Warren Miller's "Wintervention"

Where shall I begin ...

Over the years, I have become a big fan of the Warren Miller movies. This year's release is named "Wintervention" and marks the official start of the 2010-2011 ski season. Every unbelieveable scene on location gives you the sense of being there or wanting to be there. So if you are the type of skier that has to get just one more run in before the lift is shutdown for the night, then you will need to see "Wintervention". Also, let me know which is your favor Warren Miller movie by casting your vote as you have the last decade of these epic films to choose from.

Below is the location and dates & times of the Upstate New York showing of "Wintervention".


Warren Miller Presents “Wintervention”
1. Binghamton, New York
Broome County Forum 236 Washington Street, Binghamton, NY

Showtimes Wednesday, November 17, 2010 - 7:30pm

2. Syracuse, New York
Palace Theatre 2384 James Street, Syracuse, NY

Showtimes Saturday, December 4, 2010 - 6:00pm
Saturday, December 4, 2010 - 9:00pm

3. Buffalo, New York
Shea's Performing Arts Center 660 Main St, Buffalo, NY

Showtimes Thursday, December 2, 2010 - 7:30pm

4. Rochester, New York

The Auditorium Theater 885 E Main Street, Rochester, NY

Showtimes Friday, December 3, 2010 - 8:00pm

I will trying to gain additional support from some local Ski Resorts to consider advertising their specials and discounts.

Skiing in July?

Where shall I begin ...

Back in January, I was flipping around the TV channels for something to what on a Friday night. For some reason I decide to pause long enough to see the WCNY auctions was going on. Well, WCNY is a Syracuse Channel, but since I live in Wayne County (between Rochester & Syracuse) the cable carries the signal from both cities. WCNY wasn't auctioning off clay pots, mini-golf passes or dance lessons, but vacation packages. The first one to catch my eye was the Steamboat Spring 5 day package valued well above $ 1000, but with the highest bid only @ $ 300 dollars. I watched longer and other great spots appeared again at less than half the actual value. So I called the auction phone number to investigate. Well, the Steamboat Spring package had an expiration date of October 2010, and well before ski season, but there were several Stowe, VT packages available. So I became of member of WCNY auctions in order to have the ability to bid on these Stowe, VT deals. The two night stay in a single bedroom suite was @ $ 200 dollars. I place a bid and become to long the auction board came up with a bid higher than mine. I call back to bid again slightly higher and again the bid was less than the one posted for the vacation package. Then I waited until the last possible moment before the auction board was scheduled to close and placed my final bid. To no avail, the posted bid again was higher than mine. I had lost the bidding war and had nothing to show for my effort except my WCNY Auction membership. Before I went to bed, I went to the WCNY website to see what was schedule to be on the various boards for tomorrow.

I got up on Saturday morning and went through the standard routine when the cell phone rang. It was a person from the WCNY Auctions. They said that my bid won the vacation package. Apparently, the high bidder either decided not to take the package or something. So, my bid was the next highest and the vacation package was mine.

Situation two: I had poorly planned a late (March) spring ski trip with my son to the ADK without considering that New York had not gotten any snow in March. Well, the first stop to Mt. McCauley was a bust as the resort was closed and it was raining. So we venture on to Gore Mt., again closed with barely enough snow to cover parts of some trails. It was disappointing, but there was one Mountain in NY that had to have snow ... White Face. I called and not only were they open, but they were hosting ski racing competitions. The rains got heavier and our excitement about ski was washed away, but White Face was good enough to switch our tickets to the 2010-2011 season.

Now, we have 2 lift ticket to White Face and lodging @ Stowe and limited time before the lodging expires and the time my son's would be home for winter break. So the only decision is that we will go to two great ski resorts in three days. Let it snow ... in December 2010 early and often.

When you ski do it for pure enjoyment!!!

Whiteface - Rain - Olympic Skiers

Where shall I start ...

If the best laid plans can turn out poor, then loosely laid plans can turn out worst. Good concept: ski in the ADK for a few days. Bad timing spring skiing. It was quite nice driving up into the adirondacks mountains to catch the end of the ski season and use a few discount passes. First stop was McCauley Mountain in Old Forge, NY. From a distance it appeared like only a few runs were going to be open. As we approached closer into the parking lot; it was empty and the words not today. A quick exit and off for Gore Mountain. Surely, it would be in better shape, but the words that we might be open on Wednesday (being it was Monday) did not give us a good feeling. A quick break for lunch and off again. With the Olympic theme playing on the Ipod, direct north on 87 and exiting at the High Peaks area. A few winding road turns and the Olympic Ski Jumping area appeared along with a light misty rain.

We arrived at the last hold-out of winter, Whiteface Mountain and the 2010 Visa U.S. Alpine Championship featuring many Olympic athletes what could go wrong. Well, the light misty rain turned abruptly and significantly harder as rain fell. The next day would surely be a washout. From the previous year's rich experience of apres-ski in Lake Placid, was the stark reality that most restaurants were closed and there were no significant activities in Lake Placid as it was as deserted as the slopes ... no people, no athletes, no significants events. It seemed like the season had already ended and the Alpine Championship was, at most, a going through the motions exercise. The rain continued, very heavy at times, lasted all night and into the morning. The athletes dragged themselves from the parking lot with their equipment slung over the back and side. The rain had washed any excitement from their faces. The news article postings of the results only tell half the story. The event took place too late in the season, we decided to take a chance to catch the end of the ski season and everything tunred out to be a bust. The poor spring skiing conditions had decayed rapidly and continuing rainy weather made it even worst. My mistake was to trust that Whiteface could delivery in late March when no other New York ski resort was even open. In the future, report the truth and show the real photos of the mountain terrain, not what the condition were weeks before. I will be dissappointed that the ski season if over, but I will trust your ski report in the future.

