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

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

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

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 Bum 02:13 The Colorado Lifestyle: Skiing and Beyond 04:01 Summer Adventures in Colorado 07:56 Exploring Colorado's Culinary Delights 10:00 Introducing Sarah Beatty from Colorado Ski Country USA 25:42 Exploring Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction 26:46 Buena Vista and Salida: Heart of Colorado 28:30 Leadville: A Hidden Gem 30:57 Aspen: Festivals and Scenic Rides 32:16 Steamboat Springs: Rodeos and Fly Fishing 39:33 Denver and the Front Range 46:37 Conclusion: The Allure of Colorado

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 Biking 02:21 Exploring the Evolution of Mountain Biking Equipment 03:27 Spotlight on New England's Highland Mountain Bike Park 04:26 The Transformation of Highland into a Mountain Biking Haven 07:05 Mark Hayes's Journey from Tech to Trails 13:34 The Evolution of Mountain Biking and Highland's Role 17:54 The Growing Popularity of Mountain Biking 21:23 Highland Mountain Bike Park: A Biker's Paradise 23:30 Discovering Highland's Programs for All Ages 23:50 Introducing 'Find Your Ride' and Other Beginner Programs 26:10 Expanding the Conversation: Women and Youth in Mountain Biking 27:06 Building Out Cross Country Trails and Community Partnerships 30:59 Equipment Rentals and Evolution of Mountain Biking Gear 33:15 The Impact of Hosting Big Events and Community Engagement 35:57 Unique Transformation: From Ski Area to Bike Park 37:53 The Future of Mountain Biking and Trail Building

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 Vibes 01:21 Birdwatching and Backyard Nature 02:00 Hiking Adventures and Favorite Trails 03:05 Exploring Mount Monadnock: A Hiking Gem 07:06 Diving into the World of Hiking Guides 08:07 Meet Mike Cherim: From Life Change to Guiding in the Whites 11:20 The Impact of COVID on Hiking and Trail Etiquette 20:57 Making Hiking Safer and More Accessible with Redline Guiding 24:51 Trekking Tales: A 21-Day Adventure 25:26 Disconnecting to Reconnect: The Journey of Self-Sufficiency 26:26 Wilderness First Aid: Partnering with SOLO 27:45 Beyond First Aid: Expanding Wilderness Education 28:26 Seasonal Skills: From River Crossings to Ice Climbing 30:06 The Art of Navigation: Embracing Traditional Skills 33:18 Search and Rescue: A Community of Lifesavers 35:41 Unique Weddings: Marrying Passion with Profession 38:45 Reflections and Recommendations: Favorite Hikes and Safety Tips 46:39 Closing Thoughts: The Importance of the Journey

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/

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/