Secret Trails of Ripton

by Andy McIntosh

A beautiful ski was had by everyone last Sunday on the secret trails of Ripton. Conditions were really nice (melting corn snow, but not too soft) to the point we could ski just about anywhere! We followed a similar route to last year's tour with some scenic variations around the top of Chandler Hill. With clear skies, we got views of Frost Mt., Cobb Hill, Mt. Abe, Breadloaf Mt., Worth Mt., the tip top of Romance Mt., and Mt. Moosalamoo, totaling 360 degrees throughout the tour! We explored the the hardwood forests and back beaver meadows of Chandler Hill, skied through the spruce and fir tunnel to Wagon Wheel Rd., skated down the icy surface of Wagon Wheel, schussed down and across Bucky's Bridge and on to the Big Pine, slinked across the twin bridges of Sparks Brook, up and over Peddler Bridge Rd., waltzed across Cooks Brook bridge and back home.

Skiers included Lynn Luginbuhl, Barb and Mayumi Otsuka, Patrick Keating, and myself. More would have joined us if not for the Breadloaf Citizen's Race occurring the same day.

If you didn't make it this year, there will always be next year, late February or early March.

Still finding plenty of snow to ski on in Ripton.

Frosties at Nordic Relay for Life - Luminaria Champions

Frost Mountain Nordic rocks Nordic Relay for Life - March 6, 2010

No white paper bags for us! Willem Jewett and Mike Hussey brought some Frost Mountain creativity to the Luminaria display at Nordic Relay For Life.

South facing slopes were a touch hard but once we got out back on the haul road conditions were fabulous. The haul road downhill is always fun. Under the stars adds considerably to the experience. Great food and company as well.

Thanks to all who traveled with us in spirit.