Here is the link to the interview with Greg Stump regarding his upcoming film, Legend of Aahhhs, which hits the State Theater in Portland tomorrow!
Enjoy, and get out and ski!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
A Great Way to Start The Day
One of my favorite things to do is wake up early and climb my local ski hill and enjoy the sunrise before sneaking first tracks. I've made the trip a few times this year, but this morning was the first time I actually got a sunrise.
It is always a bit of a race to the top, as I don't really want to hang out too long at the summit after a climb that leaves me a bit sweaty- so I try to time it just right. I've gotten pretty good at it, and today I hit it just right.
As I was taking my skins off just moments after getting to the summit, I looked up and could see the top of the orb as it began to break the horizon. I grabbed my phone and snapped this shot.
It put a smile on my face and the ripping wind seemed to loose a bit of its chilly bite once I saw the sun.
Then it was time to head down and get home to start the day. What a great start indeed.
It is always a bit of a race to the top, as I don't really want to hang out too long at the summit after a climb that leaves me a bit sweaty- so I try to time it just right. I've gotten pretty good at it, and today I hit it just right.
As I was taking my skins off just moments after getting to the summit, I looked up and could see the top of the orb as it began to break the horizon. I grabbed my phone and snapped this shot.
It put a smile on my face and the ripping wind seemed to loose a bit of its chilly bite once I saw the sun.
Then it was time to head down and get home to start the day. What a great start indeed.
Monday, December 27, 2010
We Needed That
The storm wasn't quite as epic as we had been lead to believe, however it was still enough to put smiles on everyone's faces!
As I write this I am looking over at Shawnee Peak, the sun is setting and there is a pink glow that runs along the ridge. The snow has stopped falling, but it is still moving around out there as the wind continues to reminds us that we have just had a storm.
Tomorrow will be another good day.
As I write this I am looking over at Shawnee Peak, the sun is setting and there is a pink glow that runs along the ridge. The snow has stopped falling, but it is still moving around out there as the wind continues to reminds us that we have just had a storm.
Tomorrow will be another good day.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Could This Be The One
It's dark outside, the wind is cranking and the snow is falling. The talking heads on the boob tube are talking about how the world is ending because of this storm, lots of superlatives to describe it, and all of them negative. Meanwhile I'm sitting here cheering and hoping we get slammed, we could use it!
So the ski box is loaded with the fat skis. My 120mm skin are on the table, the alarm is set. The game plan is to get first tracks, early, then come back and load up the family for a day of powder skiing. I hope it lives up to the billing. All I can say, thank you Santa.
So the ski box is loaded with the fat skis. My 120mm skin are on the table, the alarm is set. The game plan is to get first tracks, early, then come back and load up the family for a day of powder skiing. I hope it lives up to the billing. All I can say, thank you Santa.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Interview with Greg Stump
As many of you know Legend of Aahhhs is being shown at the State Theater in Portland, ME on New Years Day. This will be one of very few opportunities to see this film before its official launch later in the year, and it's something you won't want to miss.
I had a chance to talk with Greg about the movie, it's impact, and why he chose to show it in Maine.
Enjoy.
Buy your tickets here.
I had a chance to talk with Greg about the movie, it's impact, and why he chose to show it in Maine.
Enjoy.
Buy your tickets here.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Snow Snakes
Have you ever seen a snow snake? I’ve never seen one, however I’ve been attacked by them several times a year for well over 30 years- so I know they exist. The reason they are so tough to see is that they are white as snow and they actually travel under the top layer of snow and only come up at the opportune time to cause you to fall. Of course once you are falling it becomes difficult to focus on the snow snake to get visual identification as you are more concerned with not landing awkwardly.
I’m sure many people have tried, as I have, to see the elusive snow snake. The closest I have come was skiing behind a friend and thinking I saw something near his feet just before he launched himself head over heels down the hill in spectacular yard sale form. However I was never sure if it was in fact a snow snake or he just caught an edge.
I’m optimistic that an image of the mysterious snow snake may soon be captured, as there seems to be a large number of people skiing around with video cameras attached to their helmets. Although I have yet to see one of those cameras aimed down at the feet, which I assume would be the best angle for capturing video of said snow snake.
How does one know if they have been a victim of a snow snake? Ask yourself if you’ve ever been skiing and fallen, completely unexpectedly and without warning. These aren’t the typical blown turn, or launched off a bump type of falls, a snow snake induced fall is one that catches you completely off guard. When you stop falling you will find yourself looking around for something to blame the fall on, something that either stopped you skis abruptly or just simply took your feet out.
