Catamont straddles the NY/MA line in the Taconic mountainsand is part of the ski resort cluster in the Berkshires - Catamount, Butternut, Bousquet and Jiminy Peak. It has some fairly short but steep runs like, Catapult. Nice views from the top. It's small, not terribly crowded and a nice place to ski.
The big question is, have the catamounts returned .......
Pine Ridge Snow Park, Barre MA
In February 2006 we got a 2 foot dumping of snow on a Sunday. By the following weekend it was practically gone, but they still had a 30 foot wide swath at Pine Ridge which consists of a rope tow and t-bar. The snow was crunchy, hard, pitted, rutted and rattled my teeth, but I was on a mission. I actually rode the t-bar for 2 hours - a good 20 times. Under these conditions, my skiing comrades were mostly kids, but I imagine that its mostly kids all the time.
The tow took about 5 minutes which gave me the opportunity to admire the sky which went from bright blue to threatening gray, windy and then snowy all within an hour.
On one ascent, the t-bar operator stormed out of his hut and actually yelled at me when I reached the top of the hill, "don't just stand there, MOVE!!" Since there was no one behind me on the t-bar, I would often pause at the top and enjoy the scenery. I extended my dilly-dally a bit longer than usual and then tossed him a little wave which rocked his little hut, teetering on the crusty snow while he fumed inside.
Had a cheeseburger at the lodge and watched the Olympics. Talked with an older couple who worked there. The little hill had been there since 1947. Well, actually the hill has probably been there for a longer time, but the ski area opened in 1947. Unfortunately, the lodge had a sports bar upstairs which probably generates most of the profits.
I just checked the Internet and it looks like I may have skied on the last day this place was open. That's sad.
The tow took about 5 minutes which gave me the opportunity to admire the sky which went from bright blue to threatening gray, windy and then snowy all within an hour.
On one ascent, the t-bar operator stormed out of his hut and actually yelled at me when I reached the top of the hill, "don't just stand there, MOVE!!" Since there was no one behind me on the t-bar, I would often pause at the top and enjoy the scenery. I extended my dilly-dally a bit longer than usual and then tossed him a little wave which rocked his little hut, teetering on the crusty snow while he fumed inside.
Had a cheeseburger at the lodge and watched the Olympics. Talked with an older couple who worked there. The little hill had been there since 1947. Well, actually the hill has probably been there for a longer time, but the ski area opened in 1947. Unfortunately, the lodge had a sports bar upstairs which probably generates most of the profits.
I just checked the Internet and it looks like I may have skied on the last day this place was open. That's sad.
Nashoba Valley, Westford MA
This is a little gem that I would frequent if it were closer. It's tucked away and minus the crowds of people, has a surprisingly rural feel to it. Matter of fact, I felt like a farmer had given me permission to ski on his hillside field complete with beautiful stonewalls. Kept thinking I would spot a cow or two grazing. The weather was gorgeous - sunny and warm - which may have contributed to the wonderful ambiance in among the pines. It was very neat and pristine. My favorite spot was to the left when looking up the hill. By noon the warm temps had made the snow too soft and the crowds were thickening like an overstuffed chicken coop so I called it a day, a "happy" day.
Ski Ward, Shrewsbury MA
So, Ski Ward. Went there one Friday night after work during a warm spell with evening temps in the high 40's. Felt wonderful to ski without goggles. Had a cheeseburger in the lodge among quite a hubbub of activity.
The hill is in the picturesque town of Shrewsbury which contrasts sharply with the raised highway appoach winding through industrious Worcester. A double chairlift, a t-bar, a mighty-mite and a snow-tube area dot the hill. Basically three side-by side trails down the hill. It was short, but I worked on my technique and had a good time.
There were a ton of kids racing or at least going through the motions in a tucked position. Without racing gates, it was a rather curious spectacle. Am thinking the snow was too shallow for the gates, but the kids were determined to race one more night.
The hill is in the picturesque town of Shrewsbury which contrasts sharply with the raised highway appoach winding through industrious Worcester. A double chairlift, a t-bar, a mighty-mite and a snow-tube area dot the hill. Basically three side-by side trails down the hill. It was short, but I worked on my technique and had a good time.