Having fun with Gordy & John

Where shall I start ...

A group of friends decide at the last moment to go skiing. It all seemed so harmless. Before the era of cell phones and instant messages, Gordy call my house on a Saturday morning to see if I was interested in skiing @ Swain with him. He drove over and pick me up. We decided to check if John could come too. This was a typical pattern that had played out before. Gordy would swing by Wegmans and try to convince John to either skip work or leave early. John being a dedicated employee would resist the temptation (sometimes). So without John, we started on our way to Swain (Estimate: 1 hour drive leaving Greece @ noon.). While @ Wegmans, we picked up the essentials ... beer and off we went. Gordy's car was held together with duck tape and super glue, but it was still a car and ran and was available. I can't remember how many beers it takes to drive to Swain, but we started with a case and I think a six pack remained and somehow we didn't arrive until 7 pm. Part of the reason was an accident as we were coming off an on ramp and attempting to merge into the lane. We didn't see the car in the lane behind us and as we merged the cars hit together. When you had too many beers, you recollection of the sequence of events becomes somewhat blurred. We had just survived what could have been a very serious accident. The car was slightly damaged, but we were ok. So we continued on not really knowing where we were going, no map or sense of direction. Our previous experience with Swain was riding on a Trailways bus with the ski club. Gordy was pretty sure how to get there even without having a map. Somehow we finally got there, but we were not in the best shape to ski; shaken from the accident and loaded with beer. After waiting for Gordy to get on some equipment rentals on and skiing down the mountain a few times, it was already closing time. What happened to the day of skiing? Which trails did we ski down? How many times did we ski down the mountain? How many times did we fall or have trouble with the chair lift? What time did we eventually get home? I can tell you we drove toward the cities lights.

I am not saying that what we did was right. It was a stupid idea to drink and drive, but at the time it was not uncommon. The drinking age was 18 and we were of proper age. We were very lucky not to statistics that day. It is a stark reminder that high school kids looking to have a great time together really don't consider the possibility that something could happen to them. Even after the near miss in high school, I continued to believe that I could drive after drinking. I had the car and would often be the cab to off campus parties. I stop believing after partying one night (after hours) when turning too early for the drive to the dorm and instead driving up to the dorm thru a snow bank and across the snow covered lawn.

When is enough really enough ... while you are drinking the line between good judgement and poor decisions becomes blurred.

Brantling's Olympic Alpine Champion

Where shall I start ...

I saw in the newspaper that Brantling Ski Resort was offering all day lift tickets for $ 10.00 and so I took my son with me to ski there. What we found was that even in the most unlikely of places an Olympic Alpine Champion had been introduced to skiing. Now, most people don't know too much about this little ski resort in New York. Brantling isn't known for steep vertical slopes or long winding trails or scenic vistas, it's known as the place where Diann Roffe-Steinrotter learn how to ski. Diann Roffe won the silver medal in 1992 Albertville Games and the gold medal in 1994 Lil'hammer. She was born in nearby Warsaw, NY.

I will remember the bruises on the back of my legs from the nasty bar lift and that I may have skied the same trail as an Olympic Champion.

It isn't so surprising that Brantling offers introductory classes specifically for women skiers; and that the Brantling Junior Race Team has produced many athletes who have ski raced in college over the years.

It is always worth going to the ski at these family oriented ski resort as you may not know about its place in skiing history.

The Tully Group

Where shall I start ...

I just went to Labrador to try out the Mountain. Labrador is part of the Tully Ski Resorts which also include Song Mt and Toggenberg. I normally ski @ Bristol Mountain being that it is only about 30 minutes away. They have a family discount on Saturday nights, but the last time I went the ticket line took over an hour. I decided that I could drive for an hour and not have to wait in line. So off to Syracuse and then south to Tully. Labrador has growing room with its three peaks and adequate space to create new runs. The liftlines moved quickly and I was skiing within a few minutes of arriving. Starting on the Northern Peak, I was determined to ski everything that was available. What Labrador lacked in vertical, it made up for in trail length and grooming.

With the Olympic Downhill scheduled for the same day, I was risking that I might miss seeing the competition. To my surprise, the men's downhill was canceled due to poor conditions on the course (rain). It was snowing in Tully, NY and I'm sure the ski racers would have enjoyed the weather versus the slushy trails in Vancouver @ Whistler. What is more surprising was that 49 of the 50 states in the United State had a covering of snow.

Making my way across the mountain on variety of criss-crossing trails, I finally had skied everything open and decided to take a break. Once inside the ski lodge, I pumped back up with Gatorade and would finish the night on the Southern Peak runs. Each one of my favorite trails although not extremely difficult were very enjoyable to ski. I was able to zip down the mountain and complete a lot of as my son says "laps". Up, down, repeat, repeat, repeat. I was working on technique. No, I am not saying I'm ready for the Olympic trials, but I was very pleased with my form and speed. For the record, Jacopie and Upper-Lower Muzzle were my favorites and the most challenging was Cut Throat.

