SANY’s Union Square Snow Jam

Posted on by ml242

I wasn’t sure what to expect at the SANY-sponsored Union Square Snow Jam, but snow has been so scarce this season that I ran to the park with my camera gear and a prayer that it wouldn’t be tracked out before I got there. What I found was fun to see — a big pile of snow sponsored by Whiteface, Gore, Windham, Hunter, Belleayre and Mountain Creek.

Union Square Snow Jam

Normally, this event includes a snowmaking demonstration, but this week’s mild temps required a different approach. The participating NY ski areas blew snow at home, loaded piles into dump trucks and drove it down the New York Thruway into the city.

The snow was slick and fun to play on. It was surrounded by an array of tents and displays featuring some of New York State’s biggest areas giving away deals and trail maps. From what I saw, the kids really liked the ski area swag.

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Tagged: NYC3 Comments

Gun Running at Plattekill

Posted on by Harvey

Late Saturday night, I sent Laszlo Vajtay, the CEO of Plattekill, a note: “Laz… I have a few hours tomorrow — should I come up? I need a steep trail lined with soft bumps.” His response: “Come to Plattekill.”

View from Plattekill Mountain Lodge.

As I made my way up the valley Sunday morning, I could see the snowmaking crew was going all out. Almost everything served by the triple was getting new snow, and coverage looked good. I was pumped.

I ran into Laszlo in the lodge, and he introduced me to the snowmaking chief, Macker, and some other Plattekill notables. Plattekill has a unique, relaxed feeling in the morning: it’s the only mountain I ski where I’m willing to socialize, while chairlifts are running. You have the feeling that the snow isn’t going anywhere.

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Tagged: Catskills, Plattekill10 Comments

Mad River Glen: Turn Back the Clock

Posted on by ml242

This winter it’s especially important to make your ski days memorable. Fortunately, Mad River Glen always saves a day each year that is special no matter what: its “Turn Back the Clock Day” and Anniversary Party. This year, it even snowed a bit for old time’s sake. I was happy to get a front-row seat, just as the single chair started to spin.

The snow gods laid down four inches of fresh snow overnight, and in the morning I plunked down $3.50 for a lift ticket. I knew that it was going to be a good day. Without wasting any time, I began to show my buddy RipVanWinter some of my favorite routes on the mountain. It was his first day on natural snow, so we started with some easier descents before taking on some of those narrower Mad River lines.

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Tagged: Mad River Glen, Powder, VT5 Comments