing in an entirely different continent. Read about his trip to Ski Arlberg, Austria. (3 reader comments)
Trip Report: Steamboat Springs
March 4, 2002: DCSki reader Joe M. spent a few days in Colorado’s Steamboat Springs earlier this year, and provides a detailed trip report. (3 reader comments)
March 3, 2002: After an unsuccessful attempt at skiing 20 years ago, Mark Gatlin succumbed to a friendly challenge to give the slopes a second chance - this time with a lesson at Liberty Mountain Resort. Read Mark’s entertaining account of his first lesson and find out whether he has finally caught the skiing bug. (3 reader comments)
March 3, 2002: DCSki reader Albert Marsh swung by Whitetail on Friday evening for some snowboarding, and provides a firsthand report. (2 reader comments)
March 3, 2002: John Sherwood spent the weekend of Feb. 23-24 skiing at West Virginia’s Timberline Resort, and provides a firsthand report. (9 reader comments)
Trip Report: Appalachian and Beech
March 3, 2002: DCSki Reader Jarrett Baker made a trip from his home state of Florida up to North Carolina to ski at Appalachian and Beech Mountain resorts. He provides a trip report describing what it’s like to ski in the deep south. (7 reader comments)
Trip Report: Big Bear Mountain Ski Resort
February 24, 2002: DCSki reader Kevin Rice was on a business trip recently to Los Angeles. While there, he decided to swing by Big Mountain Ski Resort. He provides a trip report comparing and contrasting the LA area resort to resorts in the Mid-Atlantic. (8 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Ski Roundtop
February 20, 2002: DCSki Columnist John Phillips spent Sunday morning on the slopes of Ski Roundtop, and checks in with a trip report. Roundtop has been one of the few resorts to maintain full coverage on its slopes during this unseasonably mild winter.
February 19, 2002: DCSki reader Roy Stevenson headed to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for his first ski trip of the season. Jackson Hole had already received 150 inches of snow while Mid-Atlantic resorts were just getting started with snowmaking. Learn more in Roy’s detailed trip report. (4 reader comments)
February 19, 2002: DCSki Columnist Jim Chen headed up to Maryland’s Wisp for a weekend of skiing. Read more in his firsthand report. (4 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Bryce Resort
February 19, 2002: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney spent President’s Day skiing at Virginia’s Bryce Resort, and provides this firsthand report.
February 18, 2002: Canaan Valley plans “Wild Thing Weekend” for Feb. 22-24; Snowshoe receives more natural snow and offers to accept season passes from other resorts.
Firsthand Report: Wintergreen (Feb. 10-12)
February 17, 2002: Matthew Graham spent the weekend of February 10-12 at Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort, and provides a firsthand report describing the skiing, tubing, and spa.
Firsthand Report: Whitetail (Friday, Feb. 15)
February 16, 2002: DCSki’s Editor was at Whitetail on Friday afternoon and found conditions worth writing home about. Thanks to some nighttime surges of snowmaking, Whitetail offered some great conditions. (2 reader comments)
February 7, 2002: Guest columnist Matthew Graham provides an engaging description of his adventure snowshoeing at Snowshoe Mountain Resort. Matthew and his wife hiked deep into the winter wilderness to spend a night at Snowshoe’s Backcountry Hut. (4 reader comments)
February 4, 2002: DCSki Columnist John Phillips spent the weekend of Jan. 26 skiing at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort, and files this firsthand report. (5 reader comments)
February 3, 2002: Ever seen those really, really short skis? Chances are the person attached to them had a big smile on his or her face. Matthew Graham takes a look at skiboards and describes his first experience with them. (3 reader comments)
The Toughest Slope in the Mid-Atlantic
January 30, 2002: Jim Kenney surveys some of the toughest slopes in the Mid-Atlantic, singling out his picks for Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and southern PA. He invites you to comment on his choices. (14 reader comments)
January 27, 2002: John Phillips was at Pennsylvania’s Bear Creek last weekend (right after the snowstorm and before the recent thaw) and provides a firsthand report. (1 reader comment)
Firsthand Report: Ski Roundtop
January 23, 2002: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney spent Tuesday skiing the slopes of Ski Roundtop with family and friends, and provides this firsthand report. (1 reader comment)
January 22, 2002: John Sherwood spent Sunday skiing the slopes of Snowshoe, and files this firsthand report. (2 reader comments)
NASCAR on Skis: A Report on Youth Ski Racing in the Southeast
January 21, 2002: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood provides a glimpse into youth ski racing at resorts such as West Virginia’s Timberline. Will the next Picabo Street come from the Mid-Atlantic? (1 reader comment)
January 17, 2002: DCSki’s Editor headed to Whitetail for some night skiing Wednesday evening. Learn more about his experience in his detailed firsthand report. (4 reader comments)
January 8, 2002: DCSki Columnist John Phillips spent the day at Whitetail on Saturday, and provides a detailed trip report. John reports that conditions were excellent this past weekend. (5 reader comments)
Ski & Snowboard America: Mid-Atlantic Hits the Presses
January 6, 2002: John Phillips, author of the Mid-Atlantic Winter Sports Guide, has just published a second edition of his definitive guide to Mid-Atlantic skiing, now titled Ski & Snowboard America: Mid-Atlantic. Learn more about the book and how to order it.
(2 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Canaan Valley and Timberline
January 6, 2002: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood was in West Virginia over the weekend, and provides a detailed trip report from Canaan Valley and Timberline resorts. (6 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Seven Springs
January 2, 2002: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney spent New Year’s Eve skiing at Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs Resort, and filed a firsthand report. (2 reader comments)
December 30, 2001: DCSki’s John Sherwood is at West Virginia’s Timberline Resort, and took a break from skiing to file this firsthand trip report. (2 reader comments)
December 30, 2001: A DCSki reader made his first runs of the season at Blue Knob on December 27. He provides a detailed trip report. (12 reader comments)
December 28, 2001: Killington offers discount to military personnel; hats off to Otto Matheke; Teens to Go plans ski trips; and www.vaskiing.com to help organize trips. (1 reader comment)
Olympic Skier Diann Roffe Partners with Local Resorts
December 28, 2001: Gold medalist Diann Roffe will be offering a number of workshops at Liberty Mountain, Ski Roundtop, and Whitetail Resort this winter. (1 reader comment)
December 26, 2001: A sprinkling of resort openings over the past weekend has turned into a torrent, as most major ski resorts in the region have now kicked off their season. Find out which resorts are open and view our latest photo gallery. (2 reader comments)
December 25, 2001: DCSki’s John Sherwood was at Snowshoe for opening day, and checks in with a detailed firsthand report and some photos. (4 reader comments)
Mid-Atlantic Ski Season Begins
December 22, 2001: Several Mid-Atlantic resorts opened on Saturday, and more openings are on the way as excellent snowmaking conditions continue. Find out the latest and view a photo gallery in this article.
Mother Nature Relents; Cold Welcomed by Local Resorts
December 20, 2001: A swift drop in temperatures has rejuvenated local ski resorts, as they race to open slopes in the next few days. Find out the latest on snowmaking operations and anticipated resort opening dates. (1 reader comment)
Big Lifts Equals Big Fun - Part 2
December 20, 2001: In part two of a two-part series, DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney reflects on the variety of transportation options for getting to the top of a ski mountain. (1 reader comment)
Intrawest Discusses Snowshoe in Conference Call
December 20, 2001: Intrawest, parent corporation of West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort, recently hosted a conference call describing Snowshoe and how resorts are being affected by the slow season start. DCSki Columnist John Sherwood participated in the call and provides this report.
Snowshoe Calls to Ullr for Snow
December 14, 2001: Seeking divine intervention, employees at Snowshoe Mountain Resort held a ceremony to praise Ullr, the famed Norse God of Snow. Their efforts may pay off - forecasters are predicting that winter may finally begin to arrive next week, giving resorts a chance to capture opening dates before the all-important holiday week. (14 reader comments)
Dreaming of a White Christmas: Opening Day Status for Snowshoe
December 10, 2001: West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort resumed snowmaking operations this past weekend, but has delayed its opening date to December 17, conditions permitting. Find out how the resort is fighting unfavorable weather, and what the weather forecast looks like going into the weekend. (11 reader comments)
Big Lifts Equal Big Fun - Part 1
December 7, 2001: In part one of a two-part series, DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney reflects on the variety of transportation options for getting to the top of a ski mountain. (8 reader comments)
December 2, 2001: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood has come down with “snow fever” - an ailment caused by continuing tropical temperatures in what should be the start of the ski season. Find out the latest on how the warm weather is affecting opening dates. (14 reader comments)
What’s New for 2001: The Homestead
December 2, 2001: Improvements at the Homestead this winter include an expanded program of winter activities and an updated fleet of rental equipment.
November 29, 2001: Warm trend continues, delaying snowmaking efforts; Laurel Mountain offers prime viewing for Leonids meteor shower.
November 20, 2001: A drop in temperatures on Tuesday allowed Snowshoe to resume snowmaking operations. Find out the latest status. (7 reader comments)
The Race is On: Seven Springs Looks Towards Opening Date
November 16, 2001: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood recently spoke about snowmaking and opening dates with Bob Duppstadt of Seven Springs. Find out more about opening date plans for the Pennsylvania resort.
Warm Weather Delays Snowmaking
November 14, 2001: A stretch of warm temperatures has forced resorts in the region to re-evaluate opening dates; November opening dates are now seen as unlikely. (1 reader comment)
November 6, 2001: Snowshoe Mountain Resort began making snow Monday night, in preparation for a Nov. 21 opening date. See some photos of the snowmaking action. (3 reader comments)
Liberty to Hold Instructor Training Course
November 5, 2001: Would you like to become a part-time ski instructor at Liberty Mountain? The resort will be holding an instructor training course later this month.
What’s New for 2001: Montage Mountain
November 4, 2001: Pennsylvania’s Montage Mountain has made enhancements to its reknowned snowmaking system.
National Ski and Snowboard Expo Arrives
October 29, 2001: The annual National Ski and Snowboard Expo will be held November 9-11 at the Capital Expo Center.
Early Bird Bargains for Ski Vacations in Europe
October 28, 2001: Wanted to ski Europe in the past but found the price too high? Numerous bargains this winter have increased the affordability of European ski trips. (4 reader comments)
What’s New for 2001: Ski Roundtop
October 21, 2001: Ski Roundtop has enhanced snowmaking for the upcoming winter season.
What’s New for 2001: Timberline Resort
October 21, 2001: Timberline will be making some minor improvements to its terrain parks this winter.
