Podcasts about adirondacks

This week on the Summit Sessions Team USA Bobsledder Adrian Adams joins me to talk al about the life of a Team USA bobsled athlete and living in Lake Placid full time as he pursues his Olympic dream.If you've ever wondered what it's like being a winter sports athlete who trains at all of these winter sports facilities in Lake Placid, this is the episode for you!Coonnect with Adrian on Instagram: @adrianadamsusaFollow Along on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46Get my books:1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue LineJoin the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE 6-week challenge and get in mountain-hiking shape in just 6 weeks from your local gym or your house. Learn more about the Great Range Athlete Team Program HERELooking for help to improve your both your fitness for hiking and your disicpline and daily habits so you can become the strongest version of yourself on and off the trail? Book a free strategy call with James to learn more about his 1-on-1 coaching program, SEEK TO DO MORE atwww.seektodomore.com/vsl Websites:www.46OUTDOORS.comwww.46OF46.com

(Apr 16, 2025) SUNY Plattsburgh officials say they're working to support an international student whose visa has been revoked; our Albany reporters break down how the state plans to address a severe staffing shortage in New York's prison system; and we learn about a new group in the Adirondacks that wants to connect young professionals so they can build lives in the North Country.

(Apr 10, 2025) We look at what President Donald Trump's plan to eliminate the federal Department of Education could mean for North Country school districts; Canton's sustainability committee is looking for volunteers for its first-ever Repair Fair; and North Words host Mitch Teich speaks with Aurora Pfaff about her book "Aviation in the Adirondacks," which tracks the history of flight in the North Country.

Scott Daskiewich claims that steelhead in the Great Lakes tributaries of New York consume green caddis nymphs. Once he persuades Rob that this is indeed true, they delve into various topics related to physical geography and fishing in the Tug Hill Plateau and the Adirondacks. Scott is affiliated with the Native Fish Coalition and talks about conservation initiatives aimed at restoring the Adirondack lacustrine brook trout population. The conversation will eventually shift to sandwiches as Scott talks about the local Cuban-style sandwich. Will this convince you to try green rock worm imitations for steelies? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready for an incredible literary journey that'll make you fall in love with children's books all over again! Meet Kate Messner, the mastermind behind "The Trouble with Heroes," a middle-grade novel that's way more than just a hiking adventure. Set in the breathtaking Adirondacks, the book follows Finn Connolly, a seventh-grader facing a unique challenge: climbing 46 mountain peaks instead of facing legal trouble. But here's the real magic - it's a powerful story about grief, resilience, and healing, especially poignant for kids who experienced loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the flip side, Christopher Silas Neal brings us "We Leap Together," a stunning picture book that creates an incredible parallel between a city-dwelling mother and child and a humpback whale and her calf. Inspired by a Brooklyn whale-watching trip, Neal shows us how drawing can unlock storytelling in the most unexpected ways. Both authors are passionate about more than just writing - they're creating bridges of understanding for families. They believe books are powerful tools for: Processing complex emotions Building empathy Encouraging creativity Helping kids understand resilience Pro tips for parents: Use books as conversation starters Read together regularly Explore stories that challenge and inspire Encourage your kids to embrace their emotions The real takeaway? Books are more than just words on a page. They're portals to understanding, healing, and connection. Whether you're dealing with grief, exploring nature, or just looking for an amazing story, these books offer something truly special. Want to spark imagination, build resilience, and create unforgettable family moments? Grab "The Trouble with Heroes" and "We Leap Together" - your next family adventure starts right now! Pro parent hack: Sometimes the best conversations happen between the pages of a great book. Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

(Apr 8, 2025) A family detained during a recent federal immigration investigation on a Jefferson County dairy farm is coming home after community pushback; we hear from a Rochester woman who's working to show people of color that they belong in the Adirondacks; and NCPR reporter Amy Feiereisel brings a sound quiz and tries to stump Monica and Catherine. 

(Apr 8, 2025) One of the challenges the Adirondacks face in drawing more diverse tourists to stay, shop, and visit here is that some people of color don't feel safe recreating outdoors. A Rochester-based woman is working to show her community that they can belong in the Adirondacks. Also: Gov. Hochul says the family detained on a Jefferson County dairy farm and sent to Texas were in "a living hell". But now they're back home after federal immigration officials released them.

At the end of this week's show, Elecia reads a Winnie the Pooh poem as Cookie Monster death metal. Before that, Chris and Elecia chat about mental health, journaling, personal projects, and listener questions.  Please sign up for the Nordic Giveaway!  You can also sign up for the Embedded newsletter. Maybe now with job postings? Elecia's journaling notebook is this one on JetPens (which is where she gets her nice pens and some of her stickers and washi tape).  From discussing some listener messages, we mentioned: Matt Keeter's talk on debuggability in production where you don't have access to the system that is faulting (video and slides) Letter boards (in the Adirondacks), see those in action here Wokwi simulator is a great place to get more embedded experience without buying all the kits. Christopher has said that there will not, definitely not, under any circumstances, be a whole death metal album of Winnie the Pooh poems. Elecia is practicing anyway.  Transcript Nordic Semiconductor has been the driving force for Bluetooth Low Energy MCUs and wireless SoCs since the early 2010s, and they offer solutions for low-power Wi-Fi and global Cellular IoT as well. If you plan on developing robust and battery-operated applications, check out their hardware, software, tools, and services.   On academy.nordicsemi.com, you'll find Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular IoT courses, and the Nordic DevZone community covers technical questions:  devzone.nordicsemi.com.   Oh, and don't forget to enter Nordic Semiconductor's giveaway contest! Just fill out the entrance form, and you're in the running. Good luck!

(Apr 4, 2025) Border Czar Tom Homan shed some light and raised  questions about the detention of seven people on a dairy farm in Jefferson County last week; DEC Forest Rangers and Adirondackers gathered this week to honor Trans Day of Visibility and remember ranger Robbi Mecus; Researchers at SUNY Canton are experimenting with new materials that could make houses more resistant to natural disasters; Congresswoman Stefanik is praising Trump's tariffs as important for an ‘America-first economy'; a Boston-based jazz musician is returning home to the North Country this Saturday night; and, another wintry mix weekend in the Adirondacks!

(Apr 4, 2025) This week marked one year since the death of one of the Adirondacks' most respected and skilled forest rangers. About 100 people gathered in Ray Brook Monday on Trans Day of Visibility to remember ranger Robbi Mecus. Also: Two workers were detained at a dairy farm in St. Lawrence County last week as federal immigration agents continue their crackdown across New York.

