New England Ski Journal’s Basecamp

Brian and Tyler Fairbank and Their Winter-Ready Resorts

Mike and Keith dive into the excitement of the coming ski season with discussions on early snowfall, mountain energy, and resort activities. They welcome Brian and Tyler Fairbank from the Fairbank Group, owners of Jiminy Peak, Bromley Mountain, and Cranmore Mountain. The Fairbanks discuss the unique features and family-oriented experiences offered by their resorts, their environmental initiatives such as wind and solar power, and the future of the independent ski industry. They also highlight the importance of growing the ski industry through initiatives like Kids Rule programs and maintaining high-quality facilities and guest experiences.
Topics
00:27 Hosts' Excitement for the Ski Season
00:56 Energy and Activities at the Resorts
03:35 Upcoming Ski Events and Shows
03:56 Spotlight on the Berkshires
07:07 Interview with the Fairbank Group
08:23 Skiing Culture and Family Business
15:08 Sustainability Efforts at Jiminy Peak
22:12 Marketing Strategies for the Resorts
24:18 Skiing Experience at Jiminy Peak
26:00 Snowmaking and Family Focus
26:24 Kids Rule Program
28:26 Northeast Skiing Experience
29:37 Enhancing Lives Through Skiing
30:46 Bromley Mountain's Unique Charm
33:05 Cranmore Mountain Developments
36:32 Year-Round Operations and Future Growth
39:19 Industry Recognition and Future Outlook
44:20 Podcast Wrap-Up and Reflections

Live from Country Ski and Sport Expo

Mike and Keith record live from the Country Ski and Sport Expo in Hanover MA. They catch up with various ski resort representatives to discuss the upcoming ski season, highlighting special events, new developments, and exclusive deals available at the expo. Guests include Jay Stenson from Country Ski & Sport; and representatives from Saddleback, Maine; Smuggler's Notch, Sugarbush; Gunstock Mountain Resort; Waterville Valley; Loon Mountain; and Cannon Mountain, each sharing their unique updates and promotions. The episode is filled with enthusiasm for the winter season and invaluable information for ski enthusiasts gearing up for their favorite sport.
 
The Expo:
Veterans Day Weekend, November 7-10, 2024
Thursday, November 7th: 11:00 am - 8:00 pmFriday, November 8th: 11:00 am - 8:00 pmSaturday, November 9th: 11:00 am - 8:00 pmSunday, November 10th: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm 
389 Columbia Rd. (Route 53)Hanover, MA 02339
https://www.countryski.com/
 
Topics
00:41 Interview with Jay Stenson from Country Ski and Sport
06:23 Saddleback, Maine: A Rising Star in the East
11:46 Smuggler's Notch: The Family Mountain
16:40 Sugarbush: Exciting Upgrades and Community Engagement
19:53 Snowfall at Sugarbush
20:42 Exclusive Deals at Sugarbush
22:02 Gunstock Mountain Resort Updates
25:41 Waterville Valley Highlights
29:34 Loon Mountain Excitement
32:35 Cannon Mountain's Big Plans
37:30 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

Mountain Sports Club’s John Siewierski

In this episode of the New England Ski Journal Base Camp Podcast, Mike and Keith discuss a variety of skiing topics and delve into the importance of affordable skiing options. They highlight the early season snowfalls in New England and discuss the significance of early snowmaking operations. The hosts engage with guest John Siewierski, founder of the Mountain Sports Club, who explains the services his club offers to make skiing more affordable, including discounts on lift tickets, lodging, and equipment rentals. John shares his extensive experience in the ski industry, the impact of mega passes and COVID-19 on skiing habits, and the growing significance of cross-country and backcountry skiing. The episode also touches on the challenges and opportunities for the ski industry, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and affordability for new and returning skiers. The podcast wraps up with a discussion on Killington's operations and future, emphasizing the need for transparency and community engagement in the ski industry.
 
Topics
 
01:01 Early October Snowfall and Skiing Excitement
03:40 Ski Ward's Early Opening and Deals Discussion
08:59 Introducing John Siewierski of Mountain Sports Club
09:56 Exploring Mountain Sports Club's Offerings
21:21 Ski Pass Usage and Market Trends
23:15 Challenges in the Ski Industry
24:36 Reviving Interest in Skiing
26:21 Skiing Demographics and Financial Barriers
32:41 Exploring Alternative Winter Sports
35:01 Mountain Sports Club Membership
36:02 The Future of Ski Resorts
40:04 Killington's Impact on New England Skiing
46:00 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Killington CEO Mike Solimano

In this episode of New England Ski Journal's Base Camp podcast, hosts Mike and Keith discuss the exciting transition of Killington Resort's ownership to independence, led by local investors Phil Gross and Michael Ferry. With the new CEO Mike Solimano on board, the conversation dives into the operational and financial strategies of running a major ski resort, emphasizing the shift from strict financial management to a community-focused approach. Key topics include the importance of local ownership, the impact on community engagement, insights on infrastructure upgrades, and innovative developments like the installation of a six-pack lift and a new village partnership with Great Gulf. The episode wraps up with reflections on the benefits of independence, the resort's contributions to the New England ski scene, and future plans to enhance the skiing experience at Killington.
 