To date, I have now skied two of the three and received from a friend a two-for-one voucher for Toggenberg so I should be able to complete the set this year. The question I often have is ... will you come back. I would like to get a sample of the day only runs, too.

Olympic Alpine Success

Where shall I start ...

Athletes from every country have dreams on bring home an Olympic gold, silver or bronze medal. In the alpine events, downhill, slalom, giant slalom, super G and combined, some countries have dominated in capturing medals in both men's and women's competition. Here is the current top ten list of countries in total medals:

Rank Country Medal Count
1. Austria 101
2. Switzerland 53

3. France 43

4. Germany 34

5. United States 31

6. Italy 27

7. Norway 22

8. Sweden 14

9. Canada 10

10. Liechtenstein 9

Austria has captured more than double the amount of medals of the second and third place countries combined. After visiting Austria, I have a personal understanding why Austria has clearly out performed all other countries. Austria = Skiing. From the youngest ages, Austrian children are schooled on skiing. It is truly Austria's national pastime and taken extremely serious.

American skiers are becoming more successful at the Winter Olympic Alpine competitions, but have a long road to catching the Austrians. Bill Kidd and Jim Heuga in Slalom were the first barrier breakers in the metal category followed by Steve & Phil Mahre, Bill Johnson, Tommy Moe, Bode Miller and Ted Ligety. As for the US Women, they had been successful early and often starting with Gretchen Fraser, Andrea Mead-Lawrence, Penelope Piton, Betty Snite, Jean Sanbert, Susan Corrock, Cindy Nelson, Debbie Armstrong, Christin Cooper and more recently Hilary Lindh, Picabo Street and Julia Mancuso who have all triumphed by being on the medal stand as the American Flag was raised.

The 2010 Vancouver White Games adds Skier Cross to the alpine events where all eyes are watching to see if Daron Rahlves is able to recover and compete. On the women's side, Lindsey Vonn who is entered into five events is America's hope to win gold. Good Luck Team USA.

Olympic Downhill

Where shall I start ...

As with many of our childhood memories, I recall fondly the reason I enjoyed watching the Winter Olympic Games and in particular the Downhill Ski Race. I would sit frozen in front of the TV watching one after another of the skiers rocketing down the course managing turns and elevation drops avoiding crashing while seemingly off balance at times to either recover or end up tangled in the bright orange netting. You could hear the cow bells clank and the crowds cheering as bleered sound as racers pasted by. Each skier was pushing the envelope to attempt a gain of fractions of a second. You'ld hear the annoucement with wild aplauds as a time and the position in the standing was revealed. A new leader would emerge over each of the next series of runs and to cheering at the bottom of the course. Skiers would lunge forward at the finish line stretching to cut even more time. Suddenly the weather changed to near white-out conditions as the camera feeds would exist as a screen of heavy snow, but the skiers continued to cut an ever clear path. This is what the downhill was all about - speed, excitement and daring.

Like many others, I came to like one skier in particular due to his more reckless style. His name was Franz Klammer - Austrian (Skier). Franz Klammer dominated the skiing world from 1975 to 1978 and achieve a gold metal and international fame at the '76 Innesbuck games where he skied at "the edge of disaster." Many people feel that the spectacular downhill run was not only one of the finest moments the history of skiing, but in all of sports. Franz was skiing from the dead last position in the first heat and needing to improve on his own personal best by 2 seconds. He made an adjusted midway down the course to pick up more speed as he felt he was not going fast enough. Klammer won the Olympic downhill race in his native Austria and instantly became a National Hero.

When racing each other down the slopes, my friends and I would get down into a tuck position to try to imagine what it would be like have to ski like Franz Klammer. Over the years, many American skiers have achieve many great victories, but only a select few can come close to matching "the perfect run" in the Olympic Downhill race and I applaud them all, but there will be a special place in my memory every time I unload from the lift and get ready to take on the black diamonds for this true Olympic Hero.

Good luck to all the skiers in the Vancouver Olympic Games; may you rise to the occasion and become the fond memory for a new generation of skiers.

Skier Cross

Where shall I start ...

The sport of skier cross was approved by the International Olympic Committee for competition in the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games on November 28, 2006. Considered the fusion of motorcross and downhill ski racing, it features heats of six racers traveling over jumps, banked turns and gaps. Competitive skier cross racing is assumed to have started in 2004, but little does the skiing world know that skier cross racing actually began in the small town of Nunda, NY in 1978. A small group of skiers including several of my brother's friends and I would race down the slopes all together at one time. Generally, the group would very in size from two to six depending on the particular day. The winner would be determined strictly by the skier who reached to the bottom of the mountain first. We preferred to ski down the slope that had been set aside for ski racing as it generally had the best grooming although not specifically setup for our "friendly" competition.

Rules: 1. Anything goes; exception intentional pushing the other skier down or pulling the run-a-way strap which would pop the bindings, although many attempts were made to eliminate the other racers. So the competition could be at times brutal with skiers running over the ends of the skis or cutting across your planned path directly ahead of you, yet other times it would be kind of graceful seeing a bunch of skiers traveling at high speeds having split-seconds to determine the line to ski. The wipe-outs were part of the deal. The winner had serious bragging rights. There always was some "official finish line" to be crossed to become the winner of the particular heat. So ESPN, please note that skier cross started as a local New York skiing sport without a formal track, or media coverage, and fans lined along the trail path. There were no trophies or medals to acknowledge the winners. Each time down, the participates would agree to recognize the fastest skier to in the heat. Your King of the Hill status would last only until you reached the top of the mountain to begin the very next run.