(Apr 4, 2025) Most backcountry gates closed for mud season. Waters around the region well above normal. At Lake Colden, 2,700 feet, there remains about 2 feet of snow.

Up the Adirondacks, by a lake, equipped with 22 beds, a garden, and recreational activities, Blue Mountain Center offers a social-justice oriented artist residency and conference program. Food is central in this experience, and there is currently an opening for a kitchen assistant. Blue Mountain Center Head Chef Intaba Liff-Anderson spoke with Sina Basila Hickey for Hudson Mohawk Magazine. Learn more: https://www.bluemountaincenter.org/blue-mountain-center-is-hiring

Can't make it to the Adirondacks? No worries! In this episode of ADK Talks, we embark on a literary expedition through the mountains, exploring books that capture the essence of the Adirondack experience.From thrilling tales set in the heart of the wilderness to insightful narratives about the region's rich history, we've curated a reading list that promises to transport you straight to the towering pines and serene lakes of the North Country.​Listen now.If you like what you hear, subscribe to ADK Talks Podcast and leave us a five-star review.Visit ADKtaste.com to explore more Adirondack stories.Whether you're an avid reader seeking your next great adventure or longing for the crisp air and rustling leaves of the Adirondacks, this episode offers a perfect blend of storytelling and exploration. Let us guide you through pages that echo the loon's call and the pines' whisper.​Our reading list.Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore CooperGod of the Woods by Liz MooreThe Spy Who Loved Me by Ian FlemingWoodswoman by Anne LaBastilleCloudsplitter by Russell BanksAmerican Tragedy by Theodore DreiserLoon Lake by E.L. Doctrow Mentioned in this podcast.Cooper's CaveFort William HenryRobert GarrowDouglas Legg and Great Camp SantanoniADKXJohn Brown FarmChester Gillette“A Place in the Sun”​Subscribe, listen, and let the Adirondack adventures begin—no hiking boots required!​

MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.MidPack Musings SubStackMidPacker Pod on ⁠Patreon⁠Check Out MPP Merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy's Coaching PageSTOKED TO PARTNER WITH  JANJI, COOPERATIVE COFFEE ROASTERS, & BEAR BUTT WIPES "Running became my therapy, my declaration that I was still here and still fighting."In this episode, Troy chats with Josh Ross—a carpenter, hunter, writer, and ultra-runner who lives life with intention and grit.Josh started running in 2019 with a half-mile jog and hasn't looked back. After growing up in the Adirondacks and reconnecting with nature in Wyoming, running became both a passion and a path to healing—especially after a leukemia diagnosis in 2020.Instead of slowing down, Josh committed to a 103-day running streak through treatment and personal upheaval. He later tackled his first ultra, a 55K with nearly 10,000 feet of gain—winning his age group and finding community on the trail.Outside of running, Josh writes the Front Porch Journal on Substack, where he shares reflections on simplicity, resilience, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. His writing has also appeared in Orion Magazine and High Country News.This is a story of movement, mindset, and making peace with the messiness of life.Motivational Takeaways:Embrace Challenges: Josh's journey illustrates the power of confronting obstacles head-on and using them as catalysts for growth.Find Balance: Navigating the demands of work, health, and personal passions requires intentionality and self-awareness.Value Community: Sharing experiences through writing and conversation fosters connection and mutual support.Relevant Links:Josh's Substack: Front Porch JournalJosh's Instagram: @blood_athletePartner Links: Janji - Janji.comA big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com,Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.Cooperative Coffee Roasters - Cooperativecoffeeroasters.comGet the best coffee in Asheville delivered right to your door! Each bag of Cooperative Coffee is responsibly sourced and intentionally crafted, from seed to cup. FIll your cup with wonder.Check them out at Cooperativecoffeeroasters.comUse the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and subscription order.Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.comPortable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option. Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean.Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.comUse the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's.⁠Freetrail⁠ - https://freetrail.com/Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram⁠ | ⁠Patreon⁠ | SubStackTroy Meadows Links: Instagram⁠ | Twitter⁠ | ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Strava⁠ Freetrail Links:⁠ Freetrail Pro⁠ | ⁠Patreon⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠YouTubeKeywords:Josh Ross, ultra-running, leukemia survivor, Front Porch Journal, resilience, trail running, carpentry, hunter, writer, Substack, Adirondacks, Wyoming, Orion Magazine, High Country News

Send us a textIn a special one-year anniversary celebration of the Steep Stuff Podcast, host James Lauriello sits down with mountain running sensation Bailey Kowalczyk for a revealing conversation about her remarkable journey from track athlete to three-time RUT 28K champion.Bailey takes us through her formative years in upstate New York, where weekend family hikes in the Adirondacks unknowingly built the foundation for her technical descending skills. "My dad would just sprint down the mountain," she recalls, "so my only option was to keep up." This early exposure to steep terrain fostered the fearlessness that would later define her racing style.The conversation doesn't shy away from darker chapters. Bailey opens up about her experience at Clemson University, where unhealthy coaching practices led to an eating disorder and her eventual medical removal from the team. At just 19, she believed her running career was over. Her move to Boulder, Colorado—ironically a running mecca—marked the beginning of her healing journey and eventual discovery of trail running.What makes this episode particularly captivating is Bailey's perspective on suffering. While most runners dread the pain of steep climbs, she's developed unique mental strategies to transform these moments into positive experiences. "I don't tell myself I'm grateful, but I think about reasons to be grateful," she explains, revealing the mantras that carry her through the sport's most challenging moments.The live audience Q&A brings additional depth as Bailey discusses her training approach, injury recovery philosophy, and future aspirations including OCC and qualifying for the World Mountain Running team. Her balanced attitude toward competition—admitting she'd be content just setting FKTs if racing wasn't an option—offers a refreshing perspective on what drives elite athletes.Whether you're a competitive mountain runner or simply fascinated by how athletes push their limits, Bailey's story of resilience and her unique relationship with technical terrain delivers powerful insights into athletic performance and personal growth. Subscribe now and join our community of mountain enthusiasts exploring the steeper side of running!Follow Bailey on IG - @baileykowalczykCheck out Bailey's Coaching - @baileykowalczykFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow The Steep Stuff on IG - @steepstuff_podCheck out Ultimate Direction and use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart !

