Mar 08

From Big Flood to Big Snow

Winter in the northeast…what a world of contrasts! While skiing in the pouring rain on Sunday morning here Vermont’s Green Mountains, it was hard to imagine that we would be skiing in some of most unforgettably deep and beautiful snow just twenty fours later. Then again, we are not the least bit surprised. The first image below features Vermont’s Mad River at floodstage on Sunday afternoon, while the second features the skiing just a bit upstream on Monday afternoon. And to top things off, we’ve got sunshine in the forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday! – Brian


Mar 05

In Memory of Ryan Hawks (Updated 3/12)

Updated with photos 3/12:
It might still be news to many that the mountains claimed the life of a wonderful person, son, brother, step-brother, grandson, a friend to many and a very talented skier this past week – twenty-five year old Ryan Hawks. Ryan grew up in South Burlington, Vermont, graduated from UVM, and honed his skiing in the steeps, trees and ledges of Mad River Glen and Vermont’s Green Mountains. During the last several years, Ryan was exploring life as a professional skier, alongside his close friends, Lars and Silas Chickering-Ayers, Dylan Crossman, Chuck and many others.

In memory of Ryan, his unfettered love for skiing and his wonderfully positive spirit, Brent Harrewyn produced this video of Ryan and his friends ripping it up while back home at Mad River Glen just one month ago. Thanks Brent!

Read more about Ryan:

Burlington Free Press – 3/6/11
Burlington Free Press – 3/5/11
Burlington Free Press – 3/1/11
MRG Stark’s Nest Pub Blog – 3/3/11
Outside Magazine Blog
Photo Essay by friend Daryn Edmunds

May Ryan’s incredible skiing spirit be with us forever…

-Brian and Emily

PHOTOS and VIDEO below from memorial service and ski run at Mad River Glen on Sunday, March 6, 2011:

Ryan Hawks Tribute from Subaru Freeskiing World Tour on Vimeo.


Mar 04

Backcountry Update – Early March: Like a Dream

Despite a few very minor 12-24 hour warm ups in February, the snow continues to pile up in our northeastern mountains at historic levels, and the snowpack off-piste continues to be predominantly powder coated. WIthout a doubt, this is a winter we will not forget. Forecasts are now in agreement around a potentially major snow storm shaping up for Sunday night into Tuesday, producing anywhere from 5-25″ of fresh snow in the north country. With the warmer March sun, fresh snow on solar aspects will become capped with a sun crust within a day or two of falling, so be sure to pack an extra set of goggles and get out during the storm(s). – Brian


Mar 03

This Weekend: Adirondack Backcountry Ski Fest / Bolton to the Barns

It seems as though the winter calendar is filling up with more great skiing events each season, and two events coming up this weekend are no exception. Whether you are looking to develop your backcountry skiing skills, meet up with other skiers or explore some new terrain, check out one of these upcoming buy cheap xanax no prescription events. Both events are fundraisers for local organizations. Click on the links below for more information:

Adirondack Backcountry Ski Festival – Sat/Sun March 5-6, 2011 in Keene Valley, NY – LINK
Bolton to the Barns Backcountry Ski Tour – Saturday, March 5, 2011 – Bolton Valley, VT – LINK


Mar 01

Photo of the Week: Hut-to-Hut Skiing, Vermont Style

We often wonder why we ever leave the northeast. And the more we ski in this incredible part of the world, the stronger our conviction that we live in a skiing paradise grows. This past weekend drove home these feelings more than ever. With a crew of half-a-dozen friends, we embarked on a three-day, hut-to-hut skiing adventure in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains. Our friends’ strategically located homes served as the “huts”… and as for the skiing, here’s just a sneak peek at some of the fun we had. (Click on thumbnail within post for a larger view – Skier: Dan Smith)
-Brian