Pasture Ripping and Meadow Skipping

Pasture ripping…

While our snowpack might continue to be thin (especially across southern New England and in the lowest elevations…yikes!) we’ve been making the most with what we’ve got, and feeling fortunate that at least we’ve got some snow to work with! (i.e. It could be much worse.)

Alpine ski area trails across the Northeast are nicely groomed, smooth and generally carveable…and occasional dustings of snow have helped to freshen up those morning turns. These are good conditions for some careful carving, cruising or for dialing in your technique and turns in some more technical terrain. The nordic skiing on many groomed trail networks has been excellent, too, with the skate skiing faster than ever.

Our favorite skiing right now? …Low-angle pastures and high-elevation woods and meadows. A good 3-8+” of fresh snow is piled up in many higher elevation zones across the Northeast, and on the most sheltered aspects, there’s little apparent crust and even more fresh snow. Meanwhile, our neighborhood pastures are capped with a nice crust, and it’s fun to rip even the lowest-angle pastures right now. (Both photos here were captured over the last few days in VT.)

With these great weather days upon us, it’s a fine time to explore and sample the great variety of terrain and snow conditions out there. It’s also a great time to keep a good edge on your skis. With some luck, the mountains will be treated to a few inches of fresh snow Friday night and Saturday morning. Ski you out there. – Brian

And meadow skipping…

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