The Ski Traveler Blog

Merry Christmas from the Ski Traveler

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:06:00 +0000

Ted Ligety speaks out on new GS equipment rules | Ski Racing

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:39:00 +0000

Ted Ligety speaks out on new GS equipment rules | Ski Racing

Alpine Arborists Tree Care Blog: Welcome to Alpine Arborists Tree Care

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 20:13:00 +0000

Alpine Arborists Tree Care Blog: Welcome to Alpine Arborists Tree Care: "The office
Welcome to the Alpine Arborists Tree Care Blog. We will be adding photos, information and advice to beautify and keep ..."

Der Weisse Rausch (The White Flame)

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:47:00 +0000

If you like old ski movies and I mean OLD you'll love this classic German movie from 1931.

Der Weisse Rausch (The White Flame)

1:16:44 - 3 years ago

Although made in 1931, this film by Leni Riefenstahl is still astonishing today. The story is extremely simple. Leni, a daring young girl, is visiting for the second time a ski-resort. The local ski-teatchers agree to organize a "fox-hunt" for her. Leni and Hannes are "the foxes", and about 40 other skiers will have to catch them after a 15 minute delay. It's not the story that makes this film, but the extremely spectacular and thrilling skiing footage. The film reveals to us the beauty and delight of skiing, in glorious black and white. Aka: Ski Chase, The White Intoxication, White Ecstasy, White Frenzy. Running time: 70 minutes. In German with NO English subtitles. Check it out
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8714331582485135777

Merry Christmas Ski Travelers

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 02:28:00 +0000

Christmas gift suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.

~Oren Arnold

Opening Day at Whiteface Mountain

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 14:48:00 +0000

November 26, 2010 - Wilmington, NY

Opening Day at Whiteface Mountain is always a gamble. This time of year the weather goes back and forth between fall and winter before it settles on winter snow and cold. Today was a good example with temps in the high 30's, rain showers and wind. As the day wore on the rain turned to snow showers and the temperature dropped.

My ski hat is off to the snow makers at Whiteface Mountain. Without modern snow making equipment and their expertise, skiing on the day after Thanksgiving would be impossible. A fantastic job by the staff and management to make opening day a successful one. Only one trail (Excelsior) from the top of Little Whiteface, all the way down to Mid-station and the Base lodge was covered with a ribbon of white snow.

It was a good day to test new gear, old muscles and healed bones. I'm looking forward to the 2010-2011 ski season.

Last day at Squaw Valley on May 29, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:11:00 +0000

The following video was made by Tyler Boutelle who lives, works and plays in Squaw Valley and Lake Tahoe.

It was a spectacular ski season in the Sierras and the snow kept coming. Squaw Valley closed mid-May but after another incredible snowfall the decision was made to re-open for Memorial Day weekend. Tyler captured his last run for 2010 with his helmet cam.

The last run will keep the memories alive during the hot summer months. It's only 89 days until opening. Keep cool.

My Last Day of the Season 5/29/10 from UnofficialSquaw on Vimeo.

Under the Eiger - near Kleine Schiedegg

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:47:00 +0000

Under the Eiger - near Kleine Schiedegg, originally uploaded by Ski Traveler.

Today it's hot and humid in upstate New York. This picture, taken a few years ago under the Eiger, reminds me of the wonderful sport of skiing. It's fun to ski with friends and take in the glorious panorama that only an alpine skier can appreciate. It also reminds me of the cool wind on my face and that, even though summer is hot and humid, it's a reminder that in a few months, winter will return with a vengeance and skiing will be king once more.

Sun Valley Serenade

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:44:00 +0000

On a Lighter Note!

A movie they still show at the Opera House in Sun Valley,ID. The snow, the mountains and some buildings are the same but the changes are many in 69 years since this movie was made.

Glenn Miller - It Happened in Sun Valley - Sun Valley Serenade (1941)

Northface

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:27:00 +0000

In 1936, young German climbers Toni Kurz (Benno Fürmann) and Andreas Hinterstoisser (Florian Lukas) face off against a rival Austrian duo in an attempt to be the first team to scale the infamous north face of the Eiger in the Swiss Alps. As the men make the treacherous climb, journalist Luise (Johanna Wokalek) -- Toni's childhood love -- covers the biggest story of her career. Philipp Stölzl helms this drama based on a true story.

It is in German with English subtitles but it is worth the effort to watch this extraordinary movie.

If you have a Neflix account you can stream it to your computer or TV.

