First Tracks at Lapland Lake

The winter of 2018-19 seems to be picking up right where last season left off, with unusually early snow accumulations across the region. Resorts have opened, with more terrain than expected, and ski areas that rely entirely on natural snow are feeling it this Snowvember.

Almost winter

With my alpine setup not quite ready, I headed up to Lapland Lake Nordic Center, who set a new record on this year opening on November 14th, their earliest ever. With three trails totaling ~4-6 km of beginner and intermediate terrain, it was looking like a great day to get back in the swing of things. I arrived to see only a few other cars in the lot, which I took as another good sign.

Continue reading

Whiteface Improvements 2018

New York State continues to update and improve facilities at the state-owned mountains. For the hardcore the big news may be the addition of dozens of new snowguns through NYSERDA-SANY and NYSEG grant programs. What follows is an update from the mountain on off-season progress.


Bear Den Mountain

Whiteface is growing their learn to ski facilities and programs with an expansion of Bear Den Mountain Learning Center. Bear Den Mountain is home to the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) snow sports school and is dedicated to teaching children and adults to ski and ride.

Continue reading

Columbus Weekend Bike Tour

Mancation® weekend started at a fashionably late 3pm(ish) at The Hub in Brant Lake. Wilderness Property Management built the trail network this spring behind the establishment to create the Brant Lake Bike Park.

Trail builder for WPM showing alternate lines

The Stairway to Heaven starts right behind the bar/restaurant/bike shop and climbs a tough 400 feet to the first intersection. To the left is a climb to the South Summit where you get a short downhill to reward you for your climb.

Turn to Ricks Run and climb some more to the North Summit of Bartonville Mountain and descend to the overlook for beautiful vistas of Brant Lake.

Continue reading