[uphillklimber]

Date(s) Skied: 2008-03-08

Resort or Ski Area: The Balsams Wilderness

Conditions: A little crunchy in the clouds, then softening up, then rain, and some more rain.

Trip Report: We have never been here before, and had heard some encouraging reports, so we were a bit excited to come here. Weren't too crazy about the drive, however. 4 hours to get there, for what, 18 trails???? Well, we figured that since we bought the vouchers, and you never know until you try it once.....

So we get here, and boot up. We head to the top, and start on the skiier's right and work across the mountain. First run is socked in by the clouds, and we can hardly see where we are going. Successive runs get better, visibility wise and the trails are softening up a bit. The have a fairly new triple lift that takes you up in one of the 93 seats, past 15 poles to the top. Yup, the ride up seemd that long. But there was never a line for the lift. Ski into the corralling ropes and go right to the front and you are on your way.

We hadn't made it quite all the way across the mountain, and the rain starts. We get in 3 more runs, but still haven't done all the trails, and our goggles are so spattered that we can't see to ski. LUNCHTIME!!!! and maybe it'll stop when we get done eating...... It did!!! Back on the mountain. The trails on the skiier's left side of the mountain are more fun, so we did the last three trails on the left twice, before the rain came back for real. Androscoggin and Monadnack still have corduroy on them in the afternoon. Notch was a windy trail over hill and dale in the woods, with some steep portions in it, just wide enough for a groomer to run up it. That was my personal favorite trail. Had I found it first, it is unlikely that I would have skiied the entire mountain.

Observations on this mountain. First, I liked that they have a dedicated learning area, with it's own lift and a nice gentle sustained pitch of 12-15 degrees. This is a place where one can learn without better skiiers and riders whizzing by. Every trail was groomed. They did leave some bumps here and there, but this is not the place for bumps. The steepest trails are not anything to brag about if you are into steep.

But what this mountain does have is trails with character. There is maybe one trail that is straight from top to bottom? And portions of that were roped off, meaning you had to travel around. The trails here roll and twist and turn, not too much in the way of double fall lines. If you want some nice pleasant skiing, on trails that are not boring and straight, this is the place. Trails are plenty wide enough without being a football field wide, except Notch. Signs at most mergers warning of the merger. Not that traffic was ever a problem here. You could literally ski half the day in solitude.

In the lodge was a whole different scene than we were used to. The patrollers and staff were locals, warm and friendly. We chatted with them on the rain breaks for a bit. One told us the line seldom ever gets as long as the one rope leading to the lift, on the busiest days. The lodge was roomy, plenty of seating for all. There was a crowd of mothers and grandmothers sitting in one corner chatting and holding babies while the youngsters skiied. Much of the mountain was visible thru the large glass windows. There was ahuge fireplace stoked up for folks to warm themselves and dry their mittens. Food prices were only a bit steep, but not so outrageous as you get at Killington. They cooked up some fries for me special (it was 2:30), and the cook put them on a plate as they were piling out of the basket they normally used. So many fries for $2.99.

After decidng the rain was here to stay, we hit the road, and skiies literaly poured open. Was it ever coming down. We had a cabin reserved at the Great North Woods Getaway, compliments of a late cancelation. What a nice cabin. Fully appointed, TV with Satelite, full kitchen with dishes and cookware. Queen bed and fold out couch. Dogs allowed, $8.00 per night. This place was built in or before 2003, from the log, and it looks brand new. Very clean and obviously well maintained. We watched some TV and fell asleep, worn out from the days skiing. Sleep like that feels real good!

In the morning, the power is out. Not enough water to shower or do dishes properly. We left a note apologizing and a tip. We load up and head towards Conway, hoping against hope that we could ski Cranmore. On the way down, we pass 4 trees in the road, and a flooded section of road. We dan't get breakfast until we hit berlin, which is where we passed the Power Utility truck heading up where we were to turn the power back on.