This tradition was passed to my son and his friends who I would downhill race against. This new generation of skier cross racers is a mixture of skiers, snow boarders and even kids with twin tip skis. For awhile, I could still claim the unofficial title as King of the Mountain, but now they have improved greatly and pass by me without looking back. On occasion, I will jump the start to recapture the feeling of leading the pack, but before long I'll be watching the lines they had taken to the lift line. Skiing is fun, as kids, we didn't appreciate the danger associated with the reckless behavior, but we would always maintained a level of control and would never interfere with other skiers on the trail while we were racing downhill together.

Where it all started

Where shall I start ...

I wasn't a great basketball player, but I like to play the game. In eight grade, I tried out for the middle school BB team and was cut. I still want to play so I joined a CYO team from my church, but the coach on the team had two sons who also played the guard position. I would see limited time and I became disenchanted with the basketball.

My older brother had been a member of the high school ski club and decided to teach me how to ski. Well, I would try anything so my brother and several of his friends took me to Swain. I went in line and throught the process of getting boots, skis and poles at the rental shop. I was struggled to put on the ski boots. My brother waited and watched impatiently for me to get dressed. Finally, I am sure that he was thinking it was about time we get to the lift line. This was very interesting trying to put my skis on and move toward the lift lines. Without really knowing how to ski, I was suppose to move forward and get ready for the chair to pick us up. I kind of didn't get in properly and ceremoniously fell forward out of the chair lift. Everything stopped ... I finally got back into position and away we went to the top. It was my first real experience in getting on a chair lift and surprisingly not my last fall. Now, after the ride up the mountain, the real trick was going to be getting off the chair lift. At the top, there was a little dip to ski down and off. I put my ski tips up and true to form, I slide to the left and fell there as well. My brother's eyes were rollling back in head. Already, he had just wasted an hour with me pickings out my skis and other stuff. It was finally time to show me how to ski. He explained the simple things first like ... lifting the bar before you get too close to the drop-off area and where to put the t-bar so you don't fall. The more important signs were to come. The basics were explained like the trail symbols and signs. It appeared to be safe as many of the skiers were heading in the same direction toward the sign that said "Easiest" and that where we were going to as well. Everyone has to start somewhere, I started on a neat trail called "Mile Sweep". I looked down at the path and it did appear to be easy to ski down. Now remember, I have fallen on the lift twice, yet I was still willing and able to try this skiing thing. Well as you might imagine, I racked up at least eight falls as I slowly made my way down the slope. It was amazing to see, but my brother was standing at the bottom of the slope waiting to take me up again. After about four more trips on Mile Sweep, I thought that I might venture onto other trails. The next trail 80 Acres would test my resolve to continue this madness. 80 Acres had some moguls @ the top of the run. I managed to somehow slide down a portion of the slope. That is not how you are support to do it. Also, the rental skis did not have breaks, but were attached to your legs by run away straps which means when you fall the skis would stick with you ... no head injuries thank God.

Skier Responsibility Code

Where shall I start ...

It seems like every year some skiers get their privileges of skiing suspended or revoked due to reckless or inappropriate behavior. There are times that I get the thought that I would like to bend the rules somewhat and ski down trails that have been marked off. This was the case about three weeks ago. One of my favorite trails is typically used for ski racing and is off limits to everyone else. While the course was being removed, the slope opened briefly, but was again closed as every snow gun was turned on. I had missed my opportunity. There was another slope that is not open very often. That night, it had an adequate base to support it being open, but doesn't have lights so again, it wasn't open.

I have skied the variety of trails that are open all night, but notice that more than several skiers were going on the closed trails without any appearent tap on the shoulders by the Ski Patrol. The Ski Patrol did not act to correct these decisions and make them examples for others. So again, I went down the listing - the skier responsibility code:

- Always stay in control and be able to stop or aviod other people or objects
- People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
- Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
- Whenever starting downhill or merging onto a trail, look uphill and yield to others
- Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment
- Observe all posted signs and warnings
- Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas
- Before using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

There it was ... number 6 and 7 which applied. Observe the warning and keep off the closed trails. I would risk my lift ticket, but again it was the end of the night. As I came closer to the closed slope, a ski patrol person came by and stopped at the markers. I decided that there is a reason to stay off that trail.

A week later, my favorite trail was now open and ready for some serious speed. My reward for being responsiblie occurred a week later by getting the chance to ski the slope in top condition.

NYS Downhill Ski Areas

Where shall I start ...