I give it a ***** rating and I'm not easy to please. Check it out!

The Alta, Utah Rope Tow Wedgie

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:50:00 +0000

A very funny video recorded by hellibenalli. Evidently, this skier wasn't quite sure how to use this lift and bailed out after he realized he had made a serious mistake.

LESSON LEARNED: Ask how to use the lift before you straddle!

2010 U.S. alpine championship starts this Saturday at Whiteface

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:38:00 +0000

2010 U.S. alpine championship starts this Saturday at Whiteface

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SI Cover - Andrew, Lindsey, Bode & Julia

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:45:00 +0000

U.S. men's ski torch is passed to Andrew Weibrecht

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 03:15:00 +0000

Ron Judd | U.S. men's ski torch is passed to Andrew Weibrecht | Seattle Times Newspaper

Andrew Weibrecht wins bronze

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 01:20:00 +0000

Andrew Weibrecht wins bronze medal in Super G

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Attach a camera to your ski pole

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:16:00 +0000

Amazing camera work from Jean Jacques in Jackson Hole backcountry. It's almost like being there. Amazing!

NBC airs 38 minutes of Olympic downhill ski race- All for advertisers

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:57:00 +0000

Merry Christmas from The Ski Traveler

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:27:00 +0000

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness; it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity; it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness; it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair; we had everything before us, we had nothing before us”
- A Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens

As I look back on year 2009, I'll remember a year that wasn't kind to me. The loss of a father, the end of a 37 year marriage, a loss of a job and now, facing the future alone is not something I look forward to. The prospect is daunting, the heartbreak is real and the missed opportunities are many. At the same time, I know I will remember many more of the good things that happened to me then the bad and take what is good and hold on to it. Two wonderful sons, their wives, a new baby grand-daughter, a caring brother, my health and all my good friends and acquaintances who are most thoughtful, kind and compassionate. Without their kindness and encouragement, I wouldn't be looking forward to 2010 as I am today. I thank them all, for it is their Christmas Spirit that has helped me and sustain me. I owe them all so much.

Merry Christmas to each and everyone.

P.S. - I do have a "Bucket List" of sorts. It started out to be just things in skiing that I wanted to write about but it now is a goal to not only to write about it but just do it.

Here is my 2010 News Years list:

1. The Lauberhorn Wengen, Switzerland (just to ski the course, not race)

2. The Hahnenkamm Kitzbuehl, Austria - (The place to be In Austria. The experience of being there)

3. L’Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix France - The legendary skiing area.

4. Sela Ronde, Italy - (This is fun and a challenge too)

5. Cortina D' Ampezzo (Every time I see the "Pink Panther", I enjoy watching David Niven skiing the beautiful Dolomite's.

6. HIgh Rustler Alta, Utah ( I'll check it out)

7. Inferno Race Murren, Switzerland The oldest ski race in the world. I could enter this

8. Palisades Squaw Valley, CA -- Huck a cliff with the "Kick Ass- Blasters"

9. Corbet’s Couloir Jackson Hole, Wyoming -Ski an elevator shaft? I don't know about this.

10.The Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt - This is a challenge and a dream

Andrew Weibrecht from Lake Placid, NY places 11th in Beaver Creek

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 03:52:00 +0000

December 5- The "War Horse" was on the hunt again today on the ' "Birds of Prey" downhill course in Beaver Creek, CO. Andrew Weibrecht, racing against the worlds best, placed 11th on the fabled downhill course. His run was rock solid from start to finish and showed confidence in every turn. He is a fan favorite at Vail and every time he steps into the starting gate everyone watches knowing that he can be a spoiler. Even the press stuck around this time.

He was the only American yesterday to survive the combined race (downhill and slalom) placing 19th overall. He had a 5th in the downhill portion. Ted Ligety straddled a gate and Bode Miller fell. Only Andrew survived the day.

Last weekend in Lake Louise, Andrew started 62nd and roared to a 12th place finish. His run was spectacular on an icy and rutted course gaining the respect and applause of Switzerland's Didier Cuche, the eventual winner in the first downhill event of the 2009-2010 World Cup ski season and admiration from the Lake Louise ski race fans. Reporters had all ready filed their stories thinking that all the best racers had tested the course. They missed one of the best downhill runs of the day. The icy course was rutted and frequent snow squalls made visibility poor for all racers. Many of the top racers had great difficulty with the downhill course including Andrew's friend and fellow racer TJ Lanning who was severely injured and had to be evacuated by helicopter from the slope. Starting late in 62nd position is a daunting prospect for any racer. Andrew had even bested Cuche's time in one interval but finished at more than a second off Cuche's pace. Didier recognized the superb run of Andrew Weibrecht with enthusiastic applause. Andrew also scored a 12th the following day in Lake Louise in the Super G. A pretty good weekend for the 23 year-old from Lake Placid, NY.

