About Alena S
Originally a native of Colorado, Alena has been living in Boston since 2006. A lover of the outdoors and an active lifestyle, you'll usually find Alena skiing, hiking and camping all over the map. Her passion for adventure and travel began with backpacking trips through the Colorado wilderness as a child and has since taken her all over North America and Europe. She hopes to embark on more journeys across the globe in the near future.
Blog posts written by Alena S
March 14th, 2008 by alena s
Check out this week’s ski report to help you plan for the upcoming weekend. Just click on the name of the resort to see the current forecast and snow conditions for your favorite mountains.
New Hampshire Ski Areas
Attitash- 75 trails open, 6 lifts, loose granular
Waterville Valley- 52 trails open, 8 lifts, packed powder
Ragged Mountain- 33 trails open, 6 lifts, loose granular
Gunstock Mountain- 45 trails open, 7 lifts, frozen granular
Pats Peak- 20 trails, 9 lifts, loose granular
Whaleback- 30 trails, 4 lifts, hard pack/variable conditions
Vermont Ski Areas
Jay Peak- 60 trails open, 8 lifts, packed powder
Bolton Valley- 44 trails open, 5 lifts, packed powder/frozen granular
Ascutney Mountain- 34 trails open, 5 lifts, loose granular/corn snow powder
Mad River Glen- 40 trails open, 4 lifts, variable conditions/packed powder
Maine Ski Areas
Shawnee Peak- 40 trails open, 5 lifts, loose granular
Saddleback Maine-56 trails open, 5 lifts, packed powder/loose granular
New York Ski Areas
Gore Mountain- 51 trails open, 10 lifts, loose granular/packed powder Windham Mountain- 32 trails open, 6 lifts, loose granular/frozen granular
Massachusetts Ski Areas
Wachusett Mountain- 18 trails open, 8 lifts, loose granular
Ski Butternut- 22 trails open, 4 lifts, loose granular/frozen granular
Planning a trip to
Northeast ski resorts?
Choose from 16 different mountains at one low price with the
Powder Passport.
March 7th, 2008 by alena s
Spring skiing is on its way. Check out this week’s ski report to help you plan for the upcoming weekend. Just click on the name of the resort to see the current forecast and snow conditions for your favorite mountains.
New Hampshire Ski Areas
Attitash- 75 trails open, 6 lifts, loose granular
Waterville Valley- 52 trails open, 8 lifts, loose granular
Ragged Mountain- 33 trails open, 6 lifts, loose granular
Gunstock Mountain- 45 trails open, 7 lifts, packed powder
Pats Peak- 22 trails, 9 lifts, loose granular
Whaleback- 30 trails, 4 lifts, spring conditions/variable conditions
Vermont Ski Areas
Jay Peak- 72 trails open, 8 lifts, frozen granular/variable conditions
Bolton Valley- 60 trails open, 6 lifts, loose granular/frozen granular
Ascutney Mountain- 45 trails open, 5 lifts, loose granular/packed powder
Mad River Glen- 45 trails open, 4 lifts, variable conditions/packed powder
Maine Ski Areas
Shawnee Peak- 39 trails open, 5 lifts, loose granular
Saddleback Maine-61 trails open, 5 lifts, powder/packed powder
New York Ski Areas
Gore Mountain- 64 trails open, 11 lifts, loose granular/frozen granular Windham Mountain- 31 trails open, 6 lifts, loose granular/frozen granular
Massachusetts Ski Areas
Wachusett Mountain- 21 trails open, 8 lifts, loose granular
Ski Butternut- 22 trails open, 5 lifts, loose granular/frozen granular
Planning a trip to
Northeast ski resorts?
Choose from 16 different mountains at one low price with the
Powder Passport.
February 29th, 2008 by alena s
Check out this week’s ski report to help you plan for the upcoming weekend. Just click on the name of the resort to see the current forecast and snow conditions for your favorite mountains.