What’s New for 2001: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
October 21, 2001: Visitors to Snowshoe will find a new aqua fun center this winter; meanwihle, construction on the upscale Allegheny Springs lodging facility continues.
Pictures from Snowshoe’s First Storm
October 17, 2001: West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort received its first measurable snowfall of the season on Tuesday night, and provides several mountaintop photos. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2001: Hidden Valley Resort
October 17, 2001: Pennsylvania’s Hidden Valley Resort will unveil a new Winter Fun Center with the longest snow tubing chutes on the east coast. Also on tap: three new slopes, a new restaurant, and more. (3 reader comments)
What’s New for 2001: Blue Mountain
October 17, 2001: Pennsylvania’s Blue Mountain Resort has added new snow tubing lanes, and begun construction on a new lodge and a new expert trail.
What’s New for 2001: Laurel Mountain
October 7, 2001: Pennsylvania’s Laurel Mountain Resort has continued to beef up snowmaking, and has also added 30 lockers for season passholders.
What’s New for 2001: Bear Creek Ski Area
October 7, 2001: Bear Creek has spent $2.5 million this summer improving snowmaking, upgrading electrical service and lighting across the mountain, and enhancing the base lodge.
What’s New for 2001: Shawnee Mountain
October 7, 2001: Shawnee Mountain has spent $1.5 million this summer adding two new lifts, renovating the ski lodge, improving snowmaking and expanding its fleet of rental equipment.
What’s New for 2001: Camelback
October 7, 2001: Camelback has been focusing its efforts this summer on a major Tubing Park expansion. (1 reader comment)
October 5, 2001: Rounding out today’s news briefs: Ski Chalet plans Demo Days at three area resorts; Whitetail to host Great Outdoor Festival; and Fifth Annual Take Your Daughter to the Snow Week announced.
What’s New for 2001: Wisp Resort
October 5, 2001: The most extensive changes to the ski slopes of Wisp in 12 years are currently in progress. Lifts are being rearranged and a new tubing park is being constructed. Find out more about changes underway at Wisp in this article. (1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2001: Elk Mountain
October 1, 2001: Elk Mountain has added 500 pairs of skis and 200 snowboards to its rental fleet for the upcoming season, as well as planting 700 Norway spruce trees.
Jeannie Thoren to Teach Free Women’s Ski Clinic
September 30, 2001: The Tyson’s Corner location of Ski Chalet will serve as the setting for a free Women’s Ski Clinic, to be presented by Jeannie Thoren on Friday, October 19. Thoren is the industry’s most respected expert on women’s skiing, and will describe how women skiers can have more fun skiing with better fitting ski equipment.
What’s New for 2001: Bryce Resort
September 25, 2001: Virginia’s Bryce Resort has beefed up snowmaking and added more shaped skis and snowboards to its rental inventory.
What’s New for 2001: Liberty Mountain Resort
September 18, 2001: Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort is putting the finishing touches on a new fixed-grip quad and making other improvements in preparation for the upcoming season.
What’s New for 2001: Whitetail Resort
September 18, 2001: Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort continues to enhance snowmaking for the upcoming season.
September 9, 2001: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood explores the annual “season pass dilemma”: is it better to buy a season pass, or to “pay as you play”?
(6 reader comments)
The Dorrins’ European Vacation
September 4, 2001: Dave Dorrin and his wife Jenni just returned from a trip to France. Dave provides a trip report, documenting their experience biking through country roads in France. (4 reader comments)
Book Review: Ski Europe, 12th Edition
September 3, 2001: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood reviews Charles Leocha’s Ski Europe, 12th Edition, a guide to skiing in Europe.
What’s New for 2001: Wintergreen Resort
August 26, 2001: Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort is spending $5 million this summer to add a new six-person high-speed lift and a new tubing hill.
What’s New for 2001: Seven Springs
August 25, 2001: Seven Springs launches Phase I of its ambitious five-year plan this summer. Visitors will find a new high-speed six-seater, as well as other improvements this winter. (3 reader comments)
What’s New for 2001: Canaan Valley Resort
August 25, 2001: A new ski area base lodge will greet visitors this winter at West Virginia’s Canaan Valley Resort. (2 reader comments)
West Virginia Symphony Orchestra to Visit Snowshoe
August 17, 2001: Fine dining and the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra will be highlights of the 11th annual Snowshoe Mountain Symphony Festival, to be held August 24-26 at Snowshoe Mountain Resort.
Snowshoe to Host Benefit for Flood Victims
August 12, 2001: On Saturday, August 18, Snowshoe will host an outdoor concert benefit for flood victims of southern West Virginia. The day-long event will feature numerous artists and will be capped by a mountaintop fireworks display.
August 7, 2001: Looking for a new job? Several local resorts currently have openings. The Cheat Mountain Club in West Virginia is searching for a Resident Manager to live on site full time and manage many aspects of the country inn’s operations; Whitetail is searching for a Ski Patrol Director; and Roundtop is searching for a retail store manager. Find out more details about these positions in this article.
Beyond the Towpath: The Great Allegheny Passage
July 21, 2001: John Sherwood provides a trip report detailing an alternative to the C&O Canal for biking and hiking trips.
(4 reader comments)
Camping in Allegheny National Forest
July 14, 2001: DCSki Contributor Matt Lees recently went camping in the Allegheny National Forest in northwest Pennsylvania and checks in with a few notes on the trip.
Seven Springs Announces $230 Million Expansion
June 25, 2001: Seven Springs has announced a four-year, $230 million expansion which will add high-speed lifts, new lodging, and other enhancements to the Pennsylvania resort.
(3 reader comments)
Seven Springs Plans Summer Concert
June 19, 2001: The slopeside June 30 event will feature performers Alan Parson, Ann Wilson, John Entwistle, and Todd Rundgren.
(2 reader comments)
NORBA National Championship Series Comes to Snowshoe
June 17, 2001: It’s been a busy summer for Snowshoe; after wrapping up the 24 Hours of Snowshoe mountain bike race, the West Virginia resort is now geared up to host its first national mountain bike championship event.
A Short Camping Trip on the C&O Canal
June 17, 2001: DCSki Contributor Dave Dorrin braved steady rain and broken spokes as he biked and camped along the C&O Canal Trail with his wife. Read more about his adventures in his trip report.
(8 reader comments)
June 15, 2001: On Tuesday, Maryland’s Wisp ski resort was purchased by DC Development. Find out what the sale means for the resort and its tie to the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Vermont Sees Year-Over-Year Skier Increase
June 10, 2001: Ski areas in Vermont report a 14.7% skier visit increase this past winter. The robust ski season is being credited for helping to stave off a recession in the state.
Snowshoe Seeks Volunteers for Summer Events Team
May 31, 2001: Snowshoe Mountain Resort is seeking volunteers to help out with 12 summer events. Volunteers will be rewarded with lift tickets and other perks.
10th Annual 24 Hours of Snowshoe
May 13, 2001: For 24 hours beginning Saturday, June 9, over 2,000 racers will participate in one of the world’s most celebrated mountain bike races at Snowshoe Mountain Resort. (3 reader comments)
Greatest Irish Festival Comes to Jack Frost Mountain
May 5, 2001: Over Memorial Day weekend, Jack Frost Mountain will celebrate the nation’s rich Irish heritage with music, ethnic food, specialty vendors and more.
(1 reader comment)
April 12, 2001: J.C. recently returned from a week of skiing at California’s Mammoth Mountain, and provides a trip report. (3 reader comments)
Breaking News: New Ski Resort to be Built in Dundalk
April 1, 2001: In a surprising move, a major ski developer announced today that it will build the Mid-Atlantic’s largest ski resort in downtown Dundalk, Maryland. Construction is slated to begin this spring. (12 reader comments)
March 31, 2001: Lou Botta recently returned from a trip to Switzerland’s St. Moritz, and provides a fascinating trip report (and some great pictures). (7 reader comments)
March 25, 2001: Mid-Atlantic Winter Sports Guide author John Phillips spent the weekend of March 9 at Snowshoe Mountain Resort, and provides a detailed trip report. John found superb spring skiing at Snowshoe. In March alone, Snowshoe has received over four feet of snow. (3 reader comments)
Whitetail Closes for the Season
March 16, 2001: Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort reported today that it has closed for the season. Season passes, Advantage cards, and Night Club cards will continue to be valid at Roundtop and Liberty through the end of their ski seasons.
Snowshoe Mountain Resort, as Good as it Gets
March 14, 2001: DCSki Columinst Jim Kenney loaded up his family and headed to Snowshoe Mountain Resort this past weekend. The fact that Snowshoe had just received 22 inches of fresh powder was a happy coincidence. Read Jim’s complete trip report in this article. (5 reader comments)
March 11, 2001: Free lift ticket offer at Jack Frost and Big Boulder; plenty of spring festivals.
March 4, 2001: Value Season begins at Canaan Valley Resort, with lift ticket prices dropping over 40%; Snowshoe Mountain Resort’s Hawthorne Valley golf course will be renamed the Raven Golf Club at Snowshoe Mountain.
Snowshoe Launches Next Phase of Residential Development
March 2, 2001: Buyers are already lined up to purchase upscale condominiums in Allegheny Springs, which will feature a health club, private courtyard, thermal pool and valet parking.
February 25, 2001: Amtrak and Snowshoe Mountain Resort are now offering an alternative rail-based adventure for getting to the slopes. (3 reader comments)
President’s Day Weekend 2001 - Road Trip to Killington
February 25, 2001: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney drove up to Vermont’s Killington Resort for a weekend of skiing, and provides a detailed trip report. (1 reader comment)
February 21, 2001: John Phillips, author of the Mid-Atlantic Winter Sports Guide, provides a trip report from a Feb. 11 visit to Pennsylvania’s Blue Mountain Resort.
“Wild Thing Weekend” on Tap at Canaan Valley
February 20, 2001: Canaan Valley is the place to be Saturday with races, pond jumps, scavenger hunts, pie throwing contests, snow volleyball matches and more.
February 19, 2001: Roller coaster weather; Special Love brings families of children with cancer to Canaan Valley; Truth in advertising; Skier’s Edge machine provides off-slope workout for skiers.
Review: With This Gizmo, Dry Boots are a Snap
February 13, 2001: J.C. provides a favorable review of the SNAP Dry Micro Dryer, which kept his ski boots dry on his recent trip to Steamboat. (1 reader comment)
February 11, 2001: J.C. just returned from a week of skiing at Colorado’s Steamboat, and provides a detailed trip report. (1 reader comment)
February 7, 2001: Warm temps rear their ugly head; WHFSkimo Snow Job details announced; Teenager dies in accident at Snowshoe.
