The Nordic Skiing Blog

The Backside of Big Tupper

Posted on by Peter Minde

Late Sunday night, I returned to Saranac Lake from band rehearsal in NJ. As I passed through Schroon Lake it began to snow. The last 40 miles, the roads were covered with snow. The last three blocks, all uphill, hadn’t yet been plowed. I bulled my way into my driveway. Let’s hear it for studded snow tires and a digital transfer case.

Route 86

Four more inches of snow on Monday night. Dewey Mountain, my new local, was open. But the urge to ski in Tupper Lake was irresistible.

Twelve or 15 years ago, in one of the worst snow droughts can remember, one of the only races I skied was the Lumberjack Scramble in Tupper Lake.

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Tagged: Adirondacks, Big Tupper, Nordic Skiing9 Comments

First Week at Mount van Hoevenberg

Posted on by Peter Minde

Finally, I found a downhill turn that I can take flat out. It’s the sweeping right hander that takes you into Mount van Hoevenberg’s biathlon range. Look around the corner, where you want to go. In the name of all that’s holy, don’t look down at your ski tips. Step lively in the apex. The transition back to diagonal stride is a challenge.

Pitchoff and Whiteface
Whiteface in the clouds

A few months ago, I moved to Saranac Lake. I’m getting used to the rhythm of life in the north country. I should have known better, but I dilly-dallied with pre-season ski prep. So as Mount van Ho and other northeast ski centers open, I’m still organizing my quiver.

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Tagged: Adirondacks, Mount van Hoevenberg, Nordic Skiing4 Comments

The Wandering Skier, Part 3: Rikert Nordic

Posted on by Peter Minde

With snow in the evening forecast, I bailed from Craftsbury at 3 PM. Fastest way to Ticonderoga, NY? Google maps had me dive off of Vermont Route 14 on to Cemetery Road, eight miles of dirt, to get to Route 15. Brilliant. Once I was on Route 15, I drove on autopilot to the bridge over Lake Champlain. Snow was falling as I arrived at the motel.

View from the Stadium
View from the Stadium

Ticonderoga is a cool spot. Despite the massive eponymous fort, it’s likely off the beaten path for most people. The main drag had a cool vibe, including a museum featuring sets from the original Star Trek TV program. Local eateries feature autographed photos of William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and the guys who played Scotty and Bones.

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Tagged: Indy Pass, Nordic Skiing, VT4 Comments