It was bound to happen sooner or later. After going nearly all of January snowy and colder than normal, early February brought signs of spring with rain and warmth. The thaw is behind us and ski surfaces look to only improve this weekend. It was a good thing ski areas had such a deep snow base, thus allowing the season to keep going in great fashion.

I was able to get a day in at Bristol Mountain this past week. I love skiing there for a couple of reasons. Most importantly is the 1200’ vertical drop. It is the biggest anywhere between the Adirondacks and the Colorado Rockies. With a trip out to the Rockies coming up in a few weeks, it was a good warm-up for my legs. I had the mountain almost to myself with it being a weekday morning. Add in the other reason I love it, a high speed detachable quad lift, and I was able to get tons laps up and down the mountain in just a few hours. New at Bristol this year is a surface magic carpet. It is a conveyor lift which allows those learning to ski or board to get to the top of the bunny slope with ease. No more having to hike up or get on a chair lift. Check out a couple of pictures taken at Bristol. Lots of snow and wide open space as you can see.

This week at a ski area near you….it’s President’s/February break. And that means lots of events to cover. Many slopes have extended hours for the week. Brantling has their 19^th annual spring ski camp Monday through Wednesday. Not sure why they call it the spring ski camp when it runs in mid-February. Bristol hosts two separate three day ski camps next week. One begins on Sunday and the other Wednesday. A tribute to Michele night takes place in their main lodge Sunday night from 5-10pm. And scout troops should look into nights at Bristol running next Monday through Thursday. Would you rather shred it up on the rails or spend time with a loved one for Valentine’s Day? I know what I would choose but my wife might read this. So why not do both at Labrador Saturday during their rail jam. It is free to anyone with a lift ticket or season pass. Woods valley offers a buy one get one free lift ticket on Saturday night for you and your sweetheart. And enjoy the BBQ King’s smoked pulled pork and world famous chicken on Sunday. Over at Toggenburg there is a Progression Park Mini Jam on Saturday for those 14 and under. As always, a helmet is required to compete. Kids age 12 and under ski for free with the purchase of an adult lift ticket Tuesday through Friday this coming week at Song. Snow ridge holds a big air and rail competitions on Sunday. Next Wednesday you can take $5 off the price of a lift ticket at Snow Ridge with a canned or box food donation. All proceeds go to the food pantry at St. Martin’s church in Port Leyden. Greek Peak is looking for comments and ideas on their upcoming $17 million expansion. You can take a survey on the Greek Peak website. And while there, they are looking for the next top model for Greek Peak. Log on and send them a photo or video to make the cut.

Lastly, I’ve got some information on the 29^th Annual Classical Winona Forest Tourathon held in Mannsville on March 14^th. I know technically this is a cross country ski event and not downhill, but I thought we would help our winter brothers out. You can preregister for it until March 7^th at the website, www.winonaforest.com.

I’m nursing a badly injured back and will need some time off the slopes. I hope to take my first ever ski trip out west.  I’m planning on skiing just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, at Alta and Snowbird later this month. So until then I’m on bed rest. Of course that’s when I’m not forecasting more snow or chasing my three daughters around the house. Happy trails…