In this deeply moving and reflective episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with spiritual teacher and writer Alexander Reynolds. Alex opens up about his transformative journey from a chaotic, hypersexualized life to one of spiritual clarity, lifelong celibacy, and poetic expression. This isn't a typical self-help talk—it's a soulful, raw exploration of presence, inner power, and the profound simplicity of being. Whether you're seeking spiritual alignment, trying to navigate desire, or learning how to thrive in silence amidst chaos, this conversation offers grounding insights that speak to the eternal part of you. About the Guest:Alexander Reynolds is a writer, spiritual teacher, and poetic soul living in the remote wilderness of the Adirondacks. A survivor of a tumultuous youth and near-death experience, Alex chose a life of intentional simplicity, celibacy, and devotion. Through his book Manifest Your Immaculate Conception, YouTube teachings, and rhythmic writings, he helps others rediscover the divine stillness within. Key Takeaways: Celibacy can be a path to empowerment, not deprivation Silence isn't the absence of noise, but the presence of awareness Art, especially spiritual poetry, awakens transformation Real presence comes from witnessing life, not controlling it Desire can be transcended—not judged—to uncover deeper joy True power lies in reclaiming your eternal essence Connect with Alexander Reynolds:Explore Alex's work and teachings through his book: Manifest Your Immaculate Conception.Follow him on YouTube for poetic insights and spiritual depth. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM on PodMatch – Send me a message:DM Me Here:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Subscribe To Newsletter:https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ Join Community:https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned And Follow Us!YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylifeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/Threads - https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.clubFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/ #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #podmatch

Could Bigfoot be roaming the vast wilderness of Adirondack Park? In this episode, we dive into chilling Bigfoot sightings near Lake Placid, Essex County, New York in the Adirondack Mountains, one of the most mysterious regions for Sasquatch activity.

Rick Spence is an apex expert on all things spies, occult, and conspiracy. A former professor at University of Idaho, he has a new podcast called Strange as it Seems where he tells the tales of many dark secrets you haven't heard before. He also has a series on Great Courses.We talk about the greatest spy in history, Kim Philby, as well as Aleister Crowly, MK Ultra, Scopalamine, Rudolf Hess being given Mexican Brain Poison, and Trotsky's number 2 being found dead in the Adirondacks. The Carousel is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecarousel.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Ewen Cameron wanted to win a Nobel Prize for his work in psychiatry. He never got one. He died of a heart attack while climbing a mountain in the Adirondacks in 1967. So we don't have access to Cameron's thoughts on his own legacy. But we do have his son, Duncan Cameron. In the final installment of “Madness," Amory and Ben sit down with Duncan and explore the shocking ways his father's methods are still being used today. "Madness: The Secret Mission for Mind Control and the People Who Paid the Price," an Endless Thread series in 5 parts, unravels the shocking history of CIA-funded mind-control experiments. This is Part 5. If you haven't heard Parts 1 through 4 yet, you can find them here, here, here, and here.

This is the story of the Great Range Athlete PHELPS Team. A group of 21 hikers who came together with the same goals: to impriove their physical fitness for their hiking adventures.This team stretched from Vermont to Washington state, and from Tennesee to Ontario. At the end of their 6-week training program we got together in the Adirondack High Peaks for a group hike up Phelps Mountain.Here's their story.Follow on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46Get my books:1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue LineJoin the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE 6-week challenge and get in mountain-hiking shape in just 6 weeks from your local gym or your house. Learn more about the Great Range Athlete Team Program HERELooking for help to improve your both your fitness for hiking and your disicpline and daily habits so you can become the strongest version of yourself on and off the trail? Book a free strategy call with James to learn more about his 1-on-1 coaching program, SEEK TO DO MORE atwww.seektodomore.com Visit my other websites:www.46OUTDOORS.comwww.46OF46.com

(Mar 21, 2025) The Olympics have inspired art since the first athletes came together in Greece almost three thousand years ago. This winter in the Adirondacks, about four hundred students came together to make art in the newest "Olympism" style. Also: A developer wants to build a 400-unit apartment complex in the town of Lake George.

(Mar 19, 2025) The biggest water users in the Adirondacks include towns, prisons, factories, golf courses, and Whiteface ski mountain. An Adirondack Explorer investigation looked at who uses the most water and how climate change will impact that usage. Also: One of the oldest newspapers in the country, in the central New York town of Cortland, has printed its final edition.

This is the full unedited audio of the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA)press conference on March 19. New York State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Deborah Glick are the lead sponsors. Environmental and civic groups that participated include American Lung Association, Beyond Plastics, Capitol District Zero Waste, Environmental Advocates NY, League of Women Voters, New York League dof Conservation Voters, New York State Association of Counties, NYPIRG and Protect the Adirondacks, Riverkeeper, Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter and Sisters of Charity. Dr. Kathy Nolan, a pediatrician active with Physicians for Social Responsibility, was a featured speaker. The bill (S.1464 / A.1749), which recently advanced in both the Senate and Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee, aims to significantly reduce packaging waste by requiring companies to reduce overall packaging use, improve recyclability, fund recycling infrastructure, support municipal recycling programs, and eliminate toxins in packaging materials. The legislation has broad approval from New Yorkers according to public polling. Solid waste, which has been rising steadily over the years, presents a serious challenge for New York's environment and the health of New Yorkers, as well as a burden on taxpayers. New York State's 25 municipal solid waste landfills could be full within the next 15 years, according to the NYS Solid Waste Management Plan. Incineration of waste creates air quality issues and increases greenhouse gas emissions. Further, municipalities bear the burden of collecting, sorting, and processing waste, driving up costs for taxpayers.

In this spine-tingling episode of ADK Talks, we delve into the shadows with the Adirondack Park Paranormal Society, the region's foremost team of ghost hunters and supernatural sleuths. Their expertise and experience have led them to investigate some of the most haunted locations in the Adirondacks, from eerie whispers in historic hotels to mysterious figures spotted deep in the woods.Join us as we explore the science and skepticism behind paranormal investigations, uncover the chilling history of the places they've researched, and hear firsthand accounts of encounters that defy explanation. Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or just love a good ghost story, this episode is for you. We welcome all perspectives, and this episode will have you questioning what lurks beyond the veil.Turn down the lights, turn up the volume, and prepare for a journey into the paranormal.In this episode, you'll hear about:Hotel SaranacTrudeau SanatoriumStagecoach Inn Lake PlacidRussia Union ChurchChester Gillette and Grace Brown murderHaunted Lake GeorgeOgdensburg, NYHerkimer County JailRoxalana DruseAlso mentioned in this podcast:The Sandy and ToddcastDeer's Head InnBarkeater Chocolate's Haunted HistoryThe Empathecary PodcastHistoric Saranac Lake ToursAPPS Facebook PageStay Weirdos Facebook GroupCliffside Coaster at Mt. VanhoevenbergADKX, the Museum at Blue Mountain LakeThe Wild Center in Tupper LakeStone Valley TrailADK Talks is brought to you by ADK Taste. We provide insight on the best places to stay, shop, eat and do in the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park in upstate New York. Visit our website, ADKtaste.com, and sign up for our weekly newsletter.Do you have questions or comments? Your feedback is invaluable, and we'd love to hear from you! Email us at info@adktaste.com.Remember to subscribe, rate and review us. We'd love to have you join our podcast community.Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcastinfo@nextdaypodcast.com

In this episode, we talk with Christian Bills, who takes us on an adventure through the backcountry of the Adirondacks. Kristen shares his experiences hunting in this beautiful, rugged landscape and tells us all about his time spent hunting out of a tent. From the challenges of the terrain to the thrill of the hunt, you'll get a real feel for what it's like to be deep in the wilderness. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just curious about the lifestyle, this episode is packed with stories and insights that you won't want to miss!

