Belleayre and Plattekill

I had one day to ski last weekend and for me, this year, that means the Catskills. I wanted to ski those intermediate pitched bumps underneath the Belleayre Express. I also yearned to be back with my people, at Plattekill, on what was likely closing day.

race course

Early in the week, Plattekill was promoting St Platty’s Day without specifically mentioning skiing. Believe me I get it, Saturday was a long ways off. I decided I’d ski Belle in the morning and head over in the afternoon for Plattekill’s most excellent corn beef and cabbage dinner special.

I arrived at Belle an hour before first chair. There were already hundreds of cars in the lot at Overlook.

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Standing Sideways Plattekill Takeover

The chance of precipitation was almost as high as the stoke on Saturday at the Standing Sideways Plattekill Takeover. For the fifth year in a row riders all across the North East came together to share their passion for snowboarding and support an awesome cause in the Live Like Brent Foundation (LLBF). LLBF was started by Brent Evans during his fight with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Never Summer demo

Cancer is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy. LLBF works to raise awareness and funds for those going through blood cancer treatment. Brent was an avid rider and what started as Carve4Cancer has blossomed into a larger organization.

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Catskill Cherries in the Snow

To anyone who knows me, it’s pretty obvious: I like my traditions. If something makes me happy, there’s a good chance I’ll do it over and over again. I’m comfortable with repetition.

plattekill-early-am

Twelve years ago, on my birthday, I was at Plattekill having the time of my life. I decided to pay it forward and buy a round for the house. It was my present to the mountain and myself. I talked to people about Plattekill and skiing, and why they were there. Why we were all there. Yes, it became a tradition; I’ve skied at Plattekill on my birthday every year since.

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