billski
Active member
Date(s) Skied: 1/16/2011
Resort or Ski Area: Cochrans, VT
Conditions: Powder-Packed powder, No Wind. Sunny, Temps in the teens.
Trip Report: See below
Vermont Ski Safari 2011
Magic - Day 1
Jay Peak - Day 2
Cochrans & Middlebury - Day 3
After a full day in the woods at Jay, and 6" of fresh pow in the valley of Stowe, it was hard to get started. But out the door by 8 for a 9AM opening at Cochrans. While I knew the hill would lack challenge, the historical significance of this hill, along with the many articles (and my need to collect another pin) brought me this holiday Sunday.
Along the way, in Richmond center is this wonderful "round church." Leave time to visit, it's pretty neat. For me, the door was padlocked. They heard I was in town.
Arriving in the parking lot, there were about 40 cars. From the lot, you could see the two main trails, a rope tow and a T-bar. Up the stairs to the modern-looking lodge. Walk inside and you'll find a very efficient building with everything compactly contained on one floor - rentals, a counter which served as lift ticket sales, food service, general information and merch sales.
Looking around the lodge the race bibs hanging from the ceiling like laundry were everywhere. World Cup race bibs were everywhere. Plaques on the wall and trophies on the shelves
.
Looking at the table, you find more mementos sealed into the table-tops.
The Cochran family is everywhere!
Cochrans is a feeder hill, only a few miles from Burlington. Adult tickets are $20. The place was hopping with kids learning to ski. Cochrans motto is “No child will be denied the opportunity to ski or ride”. With all the racing memorabilia around, I don't see how a child could not be inspired. Striking was how empty the lodge was most of the day. Almost everyone was outside! Those inside were booting up or out.
A handy trail map on the wall acclimated me quickly.
Out to the handle-tow, the kids were ready and eager to get up hill. No whining, no falling. Very strong kids.
Above the tow, was a pretty steep run with gates.
There is race training every day and always someone running gates. No restrictions, do it anytime.
The snow was powdery, packed powder and easy as can be to turn on. Many of the slopes still had the 6" of last nights pow waiting.
The T-bar, oh, it had been a long time since I was on a t-bar. Halfway up I began to remember what a wuss I've become, accustomed to respites on chairlifts. Oh, the legs ached after two days prior in the bumps.
Along side the T-bar was a rope tow, not in use, with an automobile engine still affixed.
There are race start gates everywhere. On Sundays, every child is afforded the opportunity to race, regardless of their age or ability.
I left feeling inspired, having skied where four world-class athletes began their careers, under the steady coaching of their father.
Next stop: Middlebury Snow Bowl
Resort or Ski Area: Cochrans, VT
Conditions: Powder-Packed powder, No Wind. Sunny, Temps in the teens.
Trip Report: See below
Vermont Ski Safari 2011
Magic - Day 1
Jay Peak - Day 2
Cochrans & Middlebury - Day 3
After a full day in the woods at Jay, and 6" of fresh pow in the valley of Stowe, it was hard to get started. But out the door by 8 for a 9AM opening at Cochrans. While I knew the hill would lack challenge, the historical significance of this hill, along with the many articles (and my need to collect another pin) brought me this holiday Sunday.
Along the way, in Richmond center is this wonderful "round church." Leave time to visit, it's pretty neat. For me, the door was padlocked. They heard I was in town.
Arriving in the parking lot, there were about 40 cars. From the lot, you could see the two main trails, a rope tow and a T-bar. Up the stairs to the modern-looking lodge. Walk inside and you'll find a very efficient building with everything compactly contained on one floor - rentals, a counter which served as lift ticket sales, food service, general information and merch sales.
Looking around the lodge the race bibs hanging from the ceiling like laundry were everywhere. World Cup race bibs were everywhere. Plaques on the wall and trophies on the shelves
Looking at the table, you find more mementos sealed into the table-tops.
The Cochran family is everywhere!
Cochrans is a feeder hill, only a few miles from Burlington. Adult tickets are $20. The place was hopping with kids learning to ski. Cochrans motto is “No child will be denied the opportunity to ski or ride”. With all the racing memorabilia around, I don't see how a child could not be inspired. Striking was how empty the lodge was most of the day. Almost everyone was outside! Those inside were booting up or out.
A handy trail map on the wall acclimated me quickly.
Out to the handle-tow, the kids were ready and eager to get up hill. No whining, no falling. Very strong kids.
Above the tow, was a pretty steep run with gates.
There is race training every day and always someone running gates. No restrictions, do it anytime.
The snow was powdery, packed powder and easy as can be to turn on. Many of the slopes still had the 6" of last nights pow waiting.
The T-bar, oh, it had been a long time since I was on a t-bar. Halfway up I began to remember what a wuss I've become, accustomed to respites on chairlifts. Oh, the legs ached after two days prior in the bumps.
Along side the T-bar was a rope tow, not in use, with an automobile engine still affixed.
There are race start gates everywhere. On Sundays, every child is afforded the opportunity to race, regardless of their age or ability.
I left feeling inspired, having skied where four world-class athletes began their careers, under the steady coaching of their father.
Next stop: Middlebury Snow Bowl
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