Rainbow Falls: Plymouth, NH
History of Cannon Mountain by McPhaul
What more can I say that has not already been said both by myself and so many others? It is a mountain that is much beloved by so many skiers. It is often loved despite–and because–of its many shortfalls. But it has never fell short on history.
Meghan McCarthy McPhaul details much of Cannon’s extensive history in this slender yet rich paperback. The early history of Cannon is given the works but middle and especially later years are glossed over briefly. McPhaul’s writing is well done but not fully engaging. Both a high compliment and a criticism, each chapter reads like a New England Ski Museum Journal article. Unlike engaging contemporary pop history authors such as David McCullough, the history does not get brought to life by the words. McPhaul often begins and ends each chapter with reverent whimsy regarding what makes Cannon special. But such regard doesn’t extend into the history itself. Die hard Cannon fans will appreciate but not be moved by the writing whereas skiers unfamiliar with Cannon probably won’t feel the magical connection and bond.
In Search of Powder by Jeremy Evans
When I picked up In Search of Powder, I was spoiling for a fight. The description and reviews promised hypocritical romanticism of the past. Romanticizing yesteryear while avoiding our own present impact is dangerous territory; and a difficult angle from which to present an argument. In Search of Powder reads best when it digresses into simple stories about people and their lives. It does worst when being judgmental (which is thankfully not too often). Despite spoiling for a fight when I picked up this book, I enjoyed the read–but came to a different conclusion than the author.
TheSnowWay.com Challenge
Exploration and novel experiences are critical aspects of the TSW philosophy. We all have untapped passions removed from our grasp only by lack of experience. Imagine a current passion removed from your life if you hadn’t had that first engaging experience. And now imagine what other potential passion is currently untapped. For shame. You can’t imagine it because you haven’t yet experienced it.
Even within our existing passions we often leave potential doors shut through intentional avoidance or passive omission. So I am proposing TheSnowWay.com Challenge: ski three “new to you” ski areas this coming season. A bucket full of bonus points if you make personal sacrifices or travel great distances to make it happen. Still more bonus points if you can link them all into one epic trip. Ultimate bonus points if you grab a friend and double the novelty through shared experience.
Being a fan of “lesser known areas that rock”, I am going to propose a few such lists. Magic, Burke, and Saddleback combine to form a triangle of the best lesser known ski areas in their respective states. I’ve also combined what I consider to be the three best lesser known areas by state for Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Or make up your own list. Go nuts. Go for five new areas. Go for one. Just go for something novel. Your favorite area might just be one that you have never skied.
- Magic, Burke, & Saddleback for NNE
- Ragged, Balsams, & Black for NH
- Magic, Burke, & Middlebury for VT
- Black, Abram, & Saddleback for ME
- Make up your own challenge list
My list? Sutton, Orford, and Owl’s Head: an Eastern Township Trifecta. One long weekend, three new areas. Not necessarily in the “lesser known areas that rock” category for Quebec but certainly in that category for those of us stateside.
So get out there and try something new. Experience something different and foreign. Put yourself into an uncomfortable and vulnerable state. Open yourself to the novel and push your boundaries. Be it skiing or otherwise. Especially otherwise. But start with skiing if nothing else. Nothing is worse than stagnation.
Next Season Strategy
The List has been a continuously updated work in progress. Areas get added, areas get skied, and areas get removed. It was meant to be a long term project taking many seasons. But given my progress last season, I think the entire list is doable within two more seasons. My goal for this coming season is to knock off almost all of the areas excepting Quebec which I will save for a 2013 trip. Thus, freed from exploring new areas, I’ll return to Jay Peak for a season pass in 2012-2013.
Sure shots for 2011-2012 include Stratton, Bretton Woods, Dartmouth, Sunapee, and something north of the boarder. Ideally, I’ll be taking a three day trip through the Townships and knocking off Sutton, Orford, and Owl’s Head in a long weekend. Suicide Six, Dartmouth, and Whaleback (night skiing) might all be skied in the same day for a Trifecta.
Adding to the complexity of this season is my strong desire to do the Mad River Glen Triple Crown. Because if I don’t do it this year, I’ll be one year older when I do. And I ain’t getting any younger which means it ain’t going to get any easier. This might require a few “practice days” under the single to build up my legs given that over two dozen runs are required to place well in the Vertical Challenge. Ouch.
Last year I screwed myself with too many pre-purchased tickets and not enough ski days. This year I will look to reverse that execution with too few pre-purchased tickets and a lot of ski days. Hopefully the weather and work will be more cooperative. More earned turns are definitely needed. And as always, my goal for next season is fewer injuries than the last season (always a dubious goal). The normal suspects including Cannon, Jay, Smuggs, Burke, Stowe, etc. should all see multiple visits.
And most importantly, the condo association cut the bank this summer. So that means a return to the Backside.