There is plenty of good news to report in the snowsports marketplace this season — even if growth in participation remains somewhat flat — and it is thanks in large part to women. Not only is a women’s-specific ski the overall best-selling ski across the entire industry, but women’s snowboard … [Read more...]
Ski Vermont president Molly Mahar: Teamwork makes the difference
New England native and longtime industry professional Molly Mahar is in her second year as president of Ski Vermont (also known as the Vermont Ski Areas Association). The nonprofit trade group represents the state’s 20 alpine areas and 30 cross-country centers, working to promote a vibrant … [Read more...]
Pats pride on display at the ’Loaf
Sugarloaf There’s nothing like the energy of having a Super Bowl contender making a run for the title during the height of ski season. And there’s nothing like the home team winning it all. Sugarloaf captured this spirit by offering a promotion on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3, inviting skiers and … [Read more...]
A primer for New England’s most daunting ski runs
Classic New England trails like the ones you’ll find at Mad River Glen are what make skiing in the East so challenging and fun, especially when these narrow, steep, sometimes winding, sometimes plummeting straight down the fall line, rock-strewn swaths receive a healthy dumping of arctic powder from … [Read more...]
Mad River Glen hits seven decade mark
Mad Riven Glen shareholder Josh Tower voiced concern during the co-op’s annual meeting in April, on the eve of MRG’s 70th anniversary season. He noted that the ski area’s newest trail map shows 52 trails, an increase from prior years that also includes the labeling of "new" glades … like in a … [Read more...]
Feeling cold on the slopes? Upgrade your gear
Every ski resort in New England, including my favorite in Vermont, had a great week while I was sitting at my desk at work a while back, watching online hours away. Sixteen inches of new snow in total blanketed the region over four consecutive days, leaving the mountain fully loaded and 100 percent … [Read more...]
Pats Peak GM Kris Blomback on lessons, love from ski industry
What started in high school with a fascination for snowmaking led Kris Blomback to pursue a career in the ski business that has spanned 32 years, all in New England. He has worked at Pats Peak in Henniker, N.H., for 28 years now, including the past 24 as general manager. With degrees in business … [Read more...]
Stowe lodge ranked among best in North America
The Lodge at Spruce Peak (Stowe) has been named among the best ski hotels in North America by USA Today readers, landing at No. 5 on the publication’s list. "Surrounded by the natural beauty of Vermont, The Lodge at Spruce Peak (formerly Stowe Mountain Lodge) is one of the only ski-in, skiout … [Read more...]
Headed into the backcountry? Stock up with these essentials
On the frontside, ski accessories are generally fun to own, enhancing our comfort, our entertainment and our social reach, should we want to do that. Who doesn’t enjoy boot warmers on those bitter days? Or smart watches that conveniently show us our incoming calls and text messages? Or those … [Read more...]
Jay Gamble, Ragged Mountain: ‘There’s positive energy and momentum’
Jay Gamble, a 37-year veteran of the New England ski industry, has just been named the new general manager at Ragged Mountain Resort in Danbury, N.H., after serving the past 20 years as general manager at nearby Mount Sunapee. G amble has served on the board of directors of Ski New Hampshire for … [Read more...]
Maine’s Aroostook County hosting top nordic racers
A pair of major ski races will be staged later this winter in Maine’s Aroostook County near the state’s border with Quebec. The Fort Kent Outdoor Center in the St. John Valley will host the New England Nordic Ski Association Eastern Cup High School Championships from March 15-17, and the Nordic … [Read more...]
Stratton Mountain’s Caroline Claire finds her groove
Making history at Stratton Mountain School is no small feat. And while Caroline Claire accomplished just that as a member of the SMS Class of 2018, her sights are now set on adding to the school’s impressive and ever-growing list of alumni accolades. Claire made history as the first student from … [Read more...]
