Mike and Keith discuss the kickoff of the ski season with Thanksgiving approaching. They explore the importance of local 'feeder' ski areas around Boston, such as Ski Ward, Blue Hills, and others. The podcast features an in-depth interview with Geoff Homer, the new operator of Blue Hills, and Molly Gilleece, the general manager. They discuss the significant upgrades being made to Blue Hills, including doubled snowmaking capacity and all-new energy-efficient snow guns. Geoff shares insights from his previous experience at Shawnee Peak, while Molly talks about the youth programs and the importance of local ski areas in fostering a lifelong passion for the sport. The episode highlights the revitalization efforts at Blue Hills and the critical role these smaller urban ski areas play in the broader ski industry.

Topics

00:21 Thanksgiving and the Start of Ski Season

03:13 Local Feeder Ski Areas Around Boston

04:56 Challenges and Importance of Feeder Hills

09:33 Interview with Blue Hills' New Operators

21:19 Industry Insights and Climate Challenges

22:53 Snowmaking Upgrades and Water Supply

24:57 Memorable Moments and Staff Loyalty

29:23 Importance of Blue Hills in Skiing

32:44 Community Programs and Partnerships

33:54 Future Plans and Exciting Announcements

35:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mike and Keith dive into the excitement of the coming ski season with discussions on early snowfall, mountain energy, and resort activities. They welcome Brian and Tyler Fairbank from the Fairbank Group, owners of Jiminy Peak, Bromley Mountain, and Cranmore Mountain. The Fairbanks discuss the unique features and family-oriented experiences offered by their resorts, their environmental initiatives such as wind and solar power, and the future of the independent ski industry. They also highlight the importance of growing the ski industry through initiatives like Kids Rule programs and maintaining high-quality facilities and guest experiences.

Topics

00:27 Hosts' Excitement for the Ski Season

00:56 Energy and Activities at the Resorts

03:35 Upcoming Ski Events and Shows

03:56 Spotlight on the Berkshires

07:07 Interview with the Fairbank Group

08:23 Skiing Culture and Family Business

15:08 Sustainability Efforts at Jiminy Peak

22:12 Marketing Strategies for the Resorts

24:18 Skiing Experience at Jiminy Peak

26:00 Snowmaking and Family Focus

26:24 Kids Rule Program

28:26 Northeast Skiing Experience

29:37 Enhancing Lives Through Skiing

30:46 Bromley Mountain's Unique Charm

33:05 Cranmore Mountain Developments

36:32 Year-Round Operations and Future Growth

39:19 Industry Recognition and Future Outlook

44:20 Podcast Wrap-Up and Reflections

Mike and Keith record live from the Country Ski and Sport Expo in Hanover MA. They catch up with various ski resort representatives to discuss the upcoming ski season, highlighting special events, new developments, and exclusive deals available at the expo. Guests include Jay Stenson from Country Ski & Sport; and representatives from Saddleback, Maine; Smuggler's Notch, Sugarbush; Gunstock Mountain Resort; Waterville Valley; Loon Mountain; and Cannon Mountain, each sharing their unique updates and promotions. The episode is filled with enthusiasm for the winter season and invaluable information for ski enthusiasts gearing up for their favorite sport.

The Expo:

Veterans Day Weekend, November 7-10, 2024

Thursday, November 7th: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday, November 8th: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Saturday, November 9th: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Sunday, November 10th: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

389 Columbia Rd. (Route 53) Hanover, MA 02339

https://www.countryski.com/

Topics

00:41 Interview with Jay Stenson from Country Ski and Sport

06:23 Saddleback, Maine: A Rising Star in the East

11:46 Smuggler's Notch: The Family Mountain

16:40 Sugarbush: Exciting Upgrades and Community Engagement

19:53 Snowfall at Sugarbush

20:42 Exclusive Deals at Sugarbush

22:02 Gunstock Mountain Resort Updates

25:41 Waterville Valley Highlights

29:34 Loon Mountain Excitement

32:35 Cannon Mountain's Big Plans

37:30 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the New England Ski Journal Base Camp Podcast, Mike and Keith discuss a variety of skiing topics and delve into the importance of affordable skiing options. They highlight the early season snowfalls in New England and discuss the significance of early snowmaking operations. The hosts engage with guest John Siewierski, founder of the Mountain Sports Club, who explains the services his club offers to make skiing more affordable, including discounts on lift tickets, lodging, and equipment rentals. John shares his extensive experience in the ski industry, the impact of mega passes and COVID-19 on skiing habits, and the growing significance of cross-country and backcountry skiing. The episode also touches on the challenges and opportunities for the ski industry, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and affordability for new and returning skiers. The podcast wraps up with a discussion on Killington's operations and future, emphasizing the need for transparency and community engagement in the ski industry.