It has been a goal on mine to visit every ski area in New York State. Some people want to visit every major league baseball or nfl football stadium; mine is ski resorts, but the problem is that I don't have an unlimited budget to go skiing everywhere in New York; so it is important to pick off one or two a year. Here is what I have done by region so far:

Hudson Valley - None, possible 6

The Catskills - Belleayre, possible 7

Capital-Saratoga - None, possible 3

The Adirondacks - Whiteface & McCauley, possible 10

Thousand Island - None, possible 1

Central-Leatherstocking - None, possible 2

Finger Lakes, Brantling, Bristol, Hunt Hollow, Song, possible 8

Greater Niagara - None, possible 2

Chautauqua-Allegheny - Holiday Valley & Swain, possible 5

So I have skied a grand total of nine different resorts in four regions, but have 44 to go. The problem is that I don't have any specific plans to knock off two more this year, but there is hope as Labrador has discount tickets for Saturday, Feb. 13th. Also, my son send me an email hinting that we should use my buy one lift ticket get one free @ Gore Mountain in March while taking advantage of the "Why not Wednesdays with Coca-Cola" promotion. He has a point; ski all day for $38 @ "the Mountain that loves you back"??? huh. I will keep an open mind on the possibility and will updated our progress. I wonder if I LOVE NY campaign will recognize this as an achievement.

Holiday Valley Ski Club Days

Where shall I start ...
Holiday Valley is the ski resort where many of the ski clubs from Western NY colleges go. I wasn't surprised to hear that I should include Western PA and Eastern Ohio. Holiday Valley benefits from a unique location directly in the lake effect snow bands and gets a lot of snow as a result from mid-October until April. I had the opportunity to ski the slopes of Holiday Valley for three seasons and became very familiar with most of the trails. In college, skiing was as much a sport as a social event. I was lucky as my roommates like skiing, too.

Holiday Valley is rated as the #4 ski resort in the East and it is easy to see why. Outside of Manhattan, the one square mile around the resort is the most expense real estate in New York. The area near the ski resort is dotted with cosy chalets with views of the slopes. Additionally, inside the village of Ellicottville is Holimont (Private) Ski Resort. I joined the ski club to despite being a totally broke college student. We would ski at night so a good portion of the mountain runs were not accessible. The signature run Mardi Gras is like the major highway running nearly the length of the mountain to the main lodge and high speed Quad to get right back to the top again fast.

But this isn't how this resort started. In 1956, three friends decided to pursue their dream of opening a modern ski area and shares of stock were sold for $100 from a card table in the parking lot. Four slopes (Yodeler, Champagne, Edelweiss and Holiday Run) were cut out of the mountain and a T-bar and Tow rope would bring the first skiers to the top. The three black diamonds and one easy run were soon followed by Tannenbaum and Mardi Gras. Holiday Valley attracted five of the original Mercury Seven Astronauts who skied there in 1960.

Well, again I was not aware of such things in the mid-80's. Without have ever taken lessons, I was still quite ackward at skiing even after skiing for years in high school, but like I said half the time college skiing was spend socializing. Generally, I shied away from the most difficult runs in order to gain confidence and work on my techique. Surprisingly, I didn't fall coming off the lifts, but did manage to find many ways to wipe-out going down the slopes. Cindy's Run and a few of the trails like Maple Leaf and Foxfire would be enough of a challenge most nights. The candlelight run @ the end of the night was a real treat to watch, the skiers would just moved what looked like effortless motion down the slope in perfect S's almost like a delayed action photograph. I would say to myself afterward that someday I'll ski like that too. By the end of my time skiing in college, I would have skied the slopes of Holiday Valley more than thirty times over the four years and finally became comfortable with the black diamonds - Yodeler, Champagne, Chute, Shadows and Firecracker.

Tribute to 10th Mountain Division

Where shall I start ...

I have been skiing since 1977 (Greece Olympia Ski Club), but never really thought about where did all these ski resorts come from? Last year, my son and I ventured into the ADK (Adirondack Mountains) to ski Whiteface. Lake Placid is truly as my son calls "a destination." As you enter into this cosy little town made famous by hosting the Winter Olympic Games, twice, you instantly become charmed. While passing by the flags of the different countries to reach the Whiteface Skiing Complex, you quickly realize the world gathered their best athletes together for tests of skill and endurance. After skiing Whiteface's trails for awhile, we went into the main lodge for a break and saw a tribute to the 10th Mountain Division. I really still didn't understand its significance and I hadn't previously notice on the trail map a run called the 10th Mountain Division Glade.

The 10th Mountain Division was formed in 1943 as the 10th Light Division (Alpine). "It would be easier to change skiers into soldiers, then soldiers into skiers" said Charles Dole, president of the National Ski Patrol. They were formed after reports that in Finland, a skiing infantry unit was able to annihilate two Russian Armored Tank Divisions. The 10th Mountain Division would be like "skiing commando marksmen" that trained in severely brutal weather conditions at high elevation in Colorado. Their unit comprised some of the best mountaineers from the Northeast and elite skiers that had fled war torn Europe. The unit totaled some 20,000 ski troopers specifically trained for winter combat. The National Ski Patrol took on the unique role of recruiting for the 87th Infantry Regiment and later the 10th Mountain Division. In 1985, the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) was re-activated at Fort Drum, New York as winter mountain combat had become necessary again.

Upon retirement, many of these soldiers continued to support the sport of skiing in a number of capacities. In many respects, there is a vacation resort skiing industry due to the efforts of these pioneering individuals; some 30 division members who have been inducted into the US National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Frame. Such skiing resorts as Vail, Aspen, Sugarbush and Whiteface just to name a few were designed, laid out and built by the 10th. It is conceivable that every ski area in the nation had some sort of 10th influence. Other became ski coaches, racers, instructors, shop owners and filmmakers. Some wrote and published ski magazines, ran ski resorts, improved ski equipment, developed snow-making and lift equipment.

