Visiting the neighbors

(More blog entries from howie)

Off on another adventure

There are some incredible opportunities in the Valley!

I like to get out and check out other nordic centers on days off. Earlier this winter I went solo to Five Fields Farm near Bridgton, ME. It's a fun, very laid back system with a ton of vertical if you want it. In fact owner Tom claims he has more vertical than 4 alpine areas in ME! If you're looking for a great hill workout, check it out. Another neat area is Harris Farm in Dayton, ME. Another working farm that's broadened it's appeal and income base by offering a wonderful trail system in winter along with the dairy products, beef and summer time vegetables and corn maze. It's a hike for a Valley skier but great entertainment once you get there.

Closer to home, Sue and I recently got out on the Wildcat Valley Trail from the summit of Wildcat down to the Dana Place Inn. Under ordinary conditions this is an epic ski worthy of your top ten list. Of course two of my ski trips down that trail have been in the "adventure" catagory rather than the "epic" catagory. One was years ago when after work at the 'Cat we all rode up on a groomer and skied down on alpine gear under dramatically icy conditions - definitely the fastest descent I ever want to make on that trail! The other somewhat less than epic trip on that trail was last Wednesday when Sue (for her first time) and I decided that we were going to check it out no matter what. Wednesday was that day of very heavy snowfall followed by heavy rain.... We left Wildcat summit at 2:15 pm in the rain. Dressed in full rain gear, packs with extra clothing, food, plenty of water, good headlamps (?) and a sense of adventure. At dark my brand new ,very expensive headlamp was put to work and provided excellent light - for 10 seconds....damn, where's that spare? Oh, in the car. At 6:25 we exited the trail at the Dana Place fully ready for it to be over. OK, I promise I'll bring Sue back for a better trip under great snow conditions.

This snowgun is about 1/4 mile down the WVT - You can shut it off now!

But we had a very pleasant day at Bretton Woods the very next day. With the current state of grooming in the Valley, even rain followed by freezing overnight temps can be moderated into good skiing overnight. And the views aren't bad either!

A little early season crust cruisin'

So get out and ski some of our neighboring areas - it's a treat!

Howie

Comments

Add comment

Re: Visiting the neighbors
by Christine on Feb 20th 2008, 3:14 pm

Wow!! You are adventurous to ski the Wildcat Valley Trail in the rain starting at 2:15. I have "fond" memories of my only trip down in the early 90's: perfect deep powdery snow that cushioned the 50+ falls I took. I was in good company - Thom Perkins and Bill Brown - but I was in way over my head (literally). Did you do Mountain Road at Bretton Woods? That's my favorite!!!! Bear Notch is gorgeous this year and dog friendly. Great to see you promoting the entire business!!! That's the spirit!!!

Re: Visiting the neighbors
by Richard on Feb 23rd 2008, 2:28 am

Howie - I cruise both the various XC ski areas and the web sites ... gotta say that the GG blog is second to none out there in NH. GG is WONDERFUL to ski, but not as accessible. I have often felt kind of funny talking about other ski areas in the area when I'm hanging at GG, but so refreshing to find that even you guys circle the world before going back "home." GG rocks.