There were a ton of kids racing or at least going through the motions in a tucked position. Without racing gates, it was a rather curious spectacle. Am thinking the snow was too shallow for the gates, but the kids were determined to race one more night.
Blue Hills, Saint Canton MA
I skied this slope after skiing Bradford in the morning. As I approached my exit off of I-95, it seemed impossible that there was a ski hill near by. Then suddenly there arose a big mound of jumbled rocks and on the back side was Blue Hills. Parking was a nightmare and it appeared that I was competing with museum goers for a spot - a double attraction or sorts I guess.
This little mogul is now owned by Ragged Mountain in NH (or at least it was in 2006). One chairlift and one rope-tow adorn this little hill. All man-made snow without a fleck of the real stuff in the woods. Only one trail was open the day I went, but there was a really nice view of Boston from the top. Squinted hard to see the ocean but to no avail. Maybe on a clear day when the grey waters are sparkling ?
Blue Hills reminded me of Hidden Valley near St. Louis, MO and Snowcreek in Weston, MO - basically a place to learn how to stay upright on one or two boards. Finished off the day with 2 runs on the "handle" tow and then a 2 hour drive home.
This little mogul is now owned by Ragged Mountain in NH (or at least it was in 2006). One chairlift and one rope-tow adorn this little hill. All man-made snow without a fleck of the real stuff in the woods. Only one trail was open the day I went, but there was a really nice view of Boston from the top. Squinted hard to see the ocean but to no avail. Maybe on a clear day when the grey waters are sparkling ?
Blue Hills reminded me of Hidden Valley near St. Louis, MO and Snowcreek in Weston, MO - basically a place to learn how to stay upright on one or two boards. Finished off the day with 2 runs on the "handle" tow and then a 2 hour drive home.
Ski Bradford, Haverhill MA
Small ski hill 30 miles outside of Boston. Mostly straight runs down a big field on a little hill tucked into a neighborhood. Looks like a popular place for afternoon racing. Enjoyed skiing under the chairlift and had it to myself. Fried dough and soft pretzels were available at an outside hut.
Upon departing, I saw kids walking home with their boards tucked under their arms.
Upon departing, I saw kids walking home with their boards tucked under their arms.
Wachusetts Mountain, Princeton MA
Hopped in to my car on a beautiful sunny, Saturday morning in late March at 6:00am and drove to Wachusetts taking the scenic route through the small towns. One town, Hardwick, I believe, had one of the most magnificent town greens I've ever seen in New England. Also finally caught a glimpse of the Quabbin Reservoir - the famous reservoir complete with church, farms, old house foundations and stone walls beneath the waters.
Pulled in to the lot around 8:30am and the place was a zoo full of cars and people. Fortunately, the slopes were not too crowded - not sure where all the people went although the lift lines did get busier as the morning wore on.
I don't remember any of the trail names - no trail map was available. The conditions were excellent for being so late in the season and I skied every trail although the chairlift stops short of the summit. Beautiful view of Mount Monadnock from the top. It just rises out of the horizon like a really BIG mountain capped with snow.
Seemed incomplete not to go to the summit so I removed my skis, hoisted them to my shoulder and hiked to the top of the mountain where I was rewarded with a 360 degree view including Boston!
I asked a couple of hikers if they knew where the tote road for the ski area popped out on top. They didn't know so I decided to blaze my own trail and find a way back to the ski slopes. Found what appeared to be a path and pointed my skis down and glided quietly through 7 inches of softening powder. Popped out of the woods onto the ski trail much to the bewilderment of several downhill skiers. Ah, what fun.
Turned my pass in at noon and got $5 back for basically a "half-day" pass which is a good way to avoid the worst crowds. Hopped into my car in search of food. I purposefully try to eat at local establishments versus the ski lodge for a couple of reasons: better food, more character and cheaper.
Stopped at a caboose, the Boxcar Restaurant. The cook, a plump boisterous woman, came out from behind the counter and greeted me with a booming voice. With such a loud voice it seemed that a few pleasantries would follow, but not the case, the conversation fell flat and she retreated behind the counter. This scene repeated itself with each newcomer.