So when you bring your family on vacation ski just remember who helped make it possible. As you will notice many resorts are now celebrating their 50th or 60th anniversaries, this is a thank you to the many members of the unit dubbed "Minnie's Ski Troop" in honor of Charles "Minnie" Dole.

Kreischberg, Austria

Where should I start ...

Kreischberg, Austria 2003

Some Vital Statistics: Vertical - 3999
Peak - 6949
There are two peaks - Rosentranzhohe &
Kreischberg

Gondalbahn - "Gondola Lift"
Doppelsesselbahn - "Doubleseat Lift"
Ger-Sesselbahn "Six Pack Lift"





Gaper Cam View - "Awesome"
I was in Austria for about 32 days working on an automotive issue in 2003. My boss asked if anyone (looking directly @ me) had a current passport. I was given an airplane ticket to Graz, Austria later that morning and sent home to get packed. I was told that I would be staying in Austria for about three days. The first trip to Graz was all work and little time for anything else. Two week later, I was asked to take a second trip. This time, I was determine to experience Austria. I had become good friends with a resident engineer from the United States and his family. Just before one weekend, he asked if I would be interested in going skiing with him and his family and other friends of theirs. I jumped at the chance. It's Austria, everyone skis! It's a national past time and passion. "An Austrian citizen with no skiing ambitions cannot be considered a true Austrian". After driving for about 2 hours into Stier's mountain region (The Alps), we reached our destination, Kreischburg Ski Resort. Upon arrival and after getting gear, we hopped the gondola and headed to the mittelstation.

There was a very relaxed atmosphere being late into the season on a Sunday morning. Many people were eating and drinking outside on the porch @ the grillboden. I was more interested in skiing as I hadn't hit the slopes in many years and now I was going to get re-introduced in the Austrian Alps. Everyone's has heard of Innsbruck (Olympic Fame) and Kitzbuhel (World Cup Fame), but Kreischburg is a favorite in the Stier region.

By the way, while staying in Graz, I was convinced that Austrian Beer is by far the best in the world. I became a huge fan of several Austrian Beers including: Gosser and especially Puntigamer (sponsor of SK Sturm Graz of the Austrian Bundesliga). Austria is just a great place to visit as it's know for incredible Ski resorts, World Class Soccer and some awesome beers.
When ready to hit the slopes, we skied together as a group for awhile, then broke off onto different trails. The rental ski boots were the strapped from the back type and skis were long and narrow, similar to my own ... difficult to maneuver especially on the steep narrow trails covered with deep moguls. I had great fun skiing in Austria and now I wanted that thrill of racing down the slopes for the rest of my life. My skiing buddy's added to the moment by getting me ski upto the very top of Rosentranzhohe peak. The scenic view of the Alps was utterly unforgetable. As it was a perfectly clear day, the 360 degree look was for miles in every direction and I didn't have my camera. That won't ever happen again. Later in the afternoon, my legs began to burn after every run, but I didn't want to stop. I couldn't keep up with my friends on the expert trails and would need to take breaks between running laps on the intermediate slopes (at least the grillboden served beer to damped the pain).

You gotta like Da "Breast" ida st

Kreischburg's Trial Map

Racing down the groomer trails to the Mittelstation, I remembered that I love the speed. Someday, I will be back in Austria Skiing for Enjoyment.

Youth Ski Trip part 2

Where should I start ...

The Stowe Gondola was not my first time taking a gondola while skiing (that occurred in Austria in 2003, but that's another story). There's the easy mountain path "Crossover" to arrive at the Gondola and there's the "Nosedive". This run is a rocket ride to the bottom; narrow, steep and challenging. The Gondola goes around a path inside the lift house and you can't take your time getting in. The skis or board must be loaded quickly into the outside rack, then you better hop inside fast as the rest of the group is following right behind you. The ride to the top was just fanastic as you had a view of the entire resort. As we approached the top, the angle continued to get sharp until the was almost straight up. Upon opening of the gondola doors, there was a great smell of Belgium Waffles which filled the air. We muscled up our enough will power not to find out how good they might taste. Instead, it was off the discover the this side of Stowe.

If the Front Four were the challenge, then the runs around the Gondola were all delightful. First, Chin Clip another fast trip down, then Switchback, down Gondalier and then taking a series of in and out of the glade path trail's. At times not really knowing which path we were on, but not really caring either as the runs crisscross among each other. Not the daring tests faced earlier, but considerably enjoyable. Because of the late season trip, there were two different skiing conditions - top of the mountain and the lower trails. At the peaks, the weather conditions were constantly changing from snowing to clearing. Near the base, it was nearly corn snow to plow through. The length of the trails was starting to wear me down quickly. I was used to skiing laps, but now the runs seem to be triple the length. We needed to re-energize with lunch and snacks, then head back to the blues for some speed trials.

I will continue this on part 3 Youth Ski Trip

Reprint from SKI Magazine October 2009

Where should I start ...

I got a call that someone wanted to know if I had written an article in SKI magazine ...

