Category Columns

The first time I skied Jay Peak was in January 1969. Someone at work had discovered that Jay offered discounts for groups of 10 or more. So we were able to gather a group of about 15 people who headed… Continue Reading →

The fourth area I skied in 1968 was Madonna. That’s what Smuggs was called at that time. Rick Rock had the answer to last week’s trivia question. Rick’s a long time Smuggs skier, and Stowe skier for that matter. He’s… Continue Reading →

The Mount Mansfield Ski Patrol traces its beginning back to 1934. Roland Palmedo made sure that the articles of incorporation for the Mount Mansfield Ski Club included a committee in charge of organizing a ski patrol for the 1934-35 season…. Continue Reading →

One of my skiing idols before I moved to Vermont in 1968 was Art Furrer. In fact, one of the reasons I bought my Hart Javelins was because Art Furrer skied on Javelins. He was one of the skiers in… Continue Reading →

In the past two columns, I’ve been fondly remembering the great early start to the 1968-69 season, but this season has blown that one away! The Mount Mansfield stake set an all-time record for November hitting 46 inches on the… Continue Reading →

For me the beginning of the ski season in 1968 was the weekend of November 9th when Sugarbush opened. Remember that was before any areas had significant snowmaking so that early opening was based on natural snow. The only lift… Continue Reading →

Wow! About a week ago I wouldn’t have thought that the ski season was going to start on schedule, but what a great start! This season is special to me as it marks my 50th year as a “Vermont skier!”… Continue Reading →

RetroSki columns will begin Thanksgiving week for the 2018-19 season! It’s snowing as I write this so the ski season should be off to a good start! So dust off those 205’s, lace ski boots, and stretch pants for another… Continue Reading →

I begin with the sad news of Bob Beattie’s death on April 1st at age 85. Beattie was a Middlebury College graduate who was better known there for playing football than his skiing. However in 1956 as a post grad… Continue Reading →

Alright, I’m going to say it. Today’s World Cup mogul competitions are boring! They’ve become formulaic with two pre-built jumps and machine-made moguls. The top competitors piston their way through the bumps and launch very similar complex jumps. Any slight… Continue Reading →