Paying a visit to the tiny restroom, I suddenly became alarmed when it began to shake and rumble violently. Expeditiously I darted out of the bathroom and out of the tiny caboose to the railroad tracks as a freight train rumbled by 20 feet away. The ground shook beneath my feet as some of the cars rocked back and forth toying with the idea of jumping the track. Lots of screeching, clanking, hissing and rattling until the last car passed and the roar faded to a distant thumping and then nothing. Just silence.
Pulled in to the lot around 8:30am and the place was a zoo full of cars and people. Fortunately, the slopes were not too crowded - not sure where all the people went although the lift lines did get busier as the morning wore on.
I don't remember any of the trail names - no trail map was available. The conditions were excellent for being so late in the season and I skied every trail although the chairlift stops short of the summit. Beautiful view of Mount Monadnock from the top. It just rises out of the horizon like a really BIG mountain capped with snow.
Seemed incomplete not to go to the summit so I removed my skis, hoisted them to my shoulder and hiked to the top of the mountain where I was rewarded with a 360 degree view including Boston!
I asked a couple of hikers if they knew where the tote road for the ski area popped out on top. They didn't know so I decided to blaze my own trail and find a way back to the ski slopes. Found what appeared to be a path and pointed my skis down and glided quietly through 7 inches of softening powder. Popped out of the woods onto the ski trail much to the bewilderment of several downhill skiers. Ah, what fun.
Turned my pass in at noon and got $5 back for basically a "half-day" pass which is a good way to avoid the worst crowds. Hopped into my car in search of food. I purposefully try to eat at local establishments versus the ski lodge for a couple of reasons: better food, more character and cheaper.
Stopped at a caboose, the Boxcar Restaurant. The cook, a plump boisterous woman, came out from behind the counter and greeted me with a booming voice. With such a loud voice it seemed that a few pleasantries would follow, but not the case, the conversation fell flat and she retreated behind the counter. This scene repeated itself with each newcomer.
Paying a visit to the tiny restroom, I suddenly became alarmed when it began to shake and rumble violently. Expeditiously I darted out of the bathroom and out of the tiny caboose to the railroad tracks as a freight train rumbled by 20 feet away. The ground shook beneath my feet as some of the cars rocked back and forth toying with the idea of jumping the track. Lots of screeching, clanking, hissing and rattling until the last car passed and the roar faded to a distant thumping and then nothing. Just silence.
Jiminy Peak, Hancock MA
My first memories of Jiminy Peak were careening down the alpine slide in the summer. My second set of memories involved my second ski lesson ever which was taken at Jiminy Peak in the rain during one of their "Learn to Ski Free" days. My brother, Matt, and I took a day off from work for this grand adventure. I remember that there was another woman in the class and she was surprised to learn that many people make turns on their skis. She was under the impression that one simply pointed the skis down the hill and screamed a little.
My third set of memories of Jiminy are just as vivid as the first two. Riding up the expert lift I eagerly anticipated a good day of skiing. It was mid-week and the slopes were nice and quiet. Getting off the chairlift, my jaw dropped. The trail seemed to drop off in to oblivion. I inched up to the edge and peered over. Most impressive. Ranks only second to White Heat at Sunday River and maybe Outer Limits at Killington for intimidation although much shorter in length. It's really not that bad once you plunge over the edge, but the first glance is awe-inspiring.
My third set of memories of Jiminy are just as vivid as the first two. Riding up the expert lift I eagerly anticipated a good day of skiing. It was mid-week and the slopes were nice and quiet. Getting off the chairlift, my jaw dropped. The trail seemed to drop off in to oblivion. I inched up to the edge and peered over. Most impressive. Ranks only second to White Heat at Sunday River and maybe Outer Limits at Killington for intimidation although much shorter in length. It's really not that bad once you plunge over the edge, but the first glance is awe-inspiring.
Blandford Ski Club, Blandford MA
What a gem! What a find! Except for the broken chairlift which was closed most of the morning and the other chairlift with the broken foot rests, it's a great little place.
It's only open on Saturday and Sunday (maybe Fridays) with a couple nights mid-week for racing.
The ski area is nestled in the hills of Blandford. It's one of the most visually appealing little ski areas. The narrow access road twists and turns through snow covered evergreens which must be reminiscent of Vermont ski areas in the '50s.
I enjoyed boarding on Fanny's Hill which was ungroomed. Access to the chairlifts is a little flat for snowboarding thereby making two boards the better choice.