February 5, 2001: Northerners don’t often head south for skiing, but DCSki Contributor Matt Lees drove from north of Philly to West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort to see what Pocahontas County skiing is all about. Find out more in Matt’s trip report.
January 30, 2001: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney tried out late night skiing at Liberty Mountain Resort on Saturday, and provides a report.
Liberty Seeking Patrollers for Next Year
January 30, 2001: Want to become a ski patroller? DCSki Columnist Jim Chen describes how to join Liberty Mountain Resort as a patroller.
Firsthand Report: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
January 29, 2001: DCSki’s Editor spent the weekend at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort and provides a detailed firsthand report. (3 reader comments)
Testing Out the Greatest Snow on Earth
January 26, 2001: Chad Hansen, a native of Utah now living in Virginia, recently visited several ski resorts in his home state and provides a trip report. (6 reader comments)
Top Ten Reasons to Ski: A Perspective
January 18, 2001: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney provides his own “Top Ten” reasons to ski, covering some of his most cherished skiing memories.
January 16, 2001: DCSki Columnist Jim Chen was recently at Liberty Mountain, and provides an update on the conditions. (4 reader comments)
Just Enough Snow to Chill the Beer: Report from Laurel Ridge
January 15, 2001: DCSki Contributor Dave Dorrin spent the weekend cross-country skiing at Laurel Ridge State Park, and reports on the experience. (2 reader comments)
January 11, 2001: Unwelcome warm temperatures descend on the area, but strong bases are still in good shape. Ski Center will be sponsoring a Demo Day at Liberty on Wednesday, January 17. Find out more in this article.
January 6, 2001: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney was on hand at Blue Knob Thursday, and reports on the conditions.
January 4, 2001: DCSki’s Editor headed up to Whitetail on Wednesday, and provides a detailed report on the great conditions, along with a gallery of photos. (5 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Bryce Mountain
January 3, 2001: Jim Kenney spent New Year’s Day at Virginia’s Bryce Mountain and provides a firsthand report.
Thursday is Pennsylvania’s Learn to Ski Day
January 2, 2001: Several Pennsylvania resorts will be offering $10 packages for beginner skiers or boarders Thursday, including rentals, lesson, and lift ticket. (6 reader comments)
Ruminations of a Long-Time D.C. Area Skier: Part 3 of 3
December 31, 2000: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney continues his reflections of over 30 years of skiing in a third installment. (1 reader comment)
Winter Storm Forecast for Weekend
December 29, 2000: The stage is set for a potential “snow event” this weekend. Find out the latest details in this article.
Skiing Close to Perfection This Week
December 26, 2000: You’d be hard-pressed to find anything to complain about with respect to current ski conditions. Find out what to expect on the slopes.
December 21, 2000: DCSki Columnist Otto Matheke spent Wednesday evening skiing at Liberty Mountain Resort and filed a report on the conditions.
December 19, 2000: West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort became the first resort in the region to open 100% of its terrain on Tuesday - 57 trails with a base depth of 4-5 feet. Find out more in this article. (1 reader comment)
December 19, 2000: Wisp to change hands; Local resorts benefitting from low temps, snow
Ruminations of a Long-Time D.C. Area Skier: Part 2 of 3
December 18, 2000: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney continues his reflections of over 30 years of skiing in a second installment. (6 reader comments)
Rain, High Winds Move Across Area
December 17, 2000: A violent storm system has brought high winds and pelting rain to much of the region, temporarily shutting down several resorts. Learn more in this article.
(1 reader comment)
December 16, 2000: In today’s news briefs: two separate tragedies take the lives of two ski resort employees in the Mid-Atlantic, dampening an otherwise great start to the ski season nationwide. Select ski shops have formed America’s Best Bootfitters alliance to help in the search for a perfect fitting boot.
Firsthand Report: Night Trip to Whitetail
December 10, 2000: DCSki’s Editor headed up to Whitetail Saturday night, and provides a detailed trip report.
Condition Update: Great Weekend On Tap
December 7, 2000: This weekend is shaping up to be a great one for skiers and boarders, with most resorts in the region opening. Some resorts already have mid-season conditions. Get the latest roundup in this article.
Ruminations of a Long-Time D.C. Area Skier: Part 1 of 3
December 6, 2000: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney reflects on over 30 years of skiing in the Washington, D.C. area. (6 reader comments)
Cold Weather On Tap for Remainder of Week; Snowguns Out in Force
December 3, 2000: After a brief hiatus, cold weather is back and will stick around. Area resorts continue their record-breaking start to the season, taking advantage of the cold for a full-fledged snowmaking assault. (1 reader comment)
The Most Important Safety Equipment on the Slopes
November 28, 2000: What’s the most important piece of safety gear on the slopes? DCSki Columnist and ski patroller Jim Chen offers some advice on how to improve safety on the slopes.
Snowshoe Comes Off Blockbuster Thanksgiving Holiday with 31 Open Trails
November 27, 2000: Snowshoe had a great Thanksgiving, and will enter December with over half of its terrain open - more open terrain than any prior November.
Firsthand Report: Liberty Mountain Resort
November 25, 2000: DCSki Columnist Jim Chen provides a firsthand report from Liberty’s opening day. (Updated with Editor’s Note.)
Condition Update: Latest Resort Opening Details
November 22, 2000: It’s opening day for several resorts in the Mid-Atlantic, and on top of great snowmaking temperatures, Mother Nature has added 6-8 inches of fresh powder. Find out what resorts are opening today and which ones are shooting for an opening just after Thanksgiving. (4 reader comments)
“Ski Chalet Day” Set at Snowshoe
November 21, 2000: Ski Chalet Day will be held at Snowshoe Mountain Resort on December 8, offering $10 lift tickets, equipment demos, and the chance to ski or board with pro athletes.
Condition Update: Several Resorts to Open Later This Week
November 20, 2000: Thanks to cold temperatures, several resorts in the region will claim opening dates by the end of this week. Find out the status of snowmaking at area resorts and expected opening dates in this update, and see a picture gallery. (2 reader comments)
November 18, 2000: Liberty Mountain Resort is looking for new instructors, Snowshoe plans to open a day early, and a Colorado skier is found guilty of criminally negligent homicide by colliding with another skier. Find out more.
Favorable Conditions Nationwide Point to Great Early-season Skiing
November 15, 2000: With chilly temperatures stretching across the nation, Colorado resorts are opening with mid-season conditions and local resorts are firing up the snowguns. Find out the latest and see a picture gallery in this article.
Cold Temperatures are On the Way
November 13, 2000: Getting anxious to ski? Local resorts are getting anxious to make snow, and a blast of cold air next week should make snowmaking a reality. Update: Snowshoe pushes back opening day to Thanksgiving Day to allow snowmakers more time to work their magic. (7 reader comments)
Mild Temperatures May Threaten Early Opening Dates
November 8, 2000: Some Mid-Atlantic resorts still have their eye on a late-November opening date, but cold temperatures have been slow to arrive. Meanwhile, Colorado resorts have received several feet of early-season snow.
Who Wants to Be a Ski or Snowboard Instructor?
October 26, 2000: DCSki Columnist and ski instructor Otto Matheke describes the challenges and rewards of being a ski or snowboard instructor. Many resorts such as Liberty Mountain (where Otto teaches) currently have instructor openings and will be offering Instructor Training Courses in the near future. (3 reader comments)
Harford Ski Club to Sponsor Showing of Latest Warren Miller Film
October 18, 2000: On Thursday, October 19, Harford Ski Club and Snow Time will team up to show Warren Miller’s latest flick, RIDE, at the Regal Cinemas in Bel Air. (3 reader comments)
National Weather Service Predicts Return of Winter Weather
October 13, 2000: With El Niño and La Niña out of the way, the Mid-Atlantic should see colder temperatures and more snow, according to NOAA. Find out the outlook for area ski resorts. (75 reader comments)
October 9, 2000: A blast of arctic air has brought some natural snow and snowmaking opportunities to resorts across the east coast.
Road Trip Journal Entry #5: Leaving Las Vegas
October 2, 2000: DCSki’s Editor wraps up his western adventure by describing Las Vegas and some national parks in Utah. (2 reader comments)
Road Trip Journal Entry #4: The Moab Mecca
September 25, 2000: DCSki’s Editor, in the midst of a western road trip, checks in with a journal entry describing mountain biking in Moab (and hiking in Canyonlands National Park). (1 reader comment)
Road Trip Journal Entry #3: Biking in Breckenridge
September 18, 2000: DCSki’s Editor, in the midst of a western road trip, checks in with a journal entry describing non-skiing ways to have fun in Breckenridge. (1 reader comment)
Road Trip Journal Entry #2: Stairway to Heaven
September 17, 2000: DCSki’s Editor, in the midst of a western road trip, checks in with a journal entry describing Rocky Mountain National Park. (2 reader comments)
Road Trip Journal Entry #1: The Long Road West
September 15, 2000: DCSki’s Editor, in the midst of a western road trip, checks in with a journal entry. Find out how to survive the long trip west while you hear Scott’s exciting theories on bird migration and how it affects your car’s windshield. (4 reader comments)
Snowshoe Invests Another $10 Million in Improvements
August 21, 2000: There’s plenty of new at Snowshoe this winter: new lodging, new restaurants, a new slope, new rental equipment, and more. Learn all the details of Snowshoe’s latest enhancements in this article.
Sneak Peek: Local Resorts Plan Improvements for 2000-2001 Ski Season
July 24, 2000: Find out what changes Seven Springs, Snowshoe, and Whitetail have in store for skiers and boarders this winter. (3 reader comments)
Chili Weekend on Tap for Snowshoe
July 10, 2000: The Fire on the Mountain Chili Cookoff will return to Snowshoe on Saturday, July 15. The event-filled weekend will include fireworks, a craft show, and music. (1 reader comment)
July 2, 2000: Whitetail announces capital improvements; Snowshoe announces new General Manager; trend in cheaper season pass prices continues. (2 reader comments)
Local Ski Instructor Gains Celebrity Status
June 30, 2000: Pete Moran, a ski instructor at Snowshoe Mountain Resort, was just included in People Magazine’s list of the 100 Most Eligible Bachelors.
“Toyota 24 Hours of Snowshoe” Brings Thousands of Mountain Bikers to Snowshoe
June 11, 2000: Over 2,500 mountain bike racers converged on West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort June 10-11 to participate in the “Toyota 24 Hours of Snowshoe” race, one of the largest mountain biking events on the east coast.