New Hampshire Ski Areas
Attitash- 75 trails open, 9 lifts, packed powder/powder
Waterville Valley- 52 trails open, 8 lifts, packed powder/powder
Ragged Mountain- 47 trails open, 6 lifts, packed powder
Gunstock Mountain- 51 trails open, 7 lifts, packed powder/powder
Pats Peak- 22 trails, 9 lifts, powder/packed powder
Whaleback- 30 trails, 4 lifts, packed powder/powder
Vermont Ski Areas
Jay Peak- 76 trails open, 8 lifts, packed powder/powder
Bolton Valley- 61 trails open, 6 lifts, powder/packed powder
Ascutney Mountain- 57 trails open, 6 lifts, powder/packed powder
Mad River Glen- 45 trails open, 4 lifts, packed powder
Maine Ski Areas
Shawnee Peak- 44 trails open, 5 lifts, packed powder/powder
Saddleback Maine-61 trails open, 5 lifts, powder/packed powder
New York Ski Areas
Gore Mountain- 75 trails open, 11 lifts, packed powder/powder
Windham Mountain- 40 trails open, 6 lifts, packed powder
Massachusetts Ski Areas
Wachusett Mountain- 22 trails open, 8 lifts, packed powder/frozen granular
Ski Butternut- 22 trails open, 5 lifts, loose granular/frozen granular
Planning a trip to
Northeast ski resorts?
Choose from 16 different mountains at one low price with the
Powder Passport.
February 15th, 2008 by alena s
Midweek snow brought anywhere from 4 to 11 inches of new snow to the mountains of the Northeast. Check out this week’s ski report to help you plan for the upcoming weekend. Just click on the name of the resort to see the current forecast and snow conditions for your favorite mountains.
New Hampshire Ski Areas
Attitash- 75 trails open, 6 lifts, packed powder
Waterville Valley- 52 trails open, 7 lifts, packed powder/loose granular
Ragged Mountain- 45 trails open, 7 lifts, packed powder/powder
Gunstock Mountain- 48 trails open, 7 lifts, powder/wet packed
Pats Peak- 20 trails, 8 lifts, loose granular/wet packed
Whaleback- 30 trails, 4 lifts, corn snow/loose granular
Vermont Ski Areas
Jay Peak- 76 trails open, 8 lifts, powder/packed powder
Bolton Valley- 60 trails open, 6 lifts, packed powder/powder
Ascutney Mountain- 30 trails open, 4 lifts, loose granular/packed powder
Mad River Glen- 45 trails open, 4 lifts, powder/packed powder
Maine Ski Areas
Shawnee Peak- 37 trails open, 5 lifts, packed powder
Saddleback Maine-61 trails open, 5 lifts, packed powder/powder
New York Ski Areas
Gore Mountain- 74 trails open, 11 lifts, packed powder
Windham Mountain- 32 trails open, 6 lifts, loose granular/frozen granular
Massachusetts Ski Areas
Wachusett Mountain- 21 trails open, 8 lifts, loose granular/variable conditions
Ski Butternut- 22 trails open, 5 lifts, loose granular/hard pack
Planning a trip to
Northeast ski resorts?
Choose from 16 different mountains at one low price with the
Powder Passport.
February 4th, 2008 by alena s
Ski and Snowboard Gear Photo uploaded by
Ready to embark on your first journey to the slopes? As a first time skier or snowboarder it’s important to make sure you’re well equipped prior to heading to the mountain. Not having the right amount of clothing or poorly fit equipment could make your trip a lot less enjoyable. Below we’ve comprised a list of all equipment, gear, and clothing you will need.
- Skis/Snowboard- As a first timer it is best to rent your skis, boots and poles as a package. Skis and snowboards can be quite expensive and you want to make sure this is a sport you plan to continue before purchasing. Packages are often available with lift tickets. For example, Whaleback offers a package that includes skis/snowboards, boots and a lift ticket.
- Ski Boots/Snowboard Boots- are the most important piece of equipment so it is important to make sure they fit correctly. They should be snug enough to hold your heel securely in place yet only allow your toes to brush the edge. Rental store employees will help you to find the right boot size.
- Ski Poles- When looking for the right size pole, turn the pole upside down and grab just below the basket. Your elbow should be at a 90 degree angle.
- Goggles/Sunglasses- Make sure your are fog resistant and if you wear glasses purchase a pair of over-the-glasses goggles.
- Helmet- have become an essential part of ski gear in the past few years. The helmet should be snug and there shouldn’t be any space between the goggles and the helmet.
