billski
Active member
Black Mountain, NH
Trail Conditions: Packed powder, hardpack
Road Conditions: summertime pavement
I hatched a plan to ski far-away Saddleback by going part way, skiing along the way, lodging about an hour away, skiing Saddleback and returning home. I took off on Tuesday Dec 21st, making my way up the Maine Turnpike to Rte.16, heading towards Black Mountain in Jackson. I reached Mount Washington Valley and found not a speck of snow to be seen in the village or on the hills. The ski areas had the only claim to snow, all of it man-made. I arrived about 11AM. Well, I went to Black anyways, since I had a free voucher from CHAD, and figured that would be a good use of it, a half-day of skiing. Black was really just getting started, they were still getting merchandise in place, and rock-star parking was to be had. Since they had only opened a week before, I wasn’t expecting much, but was surprised to see only one trail down from the mid-station (actually it’s a ¾ station), with one chair lift turning. Most of the trails were granola brown. Bummer. Fortunately for me, there were not many skiers. The snow was packed powder and held up fairly well with 25-30 skiers and boarders on it. I was perhaps the fastest person on the slopes, and that ain’t saying much.
Stopped in the office and said “hello” to the cheerful Debbie, their marketing guru. All they need is a foot of snow to get things going. Well, it was time to get a move-on to my overnight digs in Dummer, NH. Never heard of Dummer? It’s a few miles north of Berlin, right on the southern boundary of the 13 mile woods.
Up 93 I goes, I hit Pinkham notch and the snows begin. By the time I hit Wildcat, it was pretty substantial snow and the roads were transitioning to hardpack. It never stopped snowing after that. Hit Gorham and stopped at Mr. Pizza. Don’t let the name dissuade you. This is an All – American restaurant. The French Onion soup was wonderful.
Hit the road north, through Berlin and wandered a bit until I found Great Northern Moose Lodge, where a single can board for $50 including continental breakfast. Rich and Sandy run a great place. Sat by the fire and chatted until I started to nod. Beds and furniture were like new. The sheets and blankets felt brand new, fresh and clean. The room had a beautiful view out towards the mighty Androscoggin. I haven’t slept so well in years.
I looked at a map and realized I was much closer to the Balsams than I realized. Rich called the resort and they indicated this would be their first day open. So in typical-Billski fashion, the plans changed.
It kept snowing, awoke much later than usual, to find an inch on the ground and a forecast for 4-5” more during the day. I said good-bye and promised myself I would come back again.
To be continued in the Balsams TR.
Sorry, I was technology impaired this trip, no photos thanks to my forgetfulness.
Trail Conditions: Packed powder, hardpack
Road Conditions: summertime pavement
I hatched a plan to ski far-away Saddleback by going part way, skiing along the way, lodging about an hour away, skiing Saddleback and returning home. I took off on Tuesday Dec 21st, making my way up the Maine Turnpike to Rte.16, heading towards Black Mountain in Jackson. I reached Mount Washington Valley and found not a speck of snow to be seen in the village or on the hills. The ski areas had the only claim to snow, all of it man-made. I arrived about 11AM. Well, I went to Black anyways, since I had a free voucher from CHAD, and figured that would be a good use of it, a half-day of skiing. Black was really just getting started, they were still getting merchandise in place, and rock-star parking was to be had. Since they had only opened a week before, I wasn’t expecting much, but was surprised to see only one trail down from the mid-station (actually it’s a ¾ station), with one chair lift turning. Most of the trails were granola brown. Bummer. Fortunately for me, there were not many skiers. The snow was packed powder and held up fairly well with 25-30 skiers and boarders on it. I was perhaps the fastest person on the slopes, and that ain’t saying much.
Stopped in the office and said “hello” to the cheerful Debbie, their marketing guru. All they need is a foot of snow to get things going. Well, it was time to get a move-on to my overnight digs in Dummer, NH. Never heard of Dummer? It’s a few miles north of Berlin, right on the southern boundary of the 13 mile woods.
Up 93 I goes, I hit Pinkham notch and the snows begin. By the time I hit Wildcat, it was pretty substantial snow and the roads were transitioning to hardpack. It never stopped snowing after that. Hit Gorham and stopped at Mr. Pizza. Don’t let the name dissuade you. This is an All – American restaurant. The French Onion soup was wonderful.
Hit the road north, through Berlin and wandered a bit until I found Great Northern Moose Lodge, where a single can board for $50 including continental breakfast. Rich and Sandy run a great place. Sat by the fire and chatted until I started to nod. Beds and furniture were like new. The sheets and blankets felt brand new, fresh and clean. The room had a beautiful view out towards the mighty Androscoggin. I haven’t slept so well in years.
I looked at a map and realized I was much closer to the Balsams than I realized. Rich called the resort and they indicated this would be their first day open. So in typical-Billski fashion, the plans changed.
It kept snowing, awoke much later than usual, to find an inch on the ground and a forecast for 4-5” more during the day. I said good-bye and promised myself I would come back again.
To be continued in the Balsams TR.
Sorry, I was technology impaired this trip, no photos thanks to my forgetfulness.