It’s Not Too Late to Snowboard Locally — Seriously
May 17, 2000: West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort has been saving a 35-foot high mound of snow. On May 27, Snowshoe will use this snow for the resort’s first summer halfpipe competition. Other activities such as fireworks are also planned for the Memorial Day Weekend at the resort.
May 13, 2000: Walking 60 miles in 90-degree weather is a challenge 2,800 people tackled during the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk from May 5-7, 2000. Glenda Kline recounts her experience training for and participating in this event, which raised $6 million dollars for the fight against breast cancer. (2 reader comments)
GPS Accuracy Increases Dramatically
May 7, 2000: Beating its deadline by six years, the U.S. government has ended the intentional degradation of civilian Global Positioning System (GPS) signals. At midnight on May 1, all consumer GPS receivers immediately became 10 times more accurate. Read more about the surprise announcement and its effect on outdoor recreation enthusiasts. (2 reader comments)
Snowshoe Mountain Biking Season Kicks Off
May 6, 2000: This morning, West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort launched its mountain biking season by opening over 125 miles of trails. The resort is busy preparing for “The Toyota 24 Hours of Snowshoe” race, which is expected to draw hundreds of racers and thousands of spectators on June 10-11.
Shenandoah to Host Wildflower Weekend May 13-14
April 16, 2000: Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park will host its 14th annual Wildflower Weekend on May 13-14 with several guided hikes led by naturalists. Coinciding with Mother’s Day, these hikes will offer visitors the chance to see a wide variety of protected wildflowers in the park.
March 25, 2000: This summer, DCSki is due for a makeover. DCSki’s metamorphosis begins in early April with a major server upgrade, followed shortly by dozens of new features and a new look. Find out more about planned improvements in this article.
Firsthand Account: Ski Liberty
March 7, 2000: DCSki Reader Jim Kenney visited Ski Liberty over the weekend and found reasonable conditions, which he summarizes in this firsthand report. Jim also provides his Top 10 list of reasons to go spring skiing.
March 5, 2000: Continued warm weather begins to claim casualties; Whitetail closed for the season on Sunday, although other area resorts continue to battle on. Thanks to 100 hours of snowmaking over the past week, West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort plans to stay open until April 9. In the meantime, a lack of springtime visitors - and not warmer temperatures - may be the biggest reason for area resorts to end their season.
WHFS and Ski Liberty Contribute to Use of “Sick Days”
March 2, 2000: DCSki Contributor Anthony Cupaiuolo spent last Friday at the WHFS Snow Job, held at Ski Liberty. Anthony provides a summary of his, er, “sick day,” spent snowboarding and listening to bands.
February 27, 2000: As if the past week wasn’t bad enough, the next week is calling for continued mild temperatures. Despite the balmy weather, area resorts are surviving and continue to offer skiing and boarding on most terrain. Expect spring-like conditions with some bare spots.
February 22, 2000: In today’s News Briefs: Uh-oh, here comes a thaw; Hidden Valley to repeat season pass special; Canaan Valley plans “Wild Thing Weekend”.
February 16, 2000: In today’s News Briefs: Plenty of snow at area resorts; HFSkimo Snow Job hits Liberty Feb. 25; Vermont digging out of snow.
Snowmobiling for the First Time at Winter Park, Colorado
February 13, 2000: DCSki Contributor Brian Preston describes his experience snowmobiling for the first time, learning that there’s more to do at ski resorts than ski.
February 13, 2000: A DCSki reader just returned from a trip to Snowmass, Colorado, and provides a complete trip report.
February 12, 2000: In today’s News Briefs: Is it ever too early to learn how to ski? Not if Apple Rise Sports has a say in the matter. The company produces innovative products such as the Kid-Ski program, which gets toddlers on the slopes. Meanwhile, new skiers of all ages are finding that short skis are shortening the learning curve. Finally, a trip to Safeway might save you some bucks on your next lift ticket.
Western Trip Report: Winter Park, Colorado
February 6, 2000: DCSki’s Editor is back from a week of skiing at Winter Park, Colorado, and provides a detailed trip report.
Firsthand Account: Bryce Mountain
February 1, 2000: DCSki reader Jim Kenney spent Monday with his family at Bryce, and says the conditions are the best he’s ever seen there. Find out more in his firsthand account.
Firsthand Account: Ski Liberty (Wed., 1/27)
January 29, 2000: A DCSki reader visited Ski Liberty just after Tuesday’s snowstorm and provides a trip report.
Venturing Beyond the Slopes at Snowshoe
January 28, 2000: Snowshoe’s new Outdoor Adventure Program is in full gear, offering snowmobile rides, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and overnight stays at a rustic backcountry cabin.
Firsthand Account: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
January 27, 2000: A DCSki reader spent the weekend at Snowshoe Mountain Resort and provides a candid trip report.
January 26, 2000: As people dig out of yesterday’s storm, local resorts are reporting the best conditions in years. Some resorts missed the storm entirely, while others picked up a foot of snow. With the natural snow and continued cold temperatures, resorts are able to use terms they haven’t used in several years: 100% open terrain and powder/packed powder conditions. Learn more about local conditions in this article.
Firsthand Account: Wintergreen Resort
January 25, 2000: A DCSki reader spent Sunday and Monday at Virginia’s Wintergreen resort and reports on the conditions. Two photos are included.
Firsthand Account: Whitetail Ski Resort
January 23, 2000: DCSki reader Jim Kenney spent Friday evening with his family at Whitetail and reports on the conditions. Jim also provides a brief account of some cross-country skiing on the Falls Church Bike Trail on Saturday.
Firsthand Account: Ski Liberty
January 23, 2000: A DCSki reader checks in with a Saturday trip report to Ski Liberty.
Firsthand Account: Ski Roundtop
January 22, 2000: DCSki reader Mike Woodruff visited Ski Roundtop this past Friday and reports on the conditions. Mike writes that Roundtop is offering some of the best conditions in years, with 100% open terrain.
January 20, 2000: Continued cold temperatures and a few inches of natural snow are resulting in the best ski conditions in recent memory. A summary of conditions at local resorts is provided, as well as a look at the extended forecast.
January 19, 2000: Guest author (and Food Critic) Sean Oser provides a detailed review of Eli’s Tavern, Snowshoe Mountain Resort’s new flaghip restaurant.
January 17, 2000: Mid-Atlantic conditions keep getting better; Snowshoe breaks new records; Hunter Mountain base depth reaches triple digits; and Liberty, Roundtop, and Whitetail will give you two extra hours this week - if you know the Code.
Area Resorts Welcome Cold Temperatures
January 15, 2000: Local resorts are offering the best conditions of the season so far. This article provides a summary of what you can expect at many resorts in the region.
January 11, 2000: Live, via satellite: DCSki’s Editor checks in with a mid-trip report for Snowshoe Mountain Resort, reporting on the great conditions and some of the recent improvements made to the resort.
Firsthand Account: Canaan Valley Resort
January 7, 2000: DCSki reader Jim Kenney visited Canaan Valley Resort earlier this week, and provides a detailed trip report.
January 7, 2000: Snowmaking has returned at area resorts, and conditions have improved rapidly this week, resulting in good skiing and boarding for the weekend. This article contains condition reports for a selection of area resorts.
Safety on the Slopes: The Skier/Boarder Responsibility Code
January 6, 2000: Although skiing and snowboarding will always carry a degree of risk, following a few simple guidelines can help reduce the risk of injury - particularly on crowded slopes. DCSki Columnist and ski patroller James Chen explains the popular Skier/Boarder Responsibility Code.
January 5, 2000: It’s been a yin-yang kind of week: hot temperatures and rain followed by cold temperatures and, with luck, snow. Find out how area resorts are coping and what’s in store for the rest of the week.
January 2, 2000: The January “thaw”; ski on the cheap in New England; Pennsylvania Learn to Ski Day; and the Bell Atlantic Luge Challenge round out today’s news briefs.
January 1, 2000: At midnight, article and event listings temporarily disappeared from DCSki due to a Y2K conflict. This problem was corrected within minutes.
A Collection of Firsthand Reports
December 31, 1999: DCSki readers check in with firsthand condition reports for Whitetail, Ski Roundtop, and Blue Knob
Ski Conditions Continue to Improve
December 29, 1999: Packed powder: that’s what you’ll find at area resorts right now. Snowmaking should continue over the next couple days, allowing ski areas to expand their trail count and strengthen base depths. This article summarizes conditions at many local resorts.
Firsthand Account: Ski Liberty
December 27, 1999: DCSki Columnist James Chen spent Sunday on the slopes of Ski Liberty, and reports on the fantastic early-season conditions.
Book Review: New England Snow Country
December 27, 1999: DCSki reviews an excellent book describing 701 ways to enjoy a New England winter whether you ski or not. This guide is packed full of activities and useful advice for the New England visitor.
Ski Liberty, Ski Roundtop, Whitetail to Open Tomorrow
December 23, 1999: Three of the closest resorts to D.C. will launch their ski season on Christmas Eve.
December 22, 1999: DCSki provides a quick roundup of improving conditions at area resorts.
December 20, 1999: Warmer weather and rain delay snowmaking, relief expected midweek; Canaan Valley plans wealth of holiday activities.
Ski Patrol: Who and What They Are
December 19, 1999: DCSki Columnist and National Ski Patrol member James Chen provides a detailed look into the life of a ski patroller. (1 reader comment)
Snowgun-loving Weather Returns
December 17, 1999: The next few days will present great snowmaking temperatures - resulting in additional resort openings and expanded terrain at resorts already open.
December 12, 1999: Guest author Jonathan “Doc” Doctorick inaugurates his first DCSki column with an introduction and thoughts on opening day skiing.
December 12, 1999: Patrol openings at Whitetail; Victoria Jealouse visits Snowshoe for Burton Snowboards 2000 Women’s Demo Tour, while trail count expands.
Rain Stresses Recently-opened Resorts
December 6, 1999: Milder temperatures this week are delaying snowmaking, shutting down some resorts, and transforming conditions to loose granular at area resorts.
Openings, We’ve Got Openings..
December 3, 1999: Skiers and snowboarders, start your engines: A handful of resorts will launch the 1999-2000 winter season this morning or this weekend. Get the latest details in this article.
December 1, 1999: Last night, resorts throughout the region took advantage of low temperatures to make snow.
Cold Returns; Resorts Eye Opening Dates
November 29, 1999: A blast of arctic air will be the missing snowmaking ingredient for many local resorts. Check out the latest predicted opening dates for many area resorts.