It's only open on Saturday and Sunday (maybe Fridays) with a couple nights mid-week for racing.
The ski area is nestled in the hills of Blandford. It's one of the most visually appealing little ski areas. The narrow access road twists and turns through snow covered evergreens which must be reminiscent of Vermont ski areas in the '50s.
I enjoyed boarding on Fanny's Hill which was ungroomed. Access to the chairlifts is a little flat for snowboarding thereby making two boards the better choice.
Otis Ridge, Otis MA
Yep, this is Warren Miller material. Really small. Went there on a Friday. It was misting. The chairlift dumped me in the middle of a big puddle (repeatedly). Ruined my yellow LL Bean rain jacket with a nasty grease stain from the chairlift (note to self - don't ski in the rain or don a trash bag). This place has been around for years upon years - even my mother skied here on a date.
Butternut, Great Barrington MA
Best to ski this area mid-week. During the weekend it swarms with fashionistas (women and men), the latest in ski gear and abounds with NY accents all of which may be admired during your stay in the lift-line. It's a nice enough place in a quaint location with some great deals on season lift passes if you like to ski with lots of company. One run in particular sticks out in my mind because it is adorned with a massive boulder (a glacier erratic?) right in the middle of the trail. Although I rather like the ambiance of the rock because it gives the fleeting impression of skiing out West, it does scream lawsuit.
Berkshire East, Charlemont MA
Skied Berkshire East in early March in great spring skiing conditions. Even managed to catch some air on my skis which was exciting. Berkshire East has some nice steep trails, but unfortunately the runs are north facing and even in warm conditions, they were still a sheet of ice. Ate a hot dog on top of the mountain and enjoyed cruising on the 2.5 mile trail, Roundabout, from the summit.
Bousquet, Pittsfield MA
Bousquet was my first stop in my official quest to ski every ski resort in New England. There are approximately 76 ski areas depending on your definition.
I pulled into Bousquet around 10:00am. Got a later start because the temperature was a bit cold, - 10 degrees F (that's 10 below). Late as it was I got a spot right in front of the lodge. Met the owner, George, who was swearing about the cold weather.
Had an enjoyable conversation with the the chairlift operator about my new quest. During multiple chairlift loadings, he suggested Blandford, Greylock Ski Club, Yawgoo and a little place near Brewster NY. He knew all the small places.
There are about 3 trails off the top which have a nice view of October mountain. A quick steep drop in the beginning which I promptly slid down on my butt after attempting a turn on ice.
In the lodge there was a framed newspaper article which indicated that the second owner put in a t-bar and snow making in 1956 as well as lights on the Tamarack trail. The layout of the hill is not overly aesthetic, but it's a nice place for the locals.
I pulled into Bousquet around 10:00am. Got a later start because the temperature was a bit cold, - 10 degrees F (that's 10 below). Late as it was I got a spot right in front of the lodge. Met the owner, George, who was swearing about the cold weather.
Had an enjoyable conversation with the the chairlift operator about my new quest. During multiple chairlift loadings, he suggested Blandford, Greylock Ski Club, Yawgoo and a little place near Brewster NY. He knew all the small places.
There are about 3 trails off the top which have a nice view of October mountain. A quick steep drop in the beginning which I promptly slid down on my butt after attempting a turn on ice.
In the lodge there was a framed newspaper article which indicated that the second owner put in a t-bar and snow making in 1956 as well as lights on the Tamarack trail. The layout of the hill is not overly aesthetic, but it's a nice place for the locals.
The Mount Greylock Ski Club
Finally - the Greylock Ski Club and it was worth a season's wait. Tucked away on the backside of Mount Greylock is the very unique, "blast from the past" Mount Greylock Ski Club. I don't remember how I had heard about it, but I did go hunt it down one winter while snowshoeing the mountain and vowed to return with skis.
In 2006 my hopes were dashed because it never opened due to lack of snow on the weekends. In 2007 we had just gotten a 2 foot dumping of snow in February and I was off to Japan for business the next day. Rotten timing. Fortunately there was still plenty of snow and 5 more inches when I returned a week later.
As its name implies, it is a ski club. A ski club with over 70 years of history. It's tucked away in a beautiful hollow off the western side of Greylock. I met one of the members, Tim and his family. It's like a co-op. Every member has chores such as firing up the rope tow, fetching water for the hot cocoa or grooming a trail.
