Spring Slides: Wright On!

Posted on by ml242

The Adirondack High Peaks are a mystery to me. Seen from afar, they are both vast and tiny, occupying a fraction of the otherwise enormous park. Even with the stunning density of 4000 footers accessible from the Adirondack Loj, they’re both in your face and utterly inaccessible.

Adirondack slide skiing

I know this well as many of my backcountry trips to the park end with epic workouts and fantastic stories, that often don’t have much to do with the skiing. This day on the Wright Peak Slides was no different.

Last Sunday I had a bag packed with technical gear for my first ski descent down the Trap Dyke, but my body hardly felt up for the task and a familiar sense of a mission unaccomplished set in its place. Rather than continuing up from the Marcy Dam to pursue Colden, our group allowed me to present a case to try the Angel Slides on Wright Peak instead.

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Tagged: Adirondacks, Backcountry, Earning Turns, High Peaks4 Comments

Catskill Ice: Old Dogs, New Belay

Posted on by ml242

Time spent guiding brought me a deep appreciation of the Catskills. I crossed many peaks and crannies, stashing secret spots away for personal endeavors that I couldn’t take with guided groups.

Ice-Wall

I loved the area near Kaaterskill High Peak, perhaps because of the many days I spent looking at it from across the river when I lived in Dutchess County.

Fast forward a few years, as Director of Operations it was my job to find new hikes. I would also strive to find swimming holes as a side project, and I often ended up back in the area.

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Tagged: Catskills, Climbing2 Comments

NY Ski Magazine: Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Posted on by midatlantico

The British Columbia Powder Highway has become a legendary destination for its big mountain terrain and snowpack that is reliable in normal seasons.

Revelstoke Mt Mackenzie

But with so many mountains towns and resorts scattered throughout this sparsely populated southeastern corner of BC, skiers are spoiled for choice. A mining and railroad town turned pilgrimage site for the Selkirk hardcore, Revelstoke Mt Mackenzie is one of the many plum spots to park one’s skis and boots for a few days. The town became even more attractive to long-distance visitors seven years ago when Revelstoke Mountain Resort opened, offering the highest lift-serviced vertical drop in North America.

At a leg-busting 5,620 feet from the top of the highest chair back to the base area, Revelstoke is a test of stamina even for diehard fitness enthusiasts. With a healthy mixture of Canadian tastes, scruffy ski town charm, and the kind of scenic mountains that make the “Beautiful British Columbia” license plate slogan live up to its name, Revelstoke should be a stop on any Powder Highway traveler’s list.

Please read our magazine feature:
Revelstoke Mountain Resort: The Mt. Mackenzie Legacy

Tagged: Magazine