The 80’s track Blue Monday pumped out of the speakers as we bopped up to the Sixer. The throwback tune fueled the excitement of no lift lines. Bluebird on a Monday, with the hill to ourselves, perfection. We laughed as we rolled onto each lift – a complete 180 from the Sunday mass.
Full disclosure, I haven’t been to Windham in 10ish years, so I don’t know lots of things, like: do you hike to the Wilderness Bowl? Uphill traffic on a weekend!? Why was it called Cave Mountain? Anyway, I’m super stoked on this adventure.
The Giant and I arrived in the Catskills on Sunday to volunteer for The SHRED Foundation.
The SHRED Foundation works to introduce the youth in local rural and urban areas to snowboarding, and to open their eyes to the opportunities and growth it provides.
Sunday there was so much going on! Four terrain parks firing, glades open, ski racing on Baker, and the SHRED kids had media interviews. The glades were super gnarbar — guessing the rain and cold temps the week before did that — but heads were still in there getting after it. Woof! Not me, though, my knees like soft snow.
Lift lines grew to 20 minutes, but the runs weren’t crowded. People were spreading out.
Grooming was on point with a little more than half the hill tilled. “This is the most snow coverage we’re had in March in YEARS!”, Danny, the founder of SHRED Foundation told me. Looks like many a spring day shall be had this year.
At 18 degrees the snow was still a bit hard, even with the sun shining. Proved this when I smashed and slammed off a box, much to the kids delight. We explored all over the hill, working on carves, riding switch, and trying new moves.
The kids are marvelous to ride with, they are so passionate about being on the hill. I feel the vibe, and I catch the vibe – We are so LUCKY to be out here!
Monday, as I mentioned before, was a banger! It warmed up to the 30’s, and with the snow a bit softer I was on a park tour. (Still wasn’t feeling the trees).
Across all four parks there are features for everyone, and the cool creative builds had us hyped! The Wilbur Park, although pretty – is too heavy for my bones. The What Terrain Park was the park for me.
Midday was nice enough for a picnic. Windham has a taco truck and a macaroni truck on deck, but I ate cold ribs from my pocket — not my best pocket snack game but hey. The rest of the day we were on cruise control exploring the East Peak and the Wolf Land (I’m sure no one really calls it that) with no one in sight.
Shout out to everyone at Windham working so hard for our season. Appreciate you so! Consensus: Total radilicious party. Windham is a wonderland.
Liz is the CEO of Elevated Locals, an organization dedicated to the stoke of snow and street art.
Super cool, way to spend some time with the kids to teach them the ways of the shredi. Looks like charity is its own reward with that Monday!!
Oooooo – I like the ways of the shredi!!!
Very cool pics- nice change of pace. That looks like a great organization. Windham has a great adaptive program too. You’ve reminded me that I actually kind of like the place. I guess I’ll have to see if I can squeeze in a visit.
Shredded wisely you have. The first and last time I ever tried a slide box was there. Fell out of the night skiing sky to flat and knocked the wind out of Windham. Thanks for the link. Getting the young ones out is important work. Maybe your crew can paint some lift towers. Battleship gray with shwag stickers is so yesterday. Windham, where wicked, wacky, wonky wonders were wondered… wisely.
Way to go Liz, getting those kids on snow is a great way to have them let loose! Windham seems to be doing good these days.
Years ago they had a “race” called the Italian downhill, was a fun time especially watching a teammate eat the huge meatball without using his hands
This is bangin! Nice work Liz.
Thanks @Brownski! – Windham has heart
@Ripitz that is the most amazing comment ever. Welding the Win
Thanks @XTski ! That Italian downhill sounds super wild. Would love to have seen that ?
? @harvey – You’re the best ??