Skiing the Whiteface Slides

The Slides at Whiteface are some of the most exciting sidecountry in the northeast. The steep, ungroomed terrain, the all natural conditions and the fact they’re open only a few days a year, heighten the mystique and generate a lot of curiosity about what first time skiers can expect. We’re often asked for information by those who haven’t had the opportunity to ski the Slides.

skiing Whiteface Slides
The Slides before 2011 (photo by Mike White)

In August of 2010, Highpeaksdrifter penned our first guide to skiing the Whiteface Slides. It provided insight for the uninitiated and pure stoke for those who’ve been into the cirque and long to return.

Continue reading →

Whiteface Opening Day 2012

Thursday night I arrived home to find an email from Whiteface’s snow sports school director saying the mountain was opening Saturday. Work flew by during the day on Friday in anticipation of skiing. Friday night we conducted our family ritual of tuning skis and digging through closets to collect our gear.

This morning we took it slow. We’ve learned not to hurry on opening day as things often start slowly as crews deal with last minute grooming or lift issues. There was none of that today as the new management team pulled it off without a hitch.

Continue reading →

Gore Mountain Snow Train: New Schedule

Gore Mountain Snow TrainLast fall the North Creek Snow Train — a tradition originally started in March of 1934 — was reborn when the Saratoga & North Creek Railway announced the rebirth of the service for skiers and riders.

This past week the rail line operator announced that the modern day version of the service — dubbed the Gore Mountain Snow Train — will operate on an expanded schedule during the 2012 – 2013 winter season. The line will provide round-trip transportation from Saratoga Springs to North Creek every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from January 11 until the middle of March.

The Saratoga & North Creek Railway introduced the service last year hoping to attract visitors to North Creek and Gore Mountain. A free shuttle is available in town to transport passengers from the station to the mountain.

Continue reading →