This is not the first time Andrew has electrified the spectators and the ski racing world. His run 2 years ago on the "Birds of Prey" downhill in Beaver Creek, CO (See video) got Franz Klammer's attention. Yes, the great Klammer compared Andrews' run with one of his own spectacular downhill races.

There are many difficult races to come before the official Olympic ski team selection in January including the famed Lauberhorn in Wengen, Switzerland and the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbuhel, Austria. His coaches and teammates are enthusiatic about Weibrecht's steady improvement over the last few years. He definitely has the "right stuff" and is one to watch. He's fighting for one of 4 spots for the Olympic downhill team and so far, he has had an exceptional season. But, he has some stiff competition from Bode Miller, Marco Sullivan, Steven Nyman, Scott McCartney and Erik Fisher.

Late last March at Whiteface Mountain, Andrew Weibrecht and friends were soaking up the sun at the mid-station lodge. What better way to relax after traveling the world skiing on some of the world's most celebrated and dangerous downhill courses. His love of the sport is evident with sharing skiing, sun and friends on a fantastic spring skiing day in the Adirondacks. Here is where Andrew grew up and started his racing career at Whiteface Mountain under the coaching of the NYSEF staff (NY State Ski Education Foundation). His family owns and operates the prestigious Mirror Lake Inn in the heart of Lake Placid.
Keep an eye on Andrew Weibrecht from Lake Placid, NY. He has the "right stuff"

Today's downhill race results from Beaver Creek, CO
1.) Carlo Janka (SUI)
2). Didier Cuche (SUI)
3.) Aksel Lund Svindal (NOR)
4.) Bode Miller (USA)

Bio: Making Team USA: Meet Andrew Wiebercht

Avalanche caught on a helmet cam

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:08:00 +0000

We don't have the worry of snow avalanches in the Northeast. We also, don't usually get the kind of accumulation of dry snow and high winds that western resorts contend with each winter. The only exception would be the Mt. Washington, NH area which claim a few lives each season due to avalanches.

Last ski season (2008-2009), more than 35% of all reported ski deaths in the US were caused by avalanches. Some of the skiers caught in avalanches were skiing out of bounds at ski resort but most accidents happened in the back country. One ski patroller lost his life "in bounds" at a western resort. Avalanches can sometimes be very unpredictable.

Many skiers in the Albany Region take winter vacations in the Rockies, Sierras and British Columbia. The siren call of powder skiing can be very hard to resist when you arrive at your favorite ski resort. Be forewarned: Know your limitations, use local knowledge and heed the avalanche warnings when you ski the powder fields.

Watch this video from start to finish. It is a sobering reminder that taking that first run may be your last.

Get to Know a Blaster: Tyler Boutelle

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:38:00 +0000

Get to Know a Blaster: Tyler Boutelle

From: UnofficialSquaw.com

October 8th, 2009

Name: Tyler G Boutelle
Age: 30
Live: Truckee
Comp ski: Rossignol Phantom 108, 195cm
Poison: Don Julio 1942

1. What is your Tahoe story? Moved to Tahoe in 2001 after several of my college friends told me how good the skiing was. I packed up my 1988 Dodge Shadow and drove across the country from upstate New York. I have skied at Squaw about 100 days a year since ’01. Originally, I was only going to spend a season or two in Tahoe, now I am married, own a house and we have a dog. So, I am here to stay for a while.

2. Favorite ski film? Aspen Extreme or Blizzard of Ahhs

3. What got you hooked on skiing? What Mountain did you learn to ski at? I learned to ski at West Mountain in Queensbury, NY. My parents are avid skiers and they took me skiing when I was in kindergarten. At first, I remember being frustrated because I couldn’t do it, but then in first grade something clicked and I got the hang of it, I was hooked then.

4. What do you like most about competing on the Freeskiing World Tour? It’s awesome to watch, I wish more people could witness the live show,… edge of your seat excitement for sure. I like the challenge of the whole thing, from picking your line, inspecting, then actually making your run. I learn a lot from every comp and I think it makes me a better skier.