November 27, 1999: Snowshoe expands trail count while awaiting return of colder temps; Canaan Valley delays opening; shared season pass and Advantage Card benefits at Liberty, Roundtop, and Whitetail
Canaan Valley Resort Plans Busy Thanksgiving
November 19, 1999: The Thanksgiving holiday weekend will be packed with activities at West Virginia’s Canaan Valley Resort. The Resort is also hoping to open the ski area on Friday, November 26.
Ski Windham Welcomes Ski Season
November 19, 1999: New York’s Ski Windham kicked off its season yesterday with the opening of five trails. Ski Liberty, Ski Roundtop, and Whitetail season passholders can ski free at Windham until the local resorts open.
All Systems Go for Snowshoe Opening
November 17, 1999: Snowshoe today announced that it will officially open for the season this Friday.
More East Coast Resorts Edge Towards Opening
November 15, 1999: The ski season is fast approaching. Hunter Mountain is already open, and Camelback and Snowshoe are busy making snow.
November 15, 1999: Michelin is trying to tempt skiers to buy new tires: for a limited time, buy four new tires and get two lift tickets valid at participating resorts.
East Coast Resorts Begin Opening
November 9, 1999: It’s not too early to ski: head north, to Vermont’s Killington and Okemo, or head west for some early season skiing and boarding.
November 4, 1999: With solid snowmaking under its belt, Snowshoe is set to open in two short weeks. See how snowmaking has transformed the mountain with six photos taken Thursday morning.
November 3, 1999: Overnight, four inches of new snow fell on West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort. Colder temperatures allowed snowmaking to resume.
National Ski and Snowboard Expo Arrives
October 31, 1999: Looking for something to do next weekend? The National Ski and Snowboard Expo makes its return at the Ballston Common Mall, featuring exhibitors, a ski swap, and a showing of Warren Miller’s latest flick.
NSAA Seeks to Increase Skier Safety Education
October 24, 1999: The National Ski Areas Association is launching a new campaign to increase skier safety education on the slopes.
October 24, 1999: This past weekend, Snowshoe began snowmaking and received 5 inches of natural snow. Find out more (and see the pictures) in this article.
Snowmaking to Begin Saturday at Snowshoe
October 20, 1999: Snowshoe plans to fire up the snowguns on Saturday, and Mother Nature may add 4-6 inches of natural snow.
Leaves Begin Their Colorful Display
October 3, 1999: Leaves are already beginning to change at higher elevations in the area. This article contains links to useful resources that track nature’s progress as trees prepare to shed their leaves.
October 2, 1999: In today’s news briefs: Details of Whitetail sale; Hidden Valley extends $200 season pass offer.
September 29, 1999: In today’s news briefs: Whitetail sale is completed, Snowshoe offers “Four Pack” season pass special, and Blue Knob sponsors its annual Oktoberfest this weekend.
Camelback, Snowshoe Voted as Among “Best in East”
September 28, 1999: Readers of Ski Magazine have placed local resorts Camelback and Snowshoe in the East’s Top 20.
Wintergreen to Offer Season Pass for First Time
September 26, 1999: For $99, skiers and boarders will be able to purchase a midweek pass at Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort.
Intrawest Continues Investments in Snowshoe
September 19, 1999: Another summer, another $20 million invested in West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain resort. Read all about the recent improvements.
Laurel Mountain Set to Re-Open This Winter
September 19, 1999: If everything goes as planned, Pennsylvania will witness the rebirth of an historic ski area this winter.
“Tour of Canaan” Mountain Bike Race Offered This Weekend
September 8, 1999: Mountain bikers will convene this weekend at West Virginia’s Canaan Valley Resort to participate in the “Tour of Canaan” mountain bike race.
Hidden Valley Offers Deep Pre-Season Discounts on Season Passes
September 6, 1999: Through September 20, unlimited season passes at Hidden Valley Resort can be had for $200 (adults) or $150 (juniors).
The Fun Way to Become a Ski Instructor!
September 4, 1999: Rusty Carr, a ski instructor at Whitetail, inaugurates his new DCSki column by describing his experience becoming a ski instructor. (3 reader comments)
Fireworks Highlight Labor Day Festivities at Snowshoe Mountain
September 1, 1999: A cookout, live entertainment, and a free fireworks display will highlight activities at Snowshoe Mountain Resort this holiday weekend.
Breaking News: Owner of Ski Liberty, Ski Roundtop to Purchase Whitetail
August 24, 1999: In a surprise move, Whitetail Ski Resort announced today that it would be purchased by a once-fierce competitor: Snow Time, Inc., the owner of nearby Ski Liberty and Ski Roundtop.
Editorial: What Does the Sale of Whitetail Mean for Area Skiers?
August 24, 1999: DCSki Editor M. Scott Smith traces the history of competition between Ski Liberty, Ski Roundtop, and Whitetail, and explores the ramifications of Whitetail’s sale to Snow Time, Inc., which owns Liberty and Roundtop.
Snowshoe Sounds Good This Weekend
August 16, 1999: The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra will be visiting Snowshoe Mountain Resort from August 20-22, keynoting a weekend of gourmet food and entertainment.
August 6, 1999: The continuing saga over Whitetail’s ownership may be nearing a conclusion, as the resort reviews several bids. In the meantime, it’s “business as usual” for summer activities at the Pennsylvania resort.
Want to Cool Off? Head West, to Pocahontas County
August 1, 1999: Recreational opportunities abound at West Virginia’s Pocahontas County; this article focuses on a few, including mountain biking, train riding, camping, and listening to radio waves from outer space.
Whitetail Drops Price of Season Passes; Offers Pre-Season Discounts
July 16, 1999: Whitetail has lowered the price of some season passes, and is offering a discount for passes purchased prior to July 30.
“Revenge of the Rattlesnake” Mountain Bike Race Hits Canaan Valley
July 15, 1999: Mountain bikers will race between West Virginia’s Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley State Park this Sunday.
July 1, 1999: The sales of Seven Springs and Whitetail have fallen through, and now Timberline is placing half its property for sale.
June 30, 1999: West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort will offer an all-American cookout Saturday, capped off by a mountaintop fireworks display.
Breaking News: Whitetail Sale Falters; Uncertainty Looms Over Resort
June 20, 1999: Whitetail has been placed on the auction block after the sale to the MGPA falls through; most of Whitetail’s staff has been laid off until a new buyer is found. Mountain biking and fly fishing remain open, but the upcoming ski season is threatened unless a buyer is found soon.
Ski Chalet Plans Special Events
June 19, 1999: Ski Chalet has been busy planning ski swaps, sales, and demo days for the upcoming winter season.
DCSki Summer Guide to Local Resorts
June 19, 1999: Who says ski resorts shut down in the summer? The DCSki Summer Guide details some of the many summertime activities offered at area resorts, from mountain biking to golf to orienteering classes.
Columbia Ski Club Looks to Winter Trips
June 16, 1999: The Columbia Ski Club doesn’t let a lack of snow get in the way of fun. Founded in 1981, the club’s 450 members keep busy throughout the summer with a host of activities.
Snowshoe Expands Summer Offerings
June 16, 1999: Scenic chairlift rides and a new Outdoor Adventure Program highlight new activities offered at the West Virginia resort this summer.
Newest Snowshoe Development Draws $7 Million in 7 Hours
May 16, 1999: Half of the 77 slopeside residential units at the Highland House sold this weekend.
Shenandoah Fire Brought Under Control
May 8, 1999: A fire set for ecological reasons at the Virginia national park went out of control, burning 3,200 acres and closing a southern section of the Park.
Snowshoe Mountain Biking Season Begins
May 1, 1999: The West Virginia resort opened its 125-mile mountain trail network today.
Snowshoe Looks to Summer Activities
April 18, 1999: The Hawthorne Valley golf course has opened, and mountain biking will follow with a May 1st opening.
Golf Season Begins at Canaan Valley Resort
April 10, 1999: Golfers can enjoy early-season rates at the West Virginia resort through May 27.
April 8, 1999: Snowshoe will officially ends its ski season this Sunday; meanwhile, Whitetail may have found a new buyer.
Whitetail Preps for Summer Season
April 3, 1999: In addition to fly fishing and mountain biking, Whitetail will be offering clinics in hiking, navigation, rock climbing, and nature photography this summer.
April 3, 1999: With a base depth of 50-100 inches remaining, Snowshoe Mountain Resort sees no reason to end the season just yet.
One by One, Resorts Conclude Their Season
March 27, 1999: A flood of local resorts will end their season on Sunday afternoon, but some will stay open into April.
Skiing in West Virginia?! A New Englander’s Firsthand Account
March 25, 1999: A New England skier makes the trek to West Virginia for a ski trip, and discovers conditions worth writing home about.
March 22, 1999: A reader provides a firsthand account of skiing at Ski Liberty over the weekend.
March 22, 1999: Some resorts will close this weekend, but you’ll still be able to find some great spring skiing into April.
Snowshoe’s 25th Anniversary Weekend: A Firsthand Account
March 22, 1999: DCSki’s Editor had a blast at Snowshoe Mountain Resort this past weekend. Learn more in this Firsthand Account.
March 17, 1999: Today’s warm temperatures mark the start of the springtime thaw, but there’s still lots of great skiing at local resorts.
Local Resorts Hammered by Snow
March 15, 1999: Heavy snow fell on local resorts, and many are waking up to a foot of powder.
National Weather Service Issues Winter Storm Warning
March 13, 1999: A wintry mix is headed to the region on Sunday, and is expected to bring more natural snowfall to area resorts.
Whitetail Offers Chance to Win 1999-2000 Season Pass
March 12, 1999: Starting this weekend and lasting through the end of the season, Whitetail will be giving away 5 season passes per weekend day to lucky skiers and boarders.
Snow Piles Up at Local Resorts
March 10, 1999: Want to see the best conditions in 3 years? Get thee to the slopes!
March Offers Best Conditions of the Season
March 8, 1999: Ignore what the calendar says - unbeatable conditions are currently being offered at local resorts.
March 4, 1999: Today’s storm dropped up to 20” of new snow at area resorts, paving the way for a great weekend of skiing or boarding.
March 3, 1999: A DCSki reader provides a detailed review of two ski trips to Whitetail: last Friday and last Tuesday.
Snowshoe Receives a Foot of Powder
March 1, 1999: The rain changed over to snow Sunday evening for some of the western ski resorts, with up to a foot of accumulation.
Ideal Conditions will Greet Skiers this Weekend
February 26, 1999: Solid coverage, packed powder, and deep bases - a week of snowmaking can really make a difference. (1 reader comment)
WHFS “SnowJob” Hits Ski Libertyt Friday
February 22, 1999: The annual WHFS HFSkimo SnowJob will be held at Ski Liberty on February 27; music group Stabbing Westward is headlining.
