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M. Scott Smith

Scott is Editor and founder of DCSki. He writes the articles, takes the photographs, designs the pages, programs the site, pays the bills, and occasionally catches a wink of sleep. In addition to DCSki, Scott works full time as a researcher and computer scientist.

Scott loves outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, travel, skiing, kayaking, and mountain biking. He is an avid photographer and writer, and also plays keyboards and drums. Scott grew up in Colorado and currently resides in Maryland. (That's right - he went from Colorado to Maryland - what was he thinking?!) Scott maintains a personal weblog at www.mscottsmith.org.

Scott has written 897 stories for DCSki since 1997.

Interview Series: Matt Knott, Owner of Snow Riders

In DCSki's Interview Series, we take a look at interesting people who have a connection to the mountains. In early February, 2022, a new snow tubing park opened in scenic Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, providing day and evening tubing sessions throughout the week. We chatted with Matt Knott, President and Owner of River/Snow Riders, to learn more about this exciting new addition to the Mid-Atlantic winter sports scene.

By M. Scott Smith | February 9, 2023 Interview Series

The January Blues

Temperatures have been on a wild roller coaster so far this winter, frustrating Mid-Atlantic skiers. But after a warm spell in early January, nighttime temperatures are finally about to dip back into snowmaking range.

By M. Scott Smith | January 5, 2023 3 News

Mid-Atlantic Ski Season Begins

Below average temperatures in November have enabled a variety of ski areas across the entire Mid-Atlantic region to open for the season, giving skiers one extra thing to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

By M. Scott Smith | November 27, 2022 4 News

What's New for 2022: Blue Mountain Resort

Pennsylvania's Blue Mountain Resort has made significant investments this past summer to enhance skiing this winter. A new lift, a re-imagined snow tubing experience, and enhanced snowmaking highlight some of the capital improvements visitors will notice.

By M. Scott Smith | November 16, 2022 News

What's New for 2022: Camelback Resort

Guests to Pennsylvania's Camelback Resort will notice a wide range of improvements this winter. Chief among them: the Black Bear 6, a brand new 6-person high-speed lift

By M. Scott Smith | November 15, 2022 News

An Annual Conundrum: When to Begin Snowmaking

This time of year is a tricky one for ski area managers in the Mid-Atlantic region. To make snow, or not to make snow? A large number of variables factor into each resort's decision.

By M. Scott Smith | November 14, 2022 3 Feature Story

Snow Sports Museum of West Virginia Charts Out Summer Events

Dedicated to capturing and preserving the history of snowsports in WV, the Museum recently announced upcoming events.

By M. Scott Smith | May 6, 2022 3 News

An Ikonic, Epic Battle: For 2022, Season Pass Options Abound

It is once again Spring, which means it's time to consider purchasing a season pass for the 2022-2023 winter season before prices begin to inch up. DCSki breaks down the choices and factors Mid-Atlantic skiers should consider as they explore available pass options.

By M. Scott Smith | April 25, 2022 9 Feature Story

Massanutten Announces Solar Initiatives

The resort aims to produce over 2 million kwh of electricity annually.

By M. Scott Smith | March 22, 2022 News

User Highlight: Eric Mosel

Known as "Crush" on the DCSki Forums, Eric has been posting to DCSki for over 20 years -- even as he's changed locations from D.C. to Park City to North Lake Tahoe. Learn more about Eric in this interview.

By M. Scott Smith | March 6, 2022 9 Interview Series

Interview Series: Chip Chase, White Grass Ski Touring Center

In DCSki’s Interview Series, we take a look at interesting people who have a connection to the mountains. And there are few folks in the ski industry more interesting than Chip Chase, Founder of the White Grass Ski Touring Center in Canaan Valley, West Virginia. For over 40 years, White Grass has attracted cross country skiers with its beauty, snow, and soup.

By M. Scott Smith | February 16, 2022 6 Interview Series

Firsthand Report: Remembering How to Ski at Whitetail Resort

It had been a minute since DCSki's Editor last skied. Over a million minutes, in fact. He corrected that error on February 2, 2022 with a midweek trip to Pennsylvania's Whitetail Resort. He provides this Firsthand Report.

By M. Scott Smith | February 2, 2022 3 Firsthand Report

Interview Series: Massanutten's Kenny Hess

Kenny Hess began his career at Massanutten Resort as a lift operator in 1980. Today, he oversees many activities at the resort. In this in-depth interview, Kenny reflects on Massanutten's history, describes some of the key changes that have occurred in the industry, and previews exciting enhancements coming to Massanutten as the Virginia ski area celebrates its 50th year.

