Kissing Bridge: Into the Snowbelt

Waking up early on the weekends comes a lot easier when fresh snow awaits. For the second weekend in a row Tiff and I were on the road by 6:00 a.m., headed for more Erie lake effect.

A big and bright full moon lit the way. The air was crisp and cold, the car thermometer read a brisk 6 degrees, but we were fired up for the adventure.

first chair

This weekend we headed to Kissing Bridge, located in the ‘Colden Snowbelt’ south of Buffalo, with plans to meet our friend Kyle. I’d always heard Kissing Bridge was a fun spot, and was excited for our first-ever visit.

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Snow Ridge Opens North Slope

I spend a lot of time at work setting expectations. It’s important stakeholders know what they are getting to avoid disappointment. Skiing and riding in New York can be the same. Set your expectations modestly and winter will never let you down. It can magnify the fun you are having on the slopes. It does for me.

North Slope
North Slope

Last Saturday I geared up late in the morning and headed to Snow Ridge without expectations. On the way up Route 26, the resort comes into sight. From there you can see the face of the mountain. This view always gives me an clue about what to expect.

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Holiday Valley Opens in 2024

The Erie lake effect machine fired her guns hard and heavy the last week. Usually I would turn my eyes towards the Tug Hill, but lake effect can be a fickle thing. At Dry Hill they needed snorkels, but Snow Ridge could only launch a soft opening.

Tannenbaum Express

Cold Canadian air was pushing south and in the early season Lake Erie often reigns supreme. Holiday Valley was in the epicenter getting over three feet of snow.

I called my boys Alex and Evan, and on Friday we headed to the Aspen of the East, Ellicottville for Holiday Valley Opening Day 2024.

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