White Knuckle Storm Chasing

Winter Storm WarningIf you’re a skier from MASH — aka Midatlantic Ski Hell — you’ve done some white knuckle storm chasing on I-87 and other routes through the Hudson Valley.

This afternoon was a challenging drive. Before leaving, I knew I had to drive through freezing rain. All through the drive, there was ice on the trees and my antenna. But somehow the road never really got slick. The ground was warm enough and the air temp was not that cold either. On the NWS ALY county forecast map there were two counties I had to pass through with freezing rain warnings but Warren County — my destination — was right in the center of the Winter Storm Warning. It’s a classic type for me.

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Choosing Telemark Bindings

Teleskiers, I’m upgrading my setup and I need your help. I’ve decided on the skis. Atomic RT-86s. 176cm, 128-86-114mm, snappy. And the boots. Scarpa T2Xs.

The question really is about bindings. Currently I’m skiing on a Targa G3. It seems pretty good to me. I especially like the light weight and the easy of entry. This set up will be my quiver of one for Gore: groomers, powder and possibly trees, if I can turn those Atomics tight enough.

Would love to hear any opinions on what binders to connect it all together.

Gore Mountain, NY: 12/7/08

Gore Mountain Ski PatrolThe clipper I’d hoped would provide some fresh snow for Sunday got underway too late to do me any good. When I got up this morning it was snowing lightly, but had only amounted to a dusting at the cabin. As it turned out, the mountain reported 2 inches for the whole day.

When I arrived this morning the crowd was very light.  Snow was falling at a semi-reasonable clip and it continued all morning. Visibility was nil.

I had some breakfast and got on the Gondi line around 8am. Folks were chatting and wondering if the days of early openings were over, at least for now. Someone mentioned that ski patrol is no longer allowed to punch in before 8am to eliminate any overtime. Again the dreaded budget cuts.

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