Topics
00:34 Hosts' Excitement for Ski Season
01:04 Natural Snow vs. Snow Guns
04:28 Unexpected Changes in the Ski Industry
05:25 Killington's New Independence
08:06 Interview with Mike Solimano
09:43 Killington's Future Plans
24:45 Spring Skiing Challenges and Lift Logistics
25:30 World Cup and Community Engagement
29:25 Future Plans for Killington Resort
31:18 The New Village Development
35:01 Impact on Icon Pass and Ski Industry Trends
37:22 Killington's Independence and Future Outlook
41:57 Conclusion and Reflections

Innovations in Ski Boots: Zay's Approach

This episode of the New England Ski Journal Base Camp Podcast, Mike and Keith explore the anticipation for the upcoming ski season and recent announcements from the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. They discuss the induction of impactful figures like Sarah Bill Meyer, Hannah Kearney, and Chuck and Jan Perkins. The episode features an interview with Rex and Karen Rex Deitesfeld, founders of Zay Boots, who share their journey of developing an innovative, American-made ski boot with a unique radial closure system offering dynamic foot stability and comfort during turns. This episode delves into the technical aspects of ski boot manufacturing, including the challenges of creating a boot suitable for various skill levels and the importance of made-in-America production.
 
Topics
 
00:22 Signs of the Upcoming Ski Season
00:52 U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame Inductees
03:16 The Importance of Ski Boots
04:06 The Legacy of Hanson Boots
06:36 Challenges in Ski Boot Manufacturing
08:51 Introducing Zay Ski Boots
10:25 Interview with Zay Ski Boots Founders
17:36 The Radial Closure System Explained
22:13 Comparing Zay Boots to Other Ski Boots
24:46 The Zay Ski Boot Advantage
25:24 Target Audience for Zay Boots
26:30 Innovative Boot Design and Feedback
29:03 Fit and Volume Considerations
31:06 Boot Board and Flex Technology
33:41 Material Choices and Manufacturing
40:16 Liner Design and Comfort
43:10 Market Distribution and Pricing
45:34 Conclusion and Future Prospects
47:20 Post-Interview Reflections

Winter Insights with Weather Guru Tim Kelley

The guest is renowned meteorologist Tim Kelley. The episode delves into the unique weather dynamics of New England, from early snowfall and weather streaks through fall to the intricacies of the Jay Peak snow machine. Tim, known for his expertise since leaving television, shares insights on past and upcoming winter conditions, the impacts of global phenomena like the Hunga Tonga eruption, and the advancements in meteorological modeling. Kelley also provides a forecast for the upcoming winter, expressing optimism despite climate variability, and touches upon personal anecdotes from his lifelong passion for weather and skiing. Expect an in-depth discussion filled with enthusiasm, expertise, and a love for New England's dynamic weather challenges.
 
Topics
 
00:40 Hosts' Weather Chat
03:43 Ski Area Preparations and Wildfires
05:45 Introducing Tim Kelley
07:12 Tim Kelly's Weather Insights
14:16 Jay Peak Weather Phenomenon
18:52 Global Warming and Snow Trends
24:49 Changes in Weather Forecasting
26:30 Model Forecasting Challenges
27:32 Television Career Reflections
28:35 Weather Reporting Evolution
33:33 YouTube Forecasting and Models
35:49 Winter Predictions and Farmer's Almanac
41:04 New England's Unique Weather
42:10 Excitement for the Upcoming Season
45:13 Podcast Conclusion and Optimism

Justin Koski of the Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame

In this episode of the New England Ski Journal Base Camp Podcast, hosts Mike Specian and Keith Pearson dive into the world of winter sports history with Justin Koski, Executive Director of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. The episode covers the Hall of Fame's mission to honor and preserve the legacies of influential athletes and sport builders in skiing and snowboarding. Koski discusses the selection process for inductees, the history and significance of the Hall located in Ishpeming, Michigan, and upcoming events, including the 2024 induction ceremony in Lake Placid. The conversation also touches on the importance of preserving the sport's heritage for future generations.
 