February 21, 1999: DCSki’s Editor skied the slopes of Whitetail Sunday, and reports on the great conditions.
February 19, 1999: Great news! Cold temperatures have arrived and are here to stay. The best conditions of the season may occur over the next week.
February 15, 1999: A reader provides a firsthand account of skiing at Ski Liberty over the holiday weekend.
Resorts Get Cold Weather Reprieve
February 14, 1999: Several days of cold temperatures have allowed local resorts to make up some lost base.
February 8, 1999: A reader provides a firsthand account of skiing at Ski Liberty this past weekend.
Brace Yourself for a Warm Spell
February 7, 1999: If you like skiing, you should sit down before looking at the 5-day forecast.
February 5, 1999: DCSki provides a glimpse of what conditions to expect this weekend.
DCSki Columnist Otto Matheke: Your First Time
January 30, 1999: Otto Matheke, a PSIA certified Level II instructor at Ski Liberty, offers valuable tips for first-time skiers.
Don’t Worry, the Warm Temps Won’t Last
January 28, 1999: The mercury will begin to return to seasonal levels Friday night, and snowmaking will resume.
Area Skiers, Boarders Consider Use of Helmets
January 28, 1999: On the heels of several ski-related deaths in New England, many area skiers and boarders are considering donning helmets.
January 25, 1999: Most resorts weathered the rain pretty well; cold temperatures should return by the weekend.
Exclusive Interview: Peter Stuart, Dogs Eye View
January 24, 1999: The lead singer for the band Dogs Eye View happens to be an avid skier. Learn more in this exclusive interview.
Students Get Break at Snowshoe
January 18, 1999: Snowshoe Mountain Resort offers a special discount program for students in West Virginia and southwestern Virginia.
January 18, 1999: Rain fell on much of the region today, and the forecast is calling for more of the same throughout the week.
January 17, 1999: DCSki’s Editor skied the slopes of Whitetail Saturday, and reports his findings.
January 14, 1999: Most area resorts were not immune to the freezing rain; warmer temperatures Saturday (and some grooming) should salvage weekend skiing and boarding.
Snowshoe Mountain Resort Opens Backcountry Snowshoe Trail Network
January 12, 1999: With a name like Snowshoe Mountain Resort, it was only a matter of time before snowshoeing was offered as an additional wintertime activity.
Firsthand Account: Timberline, Whitetail
January 11, 1999: A reader provides a firsthand account of skiing at Timberline and Whitetail.
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club Offers Cross-Country Ski Trips
January 8, 1999: The Ski Touring Section of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club is offering local trips to Pennsylvania, western Maryland, and West Virginia.
January 4, 1999: A reader provides a firsthand account of skiing at Ski Liberty this past weekend.
January 1, 1999: DCSki’s Editor skied the slopes of Whitetail Friday, and reports his findings.
December 31, 1998: Find out what conditions will be like at all area resorts this weekend.
Local Resorts Off to Good Start; Cold Returns Wednesday
December 28, 1998: Frigid temperatures will return by Wednesday, allowing local resorts to expand open terrain in time for the weekend.
Cold Temperatures, Snow Bring Resort Openings
December 23, 1998: By the end of this weekend, every local ski resort should be open, thanks to snowmaking and some natural snow.
Winter Solstice Brings Frigid Temperatures; Area Resorts Plan Snowmaking Assault
December 21, 1998: The snowguns will be firing around the clock later this week as temperatures stay below freezing.
December 21, 1998: Snowmaking and some natural snow have allowed Snowshoe to open 18 trails; more openings are on the way.
Grabs Those Skis and Boards! Snowmaking Begins in Earnest at Area Resorts
December 15, 1998: Breaking news! Most area resorts made snow last night; some are hoping to open by the weekend or shortly thereafter.
Snowshoe Re-opens; Other Resorts Ready to Make Snow
December 13, 1998: Snowshoe has re-opened after successful snowmaking; other resorts take a “wait and see” attitude
December 9, 1998: With highs dropping to the upper forties, it’s starting to feel less like spring and more like.. well, fall, at least.
SCWDC Ski School Offers “Learning” Ski Trips
December 6, 1998: The SCWDC Ski School will be sponsoring local trips this winter that include instruction.
Snowshoe’s Slopes Melt; Mountain Biking, Golf Still on Track
December 4, 1998: There won’t be skiing at Snowshoe this weekend after all, but mountain biking and golf will be open.
Arson Hits Close to Home: Camelback Lift Terminal Damaged by Fire
December 2, 1998: Early this morning, arsonists set fire to the upper terminal of Camelback’s Sunbowl I chairlift.
Snowshoe to Offer Skiing, Golf, Mountain Biking This Weekend
December 2, 1998: Snowshoe finds a silver lining in the recent stretch of warm temperatures.
“Ski the Valley”: Two Resorts, One Ticket
November 29, 1998: From January 4 through February 28, skiers and boarders can purchase a lift ticket valid at both Canaan Valley and Timberline.
Warm Weather Delays Resort Openings
November 27, 1998: High temperatures may reach 70 Monday, and that doesn’t bode well for early-season skiing.
Snowshoe Glides into 25th Season
November 25, 1998: Snowshoe’s 1998/99 season began today, with skiing and boarding on 7 slopes.
Another County Seeks Purchase of Whitetail
November 19, 1998: The Northumberland County General Authority has reportedly offered up to $33 million to purchase Whitetail.
Warm Weather Pushes Back Snowshoe Opening
November 16, 1998: Snowshoe had hoped to open this Friday, but warm temperatures have delayed the opening until sometime next week.
Riding Circles Around Planes: The BWI Bike Trail
November 15, 1998: DCSki contributor Jonathan Cohen writes about the new BWI Bike Trail, which circles the BWI airport.
Whitetail Aims to Please Snowboarders
November 15, 1998: Whitetail will greet snowboarders this season with an expanded terrain park and the Mid-Atlantic’s largest half pipe.
Seven Springs Sale to Booth Creek Back on Track
November 12, 1998: A ruling by a Common Pleas Judge has cleared legal hurdles away from Booth Creek’s acquisition of Seven Springs.
Snowshoe Shoots for Nov. 20 Opening
November 10, 1998: Mother Nature permitting, Snowshoe will start opening its slopes on Friday, November 20.
Seven Springs Gears Up for Winter
November 6, 1998: Seven Springs has fired up the snowguns and is hoping for an early season opening.
National Ski Expo Starts Today
November 6, 1998: The National Ski Expo will make a stop in Arlington, Virginia from November 6-8, 1998.
November 5, 1998: Maryland’s Wisp ski resort took advantage of cold temperatures Wednesday night to make snow.
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club Plans Cross Country Ski Fair
October 31, 1998: The PATC has scheduled its annual cross country ski fair for Saturday, November 7, 1998.
Vermont’s Killington (briefly) Opens
October 25, 1998: After two nights of snowmaking, Killington was able to open a trail for three days.
October 22, 1998: Winter is coming: Snowshoe received 2” of natural snow overnight.
Having a Fit: Buying Boots that Work for You
October 5, 1998: Otto Matheke, a PSIA certified Level II instructor at Ski Liberty, provides a wealth of information and good advice about purchasing ski boots.
(1 reader comment)
September 23, 1998: Killington is determined once again to be the first resort in North America to open - even if “open” means an inch or two of snow on a single trail.
Whitetail Responds to Liberty, Roundtop Suit
September 17, 1998: As Liberty and Roundtop try to block the sale of Whitetail to the Daughin County General Authority, Whitetail argues that the deal is fair and beneficial to everyone.
Special Feature: The Sounds of Snowshoe
August 27, 1998: Snowshoe is investing tens of millions of dollars this summer in resort improvements. Find out more in this DCSki Feature Article.
August 27, 1998: DCSki was on hand to witness the helicopter-assisted installation of the Western Express, Snowshoe’s new high-speed quad serving Cupp Run and newly cleared Shay’s Revenge.
Booth Creek Ski Holdings to Purchase Seven Springs
August 27, 1998: Family-owned Seven Springs is about to be purchased by Booth Creek Ski Holdings, in a deal valued at $100 million.
Getting the Most Out of Pre-Season Sales and Ski Swaps
August 15, 1998: Otto Matheke, a PSIA certified Level II instructor at Ski Liberty, inaugurates his new DCSki column with extensive tips on how to shop for the upcoming season in the pre-season.
Seven Springs Makes Top 50 Resorts List
August 9, 1998: Readers of Snow Country magazine have voted Seven Springs as the 50th best ski resort in North America.
Shenandoah to Offer Camp Hoover Tours on August 9
August 1, 1998: Shenandoah National Park will offer tours of President Herber Hoover’s mountain retreat on August 9. Bus rides will shuttle visitors to the tour.
Mountain Bike Trail Opens at Green Ridge State Forest
July 30, 1998: A dedicated mountain bike trail will open at Maryland’s Green Ridge State Forest on Friday, August 7.
Major Site Renovation Underway
July 26, 1998: The DCSki web site is being revamped for the upcoming winter season. Read this article to learn about some of the exciting changes that are being made.
July 19, 1998: DCSki’s Editor recently visited Moab, Utah to try out mountain biking on slickrock. He liked what he saw, and details his experience in this feature article.
Firsthand Account: Mammoth Mountain, California
June 16, 1998: Mammoth Mountain will be open through July 4. It may be hard to believe, but they’ve got more snow than you could ever imagine.
(2 reader comments)
Snowshoe Mountain Resort Voted Best Ski Resort in Region
June 16, 1998: Readers of Blue Ridge Country magazine have voted Snowshoe Mountain Resort as the Best Ski Resort in the region
Whitetail Offers Discount Pricing on 1998-99 Ski Season Passes
June 16, 1998: Those purchasing season passes at Whitetail prior to July 31 will receive discounts.
Whitetail Mountain Biking Season Begins
May 9, 1998: Mountain biking returned to Whitetail this morning.
National Park Service Launches Central Reservation Service
April 26, 1998: New 800 telephone numbers can be used to make campground and cave tour reservations at the nation’s most popular national parks.
Snowshoe Mountain Biking Starts May 2
April 25, 1998: Mountain bikers will flock to Snowshoe starting May 2, when the resort opens its extensive trail network.
Shenandoah Continues to Clean Up from Rough Winter
April 11, 1998: Shenandoah National Park was hit particularly hard by ice storms this winter, but is making progress undoing the damage.