Here is what was printed in the Liftlines section:

When my family decided to travel out West for our next ski trip, we determined that Breckenridge would be our best option. That decision proved to be right. Waking up to the vista from our hotel room's deck was surperb, but even better was getting a ride directly to the Peak 9 base area, from which we were able to reach the top of the mountain before the groomers had finished their morning routes. On our Eastern skis, we were flying down intermediate slopes. As we ventured higher to ski Peak 9 and Peak 10, we encountered Spitfire, a narrow, steep, and challenging run. The skiing was great, the trails were long, and the rides back up were fast. From the summit, Copper and Keystone appeared and the trek along the Whale's Tail into the North Bowl can only be described as memorable. Now that we know where the skiing gold is buried, we will have to find our way back to Breck as soon as we can.

The Agness Family
Macedon, NY

Note: The Beckenridge photo on the blog page was taken from our hotel room with a Kodak camera's stitching feature to create the panoramic shot.

Youth Ski Trip - Stowe, VT

Where shall I start ...

First and foremost, I must thank Michelle Hunzek for giving me the opportunity to help as a parent skier for the two Youth Ski Trips to Stowe, VT. My son had joined the youth group at St. John's of Rochester where this wonderfully energetic person would take time to talk and listen to the teens of our church each week. She has been taking the teen on a trip to Vermont every year for more years than she will admit to. My son wanted to go and asked if I would go with him. I jumped at the chance, but did have to go through a formal vetting process with one of the priest. Being a St. Bonas grad and having taken the Boy Scout to many ski events helped with the approval.

Wow, I was going to ... Ski Vermont and at the legendary Stowe Resort. Well, we left Rochester, NY with no snow on the ground around March 24th-ish. The bus trip was longer than expected, but Michelle answer to how much longer was alway "two more hours" no matter where we were on the way. The plan was to ski two days back-to-back arriving @ night and leaving after finishing skiing on the second day. We stayed at a bunk house called the Round Hearth. It would be the place to dry out, eat and relax at night. The rooms were named after the slope @ Stowe. The parent skiers had upgraded accommodations versus the teens who were bunked together. The large hearth and its warming fire was @ the center of the main gathering room. My favorite time passing attraction was a game where you swing a ring and try to catch it on the hook. On occasion, you would get the ring on the hook several times in a row.

The next morning, after a nice breakfast, we loaded up the bus and headed to the mountain. As we approached it became quick clear that this was no ordinary place to ski. The Front Four stood out like no other group of trails I had ever seen. They were narrow, very steep and had many hidden "attractions". We started on "Toll Road" by far one of the most scenic trails I had ever seen. Graduating from the intermediate slopes like "Lord", we decided it was time to tackle the "Front Four". The first one encountered was Liftline as "Starr" was closed - too dangerous? The other members of the "Front Four" are National and Goat. Of these by far the most treacherous and feared is Goat. Without no snow-making or grooming, Goat is rough and tumble. What it does have are serious elevation drops, large boulders, trees and even a stream. Many people will say they skied Goat. In reality, only about 4% are telling the truth. Goat is accessable, but was closed to skiing with the sign saying "Beware!" Well, I think that what it said. Therefore, Liftline quickly became my favorite run. I was able to master from the fall edge to base after a minor spill or two. On the third time down, I had completed the steepest section only to fall after trying to stop, then sliding down until reaching the first mogul. I wouldn't fall again on Liftline, but this trail wasn't going allow perfect runs everytime.

Next, we ventured across the mountain and up to the top on the famous Stowe gondola. See part 2 Youth Ski Trip.

Ski Racing

Where should I start ...

"The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything."

An older gentlemen working at Bristol Mountain told me about this incident. Two guys were entered into a ski racing competition, but did not finish in the top places. In disguise, they both snapped off their ski and threw them down on the ground saying the equipment was garbage and they didn't want their skis anymore.



Now, I entered a Vertical Challenge ski race sponsored by Mountain Dew and Chevy @ Belleayre Mt several years ago. It was the first time I had race skied since college where @ St. Bonaventure it was a intramural sport. I waited in line as each racer was released from the gate. One very determined child had fallen many times going through the course. It was finally my turn, I stood at the starting line and took a long look down @ the red and blue gates (Gaper view), then my cell phone went off as my son and his friends saw me getting ready to go as they were traveling up on the lift near the course. Unfazed, I released from the starting gate and when through the slalom run without falling. I thought that I did pretty good until later that afternoon the race times were published. The winning time was about 23 second, my time was about double that, but I didn't finish last. I did beat out several DNF's (Did Not Finish). The point to the story is that at the awards ceremony, the young child who repeatedly fell during their attempt to ski the course did finished the race. This child received a very nice trophy for the courage and determination. The goal was not only to acknowledge the fastest time, but to award sportsmanship; something that was lacking from the account by the older gentleman.

Skiing Special Deals

Where should I start ...

I ski on a budget. Whenever I can find reduced priced lift tickets I will try to take advantage of them. Here are some of the great deal I have come across.

1. Go to the every year to the Great New York State Fair's DEC Log Cabin for free a buy one / get one free lift ticket to Belleayre Ski Resort.

2. Bristol Mt Resort has a great family rates for Saturday Nights 3 Lift Tickets for $ 69

3. Every Friday @ McCauley Mt in Old Forge you can ski for only $ 8. It called Crazy 8's.

4. The Ski Company has many opportunities to ski @ Hunt Hollow, Swain, Song and Labrador.

5. Go to see Warren Miller's Film "Dynasty" and get buy one / get one free lift tickets to several Ski Resorts including this year - Gore Mountain.