(Mar 14, 2025) Almost exactly five years ago, New York's schools shut down indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic; Adirondack regional and local leaders signed resolutions in support of APA's director Barb Rice after allegations of workplace toxicity; Governor Hochul is going to the White House today to negotiate with President Trump on a number of issues; a North Country HVAC technician talks about the job; and, John Warren previews a warm March weekend.

(Mar 14, 2025) Five years ago, schoolchildren went home with no plans to return to school because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We look at how those months of lost learning are still reverberating through the education system today. Also: Some leaders in the Adirondacks signed resolutions in support of APA's director Barb Rice after allegations of workplace toxicity.

(Mar 12, 2025) Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed an executive order that will bar the state from hiring striking corrections officers who have been terminated; the LGBTQ+ community gathered in the Adirondacks this past weekend for the region's first ever Winter Pride celebration; and five years after the COVID-19 pandemic paralyzed the world, we take a look back at how the first days unfolded in the North Country.

In this episode, we speak with Spencer Coplan, the head chef at the historic Deer's Head Inn in Elizabethtown. Spencer shares the joys of leading a kitchen that showcases local, regional, and sustainably produced foods. The Deer's Head Inn is ideally located in the Adirondacks' "breadbasket" within the Champlain Valley. Local farms and orchards provide a diverse range of products, including dairy, produce, meat, poultry, and maple syrup, which should excite any food enthusiast. Spencer offers unique insights into the region's exceptional food producers and shares some of his favorite kitchen hacks, equipment, and the best farm-to-table hot dog in the Adirondacks. These tips will enlighten and empower you in your kitchen.Mentioned in this podcast.Wild Work Farm in KeeneSugar House Creamery in JayJuniper Hill Farm in WadhamsEcho Farm in EssexNoon Mark Diner in Keene ValleyOscar's in WarrensburgIluka in Copenhagen, DenmarkHamlet and Ghost in SaratogaSlow BurnChapel Pond in KeeneADK Talks is brought to you by ADK Taste. We provide insight on the best places to stay, shop, eat and do in the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park in upstate New York. Visit our website, ADKtaste.com, and sign up for our weekly newsletter.Do you have questions or comments? Your feedback is invaluable, and we'd love to hear from you! Email us at info@adktaste.com.Remember to subscribe, rate and review us. We'd love to have you join our podcast community.Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcastinfo@nextdaypodcast.com

THE UNFORGETTING Ten years ago, Reagan's friend died in a tragic accident. But what if it wasn't an accident? The morning after a raging college graduation party, we found Lanie Martin lying at the bottom of a ravine, her neck snapped in a fatal fall. And I'm not proud of what came next. Before we called the police, we covered ourselves. Cleaned up from the blow-out at Ella's cabin in the Adirondacks the night before. Got our stories straight. Ella begged me not to tell the police what I saw. She insisted that it was an accident—and we all went along. What did I know? I was plastered that night, and large chunks of that evening are missing for me. But now, in my postpartum state, memories are starting to return, and I can't help but feel that they might be connected to the soul crushing depression I've been experiencing. Is it guilt? Or do I know more than I think I do? So when I receive Ella's invitation for a ten-year reunion at her family camp—a gathering of remembrance and healing, she's calling it—I know I have to go. Are the memories I'm struggling to recover the key to my moving on? To being able to take care of my infant son and stay married to the perfect man? Or are they a death sentence for me, too?  ABOUT THE AUTHOR Bonnie Traymore is the Amazon charts bestselling author of eight domestic/psychological thrillers. Her thrillers feature strong but relatable female protagonists who peel back the layers of suburban American life and give readers a peek inside. The plots explore difficult topics such as jealousy, infidelity, murder, and the impact of psychological disorders, but she also includes bits of romance and humor to lighten the mood from time to time.  Bonnie loves Hitchcock movies, psychological thriller novels, coffee, and dark chocolate, not necessarily in that order and sometimes simultaneously. She has a doctorate in United States history and resides in Honolulu with her family. She's an active member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America. Learn more about Bonnie Traymore and her work at: http://www.bonnietraymore.com/  TOPICS OF CONVERSATION The Inspiration and Themes of The Unforgetting – Discussing the premise of the novel, its connection to memory, unreliable narration, and the influence of Agatha Christie's locked-room mysteries. Character Development and Psychological Depth – Exploring Reagan's struggles with postpartum depression, self-doubt, and past trauma, as well as the dynamics of memory loss and personal growth. The Role of Setting and Atmosphere – How the Adirondacks contribute to the story's sense of beauty, isolation, and danger, and the importance of location in creating suspense. Suspense-Building Techniques and Thriller Elements – The use of microtensions, dual narration, past and present timelines, and real-life research on memory and substance use to enhance the story's psychological depth. Bonnie Traymore's Writing Journey and Upcoming Projects – Her evolution as a thriller writer, shifting from plot-driven to more character-focused storytelling, her new book Swipe, and the upcoming audiobook release of The Unforgetting.

March 10, 2025 - Adirondack Explorer reporter Gwen Craig highlights the stalled campaign to develop an official gateway to the Adirondacks, which has been slowed in part by state land title practices.

