New England Ski Journal’s Basecamp

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

Summer in Lake Placid with Tait Wardlaw

The guest is Tait Wardlaw, the new VP of Sales, Marketing, and Communications for the Olympic Regional Development Authority, discussing Lake Placid's unique blend of summer and winter sports, including skiing, bobsledding, and mountain biking. They reminisce about the 1980 Winter Olympics, explore the region's culinary and cultural scene, and highlight the importance of sustainability and community in maintaining Lake Placid's status as a premier destination for athletes and tourists alike.
Topics
00:56 Summer Vibes and Lake Placid Adventures
02:17 The Olympic Legacy of Lake Placid
03:06 Memories of the Miracle on Ice
05:26 Exploring the Adirondacks and Nearby Attractions
07:06 Introducing Tait Wardlaw
10:19 The Mission of the Olympic Regional Development Authority
17:50 Lake Placid: A Year-Round Destination
21:27 Exciting Mountain Biking Events
22:14 Comparing the Adirondacks and the White Mountains
24:03 Lake Placid's Winter Sports Scene
25:32 The Nordic World Cup and Local Athletes
28:22 Exploring Downtown Lake Placid
35:09 Raising a Family in Lake Placid
36:56 Upcoming Summer Events in Lake Placid
39:35 Reflecting on Lake Placid's Appeal
40:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Alison Palmintere of Ski Utah

In this episode of the New England Ski Journal Base Camp Podcast, Mike and Chip discuss the unique offerings of Utah's ski resorts and natural attractions during both summer and winter with Alison Palmintere of Ski Utah. The conversation covers the exceptional snow conditions Utah experienced last winter, the state’s breathtaking summer activities, and its unparalleled accessibility to outdoor adventure. Moreover, Alison provides insights into Ski Utah's initiatives, including the SkiUtah Interconnect Tour and membership benefits. Listeners also get previews of upcoming enhancements at Utah’s resorts, making it a must-listen for those planning their next ski or summer trip.
 
Topics
00:24 Celebrating Boston Sports
01:27 Summer in Utah: A Hidden Gem
05:40 Interview with Alison from Ski Utah
07:29 Utah's Winter Wonderland
09:18 Utah's Summer Adventures
21:05 Accessibility and Family-Friendly Activities
25:53 Exploring Utah's National Parks in Winter
28:38 Sundance Resort: A Hidden Gem
31:28 Salt Lake City: A Cultural Evolution
36:16 Winter Preparations and Ski Resort Innovations
38:27 SkiUtah Interconnect Tour: A Unique Experience
40:47 Multi-Resort Passes and Accessibility
42:45 Conclusion and Future Plans

Killington's Year-Round Adventures

Mike and Chip discuss the transition from winter to summer activities in New England, focusing on the effects of changing weather and their personal engagements in surfboarding, windsurfing, and biking. They emphasize the uniqueness of Vermont, particularly praising Killington Resort for its extensive mountain biking trails, including the beginner-friendly Snowshed area and the more advanced Ramshead and Gondola trails. Special guest Taylor Zink, newly promoted to Terrain Park Manager at Killington, shares insights into the resort's operations, including snowmaking, trail maintenance, bike rentals, and lessons. He highlights Killington's rich biking history, starting in 1991, and how the resort continuously improves its facilities. Taylor also mentions the Beast 365 Pass, which provides year-round access to various activities, and outlines upcoming events such as the Eastern States Cup and the U.S. Open. In addition to biking, Killington offers diverse recreational options like golf, archery, and outdoor music events, ensuring there's something for everyone throughout the year.
Topics
00:22 Weather and Seasonal Changes
01:35 Outdoor Activities and Local Events
03:53 Exploring Vermont's Unique Charm
04:56 Mountain Biking at Killington
08:04 Interview with Taylor Zink
25:15 Wood Screws and Bridge Maintenance
25:30 Meet Colin: The Feature Fabricator
26:31 Training and Certification for Instructors
29:11 Events and Activities at Killington
31:43 Dining and Apres-Ski Options
34:04 Exploring Local Trails and Uphill Routes
37:53 Family Activities and Adventure Center
40:17 E-Bikes and Uphill Climbing
41:15 Reflections on the Ski Industry
43:19 Conclusion and Farewell

