The Whales on Chatiemac

I go into the office to work every day, I actually prefer it. I have a desk and a chair and a light and everything else I need, just a few miles from home. Much of our staff comes in three days a week, while a few of us come in everyday.

On Fridays before a holiday, we often let those who are in the office leave early, a perk for coming in every day. It was pretty quiet on the Friday before Christmas, and when I remembered all this it was almost 3pm. I wished everyone a Merry Christmas, and sent them on their way. Then I did something I haven’t done before: I decided to take the rest of the day off myself.

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Oak Mountain’s 75th Opening Day

My first time riding Oak Mountain was five years ago. I had just started writing for NYSkiBlog and was starting to go off the beaten path. In the years before that time, I drove past the hill on my way to Gore. Now it’s my mission to get to Oak at least a twice each season.

Lake Pleasant

The family-owned resort offers some surprisingly good terrain, a real vibe and no lift lines. Weather delayed their opening to this past Friday. Seeing an opportunity to rack another opening day in 2023, I drove to Speculator early Friday morning.

At the ticket booth I was greeted by Laura O’Brien, half of the husband-and-wife team that runs Oak.

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First Week at Mount van Hoevenberg

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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