Schunemunk Mountain Hike

If certain areas at ski resorts manage to have sections that go under, over, or off to the side of the radar, then it’s easy to imagine hiking trails and mountains that do the same. One hike, hidden in plain sight, a few feet west of I-87, is Schunemunk Mountain.

Schunemunk Mountain Hike

I can’t truly say that I’ve never noticed Schunemunk. From the north, it became a landmark on my trips home from school, marking that final hour in the journey towards the city. Passing those steep and rocky eastern flanks from the south it’s impossible not to think “why can’t we get a few hundred inches of snow down here.” I also can’t exactly remember when I first hiked Schunemunk Mountain, but so close to the city near Woodbury NY, it’s hard to believe it wasn’t sooner.

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The Ski Season in Photos #10

Mad River Glen ViewRiverc0il • Mad River Glen • February 26, 2012

Certain days come together easily, and on other days you have to work for it. My first time at Mad River Glen had a little of both.

The challenging parts included the driving, lack of sleep, and of course, the challenge of Mad River Glen.

The kismet was in the timing. On Saturday, I’d skied four inches of fresh at Gore. On Saturday night there was significant upslope along the Green Mountain spine. And on Sunday night, I was due in NH.

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The Ski Season in Photos #9

Condor shreds Chatiemac • Gore Mtn • Feb 25 2012

Finally, finally, finally we got a taste of winter in late February.  And it started with a little bit of magic.  On February 24, Jason called a storm, a lake cutter, that would track to our west, and deliver snow.  I’d never heard of significant snow falling on the warm side of the storm before, but like most skiers across the northeast, I wasn’t arguing with the call.

Plans were adjusted, and I made a run for Gore on Saturday morning, and rolled into the parking lot before noon.  I booted up in the car, and walked straight to the triple to grab some turns in the new snow. I knew the place would be crawling with potential ski partners.  I figured I’d do laps on the darkside and see who came out of the woodwork.

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