Exploring Colorado's Summer Adventures

A lively discussion about the outdoor recreational opportunities in Colorado, with a special focus on its summer activities. The guest is Sarah Beatty, Director of Communications for Colorado Ski Country USA, who elaborates on various summer activities offered by Colorado resorts, including mountain biking, fly fishing, rafting, and numerous events. The episode is filled with personal anecdotes and tips for exploring Colorado's renowned natural beauty.
00:34 Meet Chip Cook: The True Ski Bum02:13 The Colorado Lifestyle: Skiing and Beyond04:01 Summer Adventures in Colorado07:56 Exploring Colorado's Culinary Delights10:00 Introducing Sarah Beatty from Colorado Ski Country USA25:42 Exploring Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction26:46 Buena Vista and Salida: Heart of Colorado28:30 Leadville: A Hidden Gem30:57 Aspen: Festivals and Scenic Rides32:16 Steamboat Springs: Rodeos and Fly Fishing39:33 Denver and the Front Range46:37 Conclusion: The Allure of Colorado

Exploring Mountain Biking at Highland Mountain Bike Park

The guests are Mark Hayes, owner and president of Highland Mountain Bike Park, and Kevin Owens, the manager of summer camps and riding programs at the park. They share the park's mission, education programs, and vision for promoting outdoor recreation. The episode emphasizes the importance of progression in the sport, the impact of instruction and coaching, and the role of community parks in growing mountain biking as a family-friendly activity. It also touches on the future of outdoor recreation and development strategies to make adventure sports like mountain biking more accessible to varied demographics.
01:25 Diving Into the World of Mountain Biking02:21 Exploring the Evolution of Mountain Biking Equipment03:27 Spotlight on New England's Highland Mountain Bike Park04:26 The Transformation of Highland into a Mountain Biking Haven07:05 Mark Hayes's Journey from Tech to Trails13:34 The Evolution of Mountain Biking and Highland's Role17:54 The Growing Popularity of Mountain Biking21:23 Highland Mountain Bike Park: A Biker's Paradise23:30 Discovering Highland's Programs for All Ages23:50 Introducing 'Find Your Ride' and Other Beginner Programs26:10 Expanding the Conversation: Women and Youth in Mountain Biking27:06 Building Out Cross Country Trails and Community Partnerships30:59 Equipment Rentals and Evolution of Mountain Biking Gear33:15 The Impact of Hosting Big Events and Community Engagement35:57 Unique Transformation: From Ski Area to Bike Park37:53 The Future of Mountain Biking and Trail Building

Mike Cherim of Redline Guiding

An interview with Mike Cherim of Redline Guiding, who talks about his journey into guiding, the range of services offered by Redline Guiding, including educational courses and personalized hiking experiences. Cherim also speaks on the importance of safety, the impact of COVID-19 on hiking habits, and shares insights into various hiking trails and experiences around the White Mountains. The episode wraps up with a discussion on trail etiquette, the responsibility of hikers to preserve natural spaces, and a reminder of the true essence of hiking being in the journey rather than the destination.
Topics:
00:46 Skiing in Shorts and Summer Vibes01:21 Birdwatching and Backyard Nature02:00 Hiking Adventures and Favorite Trails03:05 Exploring Mount Monadnock: A Hiking Gem07:06 Diving into the World of Hiking Guides08:07 Meet Mike Cherim: From Life Change to Guiding in the Whites11:20 The Impact of COVID on Hiking and Trail Etiquette20:57 Making Hiking Safer and More Accessible with Redline Guiding24:51 Trekking Tales: A 21-Day Adventure25:26 Disconnecting to Reconnect: The Journey of Self-Sufficiency26:26 Wilderness First Aid: Partnering with SOLO27:45 Beyond First Aid: Expanding Wilderness Education28:26 Seasonal Skills: From River Crossings to Ice Climbing30:06 The Art of Navigation: Embracing Traditional Skills33:18 Search and Rescue: A Community of Lifesavers35:41 Unique Weddings: Marrying Passion with Profession38:45 Reflections and Recommendations: Favorite Hikes and Safety Tips46:39 Closing Thoughts: The Importance of the Journey

'Best Backcountry Skiing' Author David Goodman

The guest is 'Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast' author David Goodman. His first guidebook became a cult classic among Eastern powder seekers and garnered two national awards. It is considered the only comprehensive guide to the best backcountry ski and snowboard tours in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York and Massachusetts.
More on David's writings and podcast at https://www.dgoodman.net/
 

Avalanche Expert Henry Schniewind

Henry Schniewind is a Massachusetts native who went on to become an internationally renowned snow and avalanche expert. He studied avalanche forecasting at Montana State University and Boston University. Following this, he moved to the French Alps where he works as an off-piste ski guide. He's the director of Henry’s Avalanche Talk and a conference speaker on risk management.
More at https://henrysavalanchetalk.com/

Olympic Gold Medalist Donna Weinbrecht

Donna L. Weinbrecht won the first gold medal awarded in the first Olympic mogul competitions in freestyle skiing in 1992. She was also World Champion in 1991 and a five-time World Cup moguls season champion (1990–92, 1994, and 1996).