Balm of Gilead Mountain Cliffs, NY

I’ve wanted to post about the cliffs on Balm of Gilead Mountain for quite a while now. We hike up to the outcrop regularly, but I never seem to get pictures that represent the true beauty of the view.

Balm of Gilead Mountain sign

My last walk was no different, except this time I’m posting.

For me the hike starts from the Garnet Hill Lodge Ski Center in North River, NY. It’s not an official trailhead, but it’s probably ok to park here in the summer when lodge demand for parking is lower than it is in winter.  If you’d like to use this access point, I’d recommend asking for permission in the ski shop or in the lodge.

Continue reading →

NY Ski Magazine: The Kitzbühel Alps

Over the past few years, we’ve talked on and off about expanding NY Ski Magazine’s coverage beyond North America and after much foot-dragging (most of it mine), we’re finally making it happen.

Mittersill in the Kitbuhel Alps

To inaugurate the new “Europe” section of the Magazine, I thought that it would be fun to go back to my first winter trip across the pond: a March 2003 visit to Kitzbühel, Austria.

While the Kitzbühel Alps aren’t considered the top tier of the country’s ski regions — the Arlberg and Ischgl, to be covered in upcoming articles, are — it was a great introduction to the differences between skiing in North America and Europe. Due to insufficient disposable income, a brutal exchange rate, and job/family obligations, I’ve only made it back to Austria a few times since then, but until I find somewhere that enthralls me more, it’ll remain my favorite ski destination.

Please click through to read:
NY Ski Magazine
Austria’s Kitzbühel Alps

The Ski Season in Photos #12

After Whiteface and Gore Mountain closed on April 21, the closest lift served options were in Vermont. Sugarbush offered a final free ski day on May 4 and Sugarloaf in Maine closed on May 5.

10-Feet-on-Superstar

When Mont Saint Sauveur in Quebec closed on May 19, only the Killington in Vermont remained. The photo featured above certainly isn’t a remarkable ski photo except for it’s ubiquity.

Taken on May 5, it shows ten feet of snow remaining on Killington’s Superstar — similar photos were posted repeatedly on Facebook and Ski Forums around the internet — a testament to Killington’s commitment to a return to beastdom.

Continue reading →