Craft Show to Launch Whitetail Biking Season
April 10, 1998: Mountain biking returns to Whitetail May 9.
Want to Go Skiing? Better Hurry.
March 30, 1998: It’s not too late to go skiing: Snowshoe will remain open through Sunday.
March 22, 1998: DCSki updates conditions at area resorts.
DCSki Feature: The Renaissance of Snowshoe
March 17, 1998: Intrawest has big plans for West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort. Learn all about them in this DCSki Feature article.
Ski Roundtop, Whitetail to Re-open Today
March 13, 1998: Thanks to ‘round-the-clock snowmaking, Ski Roundtop and Whitetail will re-open this morning.
Wisp Expects to Receive Over a Foot of New Snow
March 11, 1998: A foot of new snow will help kick off Wisp’s event-packed WinterFest Weekend.
Whitetail Aims to Re-open Friday
March 11, 1998: Whitetail is taking advantage of the cold weather by making snow in preparation for a Friday re-opening.
March 10, 1998: DCSki updates conditions at area resorts.
Mother Nature has a Surprise in Store
March 10, 1998: It’s 61 degrees Monday night as this article goes to press, but that’s about to change.
March 6, 1998: DCSki updates conditions at area resorts.
Billy Scofield Wins Maryland’s Governor’s Cup Race at Wisp
March 6, 1998: The Maryland Governor’s Cup race was held last weekend at Wisp.
DCSki Survey Results and Future Plans
March 3, 1998: Results of the DCSki survey are in! We examine them, and provide some hints of what’s to come.
March 2, 1998: DCSki updates conditions at area resorts.
March has Delivered the Worst Snow Storms on Record
March 2, 1998: Have this winter’s mild temperatures gotten you down? You might take comfort in knowing that two of the snowiest storms on record both occurred in March.
Ski Liberty, Whitetail to Close this Evening
March 1, 1998: Hammered by warm temperatures, Ski Liberty and Whitetail will be closing this evening as they wait to see if colder temperatures return.
Ski Roundtop Closes for Monday, Tuesday
March 1, 1998: Ski Roundtop will be suspending operations for the early portion of this week, but hopes to re-open by Wednesday.
February 25, 1998: DCSki updates conditions and event information at Wisp Four Seasons Resort
Mother Nature Smiles on (some) Area Ski Resorts
February 24, 1998: Several resorts in the area received new snow from the current storm, while rain fell most other places.
Firsthand Account: Whitetail (Monday Evening)
February 24, 1998: DCSki’s Editor provides a firsthand account of Whitetail, which just received an unexpected 5 inches of new snow.
Whitetail’s 7th Annual Ski Spectacular
February 23, 1998: Whitetail will be hosting the 7th Annual Ski Spectacular on March 2, where people with disabilities can learn how to ski.
February 20, 1998: DCSki updates conditions at area resorts.
February 17, 1998: The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for sections of Virginia.
Firsthand Account: Whitetail (Monday Evening)
February 17, 1998: DCSki’s Editor provides a (poetic) firsthand account of Whitetail.
February 16, 1998: DCSki updates conditions at area resorts.
February 13, 1998: DCSki updates conditions at area resorts.
February 9, 1998: DCSki updates conditions at area resorts.
DCSki Book Review: Mid-Atlantic Winter Sports Guide
February 7, 1998: DCSki reviews a new guide specifically for Mid-Atlantic skiing.
February 6, 1998: DCSki updates conditions at area resorts.
Tips for Biking to Work in the Winter
February 4, 1998: The Washington Area Bicyclist Association provides DCSki with winter biking tips.
Snowshoe Braces for More Snow; Rain Expected for D.C.
February 4, 1998: Snowshoe has received 127 inches of natural snow this season, and is about to get more. Closer to home, count on more rain.
Firsthand Account: Whitetail (Monday evening)
February 3, 1998: DCSki’s Editor provides a firsthand account of Whitetail.
February 2, 1998: DCSki updates conditions at area resorts.
WHFS HFSkimo Tickets Go on Sale at 10 a.m.
February 2, 1998: The annual WHFS HFSkimo will be occuring February 27 at Ski Liberty; Our Lady Peace is headlining.
Firsthand Account: Canaan Valley Resort
February 2, 1998: A DCSki reader provides a firsthand account of Canaan Valley.
Firsthand Account: Ski Liberty (Saturday)
February 2, 1998: A DCSki reader provides a firsthand account at Ski Liberty.
Firsthand Account: Ski Liberty (Saturday)
January 31, 1998: A DCSki reader provides a firsthand account at Ski Liberty.
January 30, 1998: DCSki updates conditions and event information at Wisp Four Seasons Resort.
Over 22 Inches of Snow Falls on Snowshoe
January 28, 1998: While the D.C. area received rain, Snowshoe Mountain Resort received snow - and a lot of it.
Whitetail to Host Disabled Sports USA Ski Spectacular
January 27, 1998: From March 2-4, 1998, Whitetail Ski Resort will be sponsoring an event for skiers with disabilities.
Firsthand Account: Vail, Colorado
January 26, 1998: DCSki’s Editor has just returned from a trip to Colorado’s Vail resort. And he wants to go back.
January 26, 1998: DCSki updates conditions at area resorts.
DCSki Feature: Shattering Limitations: Skiing with Disabilities
January 21, 1998: New technologies and attitudes are now allowing people with a wide range of disabilities to enjoy the sport of skiing.
Seven Springs Now Accepting Reservations… for Hot Tubs
January 20, 1998: Seven Springs recently put in some outdoor hot tubs, and the hot tubs are available to skiers and boarders who are sore from an active day on the slopes. But space is limited, and Seven Springs is now accepting reservations for the hot tubs.
Whitetail Names Jonathan Vicary Chief Financial Officer
January 19, 1998: In late December, the Whitetail Ski Co., Inc. welcomed Jonathan ‘Chip’ Vicary as CFO. Vicary is replacing Derek Goodson, who will become CFO at Spring Creek Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
January 17, 1998: Helped in no small way by the cold temperatures, conditions at area resorts are rapidly improving. All local ski areas have been aggressively making snow in anticipation of the three-day weekend.
National Weather Service Issues Winter Storm Warning
January 15, 1998: The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for most of Virginia, and a winter storm watch for Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, in effect for Thursday. A winter storm is expected to bring mixed precipitation to the D.C. area.
West Virginia Ski Resorts Prepare for Three-Day Weekend
January 15, 1998: With the popular three-day weekend approaching, ski areas in West Virginia are firing the snow guns so visitors will find suprisingly good conditions, even in light of the recent warm weather.
Ski Liberty to Re-open at 3 p.m.
January 15, 1998: Ski Liberty hopes to re-open today at 3 p.m. with at least 5 trails.
Mercury Returns to Seasonal Levels
January 14, 1998: The weather today feels more like January. That’s a huge relief for area ski resorts, who are now busily pumping artificial snow onto their slopes in preparation for the upcoming holiday weekend.
January 12, 1998: A DCSki reader provides a firsthand report after visiting Snowshoe Mountain Resort.
January 12, 1998: The recent stretch of warm weather has shut down many local ski areas, but colder temperatures are slowly returning.
The Meltdown Continues: Other Area Resorts Misplace Snow
January 8, 1998: An old Wendy’s commercial used to ask, “where’s the beef?” Area resorts are now asking themselves “where’s the snow?”
Whitetail Succumbs to Warm Weather
January 8, 1998: Whitetail is the second area resort this week to temporarily suspend operations until colder temperatures return.
Warm Weather Closes Liberty; Whitetail Hours Scaled Back
January 7, 1998: Mother Nature has a strange sense of humor. The recent stretch of warm temperatures has begun to take its toll on area resorts.
Sonny Bono Killed in Skiing Accident
January 6, 1998: It is the second high-profile skiing accident in the past week. Congressman Sonny Bono, who became popular in the 1970’s as husband and singing partner of Cher, was killed Monday while skiing with his family at Heavenly Ski Resort, a resort in California.
January 5, 1998: A DCSki reader visited Ski Liberty on Sunday, and provided this firsthand account.
January 4, 1998: DCSki’s Editor provides this trip report after a recent visit to Whitetail Resort.
January 3, 1998: DCSki’s Editor skied at Whitetail on January 2, 1998, and provides this firsthand report.
January 3, 1998: A DCSki reader provides this report after skiing at Pennsylvania’s Ski Liberty on January 2, 1998.
January 3, 1998: Frigid temperatures the past week were nice, but unfortunately, they won’t stick around.
January 2, 1998: A DCSki reader provides this Firsthand Report after a recent trip to Ski Liberty.
Area Resorts Expand Open Terrain
January 1, 1998: Cold temperatures and the recent snowstorm have allowed area ski resorts to open additional terrain.
Whitetail Tees Off with Plans for Championship Golf Course
December 31, 1997: Although Whitetail’s winter season is well underway, their eyes are set on an activity that requires no snow: golf.
Snowshoe Receives Over 33 Inches of Snow
December 31, 1997: The recent snowstorm delivered over 33” of snow to Snowshoe’s slopes, allowing Snowshoe to open all of Cupp Run.
December 30, 1997: The state of West Virginia welcomed the recent snow storm with open arms, knowing it would help to boost skier and snowboarder traffic at resorts such as Canaan Valley, the Elk River and White Grass Touring Centers, Timberline, Snowshoe, and Winterplace.
December 30, 1997: So, how’d they do? With light snow still falling on Tuesday morning, area resorts have begun to shovel their way out of the first significant snowstorm in the D.C. area.
Snowshoe, Wisp Brace for Heavy Snow
December 29, 1997: The current winter storm may bring little more than rain and slush to the D.C. area, but our neighbors to the west and north are bracing for a major “snow event.”
December 29, 1997: A winter storm is approaching the area from the south, and threatens to spread bad weather as it moves up along the eastern seaboard and towards New England.
December 29, 1997: The Mid-Atlantic area can be a bit finicky when it comes to wintry weather. This article provides some winter driving tips.
Winter Storm Watch in Effect Monday Evening
December 28, 1997: The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for a large portion of eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, and other Mid-Atlantic states, effective Monday.
Mother Nature Delivers a Late White Christmas
December 27, 1997: Snow is currently falling in the Baltimore and D.C. area. Due to warmer ground temperatures, heavy accumulation is not expected, although local ski areas should receive 1-2” of the white stuff.
Ski Chalet Sponsors Demo Days at Wisp, Timberline
December 26, 1997: Ski Chalet, a chain of ski stores in Virginia, will be sponsoring two “demo days” this season where skiers can try out the latest and best models of skis.