Topics

01:01 Early October Snowfall and Skiing Excitement

03:40 Ski Ward's Early Opening and Deals Discussion

08:59 Introducing John Siewierski of Mountain Sports Club

09:56 Exploring Mountain Sports Club's Offerings

21:21 Ski Pass Usage and Market Trends

23:15 Challenges in the Ski Industry

24:36 Reviving Interest in Skiing

26:21 Skiing Demographics and Financial Barriers

32:41 Exploring Alternative Winter Sports

35:01 Mountain Sports Club Membership

36:02 The Future of Ski Resorts

40:04 Killington's Impact on New England Skiing

46:00 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

In this episode of New England Ski Journal's Base Camp podcast, hosts Mike and Keith discuss the exciting transition of Killington Resort's ownership to independence, led by local investors Phil Gross and Michael Ferry. With the new CEO Mike Solimano on board, the conversation dives into the operational and financial strategies of running a major ski resort, emphasizing the shift from strict financial management to a community-focused approach. Key topics include the importance of local ownership, the impact on community engagement, insights on infrastructure upgrades, and innovative developments like the installation of a six-pack lift and a new village partnership with Great Gulf. The episode wraps up with reflections on the benefits of independence, the resort's contributions to the New England ski scene, and future plans to enhance the skiing experience at Killington.

Topics

00:34 Hosts' Excitement for Ski Season

01:04 Natural Snow vs. Snow Guns

04:28 Unexpected Changes in the Ski Industry

05:25 Killington's New Independence

08:06 Interview with Mike Solimano

09:43 Killington's Future Plans

24:45 Spring Skiing Challenges and Lift Logistics

25:30 World Cup and Community Engagement

29:25 Future Plans for Killington Resort

31:18 The New Village Development

35:01 Impact on Icon Pass and Ski Industry Trends

37:22 Killington's Independence and Future Outlook

41:57 Conclusion and Reflections

This episode of the New England Ski Journal Base Camp Podcast, Mike and Keith explore the anticipation for the upcoming ski season and recent announcements from the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. They discuss the induction of impactful figures like Sarah Bill Meyer, Hannah Kearney, and Chuck and Jan Perkins. The episode features an interview with Rex and Karen Rex Deitesfeld, founders of Zay Boots, who share their journey of developing an innovative, American-made ski boot with a unique radial closure system offering dynamic foot stability and comfort during turns. This episode delves into the technical aspects of ski boot manufacturing, including the challenges of creating a boot suitable for various skill levels and the importance of made-in-America production.

Topics

00:22 Signs of the Upcoming Ski Season

00:52 U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame Inductees

03:16 The Importance of Ski Boots

04:06 The Legacy of Hanson Boots

06:36 Challenges in Ski Boot Manufacturing

08:51 Introducing Zay Ski Boots

10:25 Interview with Zay Ski Boots Founders

17:36 The Radial Closure System Explained

22:13 Comparing Zay Boots to Other Ski Boots

24:46 The Zay Ski Boot Advantage

25:24 Target Audience for Zay Boots

26:30 Innovative Boot Design and Feedback

29:03 Fit and Volume Considerations

31:06 Boot Board and Flex Technology

33:41 Material Choices and Manufacturing

40:16 Liner Design and Comfort

43:10 Market Distribution and Pricing

45:34 Conclusion and Future Prospects

47:20 Post-Interview Reflections

The guest is renowned meteorologist Tim Kelley. The episode delves into the unique weather dynamics of New England, from early snowfall and weather streaks through fall to the intricacies of the Jay Peak snow machine. Tim, known for his expertise since leaving television, shares insights on past and upcoming winter conditions, the impacts of global phenomena like the Hunga Tonga eruption, and the advancements in meteorological modeling. Kelley also provides a forecast for the upcoming winter, expressing optimism despite climate variability, and touches upon personal anecdotes from his lifelong passion for weather and skiing. Expect an in-depth discussion filled with enthusiasm, expertise, and a love for New England's dynamic weather challenges.

Topics

00:40 Hosts' Weather Chat

03:43 Ski Area Preparations and Wildfires

05:45 Introducing Tim Kelley

07:12 Tim Kelly's Weather Insights

14:16 Jay Peak Weather Phenomenon

18:52 Global Warming and Snow Trends

24:49 Changes in Weather Forecasting

26:30 Model Forecasting Challenges

27:32 Television Career Reflections

28:35 Weather Reporting Evolution

33:33 YouTube Forecasting and Models

35:49 Winter Predictions and Farmer's Almanac

41:04 New England's Unique Weather

42:10 Excitement for the Upcoming Season

45:13 Podcast Conclusion and Optimism

In this episode of the New England Ski Journal Base Camp Podcast, hosts Mike Specian and Keith Pearson dive into the world of winter sports history with Justin Koski, Executive Director of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. The episode covers the Hall of Fame's mission to honor and preserve the legacies of influential athletes and sport builders in skiing and snowboarding. Koski discusses the selection process for inductees, the history and significance of the Hall located in Ishpeming, Michigan, and upcoming events, including the 2024 induction ceremony in Lake Placid. The conversation also touches on the importance of preserving the sport's heritage for future generations.

Topics

00:21 Reflecting on Past Winters and Hopes for Consistency

02:46 Nostalgia for Ski Magazines and Early Signs of Winter

05:21 Predicting the First Ski Resort to Open

07:11 Exploring the UP of Michigan and Its Ski Culture

08:26 Introduction to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame

10:14 Interview with Justin Koski, Executive Director of the Hall of Fame

21:13 Introduction to the Hall of Fame Induction Process

22:23 Criteria for Induction into the Hall of Fame

23:57 Upcoming Induction Events and Locations

26:14 The Selection Process Explained

27:28 Nomination and Voting Details

29:49 Heritage Category and Induction Caps

31:57 Sneak Peek at the 2024 Ballot

36:49 How to Get Involved and Support the Hall of Fame

38:33 Closing Remarks and Reflections