Deep in the Adirondack wilderness, beyond the reach of roads and civilization, lived a man who became a legend—Noah John Rondeau, the Hermit of Cold River. For nearly 40 years, he lived completely off the land, building his own village, decoding his thoughts in mysterious journals, and welcoming the occasional visitor to his remote paradise.But what drove Rondeau to leave society behind? How did he survive in one of the most rugged parts of the Adirondacks? And how did he go from a true recluse to an Adirondack icon?In this episode, we take you deep into the life of Noah John Rondeau, exploring:✅ His life in the Cold River wilderness—how he built shelters, hunted, fished, and thrived alone✅ His unexpected rise to fame, despite choosing to live in solitude✅ The mystery of his coded journals and what they reveal about his life✅ How a powerful storm forced him from his home and changed his life foreverNoah John Rondeau wasn't just a man who lived in the woods—he was a symbol of self-reliance, freedom, and the deep connection between humans and nature. His story is one of adventure, resilience, and mystery.So grab a seat by the fire, and let's journey back in time to meet the last true Adirondack hermit.Get my books:1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue LineJoin the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE 6-week challenge and get in mountain-hiking shape in just 6 weeks from your local gym or your house. Learn more about the Great Range Athlete Team Program HERELooking for help to improve your both your fitness for hiking and your disicpline and daily habits so you can become the strongest version of yourself on and off the trail? Book a free strategy call with James to learn more about his 1-on-1 coaching program, SEEK TO DO MORE atwww.seektodomore.com Visit my other websites:www.46OUTDOORS.comwww.46OF46.comFollow on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46

Step back in time to an era of lavish retreats and untamed wilderness. In this episode, we uncover the rich history of the iconic Adirondack great camp Sagamore—once the private getaway of the Vanderbilt family. Explore the intriguing blend of luxury and nature, shaping a unique legacy of rustic elegance. From grand lodges to hidden trails, we explore Sagamore's stories, architecture, and its enduring impact. Whether you're a history buff or a lover of the Adirondacks, this is one adventure you won't want to miss.For more information.Learn more about the topics we discuss:Great Camp Sagamore“Adventures in the wilderness, or, Camp-life in the Adirondacks” by W. H. H. MurrayAlfred Gwynne VanderbiltMargaret Emerson VanderbiltGrandparent & Grandchild CampAlso mentioned in this podcast:Adirondack ExperienceGiant MountainWestport, NYBallard Park in WestportADK Talks is brought to you by ADK Taste. We provide insight on the best places to stay, shop, eat, and do things in the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park in upstate New York. Visit our website, ADKtaste.com, and sign up for our weekly newsletter.Do you have questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at info@adktaste.com.

Ask us a question, or tell us what you thought of this episode!Do you like maple syrup? Here in the Adirondacks, maple syrup is more than just a sweet treat. It's a major industry and a big piece of New York state history. Listen in to learn about the science behind maple sugaring, and about how Abbott Augustus Low pioneered new syrup making technologies around the turn of the 20th century. 

November 20th, 2010—As darkness fell on Lake Placid New York, a 22-year-old hiker set off into the High Peaks Wilderness after his shift at The Downtown Diner. Several hiking parties spotted him in his green Carhartt jacket before vanishing into the trees two miles in. Days later, that jacket was found. He was not. Join us this week as we unravel the disappearance of Wesley Wamsganz.Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknownCheck out our other shows on the Unknown Media Network:Crime Off The GridOff The TrailsThe Peanut Butter and Mountains PodcastThe Weirdos We Know  Who Runs This ParkNew Patreon Shoutouts: Nick Speaker Want to help the show out and get even more Locations Unknown content!  For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Patron of Locations Unknown and get access to our episodes early, special members only episode, free swag, swag contests, and discounts to our Locations Unknown Store!  Become a Patron of the Locations Unknown Podcast by visiting our Patreon page.  (https://www.patreon.com/locationsunknown)  All our Patreon only content (Audio & Video) can now be accessed via Spotify.  (Active subscription to our Patreon channel is required.) -- Locations Unknown Subscriber Only Show | Podcast on Spotify  Want to call into the show and leave us a message?  Now you can!  Call 208-391-6913 and leave Locations Unknown a voice message and we may air it on a future message! View live recordings of the show on our YouTube channel: Locations Unknown - YouTubePresented by Unknown Media Group.Hosts: Mike Van de Bogert & Joe EratoResearcher: Cherish GreenBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/locations-unknown--6183838/support.

The week is finally here—my new book, The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: A Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks, is officially out!This isn't just a hiking guide; it's a blueprint for adventure, a resource to help you plan, prepare, and experience the Adirondack High Peaks the way they were meant to be explored.In this episode, I take you inside the book, reading excerpts and sharing my personal journey from my first Adirondack peak to my 46th. Whether you're just starting your High Peaks journey or you're well on your way to becoming a 46er, this book (and this episode) will help you navigate the trails, overcome challenges, and embrace the transformation that comes with climbing these mountains.Tune in as I discuss:✅ What's inside the book – how it organizes the 46 High Peaks into 18 hikes to help you plan your adventure✅ My own journey hiking the Adirondacks and how these mountains changed me✅ The emotional & physical transformation that happens between peak #1 and peak #46✅ How this book can help YOU hike smarter, safer, and with more confidenceAnd of course, I'll be reading some of my favorite passages from the book along the way!Order your copy today & start your High Peaks adventure!Get my books:The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue LineJoin the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE 6-week challenge and get in mountain-hiking shape in just 6 weeks from your local gym or your house. Learn more about the Great Range Athlete Team Program HERELooking for help to improve your both your fitness for hiking and your disicpline and daily habits so you can become the strongest version of yourself on and off the trail? Book a free strategy call with James to learn more about his 1-on-1 coaching program, SEEK TO DO MORE atwww.seektodomore.com Visit my other websites:www.46OUTDOORS.comwww.46OF46.comFollow on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46

The Valley Girls had fun chatting with Brett Barry and Rebecca Rego Barry, two of the four new owners of Purple Mountain Press. Since 1973, Purple Mountain Press has been publishing books about the Catskills right here in the Catskills. Today, their catalog spans the Hudson Valley, Mohawk Valley, Adirondacks, Lake George and more, with works covering history, art, nature, and folklore. We chatted with Rebecca and Brett about Alf Evers, books bound in human skin, our love for our mutual friend Janna Brooke Wallack's debut novel, Naked Girl, and more. As heard in the episode: The Print House, wine, music, cocktails, & food in the former home of Purple Mountain Press, Fleischmanns, NY Did you like Brett's Washington Irving? Get much more of Brett as Washington Irving on our holiday episode. (Skip to 13:41 for immediate Brettification.) OUR Bookshop, Saugerties Brett getting the Alf Evers seal of approval Press release from Purple Mountain Press Kaatscast: The Catskills Podcast with host Brett Barry ⁠Silver Hollow Audio production studio owned by Brett and RebeccaThanks for listening! To help support the Valley Girls, please follow our podcast from our show page, leave a rating and review, and please spread the word and share our podcast with others. We really appreciate your support!To stay up to date and for more content you can find us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠valleygirlspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/ValleyGirlsPodNY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/@ValleyGirlsPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and also check out the Newsletter and Pod Squad tab on our website to sign up for our e-mail newsletter and join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠so you never miss a thing! All links can also be found in our Instagram bio.Episode music by Robert Burke Warren entitled Painting a Vast Blue Sky can be found at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠robertburkewarren.bandcamp.com/track/painting-a-vast-blue-sky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

(Feb 26, 2025) A labor relations expert says the ongoing wildcat strikes at New York's prisons fit in with a national trend of workers who want to see change; we travel to Titus Mountain to join a group of college students visiting the Adirondacks — and trying their hand at snow tubing during a blizzard; and Kitty O'Neil from the Cornell Cooperative Extension stops by to talk about how the new Trump administration could impact the North Country's farmers.

