Archive for the outdoor activities category
December 12th, 2007 by alena s
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While riding up the chairlift you’re most likely mapping out your route down the mountain or checking out the view. Thoughts about the energy required to power that chairlift or the amount of water needed to feed the snow machines most likely never enter your mind. Fortunately, the ski resorts are continuously considering how such factors will effect the environment. From wind-powered chairlifts to recycling old uniforms, more and more ski resorts are beginning to use eco-friendly practices. Below you’ll find some green-initiatives already in use by the skiing community.
Sharing Warmth Around the Globe (SWAG)
created SWAG in order to donate old ski resort uniforms to those in need throughout the the world.
Ski areas such as Pats Peak have created snow reservoirs to use for snowmaking instead of using lake or stream water. Wachusett Mountain has also installed a more efficient, low energy snowmaking system.
Numerous ski areas are beginning to use renewable energy such as wind, hydro-electric, solar, and methane to power lifts. Others are installing more energy efficient motors and lighting as well as using lift towers that don’t require paint. Shawnee Peak hopes to offset 100% of their energy use by purchasing wind power.
Through their Naturalist Program, Mad River Glen hopes to inspire young people to become involved with environmental conservation. The program offers year-round recreational activities as well as a naturalist summer camp for kids.
Planning a trip to
Northeast ski resorts?
Choose from 16 different mountains at one low price with the
Powder Passport.
December 6th, 2007 by alena s
This weeks weather has brought fresh snow and newly opened trails to the Northeast ski areas. 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
- 23 trails anticipated to open for this weekend, 5 lifts, powder/packed powder, 12 inches new snow in past 24 hours
- 22 trails open, 4 lifts, powder/packed powder
- opening 12/7
- opening 12/7
- 12 trails, 2 lifts, powder/packed powder, 8 inches new snow
- Jib Harbor open Saturdays 12 pm-5 pm
Vermont Ski Areas
- 60 trails open, 4 lifts, powder, 16 inches new snow in 48 hours
- 33 trails open, 3 lifts, powder, 29 inches new snow in 24 hours
- 4 trails open, 2 lifts, powder, 11 inches new snow
- Opening 12/6
Maine Ski Areas
- opening 12/8
- opening 12/15
New York Ski Areas
- 15 trails, 2 lifts, packed powder
- 10 trails, 3 lifts, machine groomed
Massachusetts Ski Areas
- 9 trails, 4 lifts, machine groomed
- opening 12/7, 11 trails to be opening
Planning a trip to
Northeast ski resorts?
Choose from 16 different mountains at one low price with the
Powder Passport.
November 30th, 2007 by jamie a
Check out our list of ski updates for this weekend and enjoy the newly opened slopes! Just click on the name of the resort to see the current forecast and snow conditions for your favorite mountains.
New Hampshire Ski Areas
- 15 trails anticipated to open for this weekend, 5 lifts, packed powder
- 10 trails open, 3 lifts, packed powder
- opening 12/7
- opening 12/7
- opening 12/1 with 7 trails at 8:30 am!
- Jib Harbor open Saturdays 12pm-5pm
Vermont Ski Areas
- 30 trails open, 3 lifts, machine groomed
- opening 12/7
- opening 12/1
- opening TBD
Maine Ski Areas
- opening 12/8
- opening 12/15
New York Ski Areas
- 8 trails, 2 lifts, packed powder
- 7 trails, 3 lifts, machine groomed
Massachusetts Ski Areas
- 8 trails, 3 lifts, machine groomed
- opening 12/7
Planning a trip to
Northeast ski resorts?
Choose from 16 different mountains at one low price with the
Powder Passport.
November 28th, 2007 by alena s
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Not quite sure what to get that skier or snowboarder on your list this holiday season? Or do they already have every piece of equipment imaginable? Take a look at some unique ideas sure to please any ski fanatic.
Ski Helmet with Built in Audio
The built-in audio in the helmets allow for endless use of MP3 players and cellphones while skiing, not to mention they will keep your loved ones safe on the mountain.
