Author: Harvey

Skier, Blogger, Ski Blogger. Editor-in-chief NYSkiBlog.

Holiday Mountain Crunch Time

Posted on by Harvey

If you’re connected to New York skiing, it’s been hard to miss the blizzard of activity at Holiday Mountain, following the acquisition of the property by the Bridgeville Ski Company, in May.  Leading the effort is Mike Taylor. He was born in Monticello NY and grew up skiing the hill.

North Lodge base
Holiday Mountain Ski and Fun Park

I drove up on Sunday to meet with Mike and see it for myself.  We met in the outer lot, near the North Lodge and the Fun Park. Mike was driving a red Jeep Wrangler that would prove integral to our tour. The volume of work-in-progress inspired a million questions and Mike had the answers. I’ve got two stories to tell, first the backstory.

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Tagged: Downstate NY, Expansion, Holiday Mountain14 Comments

A Walk in the Woods at Plattekill

Posted on by Harvey

Thirteen years ago, a noted New York skier, a friend of mine, came up with the idea of recruiting lopper-wielding powderhounds to trim tree lines at Plattekill. He asked me to promote it and recruit volunteers on NYSkiBlog, and I agreed.

Route 28

We had a crew of ten volunteers that first year, and the numbers have grown. Now it seems we can count on 40 to 50 volunteers each year. I believe it’s really the right amount allowing us to split up into groups and spread out.

In my years of writing about Plattekill and promoting the work day, this is my first time contributing with loppers. My landscaping skills are limited compared to some others, but on the upside my enthusiasm runs high.

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Tagged: Catskills, Earning Turns, Hiking, Plattekill14 Comments

Gore Mountain: Closing It Out at Home

Posted on by Harvey

It’s natural to want to close it out at home, skiing that last day of the season on your turf. I did it this season at Plattekill, and I came pretty close at Gore, skiing both Friday and Saturday before Gore closed on Sunday. Connecting with friends, the weather was sunny and the snow was soft, a closing day feel.

booting up

I’m starting to believe a home mountain is a responsibility of sorts, a little like having a nephew or niece. You want to be there on big occasions, like opening day, powder days, perfect spring days, maybe the pond skim, and yes, closing day.  Beyond all those specific occasions, you need some minimum number of ski days at home to actually be a part of the community. At least I do, and it’s more than ten.

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Tagged: Adirondacks, Gore Mountain11 Comments