5. What else do you like to do in Tahoe besides skiing? Mountain Biking, Hiking and Camping, fly-fishing and sailing on the lake.

6. How do you feel about being in the boy band ‘Kick Ass Blasters’? It’s great being on a team and having all that support. Everyone is “kick-ass” and brings lots of different skills to the table. It’s great to get all the different points of view and I learn a lot from everyone. I have also learned excellent boy band skills like how to properly blow dry your hair, fold your tee-shirts and manly eyeliner application.

7. Whose the sickest ‘Kick Ass Blaster’? Harkin Banks

8. Bluebird pow day and you are first in line at Squaw. Where do you ski? Eagle’s Nest to Little Fingers to the Fingers.

9. Poles or no poles? One and a half poles.

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Skiing, Oktoberfest and Columbus Day weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:48:00 +0000

Skiing, Oktoberfest and fall festivals
at nearby ski areas are a prelude to winter. We are fortunate to live in the Albany-Capitol District area with the Catskill, Berskhire, Green and Adirondack mountains all within an hours drive. Many ski areas and resorts will be celebrating a fall festival or Oktoberfest this Columbus Day weekend. (See the list of places to go this weekend)

What is Oktoberfest

The 176th Oktoberfest festival was held this year in Munich, Germany. The festival ran from September 19th to October 4. It is the most famous event in Germany and the world's largest fair, with more than six million people attending every year. It is an important part of Bavarian culture. If you entertain the thought of going, make sure you make your reservation at least a year in advance. Forget about renting a car and driving to Munich during this time. You won’t be able to get there. It’s a good time to learn all about public transportation. Oktoberfest in Munich is that popular.

The original "Oktoberfest" occurred in Munich, on October 18, 1810. It was for the commemoration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen namesake of the Theresienwiese festival grounds.

Visitors for Oktoberfest in Munich will consume huge amounts of traditional hearty fare such as Hendl(chicken), Schweinsbraten (roast pork), Haxn (knuckle of pork), Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Würstel (sausages) along with Brezeln (Pretzel), Knödeln (potato or bread dumplings), Käsespätzle (cheese noodles), Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes), Sauerkraut or Rotkraut (red cabbage) along with such Bavarian delicacies as Obatzda (a fatty, spiced cheese-butter concoction) and Weisswurst (a white sausage).

Fall festivals and Oktoberfest in ski country
Here in New York and the great Northeast the Oktoberfest has been an annual event at many ski resorts for several years. It was introduced to America by German an Austrian ski instructors in the 30's. It is, of course, on a much smaller scale that signals the change of seasons and a reminder that winter skiing is not that far away. It’s a great way for ski resorts to promote themselves, add some family fun along with ski swaps and local events. This year, some ski areas are selling discounted ski tickets and passes for the upcoming season.The Columbus Day weekend has traditionally combined this German festival into a long holiday weekend. It’s the best of both worlds. You can view the changing colors, travel to a ski area and sample some great local beer and food. Maybe you’ll find a bargain or two.

If you’re free this weekend why not travel to your favorite ski resort and celebrate Oktoberfest or a fall festival at your favorite mountain.

Places to go this Columbus Day weekend

Hunter Mountain Oct 10-11

Oktoberfest features authentic German and German-American entertainment in the beauty of the northern Catskills in autumn. Our modern celebration of the harvest features a farmers market, plenty of vendors, free crafts and pumpkin painting for the kids, and much more. Free Admission makes it an affordable, fun time for all ages.

Lake Placid Olympic Jump Complex Oct. 10 -11

Blues, Brews and BBQs and 2010 U.S. Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined National Championships

This annual two-day event has something for everyone in the family - from watching the best ski jumpers in North America compete, live blues bands, tempting barbeque and great brews, inflatables, games, craft vendors and more - all with unparalleled views of the Adirondacks and the peak fall foliage. Take a chair lift or elevator to the top of the famed 120 meter ski jump for some of the best views in the Adirondacks during the peak fall foliage. Join us this weekend for one of the most exciting events of the Fall season!

Stratton Mountain, VT Oct 10 -12

Columbus Day Weekend and Harvestfest Celebration - Brewfest, chili cook-off, local vendors, musical entertainment, family fun run, Gondola rides to summit, tent sales and jeep rides.