If you are riding the lift you can identify these victims by the way the look back up the hill after they are done sliding, or they look down at their boots- fearful the snow snake may still be at their feet. They survey the area shaking their head, convinced that something took them down.
It should be noted that not all skiers believe in snow snakes, some feel it is just a ploy to pass off wrecks caused by skier error. These are the same people that question the validity of the Snow Gods and think that you should wash your lucky ski socks during the ski season. I for one know they exist, and am sure that we will see a documentary on the Discovery Channel one day with video proof of their existence. In the mean time, ski with your eyes scanning the terrain, hands in front and knees bent- as I hear this is the best known defense against the elusive snow snake.
I’m sure many people have tried, as I have, to see the elusive snow snake. The closest I have come was skiing behind a friend and thinking I saw something near his feet just before he launched himself head over heels down the hill in spectacular yard sale form. However I was never sure if it was in fact a snow snake or he just caught an edge.
I’m optimistic that an image of the mysterious snow snake may soon be captured, as there seems to be a large number of people skiing around with video cameras attached to their helmets. Although I have yet to see one of those cameras aimed down at the feet, which I assume would be the best angle for capturing video of said snow snake.
How does one know if they have been a victim of a snow snake? Ask yourself if you’ve ever been skiing and fallen, completely unexpectedly and without warning. These aren’t the typical blown turn, or launched off a bump type of falls, a snow snake induced fall is one that catches you completely off guard. When you stop falling you will find yourself looking around for something to blame the fall on, something that either stopped you skis abruptly or just simply took your feet out.
If you are riding the lift you can identify these victims by the way the look back up the hill after they are done sliding, or they look down at their boots- fearful the snow snake may still be at their feet. They survey the area shaking their head, convinced that something took them down.
It should be noted that not all skiers believe in snow snakes, some feel it is just a ploy to pass off wrecks caused by skier error. These are the same people that question the validity of the Snow Gods and think that you should wash your lucky ski socks during the ski season. I for one know they exist, and am sure that we will see a documentary on the Discovery Channel one day with video proof of their existence. In the mean time, ski with your eyes scanning the terrain, hands in front and knees bent- as I hear this is the best known defense against the elusive snow snake.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month
Ski Maine Association
Media Contact
Greg Sweetser
(207) 773-7669 ext 100
gsweetser@skimaine.com
January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month
Maine kicks off with a Free Learn to Ski and Snowboard Week January 3 - 9, 2011
Portland ME: December 14, 2010 - January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month across the United States and Maine is among thirty four states participating in this celebration of winter.
The health benefits of being active in the outdoors are well documented and according to Greg Sweetser, Executive Director of the Ski Maine Association, "Mainers have close access to outdoor winter sports but many have not taken the first step to try skiing or snowboarding. Highlighting January as a Learn to Ski Month has motivated people to think about getting outside. The Free Learn to Ski and Snowboard Week is hosted by eight Maine ski areas. Interested participants can register for available packages through the Ski Maine website."
The participating ski areas are, Bigrock, Camden Snow Bowl, Lost Valley, Mt. Abram, Saddleback, Shawnee Peak, Sugarloaf, and Sunday River. The Ski Maine Association will process all requests for these packages on the Ski Maine website.(www.skimaine.com)
This annual event acknowledges Maine's longest season and highlights the importance Maine ski and snowboard areas have on the State's economy.
Complete details, including all learn to ski / snowboarding programs, snow conditions, maps, and driving directions are available on the Ski Maine web site.
Ski Maine Association, located in Portland, is the non-profit trade association representing the Alpine and Nordic ski industry in Maine.
-end-
Media Contact
Greg Sweetser
(207) 773-7669 ext 100
gsweetser@skimaine.com
January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month
Maine kicks off with a Free Learn to Ski and Snowboard Week January 3 - 9, 2011
Portland ME: December 14, 2010 - January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month across the United States and Maine is among thirty four states participating in this celebration of winter.
The health benefits of being active in the outdoors are well documented and according to Greg Sweetser, Executive Director of the Ski Maine Association, "Mainers have close access to outdoor winter sports but many have not taken the first step to try skiing or snowboarding. Highlighting January as a Learn to Ski Month has motivated people to think about getting outside. The Free Learn to Ski and Snowboard Week is hosted by eight Maine ski areas. Interested participants can register for available packages through the Ski Maine website."
The participating ski areas are, Bigrock, Camden Snow Bowl, Lost Valley, Mt. Abram, Saddleback, Shawnee Peak, Sugarloaf, and Sunday River. The Ski Maine Association will process all requests for these packages on the Ski Maine website.(www.skimaine.com)
This annual event acknowledges Maine's longest season and highlights the importance Maine ski and snowboard areas have on the State's economy.
