The NY Nordic Thread

[Flying Z]

Has anyone been to Bearpen Winter Sports in the Catskills for XC. There isn't much information as to how large the network is. I'm curious if it climbs partway up the mountain into the old ski area.

 

[Harvey]

I'm here to post in this important thread.

Bearpen: The Beast Resurrected • NYSkiBlog

In the age of diminished snowfall what makes someone open a ski center in a remote part of the Catskills? “Insanity, I guess,” said Bearpen Sports Center owner Howard Rennell. “Kind of a childhood dream. I fell in love with the mountain, as well. It’s been a long, arduous process.”

nyskiblog.com

 

[Peter Minde]

Has anyone been to Bearpen Winter Sports in the Catskills for XC. There isn't much information as to how large the network is. I'm curious if it climbs partway up the mountain into the old ski area.

I skied at Bearpen a couple years ago, the winter that they opened. The trails were a bit sketchy. Since then, they've put in trails designed by John Morton. Not a huge network - 10 or 15 km. Looking forward to trying them out again.

 

[greif]

Sounds like a nice xc place! If the snow is good and Covid dies down enough to actually use the lodge, I will give it a try this season! Really liked the ski history- thanks for posting.

 

[Harvey]

Nordic rocks.

Wide Waxless Backcountry Skis

Backcountry skis for powder and rolling terrain.

nyskiblog.com

 

[SDC]

Nordic rocks.

Made a few visits to Garnet Hill Lodge to eat over the years and I can’t help but be intrigued. You’re outside. There’s snow. Skis on your feet. You’re sliding. Can’t imagine I won’t love it. Yet, until I’m back to consistent 20+ day seasons, which I’ve been short of since my children arrived, it’ll be hard to pass up a good day of alpine. Kids are 9 and 7 and skiing well, so I think they’re just about old enough to give nordic a legitimate try as well. If we pack brownies and hot chocolate they’ll do pretty much whatever we say lol

 

[capecodbeach]

I remember trying nordic (XC Sking?) a while back. Definitely a workout. My general disappointment came from the number of days there was enough snow cover. Possibly some of the centers have improved their snow cover issues? Group I was with also did a lot of snowshoe hiking. Moreau Lake was a favorite for mountain type trails. I recently got my MSR Snowshoes out... Big disappointment when I discovered the rubber straps had fallen apart. Fortunately I have found a 3 day a week indoor pickle ball group as I refuse to be a Planet Fitness gym rat. Of course we have to whisper about where we play to keep it secret. All this to stay in shape for golf?

 

[Harvey]

Garnet Hill trails are at 1600-2200 feet. With a foot they get a lot of terrain open.

Plus you can ski from their trail network into the Siamese Ponds Wilderness, 120,000 acres of BC.

If you give it a real chance, you might be surprised to find that you like it as much or more than weekend alpine madness.

Start with the Raymond Brook Trail, if you think that you can't live without help from gravity.

If you don't like cardio you probably won't like it. If you do....

 

[SDC]

If you don't like cardio you probably won't like it. If you do....

I like the cold, quiet woods, so if that part is covered I’m good.

That’s some helpful beta, though, thank you. I’m sure I’ll be asking for more eventually.

 

[Harvey]

I have been skiing GHL since 1988, so I can certainly fill you in.

My first blog post ever:

Winter Camping Alone: High Adventure

I didn't plan to go solo.

nyskiblog.com

NYSB Directory Listing:

Garnet Hill Lodge Ski Trail Map, Stats and Profile

The Garnet Hill Lodge Ski Center listing in the NYSkiBlog Directory features trail map, stats and profile of the ski area in North River, NY.

nyskiblog.com

Other GHL:

Christmas Week in Johnsburg NY

Christmas Week in Johnsburg NY is a family tradition. It's a logical to rack up some ski days. Holidays in the mountains are always good.

nyskiblog.com

Hooper Garnet Mine in North River NY

Visiting an old mine is a great activity for kids. We visited the abandoned Hooper Garnet Mine in North River NY and our daughter loved it.

nyskiblog.com

Garnet Hill Lodge Ski Center, NY

Garnet Hill Lodge Ski Center and I go way back. In 1988, I did some of my first "downhill skiing" on some very skinny skis on the hill.

nyskiblog.com

Garnet Hill, NY: 12/19/08

I looked at the radar this morning and decided a 9am departure would be significantly easier than my usual 2pm vanishing act. Most of our staff was either coming in late or working from home anyway, due to the weather. I had a meeting that I postponed and one that I moved up. I was out of there...

nyskiblog.com