Category: Vermont

2003-2004 Season, February, Magic Mountain

Magic Mountain, VT

A late start this morning resulted in first turns being delayed until 10:30 A.M. One of my ski buddies volunteers on the Magic Mountain Ski Patrol. The Patrol needed an assist with camera operations during their rescue clinic, so my buddy arranged for me to receive a comp in exchange for camera duties. Most folks are unaware that these volunteers put in many hours of training every year for what they hope will never happen. Be sure to thank your patrolers for their hard work and dedication.

The morning was cold and the snow fairly unforgiving. Warm up runs were taken on Talisman and Trick. Both were groomed and getting skied off quick down the center. Next run I took Twilight Zone which had sensational snow and bumps except at the end of the trail which was thin and rocky. While Magic’s base is respectable, the mountain needs more snow.

Sorcerer was the Run of the Day, but I only had time to ski it once, unfortunately. Soft and edgable packed powder bumps exposed to the sun. Very nice! I later assisted in sweep by taking Broomstick which was a little thin and not much fun to Lucifer. The latter featured scraped bumps in the center and occasional untouched crunchy powder on skier’s far right. Red Line and Master Magician were both open but very thinly covered and looking rather firm and unpleasant.

Only took seven runs today due to assisting with patrol but they were quality runs all things considered.

2003-2004 Season, Burke, December

Burke Mountain, VT

The sickest December I can remember continues. I pointed my vehicle towards Burke Mountain in Vermont figuring that they would have the second best snow in New England this weekend with exception of the Northern Green Mountains. I was not disappointed with the snow nor my decision.

All trails were open except Big Dipper (due to snow making) and Warren’s Way (due to racing). Cover was incredible for December during Burke’s second weekend of operation. The woods were skied very well and the natural snow trails were great. Awesome snow quality all over the mountain. I just wish I was in mid-season form! My sucking of wind and burning thighs indicated that my endurance was not on par with the snow quality!

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2002-2003 Season, Magic Mountain, March

Magic Mountain, VT

Potter

With the 2002-2003 Ski Season winding down, I returned to Magic Mountain to pay my final respects to Southern Vermont’s finest ski area for the season. I met Mr. Otter mid-way through the afternoon. We explored many aspects of Magic Mountain including a jaunt over to neighboring and defunct Timberside (which now primarily is utilized as a Snow Mobile mountain). The remains of an old double chairlift remain near the summit. A narrow ribbon of white allowed passage back to Magic Mountain proper after the side show. Coverage at Magic Mountain was very good for mid-March.

2002-2003 Season, Articles, Magic Mountain, March

Taking the Skier Vows at Magic Mountain

Slide of Hans

Standing at the entrance of Master Magician is like standing before the alter — you have two choices: “I Do” or “I Do Not.” Prior to making this decision, you reflect upon your vows: “Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish every sweet turn?” “Do you swear to find the most perfect line and commit yourself to the steepest fall line possible?” “Do you pledge to respect the snow and your fellow skiers above all else?” “Do you take this mountain, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?” You calmly state the words: “I Do.”

In the back of your mind, you hear the declaration: “I now pronounce you Skier and Mountain.”

Magic Mountain once proclaimed Master Magician as the steepest in-bounds trail in Vermont. This declaration went unchallenged for many years. While there may currently be a handful of steeper trails in Vermont; including sections of Magic Mountain’s own lift line trails Red Line and Black Line, Master Magician remains a true challenge and a classic in the annals of New England Skiing.

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2002-2003 Season, February, Sugarbush

Sugarbush

After skiing the previous day at Mad River Glen, I was fairly sore but ready for more of the Mad River Valley. Staying one hour south at the Turn of River Lodge in Killington, VT reduced drive time for the low price of $20 per night. My mini two day vacation continued on Tuesday at Sugarbush, a mountain a faintly remembered from a teenage ski trip with the family. From that earlier first trip to Sugarbush, I most vividly remembered making High Speed GS turns down the windy Upper Jester and eating pizza at a local establishment. We camped out at a four season camp ground in a motor home and had an awesome weekend at Mount Lincoln. Those memorable family trips laid the ground work for my developing skiing habit that later became a major focus of my life.

I started my day at Mount Ellen but quickly found out that the conditions were less than satisfactory and the Slide Brook Express was closed during mid-week. After only one run in low visibility, I packed up my gear and drove over to Mount Lincoln. Conditions were much better and I began the morning skiing the Lynx area. After skiing the four Lynx runs, I returned to the lodge for a break before trying Castlerock. Or so I thought. Castlerock was later put on Wind Hold as was Heaven’s Gate relegating my skiing to the Super Bravo and Lynx chairs.

Overall, this was a rather disappointing afternoon at Sugarbush due to poor conditions, wind hold, and not being able to ski the Castlerock and Heaven’s Gate trails. I would return a few years later to properly sample the mountain in its entirety.