My First Woods Valley Powder Day

I’ve wanted to ski every ski area in New York for a long time. It’s a big job, and now I have the flexibility to do it. Based in NJ since I started skiing in 1990, until now, logistics have focused my attention on eastern New York and Vermont.

I have more time now, and I’ve set my sights on filling the holes in my resume in Central and Western NY. I’ve got 30 lift-served areas to ski, over the next three years, if things go according to plan.

This winter, I’m still based in New Jersey, but I’ll be in the Adirondacks a lot more. First, I’ll be focused on the hills I can ski in a day from the Adk and NJ. Next year, I’ll look further to the west with some overnight roadtrips.

Big Chair
Big Chair

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Bristol Mountain: Ole Reliable

Navigating the holiday ski traffic can be a challenge. I typically end up seeking out less popular spots, or spending some time away from skiing to catch up on other activities.

But with rain and warm temperatures in the forecast, I decided seek out good conditions. Plus, I have a new snowboard I’d been eagerly awaiting to break it in. I called up my buddy Dan, and proposed Bristol Mountain.

Bristol Mountain

Bristol has been reliable for us over the years. With top notch snowmaking and grooming they consistently deliver good conditions. The season thus far has brought variable weather the Finger Lakes and across New York.

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Le Massif: Christmas Present

I had no plans for an early season trek north until our friends mentioned they’d be going to Quebec and had an extra room in their downtown loft rental. It’s tough to say no to a quick plunge into some foreign cuisine and culture without the need to hop on a plane, not to mention the very favorable exchange rate.

old towne Quebec
Old Town Quebec

The drive from Jersey City to Charlevoix QC is possible in a day, but probably not a good idea if you leave at 7pm on a Friday night. We opted for a stop in Plattsburgh. Not ten minutes on the turnpike, an intense flash above us streaked across the sky.

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