Topics
 
00:21 Reflecting on Past Winters and Hopes for Consistency
02:46 Nostalgia for Ski Magazines and Early Signs of Winter
05:21 Predicting the First Ski Resort to Open
07:11 Exploring the UP of Michigan and Its Ski Culture
08:26 Introduction to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame
10:14 Interview with Justin Koski, Executive Director of the Hall of Fame
21:13 Introduction to the Hall of Fame Induction Process
22:23 Criteria for Induction into the Hall of Fame
23:57 Upcoming Induction Events and Locations
26:14 The Selection Process Explained
27:28 Nomination and Voting Details
29:49 Heritage Category and Induction Caps
31:57 Sneak Peek at the 2024 Ballot
36:49 How to Get Involved and Support the Hall of Fame
38:33 Closing Remarks and Reflections

Northland Skis with Peter Daley

In this episode of the New England Ski Journal Base Camp Podcast, hosts Mike Specian and Keith Pearson welcome Peter Daley Sr. and Peter Daley Jr. from Northland Skis. They delve into the rich history of Northland, its resurrection, and the unique design and performance features of the skis. The discussion highlights the ski's historic connection to the 10th Mountain Division, the Dartmouth Outing Club, and modern innovations. The episode also includes personal anecdotes and insights on the broader ski industry, making it a must-listen for ski enthusiasts seeking both nostalgia and cutting-edge performance.
 
Topics
 
00:25 Introducing the New Co-Host: Keith Pearson
01:26 Sponsorship News and Future Plans
02:53 The Importance of Ski History
04:23 Northland: An Iconic Ski Brand
06:30 Interview with Northland Skis' Peter Daley Sr. and Jr.
08:04 Resurrecting the Northland Brand
11:30 The History and Heritage of Northland Skis
17:34 Innovations and Manufacturing of Northland Skis
23:29 The Evolution of Ski Design
24:27 Personal Skiing Experiences
25:58 The Versatility of Northland Skis
27:40 Ski Industry Skepticism and Acceptance
27:54 Future Goals for Northland Skis
29:16 Customer Reactions to Northland Skis
35:24 The Science Behind Ski Efficiency
41:02 The Heritage and Future of Northland Skis
41:53 Podcast Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

Exploring Portillo Chile

In this episode of the New England Ski Journal Base Camp podcast, Mike and Chip delve into the world of skiing with a focus on Portillo, Chile. The discussion covers the unique skiing conditions, the culture, and the family-friendly amenities of this iconic resort. They highlight the current exceptional snow conditions in Portillo, discuss the logistical ease of traveling there, and explore the various activities and dining experiences available. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of why Portillo should be on every skier's bucket list, especially during the Southern Hemisphere's winter season.
Topics
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:32 Reflecting on Past Episodes and Co-Hosts
01:02 Discussing Skiing and Outdoor Activities
01:51 Weather Patterns and Snow Predictions
04:22 Southern Hemisphere Skiing Highlights
08:18 Interview with Portillo Chili Representatives
12:27 Portillo Chili: Resort Details and Experience
24:35 Snow Conditions and Elevation in New England
25:05 Unique Snow Characteristics of Chile
26:17 Diverse Skiing Experiences in Chile
27:18 Family Ski Vacation in Portillo
30:09 Food and Drink at Portillo
32:36 Traveling to Chile: Tips and Logistics
38:09 Heli-Skiing and Sightseeing in the Andes
40:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Exploring Big Snow with Hugh Reynolds

In this episode of the New England Ski Journal Base Camp Podcast, hosts Mike and Chip dive into the unique experience of skiing during summer at Big Snow American Dream in the Meadowlands, New Jersey. They are joined by Hugh Reynolds, Marketing and Sales Director at Big Snow, who elaborates on the distinct nature of this indoor ski facility. The discussion encompasses the novelty of year-round real snow skiing, the extensive array of programs and lessons offered, and the facility's commitment to increasing accessibility and diversity within the sport. Hugh also highlights the importance of removing barriers to entry and Big Snow's future expansion plans. The episode emphasizes the sheer joy and inclusivity that Big Snow brings to the skiing community.
 
Topics
 
00:00 Welcome to the New England Ski Journal Base Camp Podcast
00:33 The Joy of Skiing in Unusual Places
02:00 Dreaming of Consistent Snow
03:38 Exploring Big Snow in the Meadowlands
07:00 Interview with Hugh Reynolds from Big Snow
07:49 The Unique Experience of Indoor Skiing
13:44 Big Snow's Impact and Community Programs
23:27 Innovative Snow Cooling System
23:53 Expanding to New Markets
24:25 Personal Skiing Experiences
26:32 Maintaining Snow Quality
30:04 Terrain Based Learning
32:56 Community Programs and Outreach
34:51 Media Perception and Celebrity Visits
38:39 Accessibility and Inclusivity in Skiing
41:04 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans
48:08 Final Remarks and Next Episode Preview