Berkshire Backcountry 3/6/13

Yesterday I had a day off and did not really feel like going to my normal resorts to ski for the day. Decided a ski tour was in order.

The day started off checking the snowpack, and I was happy to find it looked fair. Only a 10 min. drive away is all grass.

There is a state snow moble trail leading away from the highway. Today I could have skinned up a non groomed trail as the snow was firm, but in the past I have greatly appreciated this trail.


Looking back over my shoulder


Watching me the entire time I climbed the trail up the ridge line was many wind turbines. It was nice and peaceful in the woods, and looked very cool to see them just off to my side.


The snowmobile trail empties out onto a abandoned ski mountain, and runs over the top before going back into the woods.


Do I ski down now, or continue climbing to get more vert in?




I always like being able to look back and see where I have come from.


Finally I reach my final resting spot, and destination.


A better view of the turbines that have been off to my side but without the trees blocking the view.


My gear for the trip. Scott P4 ski with Marker Duke's. Representing Alpinezone with my helmet sticker as well!


After a nice relaxing break and beer it was time to take off for some turns.


Sadly I went alone, so no action shot from the skin.


The conditions for the day were ok. Temps right around freezing, and light wind. Unfortunately the snow was dust on a heavy crust, so no powder turns were enjoyed. Hopefully we can get some good snow in this upcoming storm and I can go again.

Nice. Brodie?

Heartswellville/Searsburg area no?

marcski said:

Nice. Brodie?

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It is. I was avoiding naming it as there is a security guard living in the lodge. He has called the State Police before for being there.

I dont want to be responsible for others getting in trouble.

nice!

that straight trail that follows the utility poles from the summit to the top of the old Gramps lift was called O'Connells run. It is the old Summit t-bar line pre Dot's lift. You could have also run across Fire Tower Road, that was a flat trail that also ran from the summit to top of Gramps - went out by the wind turbines.

Then you're on Kelly's Leap skier's left of Gramp's double.

Really getting grown in, way to keep the place alive. Besides school I probably spent more time there than home in the 90's. brings a tear to my eye to look at it now.

Kelly's Irish Alps!

Grabbing earned turns under the eye of the man! I've never understood why after an area closes for good they guard the place. It's as if to say, "If you're not payin to ski here yer gonna pay!" I understand they're worried about getting sued but really what grounds would anyone really have? Atta boy for going and gettin it!

Abubob said:

I understand they're worried about getting sued but really what grounds would anyone really have?

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Attractive nuisance.

David Metsky said:

Attractive nuisance.

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I'm afraid I don't fully understand that phrase. Do you mean that after a while word gets around and after a while you've got scores of people tearing up the mountain? Isn't that what happened at Mittersill?

Abubob said:

I'm afraid I don't fully understand that phrase. Do you mean that after a while word gets around and after a while you've got scores of people tearing up the mountain? Isn't that what happened at Mittersill?

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With the way the legal system is in this day, a place must protect themselves. They have decided that paying a security guard to live there and chase anybody who does come near the place is cheaper than a lawyer and court costs.
Even if the mtn has done nothing wrong it still costs them money to go to court to defend themselves.

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Abubob said:

I'm afraid I don't fully understand that phrase. Do you mean that after a while word gets around and after a while you've got scores of people tearing up the mountain?

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Attractive nuisance means that if you own something that is going to attract people (like a swimming pool in your backyard) you have a positive obligation to restrict access to prevent people from getting hurt even if they don't have permission to be there. It is foreseeable that people will try to use it even if you don't allow them so you put a fence around the pool and you put a guard or a fence at an abandoned ski area.