Jiminy Peak Oct 10 -12

Annual Fall Festival - The Festival features a craft fair, the annual Hancock Fire Department Ski and Snowboard Sale, an outdoor BBQ, great sales on apparel and equipment from Mountain Sports by Potter Brothers and much more.

Windham Mountain Oct 10 -11

Homecoming - BBQ, chair rides, activities at the mountain. Also, the 3rd Annual Meatball cook-off

Autumn Afaiir( Main Street- Windham)- Chicken BBQ, entertainment and the food court will be on the lawn of Technett Computer Services, next to Bunce Realty on Main Street in Windham. Entertainment will include Smokin' Aces, Brad Berk, and - back by popular demand from an Autumn Affair two years ago - Chris Wilson. Sharon Phillips' "Music in Motion" will be performing on the United Methodist Church grounds for children's entertainment and pleasure. Christine Spero will be performing on Saturday from 2-5pm at Windham Wine and Liquor.

Gore Mountain - Oct 10-11

Gore Mountain Harvest Fest, North Creek

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ALL WEEKEND: Featuring The Ernie Williams Band & Raisinhead
HEARTY FALL FOOD & DRINK MENU: Including smoked turkey drumsticks and plenty of October beer!
SCENIC GONDOLA SKYRIDES & MOUNTAIN BIKING: Enjoy our famous fall activities during peak foliage
AN ARRAY OF ADIRONDACK VENDORS: Jewelers, photographers, artists, furniture makers, and SO much more CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINERS: Walking Magician & Penelope the Clown
CLIMBING WALL & EURO-BUNGEE: Bring on the fun!
AWESOME INFLATABLES FROM BOUNCE AROUND ENTERTAINMENT: Giant Slides, Obstacle Courses, Bounce HousesSTRAW MAZE: Only at Gore!

DON'T MISS THIS FANTASTIC FREE EVENT!

For more information about the REAL Oktoberfest: The Official Munich Oktoberfest

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Diether Endlicher

Loveland Basin set to open Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:26:00 +0000

Loveland Basin is set to open for skiing on Wednesday October 7, 2009 with an an 18 inch base and "tree to tree "coverage. It is the earliest opening day in 40 years. The ski area has been making snow since September 21.

Lift tickets will sell for $44 on opening day. Only one lift, Chair 1, will be open at Loveland Basin. The fun starts at 9 a.m.

Their chief competitor, Arapahoe Basin on the other side of the continental divide, will open on Friday.

McConkey invented fun on wide boards

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:06:00 +0000

Baltimore Ski Examiner Wendy Reeves has it right. Shane McConkey made powder skiing fun. Every time you take a turn on those "Big Boys" thank Shane.

McConkey invented fun on wide boards

Paul Andersen: Fair Game | AspenTimes.com

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Boutelle) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:33:00 +0000

Paul Andersen: Fair Game

The competition

Paul Andersen
The Aspen Times
Aspen, CO Colorado

An interesting comparison between Whistler-Blackcombe and Aspen. Two ski resort giants competing for your ski dollars.

The Ski Traveler Blog

Merry Christmas from the Ski Traveler

Ted Ligety speaks out on new GS equipment rules | Ski Racing

Alpine Arborists Tree Care Blog: Welcome to Alpine Arborists Tree Care

Der Weisse Rausch (The White Flame)

Merry Christmas Ski Travelers

Opening Day at Whiteface Mountain

Last day at Squaw Valley on May 29, 2010

Under the Eiger - near Kleine Schiedegg

Sun Valley Serenade

Northface

The Alta, Utah Rope Tow Wedgie

2010 U.S. alpine championship starts this Saturday at Whiteface

SI Cover - Andrew, Lindsey, Bode & Julia

U.S. men's ski torch is passed to Andrew Weibrecht

Andrew Weibrecht wins bronze

Attach a camera to your ski pole

NBC airs 38 minutes of Olympic downhill ski race- All for advertisers

Merry Christmas from The Ski Traveler

Andrew Weibrecht from Lake Placid, NY places 11th in Beaver Creek

Avalanche caught on a helmet cam

Get to Know a Blaster: Tyler Boutelle

October 8th, 2009

Skiing, Oktoberfest and Columbus Day weekend

Loveland Basin set to open Wednesday

McConkey invented fun on wide boards

Paul Andersen: Fair Game | AspenTimes.com

Paul Andersen: Fair Game

The competition

Paul AndersenThe Aspen TimesAspen, CO Colorado

Paul Andersen
The Aspen Times
Aspen, CO Colorado