Complete details, including all learn to ski / snowboarding programs, snow conditions, maps, and driving directions are available on the Ski Maine web site.
Ski Maine Association, located in Portland, is the non-profit trade association representing the Alpine and Nordic ski industry in Maine.
-end-
Tickets to Legend
For those looking for tickets to the Legend of Ahhhs show in Portland on New Years Day, here is the link.
Monday, December 13, 2010
The Snow Was Falling
I'm not trying to complain, but watching the Weather Channel recently has been a bit tough. It seems it is snowing everywhere but here in Maine and New Hampshire. Wait let me correct that as Eastern Maine got crushed a week ago, but that didn't help the mountains of Western Maine.
I know it'll come soon, but I sometimes get a little anxious.
That being said I did enjoy two good days over at Shawnee with the girls. Add to that news of Stumpy's long awaited "Legend of Aahhhs" is slated for a showing at the State Theater in Portland on New Years Day along with additional showings at the Magic Lantern, I'm getting pretty stoked.
For a taste of the movie, check this out.
I know it'll come soon, but I sometimes get a little anxious.
That being said I did enjoy two good days over at Shawnee with the girls. Add to that news of Stumpy's long awaited "Legend of Aahhhs" is slated for a showing at the State Theater in Portland on New Years Day along with additional showings at the Magic Lantern, I'm getting pretty stoked.
For a taste of the movie, check this out.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Urban Terrain Parks
I love ideas that bring skiing and riding closer to the people!
PRESS RELEASE
December 7, 2010
Ski Maine Association
Media Contact
Greg Sweetser
(207) 773-7669 ext 100
gsweetser@skimaine.com
Portland Recreation Department and Ski Maine Association jointly announce the expansion of Payson Hill Terrain Park.
Portland ME:(December 7, 2010) Portland's Payson Park is one of three urban winter terrain parks in the United States. The popular sliding hill will see the addition of several new ski and snowboard "elements" that have been donated to Portland Recreation by Maine ski areas.
City Arborist, Jeff Tarling, has been a tireless advocate for active recreation for kids, and the Payson Hill Terrain Park is a huge attraction for kids afterschool. Jeff has also played a key role in the installation of a snowmaking system on the hill. Jeff will provide a brief history of the project and introduce key supporters of this important winter facility.
The Ski Maine Association has been a partner is creating the new afternoon program called "Wednesdays in the Park." Every Wednesday from 1:00 - 3:30 pm for seven weeks, January 5 through February 12, the Ski Maine Association and participating Maine ski areas will have skiers & riders at the Park demonstrating Park Safety and riding along with the kids.
Greg Sweetser, Executive Director of the Ski Maine Association will introduce the partnering ski areas, and the three local businesses sponsors the snowmaking costs this winter.
Press Conference:
Wednesday, December 8th at 9:30 am at Payson Hill Terrain Park, Portland ME
Ski Maine Association, located in Portland, is the non-profit trade association representing the Alpine and Nordic ski industry in Maine.
##
PRESS RELEASE
December 7, 2010
Ski Maine Association
Media Contact
Greg Sweetser
(207) 773-7669 ext 100
gsweetser@skimaine.com
Portland Recreation Department and Ski Maine Association jointly announce the expansion of Payson Hill Terrain Park.
Portland ME:(December 7, 2010) Portland's Payson Park is one of three urban winter terrain parks in the United States. The popular sliding hill will see the addition of several new ski and snowboard "elements" that have been donated to Portland Recreation by Maine ski areas.
City Arborist, Jeff Tarling, has been a tireless advocate for active recreation for kids, and the Payson Hill Terrain Park is a huge attraction for kids afterschool. Jeff has also played a key role in the installation of a snowmaking system on the hill. Jeff will provide a brief history of the project and introduce key supporters of this important winter facility.
The Ski Maine Association has been a partner is creating the new afternoon program called "Wednesdays in the Park." Every Wednesday from 1:00 - 3:30 pm for seven weeks, January 5 through February 12, the Ski Maine Association and participating Maine ski areas will have skiers & riders at the Park demonstrating Park Safety and riding along with the kids.
Greg Sweetser, Executive Director of the Ski Maine Association will introduce the partnering ski areas, and the three local businesses sponsors the snowmaking costs this winter.
Press Conference:
Wednesday, December 8th at 9:30 am at Payson Hill Terrain Park, Portland ME
Ski Maine Association, located in Portland, is the non-profit trade association representing the Alpine and Nordic ski industry in Maine.
##
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