Author: Peter Minde

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

Hurricane Mountain Hike

Posted on by Peter Minde

After two weeks of shuttling back and forth between states, I’m finally settled in my new place in Saranac Lake. It’s still unsettled, as I have more books than shelves. As many guitars as chairs. That can be easily rectified with the acquisition of additional guitars. Fear not, gentle reader: I have more skis in than guitars. I’ve set up the wax station in the basement.

Although the weather was sketchy, I’d be returning to NJ for band practice for the weekend. Wednesday seemed the day for an excursion to Big Crown and Little Crow mountains in Keene. Early October in the Adirondacks isn’t as benign as back in NJ. In the morning, I frittered away time rooting around for micro spikes, mitten shells, and other items that would come in handy above treeline.

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Tagged: Adirondacks, High Peaks, Hiking10 Comments