It's a step back in time and things move at a slower pace like waiting for the rope tow engine to warm up.
Word of warning - bring old ski gloves or work gloves. The rope tow is really hard on your gloves until you get the hang of it. My ripped mittens still bear the scars of my experience, but every winter when I slip them on, it brings back wonderful memories.
I had a horrible time learning to ride the rope tow. I'm sure if it had been video-taped, it would have been a success on You-Tube. Basically you put on a harness, which all hang neatly within the lodge, and then in one smooth motion you pick up the moving rope with one hand and with a garlic-press looking object (which is connected to the harness) in your other hand you whip it around the rope and clamp down on it. A slight tug on the harness and you are off. Ha! I fell over and over while little kids would give me sad looks and say, "you'll get the hang of it soon" as they were whizzed away up the hill. The rope tow operator found endless words of encouragement until I finally stayed upright. My hard earned initiation was met with shouts of glee from other members.
The reason for the harness, unlike other rope tows, is that the hill is really steep and without the "garlic-press" there is no way your arms would hold out. Unhooking from the rope tow was not uneventful, but I managed to stay upright with just a couple pulled muscles.
There are only a few trails, but they are beautiful paths through the woods. Being used to the overly groomed trails of the big resorts, these trails were a challenge. Found myself snowplowing a lot but was able to put down some tracks which was exciting. The wide open field at the bottom was lots of fun and I enjoyed the back trail which heads to the left off the rope tow.
The camaraderie is really special at the club. I helped some kids fetch water from the spring for the hot cocoa. The lodge is spartan but warm and cozy with a pot of soup always warming on the stove.
Now that my quest is complete, I am seriously thinking about joining the club even if I only ski once or twice a year. It's an icon that represents what's good about skiing. Nothing fancy, affordable, friendly people, beautiful setting and some incredibly good skiers.
Note: skiing is by invitation only for non-members so check out their web-site for a guest pass. I think once you try it, you may get hooked on the simplicity of it all.
In 2006 my hopes were dashed because it never opened due to lack of snow on the weekends. In 2007 we had just gotten a 2 foot dumping of snow in February and I was off to Japan for business the next day. Rotten timing. Fortunately there was still plenty of snow and 5 more inches when I returned a week later.
As its name implies, it is a ski club. A ski club with over 70 years of history. It's tucked away in a beautiful hollow off the western side of Greylock. I met one of the members, Tim and his family. It's like a co-op. Every member has chores such as firing up the rope tow, fetching water for the hot cocoa or grooming a trail.
It's a step back in time and things move at a slower pace like waiting for the rope tow engine to warm up.
Word of warning - bring old ski gloves or work gloves. The rope tow is really hard on your gloves until you get the hang of it. My ripped mittens still bear the scars of my experience, but every winter when I slip them on, it brings back wonderful memories.
I had a horrible time learning to ride the rope tow. I'm sure if it had been video-taped, it would have been a success on You-Tube. Basically you put on a harness, which all hang neatly within the lodge, and then in one smooth motion you pick up the moving rope with one hand and with a garlic-press looking object (which is connected to the harness) in your other hand you whip it around the rope and clamp down on it. A slight tug on the harness and you are off. Ha! I fell over and over while little kids would give me sad looks and say, "you'll get the hang of it soon" as they were whizzed away up the hill. The rope tow operator found endless words of encouragement until I finally stayed upright. My hard earned initiation was met with shouts of glee from other members.
The reason for the harness, unlike other rope tows, is that the hill is really steep and without the "garlic-press" there is no way your arms would hold out. Unhooking from the rope tow was not uneventful, but I managed to stay upright with just a couple pulled muscles.
There are only a few trails, but they are beautiful paths through the woods. Being used to the overly groomed trails of the big resorts, these trails were a challenge. Found myself snowplowing a lot but was able to put down some tracks which was exciting. The wide open field at the bottom was lots of fun and I enjoyed the back trail which heads to the left off the rope tow.
The camaraderie is really special at the club. I helped some kids fetch water from the spring for the hot cocoa. The lodge is spartan but warm and cozy with a pot of soup always warming on the stove.
