Tag Archives | Okemo

Five Days After.

September 2, 2011 in Off season stuff, Ski News

It’s a beautiful day here in The Green Mountain State. I’m sitting out on my deck enjoying perfect weather. I have power, internet, water, and food. Truly, life is good.

That’s not the case for a lot of Vermonters. As I’m sure you heard, people all over the state have lost their homes. They’re stranded on “mountain islands,” with no access to the outside world. Businesses are destroyed. Road and bridges,completely gone.

Here’s a road where I used to ride my bike. I guess I won’t be doing that for a while:

If you read my last post, then you know I was afraid I’d  be stranded, too. We parked our car on the other side of a deteriorating roadway, so  we were able to walk to it and drive away. And now that they’ve repaired the dirt road that’s our other means of access, we’re fine. The road’s pretty bumpy and adds a bit of time to any trip out, but that’s minor.

There’s work going on everywhere.  As I sit here, I can hear the sound of heavy equipment half a mile away. The National Guard is around, as are FEMA and the Salvation army, and there are tons of volunteers. And though the grocery store in Ludlow will be closed for months, they’re putting up a large tent in the parking lot, from which they plan to sell staples. People are coming together to do what needs to be done. It’s the human spirit at its very best. Vermonters are a hardy lot, and the generosity and ingenuity they’ve displayed through this is amazing. I’m proud of my friends and neighbors.

All the same, there is much heartbreak. An artist in Wilmington loses her life’s work. A young couple I know lose their entire farm. Three people in the state lose their lives. These are only a few examples. It seems petty to think about skiing. But skiing is an important part of life around here, and a major player in the state’s economy. So here’s what’s going on, in that department:

In my neck of the woods, Killington was the hardest hit. The biggest problem is Route 4, the main artery leading to the resort. In many areas, the road was entirely washed away, leaving 20-foot drops. Here’s an example:

How this can be repaired before ski season, I have no idea. It goes on and on, too. I know the road is a top priority, but jeez louise, look at it. Makes my heart hurt.

Until just a couple days ago, about 400 people were stranded at Killington, and helicopters were used to bring in supplies. That’s improved with the recent opening of a temporary road that’s allowed people to leave. Even better, I just learned that Killington is making temporary housing available for those in need. Kudos to the resort.

Killington says their infrastructure received only minimal damage, so they’ll be open for the 2011/2012 ski season. This is good news for skiers — provided they can get there.

Okemo fared a bit better. According to FirstTracks Online Ski Magazine, the resort’s Snowstars conveyor lift and F-10 conveyor were buried under four feet of mud and silt. The parking lot, a sewer line, numerous driveways and offices were also damaged, and there was a landslide above the resort’s Sachem chairlift. And though the resort’s primary access was damaged, it’s now being repaired. The resort is hosting  a benefit concert for local hurricane relief tonight. Kudos to them, too!

Many people have asked how they can help the people here in Vermont. Here are a few ways you can do that. There is much to be done here and people are in need, so please don’t hesitate to give.

 

We appreciate any and all help.

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WOOOO-HOOOOO!!!!

November 21, 2008 in General skiing


My ski season has started!!!!

Today was my very first day of the season. And even though it wasn’t a full day (I was only out there for a few hours), it was great to be finally skiing.

My home mountain is Okemo, Vermont, and they always do a great job making snow. Not too much terrain was open, but the conditions were good and it snowed early in the day, which made it extra nice. Okemo is blasting its snowmaking guns like crazy, so more trails will be opening each day.

Interesting, though — every year I have the same crazy, irrational thought: What if I’ve forgotten how to ski? I know it makes no sense, but there it is. Usually it’s gone after just a few turns. But I wonder — does anyone else feel this way, or is it just me?????

Here’s wishing all of us a great ’08/’09 season!


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From the Fire Tower.

July 15, 2007 in Off season stuff, Uncategorized

Yesterday I hiked up the back of Okemo Mountain. It was a beautiful day — clear sunny skies, not hot, humid, or windy. At the top of the mountain there’s an old fire tower that was used years ago by the fire service. During the winter, you can see this tower when you off load at the top of Okemo’s South Peak chair. Then it looks frozen and forbidding. But yesterday, on a picture perfect Saturday in July, it was exactly the opposite — inviting and ready to be climbed.

From the top, you get an unmatched 360 degree view of the beautiful Green Mountains. To the north, Killington. To the south, Magic and Stratton. To the east Ascutney, Sunapee, even Mount Washington. And at your feet, the South Peak chair at Okemo. I felt like Maria von Trappe in the “Sound of Music,” when the camera pans down on her singing at the top of a mountain and she’s surrounded by a breath-taking, panoramic view of the Alps.

As usual, I left my camera behind (seems I never have it when I need it!), but it reminded me that in skiing, it’s not just the ride down that I love so dearly, but the view from the top, as well. And with six areas spread out around me, I couldn’t help but ask myself, “HOW AM I EVER GOING TO MAKE IT TIL SKI SEASON STARTS?”


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