Skiing is a sport that you either love or hate. Sometimes just the act of putting on ski boots can make one decide, well this is not for me. Then there is all the equipment, the clothing, the cost of tickets, it seems like a real hassle. But wait. we are talking about skiing. The gorgeous views. clean air, the joy of gliding on the soft terrain, the thrill of speed. While in control, you just love it. Cold hands, getting on and off whatever takes you up the mountain, is not always a picnic, .ahh, but then there is the giddiness of being with your family or good friends or sometimes, skiing alone is just dandy!!.
The first time I ever skied, I broke my leg. After that I was too terrified. I tried, I cried, I screamed and took my boots off. Then I moved with my family to Switzerland. Everyone else was skiing, I was drinking hot chocolate. But one day I decided, no, I am not going to live like this, and I found the kindest, sweetest ski teacher. He had so much patience with me. For three years I skied right behind him, mimicking all his moves. Eventually I completely lost my fear of skiing, though not of speed. I am now a nice skier. I can do most anything, slowly. I was pretty proud of myself , even though my kids and my husband would come shussing by, laying in the snow, waiting for me.
Many can continue skiing into very old age. One friend had had some troubles with his knees and had given up skiing. Then, as his 90th birthday approached , he decided to try again. He worked his legs out at the gym, and walked on skis on the lawn surrounding his home. When he was in Switzerland visiting family, he decided this was the moment. Up the mountain he went. He put on his skis and, like his old self, conquered the mountain. It was a great moment.
Below are a few excellent ski areas in the Northeast. The ski areas out west are more like those in Europe, with wide trails and are above the treeline. Places like Aspen, Vail, Snowbird, Sun Valley and Jackson Hole
New Jersey:
- Mountain Creek: The largest ski resort in New Jersey, offering over 40 trails and a wide range of terrain parks. It’s ideal for all skill levels and provides night skiing.
New York:
- Whiteface Mountain: Located in the Adirondacks, Whiteface boasts the highest vertical drop in the East at 3,430 feet, with diverse terrain, including challenging runs and excellent conditions for expert skiers.
- Hunter Mountain: Known for its reliable snow conditions and expansive terrain, Hunter is popular for both beginners and advanced skiers, with great views of the Catskills.
- Windham Mountain: Offers a mix of trails, ideal for families and intermediate skiers, with snowboarding and terrain parks also available.
Pennsylvania:
- Blue Mountain: Located in the Poconos, Blue Mountain features the highest vertical drop in Pennsylvania at 1,082 feet, with plenty of challenging slopes and terrain parks.
- Camelback: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Camelback offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing with a variety of trails for different skill levels.
- Seven Springs: The largest ski resort in Pennsylvania, Seven Springs offers more than 30 slopes, snowboarding, and terrain parks.
Stowe, Vermont:
Stowe is one of Vermont’s premier ski destinations, it offers a stunning view of Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont. There are over 40 miles of trails, suitable for all levels of skiers, plus exceptional backcountry terrain and snowboarding parks.
Mount Snow, Vermont:
Located in southern Vermont, Mount Snow is known for its variety of terrain, great snowmaking capabilities, and vibrant après-ski scene. With over 600 acres of skiing, it caters to all skill levels, including beginner slopes and black diamond runs.
These resorts are popular for both skiing and snowboarding and offer a range of amenities for winter sports enthusiasts.