Now that my quest is complete, I am seriously thinking about joining the club even if I only ski once or twice a year. It's an icon that represents what's good about skiing. Nothing fancy, affordable, friendly people, beautiful setting and some incredibly good skiers.
Note: skiing is by invitation only for non-members so check out their web-site for a guest pass. I think once you try it, you may get hooked on the simplicity of it all.
Yawgoo Valley, RI
Yes, believe it or not, New England's little ocean state has a ski area! However, shortly upon arriving, I began to seriously question my quest to ski EVERY ski resort in New England. Yawgoo is so tiny, narrow and small - 5 runs - that I only needed to make 2 turns to get down the slopes. The rest of the time was spent going straight down to pick up speed.
I met Hub, the 80 year old chairlift operator who was featured in a Hartford Courant article on Yawgoo a few weeks prior. He was busy banging the chairlift seats with a ski pole to knock off the snow. The far right trail is named after him, Hub's Folly.
Although the runs are incredibly short at Yawgoo and often busy with beginners testing their new skills, the day I went was a quiet, beautiful sunny day in late February with the birds merrily chirping. It felt like I was gliding through the woods on a homemade trail back home. Not that it was poorly groomed, only that it was uncrowded and peaceful. My reservations about skiing EVERY ski resort faded away.
Before you leave, make sure you check out the lodge with it's incredibly big, beautiful stone fireplace.
I met Hub, the 80 year old chairlift operator who was featured in a Hartford Courant article on Yawgoo a few weeks prior. He was busy banging the chairlift seats with a ski pole to knock off the snow. The far right trail is named after him, Hub's Folly.
Although the runs are incredibly short at Yawgoo and often busy with beginners testing their new skills, the day I went was a quiet, beautiful sunny day in late February with the birds merrily chirping. It felt like I was gliding through the woods on a homemade trail back home. Not that it was poorly groomed, only that it was uncrowded and peaceful. My reservations about skiing EVERY ski resort faded away.
Before you leave, make sure you check out the lodge with it's incredibly big, beautiful stone fireplace.
Mount Southington, Southington CT
Mount Southington - another neighborhood ski area with a fairly active ski racing program. These small ski areas have lots of character and no doubt create lots of memories for the young skiers.
I worked in Southington for several years and went one evening with a couple of coworkers who wanted to take a lesson and learn to ski for the first time. They gave it their all and were rewarded with a multitude of black and blues (so I am told). Mount Southington has a tendency to get icy, especially in the evening when everything freezes up, but it's a nice little hill.
I worked in Southington for several years and went one evening with a couple of coworkers who wanted to take a lesson and learn to ski for the first time. They gave it their all and were rewarded with a multitude of black and blues (so I am told). Mount Southington has a tendency to get icy, especially in the evening when everything freezes up, but it's a nice little hill.
Ski Sundown, New Hartford CT
Ski Sundown seems to be the most popular ski area in Connecticut. Too popular for my liking though. Its curvy, evergreen bordered trails are absolutely beautiful, but it's best to go on a weekday morning because all the trails funnel into a major super snowway with kids careening from all angles. One spot even has kids catching air just as the trail merges - yikes. Down right dangerous in my book.
As a kid, I remember my friends always talking about Gun Barrel - the steepest ski trail in all of Connecticut. Definitely a good practice hill. It also has a nice beginner's area which is set apart from the main hill with its own lift.
Ski Sundown has a terrific innovative adult "Learn to Ski" package in the evenings. I took the 8 week class last season. My instructor skied right behind me barking out orders and I finally started to carve my turns. Alas, I'm sticking to my snowboard.
As a kid, I remember my friends always talking about Gun Barrel - the steepest ski trail in all of Connecticut. Definitely a good practice hill. It also has a nice beginner's area which is set apart from the main hill with its own lift.
Ski Sundown has a terrific innovative adult "Learn to Ski" package in the evenings. I took the 8 week class last season. My instructor skied right behind me barking out orders and I finally started to carve my turns. Alas, I'm sticking to my snowboard.
Powder Ridge, Middlefield CT
Well, this former ski resort takes the honor of the only ski resort that became defunct during my quest. I missed two other ski resorts by a couple of years - Mount Tom and Brody Mountain - both in Massachusetts. Fortunately I had the opportunity to ski Powder Ridge a year or two before it closed. It was definitely a little "neighborhood" ski area. My first encounter with it was in the middle of summer while hiking the Metacomet trail.