Don't make the cost of a lift ticket the reason not to ski ...

The Key to Skiing "The Glades"

Where should I start ...

As I have improved my skiing abilities, the move to higher challenging and more difficult terrain was a nature tendency. There are two things that make Glades skiing fun - the chance to run into trees and the greater chance to run into trees if you ski recklessly. Therefore, ungroomed slopes through trees also describe another type of advanced terrain.

Most people fail to realize that you need to hug a tree before entering the "Glades". It is better to hug a tree before skiing the glades, then to meet one head-on in the "Glades". You might laugh at such a notion, but so far it has been proven (at least with my experience). Why would you hug a tree? It kind of comes naturally ... you hug people you bearly know why not a tree you bearly know. If you a politician, then the photo of you hugging the tree will give the appearance to your consituents that you are pro-environment.

Also, as a side note: I have tried to take camera video while skiing. It is not too difficult to do until you reach either moguls or steep terrain. I give much credit to the photo journalists that make the Warren Miller films possible. I have not tried to film while glade skiing, but I bet you could wipe out pretty easy or go off the path and hug a tree anyway.

Who is a Gaper?

Where should I start ...

It appears as if the skiing term Gaper has several possible meanings. Some aren't so nice. I like the traditional meaning ... A skier who stops to enjoys the view from the top of the mountain trail.

Others have modified the meaning ... A beginning skier who has no clue as to what they are doing. Also, using the term to describe ... A tourist skier who wears neon colored ski jacket and ski pants. But, the worst has to be from this statement .... I couldn't ski fast because I was too busy dodging all the gapers.

In Colorado, the gaper refers to the gap between their hat and googles; also known as a gaper-gap.

Well, as far as I am concerned the tradional old school meaning suits me fine.

Black Diamond Tour

Where should I start ...

There is an aspect of doing something dangerous that attracts people. In the case of skiing, it is the Black Diamond trails. As most skiers know, the designation of black diamond is made by each ski resort as they classify difficulty of the terrain. The steepest and narrow trails, the one's requiring hairpin turns and / or that have advanced terrain are the black diamonds.

In addition to my son and I skiing together, on occasion we are joined by others who sometimes aren't as experienced. I feel an obligation to have them get the chance to ski down a black diamond run. Now don't get me wrong, I don't drop them off the lift at the top of the mountain and expect them to schuss uncontrolably down trail and become a yard sale case. They are first sent off for instruction (a ski lesson), then to ski on easier slopes to gain experience and confidence. Then they would be asked / told that a black diamond was calling their name. A blank stare as blood rushes out of their face is the only expression I would get back. It always seems like the best time to break the news is after lunch. You catch them by surprise when they are more relaxed, but more importantly once they have explained how they were carving up the slopes after the lesson. Usually as a group, we'd head out together for the afternoon runs with the first trip up the mountain to the black diamond. The actual choice of which black diamond isn't as important as hearing nervous laughter approaching the fall line and the full effect of the sign as it appears ... Danger Experts Only, such a serious warning followed by it's name like "Boneyard", "Solitude" or "Splitfire" followed by the black diamond symbol.As they're looking over the fall line, I would give the last bit of advice "remember to do your S's" and over the edge they would go. You are not judged on how quickly or smoothly you skied down, or on the number of falls until you reach the bottom of the mountain, but that you did it. For the rest of the day ... all you'll hear "let's do it again!"

Boy Scout Skiing Trips

Where should I start ...

After many years of not skiing, our boy scout troop had a sign-up for an overnight ski trip. I strongly encouraged my son to go. Now, my son was a had never. He was a little nervous about skiing. There were the how, what, when, where and why questions. Knowing the best answer, I said, take a lesson first and I will see you in an hour. He went to the lesson with the ski instructor and I decide to explore a few trails. Well over the years, I went from being a parent helper for the troop's ski trips to the organizer. I cherish the great times on the slopes and the time in the cabins afterward.

I was very disturbed to hear that the National Boy Scout Council is requiring that all boy scout must wear helmuts in order to participate in sponsored ski events. Many boy scouts get they first experience with skiing and snowboarding as many ski resorts offer group discounts. Without these events, I am worried that most boy scouts will say I had never been skiing; instead of that the ski trip was one of the highlight of the year. I don't disagree with the idea of having everyone wearing ski helmut as after many years, I do as well, but this should not be a limiting factor from having these boy scout get the opportunity of a lifetime to learn how to ski or snowboard. There is a solution to this problem; not skiing isn't the answer.

How to be a Trail Gaper (Picking Your Skiing Line)

When did I start searching for the line to ski down the trail?

It has become a ritual to ski up to the fall line of a slope and decide how to ski down the mountain. When I was much younger, I would get off the lift and immediately start skiing down the slope as fast as possible. (many times having the trip become a spectacular yard sale). It wasn't until my son became my skiing partner that I started to first look out at the vista all round us and visually enjoy the moment; then, it was the business of trying to figure out what line or path I would take to the bottom. Over the years, my son has completely surpassed my skill level and I must rely on a few tricks to have any chance of beating him to the liftline below. I will give you my secrets as in my blog, I will cover my experiences skiing and enjoying the company of those avid skiers who have made the daytrips and ski vacation adventures memorable. I will give you my insight into specific trails. Let me know what you know as I am far from being an expert and if I have any information special deals on lift tickets we can share that too.