- Gloves/Mittens- It is important to have a good, warm pair of gloves or mittens. They should be wind proof and water resistant yet allow your fingers to move and stay warm. If you tend to have cold fingers mittens will be your best bet.
- Neck Gaiter- This will keep your neck warm and your chin from getting wind burn.
- Long Underwear- is important as it will keep you warm while wicking away moisture from the skin. Make sure the long underwear you purchase is breathable and has moisture-wicking properties.
- Additional Clothing Layers (turtleneck, sweater, fleece)- Layers are key when playing in cold weather. The weather from the top of the mountain to the bottom can vary drastically as can your body temperature depending on if your riding the chairlift or skiing downhill.
- Ski Socks- Make sure to wear a warm, that will keep your feet dry and warm.
- Ski Jacket- There are a lot of out there so its difficult to know what exactly to look for. The most important thing to look for is that the coat is both water resistant and windproof. Make sure the coat fits properly and can be worn with numerous layers underneath.
- Ski Pants-You can purchase that are either heavily insulated or thin shells. Either way make sure they are waterproof and allow for flexibility. If you choose pants that are shells make sure to compensate with more layers underneath.
- Hand/Foot Warmers- Always carry a few of in your pocket to stick in your gloves or boots whenever needed.
- Sunblock- Lather up on sunscreen before you even start skiing. Even on cloudy days the snow can reflect a great deal of sun leaving you with an attractive raccoon tan.
- Chapstick- Dry winter conditions often leave dry chapped lips making this stuff a lifesaver.
Planning a trip to
Northeast ski resorts?
Choose from 16 different mountains at one low price with the
Powder Passport.
January 31st, 2008 by alena s
Hitting the slopes before the Superbowl? Check out this week’s ski report to help you plan for the upcoming weekend. Just click on the name of the resort to see the current forecast and snow conditions for your favorite mountains.
New Hampshire Ski Areas
Attitash- 75 trails open for the weekend, 12 lifts, frozen granular/machine groomed
Waterville Valley- 46 trails open, 7 lifts, loose granular/machine groomed
Ragged Mountain- 13 trails open, 3 lifts, loose granular/machine groomed
Gunstock Mountain- 22 trails open, 6 lifts, packed powder
Pats Peak- 22 trails, 9 lifts, loose granular
Whaleback- 18 trails, 4 lifts, variable conditions
Vermont Ski Areas
Jay Peak- 76 trails open, 6 lifts, frozen granular/variable conditions
Bolton Valley- 45 trails open, 4 lifts, loose/frozen granular
Ascutney Mountain- 31 trails open, 4 lifts, wet snow/packed powder
Mad River Glen- 24 trails open, 4 lifts, variable conditions
Maine Ski Areas
Shawnee Peak- 31 trails open, 4 lifts, loose granular
Saddleback Maine-58 trails open, 5 lifts, packed powder
New York Ski Areas
Gore Mountain- 51 trails, 10 lifts, packed powder
Windham Mountain- 33 trails, 6 lifts, loose granular
Massachusetts Ski Areas
Wachusett Mountain- 21 trails open, 7 lifts, loose granular
Ski Butternut- 22 trails open, 5 lifts, loose granular/packed powder
Planning a trip to
Northeast ski resorts?
Choose from 16 different mountains at one low price with the
Powder Passport.
January 24th, 2008 by alena s
Mild temperatures are forcasted for the weekend, but don’t forget in New England this could mean anywhere from 5 degrees to 35 degrees. Check out this week’s ski report to help you plan for the upcoming weekend. Just click on the name of the resort to see the current forecast and snow conditions for your favorite mountains.
