The Mount van Hoevenberg Blog

I haven’t blogged much for NYSB this year. Skiing at Mt van Hoevenberg on 1 December, I crashed hard when Pumphouse Road turned from groomed powder into a rock garden. A torn acromioclavicular ligament put me outta commission. When I returned to skiing, it was decent early season conditions. No one wants to hear “It’s thin, but really good” when downhill writers are contributing stories with epic powder shots.

Early on, the big storms were missing us in Saranac Lake. Gradually, conditions improved in the Tri-Lakes. Three inches here, three inches there, and pretty soon you’re skiing in good conditions. By the time the Lake Placid Loppet rolled around, we had serious midwinter conditions.

Continue reading →

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.

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.

Continue reading →