It’s time to try out all the new gear Santa dropped off last week with decent conditions on the slopes. The post Christmas warm up allowed me to bring down my outdoor decorations which was welcomed. Now an arctic intrusion with plenty of lake effect snow and cold will make for improving snowmaking conditions ahead. Trail counts this week will be quickly climbing. Not the best, but definitely not the worst, for the big ski and snowboard week during winter break from the schools.
Being the holiday break for students, resorts are pulling out all the stops to get you on the slopes. If you are between seven and seventeen, hurry up and get signed up for camps running through this week. You’ll be on the hill for several hours during the day and often these packages include a lunch. Much more fun here than band camp. I could tell some funny stories here, but this ski report is rated G. In addition you’ll find some areas have extended hours for the week, most noticeably on mid-week days. So be sure to check area websites or snow phones for the latest details.
A few other industry notes… Song Mountain begins their night operations starting Monday, December 28th. Make sure to use a pair of non-tinted goggles after sunset so you can see clearly. Song hosts a Friday Night Freak Out on January 1st from 4pm to midnight. At only 6 bucks for a lift ticket you are bound to get down and have some late night fun. Also on the 28th, Labrador will host a demo day. This is your chance to try out the latest and greatest gear before buying. What better way to ring in the New Year than on the slopes! Check out Bristol Mountain who will be partying in big fashion as they always do on December 31st. For the first time ever, Toggenburg it starting up a freestyle team. This is open to skiers and boarders 14 years and older. You can learn more and sign up at a meeting Saturday, January 2nd at 10am.
And lastly, the first quarter of the ski season has ended and I still don’t have my first day on the slopes for this winter. I was able to get in a tubing session at Four Seasons in Fayetteville. I took my 5 and 3 year old daughters who had a blast beating daddy down the runs. Hopefully my 5 year old will get even braver and try skiing soon. I do plan on hitting up a local ski area this week and an even bigger trip out west is coming up in about 10 days. I’ll have much more to report on both coming up. Have a happy new year and happy trails….
