While actually born in the tropics (Cuba), Lou grew up in New England and went to College in Vermont, where he initially took up skiing. He then embarked on a twenty-two year Air Force piloting career that took him to over 50 countries. He has skied in Europe and America (both North and South). His second career as a senior officer with the Federal Government spanned thirteen years and in 2010, Lou retired to pursue a more leisurely life style. Lou's spare time is almost entirely devoted to skiing, whether at West Virginia's Snowshoe, where he has a second home, or traveling and skiing throughout New England and the Rockies. Lou also takes a yearly ski trip to Europe, having been most recently to Katschberg, Austria and Zermatt, Switzerland. He is also a pilot, scuba diver, long-distance cyclist, and marathon runner.
Lou has written 19 stories for DCSki since 2001.
Lou Botta is making his way to every ski resort in New Hampshire. He provides this review of Waterville Valley, which he describes as a non-corporate ski resort with an enviable atmosphere, superb facilities, and a family environment.
By Lou Botta | August 2, 2024 Feature Story
DCSki Columnist Lou Botta is on a quest to visit every New Hampshire ski area. He recently swung by Tenney Mountain, a classic, old-school ski area that emerged from a ten-year closure better than ever. He describes his trip in this report.
Lou Botta continues to make his way across New Hampshire, sampling different ski areas. He describes Crotched Mountain Resort, one of the smaller properties in the Vail Resorts portfolio.
By Lou Botta | January 30, 2024 Firsthand Report
Lou Botta continues his examination of New Hampshire ski areas with a review of Gunstock Mountain Resort, which he says offers a family vibe, economical lift tickets, and spectacular scenery.
DCSki Columnist Lou Botta is exploring all ski areas in New Hampshire. In this story, he describes Pats Peak, a family-run resort that he describes as exceptionally well run.
DCSki Columnist Lou Botta is exploring all ski areas in New Hampshire. In this story, he takes a look at Dartmouth Skiway, which offers affordable, family-friendly old-time skiing.
Lou Botta continues his New Hampshire series by looking at Ragged Mountain Resort, which he describes as one of the best-kept secrets in New England.
DCSki Columnist Lou Botta headed North from the Mid-Atlantic when he retired, landing in scenic New Hampshire. His goal is to visit every ski area in the Granite State. In this first profile of his series, Lou details Mount Sunapee, his new "home" ski hill.
DCSki Columnist Lou Botta has made New England his new home, and his "local" hill is now Mount Sunapee. After skiing at the New Hampshire resort over 20 times, he's penned his thoughts in this Firsthand Report.
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.
By Lou Botta | February 12, 2013
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DCSki Columnist Lou Botta recently returned from a trip to Canada's Whistler/Blackcomb. He provides this detailed Firsthand Report.
DCSki Columnist Lou Botta recently spent a weekend at Snowshoe, and describes the conditions, along with some tips for getting to the slopes.
Lou Botta recently returned from a trip to Switzerland's St. Moritz, and provides a fascinating trip report (and some great pictures).