The lodge was a bit like I remember my grandparent's cottage in Vermont: a frame with some wood planks to form walls and a screen door ready to come off the hinges. The lodge was a hub-bub of activity though - filled with lots of kids and an occasional parent fixing a ski boot or attempting to read a book.
The hill was rather nondescript although I admittedly skied it at night. However, it was full of jumps - some alarmingly big and a variety of terrain features. It definitely catered to the younger crowds.
Sad to see it go. There has been talk of new ownership but the deals keep falling through.....
The lodge was a bit like I remember my grandparent's cottage in Vermont: a frame with some wood planks to form walls and a screen door ready to come off the hinges. The lodge was a hub-bub of activity though - filled with lots of kids and an occasional parent fixing a ski boot or attempting to read a book.
The hill was rather nondescript although I admittedly skied it at night. However, it was full of jumps - some alarmingly big and a variety of terrain features. It definitely catered to the younger crowds.
Sad to see it go. There has been talk of new ownership but the deals keep falling through.....
Mohawk Mountain, Cornwall CT
I learned to ski at Mohawk. I even taught snowboarding one season. I still ski/snowboard at Mohawk and it's still my favorite ski resort in all New England.
In 1989 a tornado blew through Mohawk Mountain dramatically altering the landscape by leveling all the evergreens, but the mountain is still beautiful. On a clear day you can see the Catskill mountains in New York and when its overcast you have a lovely view of Cornwall Hollow and the surrounding Litchfield Hills. Make sure you glance back while riding up the chairlift - especially the farthest mountain right chair lift.
Although I took a ski lesson at Mohawk while in college, I didn't become a regular until the late 1990's when I returned to Connecticut from the West. Saturday or Sunday morning would find me cruising the slopes at Mohawk on a half day ticket.
Mohawk is not a big mountain which may be why the runs hold the snow well. The grooming is meticulous (the best I've seen) with no ruts or hidden ditches to catch you off guard. There are four lifts and bunny slope lift. My favorite runs are Arrowhead and Mohawk. I love to get there early when I have the runs to myself and I take big swooping turns on my snowboard - doesn't get better than that.
And lastly, for the past 10 years until this past season, I always went to purchase my ticket at the same window inside the lodge - the far left window . The woman behind the window was Edna. She had worked there since they opened in the 1950's. Very prim and proper, always wore the most beautiful sweaters and reminded me of my great Aunt Edna from Alsted NH. We always exchanged a few pleasantries and she always ended the season with,"Well, I'll see you next season, the good Lord willing."
Well, last year the good Lord did call and my 92 year old friend no longer occupies the window on the left.
In 1989 a tornado blew through Mohawk Mountain dramatically altering the landscape by leveling all the evergreens, but the mountain is still beautiful. On a clear day you can see the Catskill mountains in New York and when its overcast you have a lovely view of Cornwall Hollow and the surrounding Litchfield Hills. Make sure you glance back while riding up the chairlift - especially the farthest mountain right chair lift.
Although I took a ski lesson at Mohawk while in college, I didn't become a regular until the late 1990's when I returned to Connecticut from the West. Saturday or Sunday morning would find me cruising the slopes at Mohawk on a half day ticket.
Mohawk is not a big mountain which may be why the runs hold the snow well. The grooming is meticulous (the best I've seen) with no ruts or hidden ditches to catch you off guard. There are four lifts and bunny slope lift. My favorite runs are Arrowhead and Mohawk. I love to get there early when I have the runs to myself and I take big swooping turns on my snowboard - doesn't get better than that.
And lastly, for the past 10 years until this past season, I always went to purchase my ticket at the same window inside the lodge - the far left window . The woman behind the window was Edna. She had worked there since they opened in the 1950's. Very prim and proper, always wore the most beautiful sweaters and reminded me of my great Aunt Edna from Alsted NH. We always exchanged a few pleasantries and she always ended the season with,"Well, I'll see you next season, the good Lord willing."
Well, last year the good Lord did call and my 92 year old friend no longer occupies the window on the left.