By M. Scott Smith | January 14, 2022 1 Interview Series

From a Drizzly December to a Snowy New Year

The second half of December wasn't ideal for Mid-Atlantic ski areas: cold temperatures from early in the season yielded to unseasonably (and, to skiers, unreasonably) mild days. As the calendar advanced from December to January, that's all changed. DCSki provides a roundup of the latest conditions at local ski resorts.

By M. Scott Smith | January 7, 2022 1 News

Vail Resorts to Purchase Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, Laurel Mountain

In news that is likely to reshape Mid-Atlantic snowsports for years to come, Vail Resorts announced on December 8, 2021 that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Hidden Valley Resort, and the operations of Laurel Mountain Ski Area.

By M. Scott Smith | December 8, 2021 2 News

More Mid-Atlantic Ski Resorts on Tap to Open December 4

The Mid-Atlantic ski season is already underway, and additional ski areas are scheduled to come on-line the weekend of December 4-5. DCSki presents a complete roundup of open -- and soon-to-open -- ski areas in this December 1, 2021 update. Above, Pennsylvania's Seven Springs Resort has been laying down snow in preparation for a December 4 opening.

By M. Scott Smith | December 1, 2021 1 News

Vail Resorts Announces Operational Enhancements

Leveraging data science, the company aims to reduce crowding and lift line wait times.

By M. Scott Smith | November 28, 2021 2 News

What's New for 2021: Beech Mountain

The base village has transformed into a park-like plaza.

By M. Scott Smith | November 26, 2021 News

What's New for 2021: Massanutten Resort

Massanutten celebrates 50 years this winter, with snowmaking improvements, enhanced beginner terrain, and a switch to RFID passes.

By M. Scott Smith | November 24, 2021 News

What's New for 2021: Canaan Valley Resort

Improvements include an expanded tube park, introduction of RFID passes, and upgraded rental facility.

By M. Scott Smith | November 24, 2021 News

Snowmaking Begins as Mid-Atlantic Resorts Eye Opening Dates

Favorable snowmaking temperatures have enabled many Mid-Atlantic ski areas to begin snowmaking operations in preparation for their season openings. Sugar Mountain, Cataloochee, and Snowshoe are among the first ski areas to open for the 2021-2022 winter season. Above, early-morning snowmaking is shown at Pennsylvania's Seven Springs Resort on November 23, 2021.

By M. Scott Smith | November 24, 2021 Feature Story

Mid-Atlantic Ski Icon Dick Barron Dies

Dick Barron served as a ski patroller for 50 years at Seven Springs Resort.

By M. Scott Smith | November 14, 2021 2 News

Vail Resorts to Invest $320 Million in Lift Upgrades During 2022

The Epic Lift Upgrade will see the installation of 19 new chairlifts across 14 Vail Resorts properties, reducing wait times, increasing uphill capacity, and opening up additional terrain.

By M. Scott Smith | November 14, 2021 1 News

Rod Jones Appointed Director of Ski Patrol and Snow Sports at Canaan Valley Resort

Rod Jones returns to Canaan Valley Resort to head its ski patrol and ski school.

By M. Scott Smith | November 11, 2021 News

Vail Resorts Reaches 85 Percent Renewable Energy Milestone

Vail Resorts moves closer to its goal of becoming carbon-neutral, as companies across the ski industry join efforts to improve sustainability and raise awareness of climate change.

By M. Scott Smith | November 7, 2021 Feature Story

Seven Springs Upgrades Avalanche Lift

The Avalanche Lift has been replaced with a state-of-the-art Doppelmayr fixed grip quad.

By M. Scott Smith | November 6, 2021 News

Vail Resorts Updates COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Vail Resorts adjusts its reservation, masking, and vaccination policies.

By M. Scott Smith | September 25, 2021 News

Indy Pass Expands

Offering two days of skiing each at partner resorts, the Indy Pass continues to grow, expanding to 76 resorts across North America and Japan.

By M. Scott Smith | August 17, 2021 2 News

Vail Resorts Announces New CEO

Kirsten Lynch will be stepping into the role of CEO at Vail Resorts in November.

By M. Scott Smith | August 13, 2021 1 News

User Highlight: Rob Davis

Known as "Laurel Hill Crazie" on the DCSki Forums, Rob Davis is a retired steelworker from Pittsburgh. Rob has a special connection to Pennsylvania's Laurel Mountain Ski Resort, where he has skied hundreds if not thousands of times. Learn more about Rob and the history of Laurel Mountain in this interview.

By M. Scott Smith | March 6, 2021 3 Interview Series

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