The latest film presented by Warren Miller Entertainment takes viewers to some of the steepest mountains and most extreme terrain yet. This gift will be sure to entertain any skier or boarder for the year to come.
This foot warmer is sure to keep anyone’s feet cozy throughout the ski day. The battery powered device attaches easily to any boot or shoe and can be adjusted to four different temperature settings.
What’s better to give to a skier or snowboarder than a day of skiing? This pass allows them to choose from 16 different mountains in the Northeast throughout the upcoming season without any restrictions. Cards can be purchased in 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 day increments.
This Bag can hold up to two snowboards or a snowboard and two pairs of skis. The two boot compartments can be removed and used as a day pack. Plus, the wheels are perfect for the destination skier.
Planning a trip to
Northeast ski resorts?
Choose from 16 different mountains at one low price with the
Powder Passport.
November 20th, 2007 by alena s
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Time to sharpen those skis and snowboards! One by one ski areas are beginning to open in the Northeast. Below is a list of the ski areas that have already opened and the anticipated opening date for those that have not.
New Hampshire Ski Areas
Attitash- OPEN
Waterville Valley- OPEN
Ragged Mountain- 12/1
Gunstock Mountain- 12/7
Pats Peak- 12/1
Whaleback- Jib Harbor Open Saturdays 12pm-5pm
Vermont Ski Areas
Jay Peak- OPEN (over 15 trails open!)
Bolton Valley- Undetermined
Ascutney Mountain- Undetermined
Mad River Glen- As soon as possible after Thanksgiving
Maine Ski Areas
Shawnee Peak- Mid December
Saddleback Maine- 12/15
New York Ski Areas
Gore Mountain- 11/23
Windham Mountain- 11/22
Massachusetts Ski Areas
- 11/23
Ski Butternut- 1st weekend in December
Planning a trip to
Northeast ski resorts?
Choose from 16 different mountains at one low price with the
Powder Passport.
November 14th, 2007 by susan j
The November 14 issue of includes a spread about Winter Getaways, and it mentions Powder Passport, which is now offering a 10% off sale!
Update: The Star has also picked up on Powder Passport as well. .
Planning a trip to
Northeast ski resorts?
Choose from 16 different mountains at one low price with the
Powder Passport.
November 13th, 2007 by susan j
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This week, kick off your ski season with a trip to the at Boston’s Bayside Expo Center. Exhibitors include mountain resorts, tour operators, snow sports equipment reps, and more. The Expo starts this Thurday, November 15 and runs though Sunday the 18. Click for a coupon and a get $3 off the regular admission price.
Planning a trip to
Northeast ski resorts?
Choose from 16 different mountains at one low price with the
Powder Passport.
October 29th, 2007 by lori t
Photo uploaded by aka kath
Yes, fall is definitely coming to a close. The leaves are falling off the trees, Halloween is just around the corner and holiday decorations are already in the stores. That can only mean one thing…..it’s time to get in shape for ski season.
Getting in shape now means enjoying yourself more and hurting less. The three areas that you need to develop and concentrate on before heading into the season are flexibility, strength and aerobic ability. When getting in shape for ski season, here are some things you should focus on:
• Strength Training – Strong quads, hamstrings and glutes are essential for skiing and snowboarding. The more you work them, the more runs you’ll be able to make and the less pain you’ll be in the following day.
• Cardio Training – Consider cycling in some form as it gives your leg muscles a great workout.
• Agility – Practice stepping from side to side in a semi-squat position. Work you way up to jumping side to side.
• Speed – Run up and down the stairs with knees high in the air. It will help make you faster than you were last year.
• Flexibility – Stretch your muscles thoroughly before and after every workout.
• Power – You need power to stop, to go, to turn. Give this exercise a try to increase yours; stand on the first stair from the bottom with your side to the floor. Jump off the stair and then immediately back up. Repeat in sets of 10 – 30 seconds.
Now go workout!
*As with any workout, you should check with your doctor first if you have any special health concerns.
Planning a trip to
Northeast ski resorts?
Choose from 16 different mountains at one low price with the
Powder Passport.