December 26, 1997: Warmer temperatures during this holiday week have prevented area resorts from making snow, but they’ve been able to hold on. Colder temperatures are forecast for this weekend, and several resorts hope to resume snowmaking starting tonight.
Firsthand Account: Ski Liberty
December 22, 1997: A DCSki Reader provides a Firsthand Account after skiing at Pennsylvania’s Ski Liberty.
Wisp Offers Pre-Holiday Special
December 18, 1997: Wisp Four Seasons Resort will be staying open until 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 21 and Monday, December 22, offering a discounted skiing session.
December 18, 1997: Ski Liberty opened for the 1997-98 ski and snowboard season Wednesday at 3 p.m.
December 16, 1997: A dip in weekend temperatures allowed Whitetail to fire up the snow guns, generating enough snow to open tomorrow morning.
Firsthand Account: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
December 14, 1997: DCSki’s Editor spent the weekend skiing at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort, and filed this Firsthand Account.
Ski Liberty, Roundtop Poised for Friday Opening
December 10, 1997: If all goes well, both Ski Liberty and Ski Roundtop will open this Friday, November 12.
December 7, 1997: Natural snowfall and ideal snowmaking temperatures have been good news for area resorts over the weekend.
Snow is Falling at Wisp, Snowshoe
December 5, 1997: Good news! Snow is currently falling at Wisp Four Seasons Resort and Snowshoe Mountain Resort.
December 3, 1997: The 1997-98 ski and snowboard season is about to switch from “pause” to “resume” as colder temperatures settle in on the region later this week.
November 30, 1997: Warmer temperatures and some rain have interfered with an otherwise strong start of the ski season; it may have been a false start.
Wisp Expands Open Terrain for Thanksgiving
November 26, 1997: The Wisp ski area has been making snow and expects to increase its open terrain to 5 trails for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Silver Creek to Open Thanksgiving
November 25, 1997: West Virginia’s Silver Creek ski area will open this Thursday for the 1997-98 ski and snowboarding season, its earliest opening date on record.
November 24, 1997: Seven Springs will be closed today, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
November 22, 1997: Ski Roundtop closed today at noon due to unfavorable snow conditions.
November 19, 1997: This Friday marks the opening date for several ski areas in the region. Things appear to be on track for an early and strong ski and snowboarding season. Without knocking on wood, we’d like to provide a historical look at *last* season. Get out the kleenex.
November 19, 1997: Wisp Four Seasons Resort will join the wave of local ski areas opening this Friday, November 21.
Ski Roundtop to Open Friday Evening
November 19, 1997: Pennsylvania’s Ski Roundtop will be joining Seven Springs and Snowshoe with a Friday opening date.
Seven Springs, Snowshoe to Open Friday
November 17, 1997: Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs Mountain Resort and West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort both plan to kick off the 1997-98 winter season this Friday, November 21.
November 16, 1997: West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort has spent $4 million during the past year to increase snowmaking capacity. As this article goes to press, the snow guns are firing as Snowshoe prepares for a November 21 opening.
Wisp Update: Snowmaking Commences
November 13, 1997: Wisp Four Seasons Resort contacted DCSki today with good news: due to chilly temperatures in western Maryland, they were able to fire up the snowguns Wednesday afternoon at 4:30 p.m.
November 12, 1997: We don’t like to carelessly use the “S” word here at DCSki, but it appears the first snowflakes may fall in the area starting around Friday.
National Ski Patrol Recognizes Seven Springs’ John Clark
November 12, 1997: The National Ski Patrol has recognized Seven Springs’ John Clark as Ski Patrol Director of the Year (East).
Columbia Ski Club to Show Warren Miller’s “Snowriders 2”
November 7, 1997: The Columbia Ski Club will be sponsoring a showing of Warren Miller’s 48th feature-length film, “Snowriders 2.”
November 6, 1997: Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs Mountain Resort will be offering several changes for skiers and snowboarders this winter.
November 5, 1997: Ski Roundtop, located in Pennsylvania, will be serving up some new features this winter season for skiers and snowboarders.
November 4, 1997: Pennsylvania’s Liberty Ski Resort will be offering several new features for the upcoming ski season. Improved snowmaking, an expanded snowboard park, and an alpine terrain garden specifically for skiers are some of the new features that will greet skiers and snowboarders this winter.
DCSki to Offer Firsthand Accounts
November 4, 1997: This winter season, DCSki will be offering firsthand skier and snowboarder condition reports for area ski resorts.
Killington Struggles to Stay Open
October 31, 1997: Killington struggles to stay open after an early-season opening.
The Second Battle of Rock Creek
October 31, 1997: The President of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association provides an update on efforts to create car-free areas of recreation.
Fourth Annual National Capital Bicycle Tour a Huge Success
October 31, 1997: Heather Andersen provides a review of a recent bicycling event.
Whitetail Builds Townhome Community
October 26, 1997: In its continuing bid to become a year-round resort, Whitetail Ski Resort has started development of a new residential community.
Kathy Bilton’s Appalachian Trail Page
October 23, 1997: DCSki provides a look at Kathy Bilton’s Appalachian Trail Page.
Whitetail Ski Patrol Receives Acclaim
October 22, 1997: This article takes a look at the Whitetail Ski Patrol and some recent awards the Patrol has earned.
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Whitetail Mountain Biking Season Ends Sunday
October 21, 1997: Want to go mountain biking at Whitetail? You’ve got until this Sunday. On Sunday, October 26, 1997, Whitetail’s mountain biking season will end as the resort prepares for the upcoming skiing and snowboarding season.
Snowshoe Pumps $12 Million into Resort Enhancements
October 20, 1997: Snowshoe Ski Resort has undergone some major changes for the upcoming ski season. $12 million has been spent on improvements at Snowshoe mountain and the nearby Silver Creek ski area, which is owned by Snowshoe.
Shenandoah Discontinues Big Meadows Reservations
October 19, 1997: On October 14, the National Park Service terminated its contract with DESTINET, a private contractor that has provided reservation service for national parks across the country for the past few years.
Wisp Ski Resort Details for the 97-98 Season
October 19, 1997: Wisp Ski Resort has published some preliminary information about their 1997-98 ski season. Wisp is the only ski area in Maryland, located in Garrett County.
October 16, 1997: Time to dig out that old winter coat. While you’re at it, dust off those skis, because the days of watching the Weather Channel in anticipation of low, snowgun-happy temperatures are here.
American Ski Clubs’ Most Pressing Priority
October 15, 1997: The Pentagon Ski Club’s Peter Porton recently wrote an article describing how today’s ski clubs are trying to maintain and expand membership. This article was originally published in the PSC’s newsletter and the National Ski Club newsletter, and Peter has provided DCSki with a copy.
Killington Opens a Trail (Briefly)
October 5, 1997: Claiming a 4-8” base of frozen granular, Killington once again became the first ski resort to open in North America.
News Brief: Colorado’s Keystone Plans to Open October 17
September 29, 1997: Keystone Ski Resort, located in Colorado, has initiated snowmaking operations and plans to open for the season on October 17th. Last year, Keystone opened on October 21 and stayed open until May.
New Book Features Birds of Shenandoah National Park
September 27, 1997: The Shenandoah Natural History Association has just published a book titled “Birds of Shenandoah National Park: A Naturalist’s View.”
Potomac Pedalers Touring Club Offers Chincoteague Fun
September 26, 1997: From October 31 through November 2, the Potomac Pedalers Touring Club (PPTC) and Baltimore Bicycling Club (BBC) will be sponsoring a weekend of fun at Virginia’s Chincoteague Island.
September 25, 1997: For the past 38 years, Vermont’s Killington Ski Resort has been the first ski area to open for the season. A dip in temperatures the past week has allowed Sugarbush ski resort to initiate snowmaking operations, potentially threatening Killington’s long-standing title.
Farmer’s Almanac Predicts Snowy Winter
September 13, 1997: The Old Farmer’s Almanac, publishing its 206th annual edition this Tuesday, is predicting a white Christmas for New England.
Pentagon Ski Club Welcomes DCSki
September 10, 1997: The Pentagon Ski Club welcomes DCSki to the Web.
DCSki Feature: New Zealand Ski Trip Report
September 9, 1997: Joel Gardner recently led a summertime ski trip to New Zealand, and provides this detailed trip report.
DCSki Feature: El Nino Strikes Again
September 2, 1997: It appears El Nino will strike again this year, but what effect will it have?
Doug Morris Named Shenandoah’s New Superintendent
September 1, 1997: On September 4, Doug Morris will start duties as new Park Superintendent at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
Washington’s Urban ATB Page Details Area Bike Routes
August 29, 1997: Looking for an “urban escape” to take your all-terrain bike or hybrid? Look no further than Washington’s Urban ATB Page, a web site run by James Menzies that provides detailed descriptions of local bike routes.
The 11th Annual Amish Country Tour
August 19, 1997: On Saturday, September 6, 1997, bikers will converge in Delaware to participate in the 11th Annual Amish Country Tour, a 25, 50, or 100 mile bicycle course through country roads in Amish territory.
Shenandoah National Park Web Page
August 18, 1997: DCSki provides a look at Shenandoah National Park’s official web site.
July 28, 1997: DCSki’s Editor provides a look behind the scenes of DCSki, with notes on plans for the future.
New Shenandoah Waterfall Guide Published
July 27, 1997: To help visitors appreciate the waterfalls within the Park, the Shenandoah Natural History Association has published a booklet titled “Hikes to Waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park.”
Washington Area Bicyclist Association
July 27, 1997: DCSki provides information about the Washington Area Bicyclist Association.
DCSki Feature: GPS for the Hiker, Biker, and Skier
July 20, 1997: In this DCSki Feature, we examine some of the capabilities of GPS receivers and how they might be useful to outdoor recreation enthusiasts.
The Baltimore and Annapolis Trail
July 16, 1997: This article provides an overview of the 13.3-mile Baltimore and Annapolis Trail.
Review: Mountain Biking at Whitetail
July 12, 1997: DCSki’s Editor provides a review of mountain biking at Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort.
2.5 Million Mountain Bikes Recalled
July 10, 1997: Shimano American Corp. announced Thursday that 2.5 million mountain bikes are being recalled due to faulty cranks that can break off and cause injury.
Shenandoah to Re-open Matthews Arm Campground
July 6, 1997: Shenandoah National Park will be re-opening the Matthews Arm Campground starting this fall.
May 14, 1997: Whitetail Ski Resort will be offering fly fishing lessons this summer.
May 14, 1997: The Multiple Sclerosis Society is sponsoring bike rides throughout the summer to benefit MS research.