(Feb 26, 2025) For people who grew up in cities, the outdoors can feel like an unfamiliar and intimidating place to be, especially in the winter. We profile a program that brings college students to the Adirondacks to embrace recreation in nature. Also: Two inmates have died at a prison in central New York since corrections officers starting walking off the job.

When watching a movie or TV show, have you ever felt the sensation the place on the screen looks very familiar? You might be surprised to learn about the movies and TV series filmed in the Adirondacks.In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Greater Adirondack Film Commissioner Eric Granger. He shares the behind-the-scenes stories of his work, attracting filmmakers to the Adirondacks, and the unique experiences of working with them.Discover the global appeal of the Adirondacks as a film location. Filmmakers have not only used it as a backdrop for New York State's North Country but also as a stand-in for other locations worldwide. Eric also shares some exclusive insights from the sets of different productions filmed here. Mentioned in this podcast:Adirondack FilmLights, Camera, Adirondacks - the article that inspired this episodeLake Placid Film Festival“Succession's” Nicholas Braun's Vanity Fair on-location photo diaryADK Talks is brought to you by ADK Taste. We provide insight on the best places to stay, shop, eat and things to do in the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park in upstate New York. Visit our website, ADKtaste.com, and sign up for our weekly newsletter.Do you have questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at info@adktaste.com.

(Feb 25, 2025) As a wildcat strike at New York state prisons enters its second week, the debate is moving to the Capitol; a new program aims to improve communication between law enforcement and drivers on with autism; and we'll meet a young man from the southern Adirondacks who just got into waterfowl hunting last season. 

(Feb 24, 2025) The North Country's population has been getting older for decades. Our North Country @ Work project is talking to younger people about the work they do and what keeps them in the region. A profile of a construction worker from Pennsylvania. Also: Republicans urged Gov. Hochul to make reforms that will persuade corrections workers to end their strikes at state prisons.

This week I'm back with an Adirondacks Pioneer episode about the one and only, William H.H. Murray, better known as Adirondack Murray. Adirondack Murray played a massive role in shaping the Adirondacks as we know them today. His 1869 book, Adventures in the Wilderness, inspired a wave of tourism, introducing city dwellers to the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains. But his influence wasn't without controversy—many who followed his words were unprepared for the harsh realities of the wild, earning them the nickname "Murray's Fools."In this episode, we dive into:✅ Murray's role in popularizing the Adirondacks✅ The tourism boom and backlash of the 1870s✅ How his legacy still impacts outdoor culture todayJoin the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE 6 week challenge and get in mountain-hiking shape in just 6 weeks from your local gym or your house. Learn more about the Great Range Athlete Team Program HEREOrder my new book "The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to the High Peaks" HERELooking for help improving your fitness and resilience for hiking so you can become the strongest version of yourself on and off the trail? Book a free strategy call with James to learn more about his 1-on-1 coaching program, SEEK TO DO MORE atwww.seektodomore.com Visit my other websites:www.46OUTDOORS.comwww.46OF46.comFollow on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46Order my latest bookAdirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore From Inside the Blue LineOrder LinksAmazon LinkBarnes & Nobles LinkIndieBound Link

Meet Adam, a man who has spent his entire life navigating the rugged terrain of the ADK's, honing his skills, and developing a profound connection with nature. Adam shares his incredible stories from the wild, offering insights into hunting techniques, wildlife behavior, and the unique challenges of Hunting The Big woods of the ADK's. Whether you're an experienced outdoorsman or just curious about the hunting lifestyle, join Adam for an authentic journey into the wilderness that will inspire and educate. Tune in and discover the untamed beauty of the Adirondacks like never before.

In this episode of the 8750 podcast, the hosts navigate through technical difficulties, share personal updates, and discuss their experiences living in the Adirondacks. They delve into movie discussions, the dynamics of podcasting relationships, and humorous anecdotes about wildlife encounters. The conversation also touches on gaming interests and the impact of medications like Adderall on daily life. In this conversation, the participants delve into their personal experiences with gaming, discussing nostalgia, addiction, and the evolution of gaming platforms. They explore the impact of game design on player experience, share humorous anecdotes about dreams related to gaming, and debate the perspectives on classic characters like Gaston from Beauty and the Beast. The conversation also touches on personal stories and life experiences, including serious topics like past legal issues. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of false allegations, the challenges of navigating the legal system, and the impact of plea deals on individuals' lives. They discuss the flaws in the justice system that often favor victims without proper evidence, leading to wrongful convictions. The conversation shifts to pop culture references, humor, and the dynamics of content creation, highlighting the importance of accountability and the pitfalls of ego in the online space. Finally, they explore the nuances of trolling and misunderstandings on social media, particularly among different generations. In this segment, the conversation flows through various personal anecdotes, including family outings, pet care challenges, and the pressures of balancing family life with special occasions. The speakers share humorous and heartfelt stories about their children, pets, and the unexpected twists that come with being a parent and pet owner. In this lively conversation, the hosts engage in humorous banter, share bizarre news stories, and delve into the absurdities of recent legislative proposals, particularly focusing on a controversial bill regarding ejaculation and reproductive rights. They also discuss gun control laws and share personal anecdotes, including encounters with celebrities like Joe Rogan, all while maintaining a light-hearted and comedic tone throughout. The conversation explores various themes including height preferences in dating, the dynamics of online interactions, humorous anecdotes from the Super Bowl, a unique birthday celebration of a 104-year-old woman, and controversial moments involving celebrities. The speakers share personal experiences and opinions, creating a lively and engaging discussion. In this episode, the hosts navigate through various topics including technical difficulties in podcasting, the importance of consistency, personal anecdotes about snowboarding, political discussions, and humorous advice for unconventional situations. They also celebrate personal milestones and discuss the dynamics of friendship and sacrifices made for one another. The conversation is light-hearted and filled with laughter, showcasing the camaraderie among the hosts.