Woodbury Ski and Racket, Woodbury, CT
So before my quest truly was born, I embarked on a smaller mission - to ski every ski resort in Connecticut. At the time, there were five in operation: Mohawk, Sundown, Mount Southington, Woodbury Ski and Racket and Powder Ridge. I had been skiing/snowboarding Mohawk Mountain every weekend for a few years and decided that I should at least try the other ski resorts just in case I liked them better.
So one evening, I enlisted my friend, Julie, to join me in visiting Woodbury Ski and Racket. It was early March so I checked the web-site to confirm that they were still open in the evenings - all signs said it was a go.
We drove down after work in the dark. It seemed to take forever to get there and when we arrived, we were greeted with a dark slope. Not a good sign. Light spilled out of a little window in a building off the parking lot. I marched over to the light and turned the doorknob which to my delight gave way and stepped inside. A solitary figure was perched on a chair behind a counter.
I greeted him rather brusquely, "I thought you were open tonight, checked the web-site and my friend and I just drove over an hour to get here......"
"Oh, I'm sorry" was his reply. "There was nobody here, so I sent my chairlift operator home for the night."
"Drat," I said, looking dejected.
"Well, hey I can fire up the rope tow if you are interested?"
My face brightened and I plopped the money down on the counter and stepped outside to get geared up.
Like magic, the slopes went from darkness to full glory as he snapped on the lights. We were in business.
Rule number one: if you are over the age of 30, rope-tows do not play well with snowboards. Laughing and sweating while our muscles were tortured by the pull of the rope, Julie and I made our way up the hill on our snowboards . When the rope tow ended we continued walking up the hill into the darkness to get a better look at this ski area.
Basically one chair lift and a rope tow with tons of features to jump and slide and hurt oneself. Definitely the place for enthusiasts who perform stunts on their boards.
The snow was more of a concrete consistency, but our boards had sharp edges so we had fun bumping down the slope and being dragged back up on the rope tow. As we tired out, our friendly host came over and asked us if we would like to try the tubing park. "Sure!" we said in unison. Ditching our boards we ran over to the tubing park and joined our host and his friend in whirling down the snow in over-sized tubes, careening off icy banks of snow accompanied with hoots and hollers.
After getting our fill of excitement, we thanked our host for his hospitality.
"Are you all through for the night?" he asked.
"Yes, thank you very much" we said.
And he turned the lights off.
So one evening, I enlisted my friend, Julie, to join me in visiting Woodbury Ski and Racket. It was early March so I checked the web-site to confirm that they were still open in the evenings - all signs said it was a go.
We drove down after work in the dark. It seemed to take forever to get there and when we arrived, we were greeted with a dark slope. Not a good sign. Light spilled out of a little window in a building off the parking lot. I marched over to the light and turned the doorknob which to my delight gave way and stepped inside. A solitary figure was perched on a chair behind a counter.
I greeted him rather brusquely, "I thought you were open tonight, checked the web-site and my friend and I just drove over an hour to get here......"
"Oh, I'm sorry" was his reply. "There was nobody here, so I sent my chairlift operator home for the night."
"Drat," I said, looking dejected.
"Well, hey I can fire up the rope tow if you are interested?"
My face brightened and I plopped the money down on the counter and stepped outside to get geared up.
Like magic, the slopes went from darkness to full glory as he snapped on the lights. We were in business.
Rule number one: if you are over the age of 30, rope-tows do not play well with snowboards. Laughing and sweating while our muscles were tortured by the pull of the rope, Julie and I made our way up the hill on our snowboards . When the rope tow ended we continued walking up the hill into the darkness to get a better look at this ski area.
Basically one chair lift and a rope tow with tons of features to jump and slide and hurt oneself. Definitely the place for enthusiasts who perform stunts on their boards.
The snow was more of a concrete consistency, but our boards had sharp edges so we had fun bumping down the slope and being dragged back up on the rope tow. As we tired out, our friendly host came over and asked us if we would like to try the tubing park. "Sure!" we said in unison. Ditching our boards we ran over to the tubing park and joined our host and his friend in whirling down the snow in over-sized tubes, careening off icy banks of snow accompanied with hoots and hollers.
After getting our fill of excitement, we thanked our host for his hospitality.
"Are you all through for the night?" he asked.
"Yes, thank you very much" we said.
And he turned the lights off.
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