New Hampshire Ski Areas
Attitash- 75 trails open for the weekend, 12 lifts, packed powder
Waterville Valley- 44 trails open, 6 lifts, packed powder, 2 inches new snow in past 24 hours
Ragged Mountain- 13 trails open, 3 lifts, packed powder/powder
Gunstock Mountain- 20 trails open, 6 lifts open, packed powder
Pats Peak- 22 trails, 9 lifts, packed powder
Whaleback- 17 trails, 4 lifts, packed powder
Vermont Ski Areas
Jay Peak- 72 trails open, 8 lifts, a foot of new snow in past 24 hour
Bolton Valley- 49 trails open, 4 lifts, packed powder
Ascutney Mountain- 26 trails open, 5 lifts, packed powder
Mad River Glen- 45 trails open, 4 lifts, packed powder
Maine Ski Areas
Shawnee Peak- 39 trails open, 4 lifts, packed powder
Saddleback Maine-58 trails open for the weekend, 5 lifts, packed powder/powder
New York Ski Areas
Gore Mountain- 48 trails, 9 lifts, packed powder
Windham Mountain- 33 trails, 6 lifts, groomed/packed powder
Massachusetts Ski Areas
Wachusett Mountain- 22 trails open for the weekend, 8 lifts, groomed/packed powder
Ski Butternut- 22 trails, 9 lifts open for weekend, groomed/packed powder
Planning a trip to
Northeast ski resorts?
Choose from 16 different mountains at one low price with the
Powder Passport.
January 10th, 2008 by alena s
Warmer temperatures have brought spring conditions for the Northeast mountains. Check out this week’s ski report to help you plan for the upcoming weekend. Just click on the name of the resort to see the current forecast and snow conditions for your favorite mountains.
New Hampshire Ski Areas
- 75 trails open for the weekend, 8 lifts, loose packed powder/groomed
- 41 trails open, 6 lifts, loose packed powder/groomed, 1-2 inches new snow expected tonight
- 24 trails open, 3 lifts, powder/packed powder
- 5 lifts open, variable conditions
- 22 trails, 9 lifts, wet packed powder
- Problem with chairlift, lift closed until further notice, Jib Port and learning area open
Vermont Ski Areas
- 76 trails open, 8 lifts, 2-4 inches new snow expected tonight
- 21 trails open, 3 lifts, groomed
- 21 trails open, 4 lifts, powder/packed powder
- 10 trails open, 3 lifts, variable conditions
Maine Ski Areas
- 23 trails open, 4 lifts, loose granular
-24 trails open, 3 lifts, loose granular/hard pack
New York Ski Areas
- 42 trails, 7 lifts, loose granular
- 25 trails, 4 lifts, groomed/variable
Massachusetts Ski Areas
- 19 trails open, 8 lifts, groomed/wet granular
- 9 lifts open for weekend, groomed/wet granular
Planning a trip to
Northeast ski resorts?
Choose from 16 different mountains at one low price with the
Powder Passport.
January 9th, 2008 by alena s
Indoor Skiing photo uploaded by
Winter, the outdoors, and fresh snow might be what you think of when the word comes to mind. Times are changing. are popping up throughout the world to provide an indoor skiing environment perfect for year-round skiing or for areas that never see a flake of snow.
Just off the New Jersey Turnpike, the is undergoing major construction in order to house the first in the United States. The 250,000 square foot ski area, , will be open all year and will feature a 140 foot tall run. To an expert skier this may seem inadequate but for novice skiers this is the perfect way to learn. Indoor skiing is a great way for kids to learn the sport as well given that they won’t have to battle harsh winter conditions.
For those who don’t wish to enter the giant refrigerator, the facility also plans to become the largest retail and entertainment complex in the U.S. Instead of skiing you can test your luck at skydiving in the vertical wind tunnel or take to racing on the raceway. Most importantly don’t forget to checkout It’s Sugar!, where you can travel by bridge over a 30-foot chocolate waterfall.
Can’t wait to keep your skills tuned all year-round? This 2 billion dollar complex is set to open in late 2008.
Planning a trip to
Northeast ski resorts?
Choose from 16 different mountains at one low price with the
Powder Passport.
January 4th, 2008 by alena s
Ski Resort Mountain Bike Competition photo uploaded by
Heading up to this weekend? Don’t forget your mountain bike! On Saturday January 5th, mountain bikers will hit the slopes at Gore Mountain’s downhill race. Each participant will compete in a series of three downhill dual slalom races and will be judged on their two best races. If you’re daring enough to test your mountain bike skills on the snow, the registration fee is $10 and registration deadline is 9:30 Saturday morning. This event is sure to be entertaining for both bikers and spectators.
Planning to stick to your Snowboard this weekend? Check out the competition at . Sponsored by and this event will take place on a specially designed course and is the first competition in a series of six.
Planning a trip to
Northeast ski resorts?
Choose from 16 different mountains at one low price with the
Powder Passport.