Send us some fan mail here!Nick has had a crazy week with a family illness and Josh is all tied up, so Ash sits down with Nick to bang out a quick S(mall)PUDs episode! The forever-hiking buddies discuss their journey, experiences, and challenges (thus far) hiking with their daughter from the age of 2 weeks to nearly 2.5 years!Local hikes in Rehoboth at 2 weeks with Daddy, summit dances on Mount Willard, many ascents of Mount Wachusett, Mount Van Hoevenburg in the Adirondacks, losing pinecones on Hedgehog Mountain, a temper tantrum on Mount Stinson, day hiking some of the Long Trail, sleeping in a carrier pack, forgetting a puffy and substituting with a blanket and hand warmers, hot days on the Cliff Walk in Newport, sunsets on Bald Mountain,"snackies" are paramount, plus many more "family" hiking stories, on this all-about-hiking-with-a-young-kiddo-episode of the PUDs Podcast!!!Episode Links:Osprey Poco Child CarrierErgobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier (7-45lbs)Hedgehog Mountain with Ash & Rylan on Nick's YouTube ChannelMount Stinson with Ash & Rylan on Nick's YouTube ChannelSunset Ledge on the Long Trail with Ash & Rylan on Nick's YouTube ChannelKingsbury Reservoir Loop with Ash & Rylan on Nick's YouTube ChannelMount Willard with Ash, Rylan, Wilkie, Lorrie, & Mike on Nick's YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram: @pudspodcastFollow us on Facebook: PUDs PodcastSubscribe to Nick's YouTube Channel: Nick in NatureFollow Nick on Instagram: @nick__in__natureFollow Josh on Instagram: @josh___talksEmail us at: pudspod@outlook.comRecorded and Produced in Black Cat Studios by Nick Sidla© 2025 PUDs Podcast

(Feb 18, 2025) We hear about rescues in the Adirondacks all the time, but we rarely hear from the people who got rescued. A Canadian woman wanted to go public to praise Rangers after they airlifted her partner to safety over the weekend. Also: About a hundred people gathered in Elizabethtown yesterday to protest President Trump's executive orders and Elon Musk's federal job cutting.

Alison interviews Timothy about his new book, I Have Never Minded the Loneliness: Hermits and Their Stories. We discuss the book, hermits and their pets, John Smith, John Stink, the Hermit Queen of Happy Hollow, the Giant Hermit of the Adirondacks, the Old Leather Man, and more. Timothy reads the stories of hermits Left-Handed Charley, who was caught in a lie by Theodore Roosevelt, and Truman “Commodore” Downs, who claimed the planet Mars as his birthplace. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.com/StrangeFamiliars If you would prefer a one-time payment to help us out, here is a PayPal.me link - you can change the number 25 in the URL to any amount: https://www.paypal.me/timothyrenner/25Strange Familiars merch: https://www.strangefamiliars.com/merchGIVE THE GIFT OF STRANGE FAMILIARS: https://www.patreon.com/StrangeFamiliars/giftOur Strange Familiars / Lost Grave etsy shop has art, books, patches, t-shirts, and more ... including original art done for Strange Familiars: https://lostgrave.etsy.comFollow us on Whatnot: https://whatnot.com/invite/strangefamiliarsEpisode 511 notes and links:PRE-ORDER I Have Never Minded the Loneliness here: https://lostgrave.etsy.com/listing/1846191158Episode image is a cyanotype photograph of Jennie Jahonica, the Hermit Queen of Happy Hollow – from the collection of Timothy Renner. Strange Familiars Curiosity of the Week #141: DEVIL postcardThis postcard can be purchased from our etsy shop: https://lostgrave.etsy.com/listing/1852493342Please support Kiya.Life and their work at Pine Ridge.KIYA.LIFE: https://kiya.lifeLancaster Conservancy: https://www.lancasterconservancy.orgProtect Cuff's Run: https://www.lancasterconservancy.org/protect-cuffs-run/Riverbend Comics: https://www.riverbendcomics.comRiverbend Comics Instagram: @riverbendcomicsTimothy's books: https://www.amazon.com/Timothy-Renner/e/B072X44SD5Chad's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNB7MSJ2F1SRBPcQsEFLnvg (make sure to subscribe to Chad's channel, Ruck Rabbit Outdoors.)Chad's etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RuckRabbitOutdoorsTo help with the Capuchin Day Center's work with the homeless you can donate here: https://www.capuchindaycentre.ieand here: https://www.cskdetroit.orgMaynard's GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/maynard-walk-againContact us via email at: strangefamiliarspodcast@gmail.comhttp://www.facebook.com/strangefamiliarsJoin the Strange Familiars Gathering group on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strangefamiliars/instagram: @strangefamiliarshttp://www.strangefamiliars.comIntro and background music by Stone Breath. You can find more at http://stonebreath.bandcamp.comThe closing song is Call the Fallen Wood, Touch the Cold Bones by Stone Breath from the Who is Listening? album: https://stonebreath.bandcamp.com/album/who-is-listeningSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/strange-familiars/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This podcast hit paid subscribers' inboxes on Jan. 23. It dropped for free subscribers on Jan. 30. To receive future episodes as soon as they're live, and to support independent ski journalism, please consider an upgrade to a paid subscription. You can also subscribe to the free tier below:WhoJustin Steck, owner of Steeplechase ski area, MinnesotaRecorded onJanuary 7, 2025About SteeplechaseOwned by: Justin SteckLocated in: Mazeppa, MinnesotaYear founded: 1999, by Kevin Kastler; closed around 2007; re-opened Feb. 4, 2023 by SteckPass affiliations: Freedom Pass, which offers three days for Steeplechase season passholders at each of these ski areas:Reciprocal partnersClosest neighboring ski areas: Coffee Mill (:45), Welch Village (:41)Base elevation: 902 feetSummit elevation: 1,115 feetVertical drop: 213 feetSkiable acres: 45 acresAverage annual snowfall: N/ATrail count: 21 (9 easy, 7 intermediate, 5 advanced)Lift count: 4 (2 triples, 2 doubles – view Lift Blog's inventory of Steeplechase's lift fleet)Why I interviewed himThey seem to be everywhere, once you know where to look. Abandoned ski areas, rusting, fading. Time capsules. Hoses coiled and stacked. Chairs spaced and numbered along the liftline. Paperwork scattered on desks. Doors unlocked. No explanation. No note. As though the world stopped in apocalypse.America has lost more ski areas than it has kept. Most will stay lost. Many are stripped, almost immediately, of the things that made them commercially viable, of lifts and snowguns and groomers, things purchased at past prices and sold at who-cares discounts and irreplaceable at future rates. But a few ski areas idle as museums, isolated from vandals, forgotten by others, waiting, like ancient crypts, for a great unearthing.Who knew that Steeplechase stood intact? Who knew, really, that the complex existed in the first place, those four motley cobbled-together chairlifts spinning, as they did, for just eight years in the Minnesota wilderness? As though someone pried open a backlot shed on a house they'd purchased years before and found, whole and rebuilt, a Corvette of antique vintage. Pop in a new battery, change the sparkplugs, inflate the tires, and it's roaring once again.Sometimes in the summer I'll wander around one of these lost ski areas, imagining what it was, what it could be again. There's one a bit over an hour north of me, Tuxedo Ridge, its four double chairs stilled, its snowguns pointed skyward, holes in the roof and skis scattered about the lodge. To restore a ski area, I sometimes think, is harder than to build one whole from the earth. Most operators I speak with recoil at the very idea.Which is why, I think, most lost ski area rebuilding or revitalization stories are led by outsiders: Norway Mountain, Holiday Mountain, Tenney, Teton Pass, Paul Bunyan. By the time they realize they're doing an impossible thing, they've done too much to surrender. When Steck acquired the Steeplechase property around 2016, he didn't really know what he'd do with it. He wanted land, and here was some land. Except the land happened to hold a forgotten-but-intact ski area.Bit by bit, he rebuilt the business: restoring the chapel for weddings, then the tubing lanes, then the chairlifts. He didn't ask permission. He didn't make any big proclamation. Suddenly, one winter day in 2023, a ski area that everyone had forgotten was a ski area reappeared in the world. And isn't that interesting?What we talked aboutA much stronger start to the 2024-25 Midwestern winter; big expansion potential and when that could happen; the mental march through the rough 2023-24 winter; considering future non-holiday midweek operations; snowmobile racing; how a house-flipping career led Steck to Steeplechase; a snapshot of the ski area lost in time in 2016; rebuilding a ski hill is “a big logistical nightmare on a regular basis,” especially during Covid; the fuzzy origins of Steeplechase's four chairlifts; Midwest tough; Steeplechase's founding; Freedom Pass; why Steeplechase isn't on Indy Pass even though a spring announcement indicated that the ski area would be; and potentially America's first 2025-26 season pass sale.What I got wrongMy ski-areas-that-double-as-snowmobile-areas breakdown was not quite right. Cockaigne was, as far as I know, the only New York ski area to explicitly turn a portion of its trails over to snowmobiles, and only during the ski area's short-lived resurgence (2020 to 2022-ish). Check out the circa 2020 trailmap - all the green-laced trails have been set aside as a snowmobile fun park:That whole section was once ski trails, and the Hall double that served them is, as far as I know, still standing (lift E below):Cockaigne is not currently an active ski area.I also mentioned Snow Ridge, New York as being a snowmobile-friendly ski area, but what I meant by that was that snowmobilers often use the ski area's parking lot to access trails that happen to connect there. The same dynamic seems to play out at Royal Mountain, which sits a bit farther south in the Adirondacks.Why now was a good time for this interviewThe typical ski area re-opening story is public, incremental, tortuous, and laced with doubt. See: Saddleback, Hatley Pointe, Cuchara, Granite Gorge, Norway. Will they or won't they? Haters and doubters commandeer the narrative. “Never gonna happen.” Then it happens and I'm all like phew. High fives and headlines.But Steeplechase just… reappeared. It was the damnedest thing. Like a Japanese ghost ship bumping onto the Oregon shoreline years after its dislodge-by-tsunami. Oh that thing? We'd forgotten all about it. One day Steck just turned two lifts on and said come ski here and people did.When I spoke to Steck a couple of months after that February 2023 soft opening, he underscored his long-term intention to fully re-open the bump. The following ski season – last winter – was the worst in the recorded history of Midwest skiing. Steck somehow punched his way through the high temps and rain that challenged even the most seasoned operators. He'd restored all the lifts, amped up the snowmaking, cleared the old trails. Steeplechase, a ski area that was barely a ski area to begin with, had, improbably, returned. Permanently, it seemed.The story doesn't make a lot of sense in a 2025 U.S. ski world dominated by national ski passes, consolidation, and the exploding cost of everything. But it happened: a guy who'd never worked in skiing and didn't know much about skiing bought and restored a Midwest ski area with little fuss and fanfare. And now it exists. And there's a lot we can learn from that.Why you should ski SteeplechaseConsider the ski-area-as-artwork. One person's interpretation of wilderness bent in service of ordered recreation, with the caprice of winds and weather intact. Run a lift up one face, hack a trail down another. A twitch and a bend, re-ordered by machines. Trees left over there. Go ahead and ski between them if there's snow. A logic to it, but bewildering too, the manifestation of a human mind carved into an incline.Context is important here. Crazy old Merls were hacking trails all over the country in the decades after World War II, stringing inexpensive lifts from valley to summit with little concern for whether the snow would fall. But it's incredible that Steeplechase opened in 1999, near the end of the Ski Area Extinction Event that began in the mid-70s, with four cobbled-together chairlifts and a surprisingly broad and varied trail network.Imagine someone doing that today? It's hard to. At least in North America. That makes Steeplechase one of the last of its kind, the handmade ski area willed into being by good ole' boys nailing s**t together. That is failed once is unsurprising. That it returned as a second-generation, second-hand relic is a kind of miracle. There aren't a lot of ski areas left like Steeplechase – unfussy, unfrenzied, improvisational works-in-progress that you can pull up to and ski without planning two election cycles in advance. You're unlikely to have the best ski day of your life here, but it's pretty cool that you can ski here at all. And so why not go do it?Podcast notesOn expansion potentialThe Google Earth view of Steeplechase hides the little ski area's big expansion potential, as it's hard to tell where the earth rises and dips. Looking at the topo map side-by-side, however, and you can see the ridgelines rising off what may be an ancient riverbed, leaving plenty of hills to build into:On Midwest toughI grew up in the Midwest and moved away a couple of decades ago. Transplanted onto the East Coast, I can appreciate some inherent Midwestern character traits that are less prevalent outside the region, including an ability to absorb foul weather. One of the best articulations of this that I've read was in this 2006 New York Times piece, on Wyoming industry recruiting workers from Michigan:Wyoming recruiters say there is another element to their admiration for Michigan. Not only are the people there akin to Wyomingites in the ways and wiles of work, but they also have an inner toughness, they say, that can only come from surviving harsh northern winters.The state tried a job campaign in the South last fall after Hurricane Katrina, hoping to draw displaced oil industry workers. But the effort largely flopped when people who were used to working on the balmy Gulf Coast got wind of what life can be like in Wyoming in January.On Steeplechase's season passSteeplechase may have launched America's first 2025-26 ski season pass: for $300, ski the rest of this winter and next. Get full access to The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast at www.stormskiing.com/subscribe