Podcasts about sunapee

Send us a textHave you ever wondered how elite mountain runners balance their athletic pursuits with demanding professional careers? In this captivating episode, we dive deep with Jamie Brusa, a PhD marine biologist who doubles as one of the top competitors in the Cirque Series mountain races.Jamie shares her fascinating journey from middle school runner who feared distance events to collegiate track athlete at the University of Illinois, and eventually to becoming an elite mountain runner. What makes her story particularly compelling is how she navigates two seemingly disconnected worlds - analyzing North Atlantic right whale movements from her computer in Montana while training for some of the most challenging mountain races in the country.The conversation reveals powerful insights about the complementary relationship between intellectual and physical pursuits. Jamie explains how running provides essential mental breaks from complex statistical problems, while her scientific approach to problem-solving enhances her training. Her refreshing philosophy on goal-setting challenges conventional wisdom, distinguishing between goals and desires to maintain a positive mindset regardless of race outcomes.We explore the nuts and bolts of Jamie's training approach, her preparation for the upcoming USA Mountain Running Championships at Sunapee, and how she manages to compete at an elite level while balancing a full-time scientific career. For anyone juggling multiple passions or seeking to understand how different life pursuits can enhance rather than compete with each other, this episode offers valuable wisdom from someone who's mastered the balance.Subscribe and join us for more conversations with remarkable athletes who are redefining what's possible both on and off the mountain trails.Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podUse code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com! 

Send us a textSydney Petersen stands at the threshold of a defining moment in her trail running career as she prepares for the Sunapee Scramble—a race that could earn her a coveted spot on Team USA. In this candid pre-race conversation, she opens up about her journey, aspirations, and the meticulous preparation leading up to this pivotal competition.Fresh from attending the Brooks Summit with what she describes as "the most stacked trail team in the world," Sydney offers unique insights into the professional side of trail running. Her training build has been comprehensive, mixing tempo runs and flat speed work while waiting for mountain trails to melt, then transitioning to technical terrain work as conditions improved. A recent 20-mile effort—her longest run ever—has provided a crucial confidence boost heading into race week.Sydney's refreshing perspective on race strategy reveals the mind of an elite athlete who has learned from experience: "Every time I go into a race with a really concrete plan, it never turns out well for me." Instead, she emphasizes presence, adaptability, and responding to the flow of competition in the moment. This approach seems particularly well-suited for the unpredictable nature of the Sunapee course and its formidable field of competitors, including aggressive front-runners like Allie McLaughlin.When asked about her preference for race day conditions, her answer speaks volumes about her mental toughness: "The poorer the conditions are and just the gnarlier it is, the better." Training in the extreme climate of Colorado's Gunnison Valley at 9,000 feet has prepared her to embrace rather than fear challenging environments.Listen in as Sydney discusses the emotional significance of potentially making Team USA after coming close but falling short of goals throughout her running career, her equipment choices for the technical East Coast trails, and her ambitious plans for the season beyond Sunapee—including competing in both events at the ultra-competitive Broken Arrow Skyrace. Her journey represents the evolving landscape of American trail running as it continues to attract world-class talent and global attention.Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podUse code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com! 

Send us a textRachel Tomajczyk pulls back the curtain on elite mountain running preparation in this compelling pre-Sunapee Scramble conversation. With multiple World Championship appearances under her belt, Rachel's approach to race preparation reveals the scientific precision that separates good mountain runners from the truly elite.The fascinating physiological discussion around altitude adaptation offers breakthrough insights for athletes at all levels. Rachel articulates how different limiting factors—aerobic capacity versus leg strength—should dictate training approaches. Her nuanced understanding explains why simply training high and racing low isn't always the optimal strategy. Those struggling with power generation might actually benefit from specific lower-elevation training blocks to develop explosive strength, while athletes limited by breathing efficiency gain more from altitude adaptations.Technical trail mastery emerges as another critical element, with Rachel detailing her methodical approach to conquering unfamiliar terrain. The stark contrast between Western technical trails (sharp rocks, cacti) and East Coast challenges (roots, moss, steep grassy slopes) requires specific preparation strategies. Her practice of arriving days early to mentally map technical sections demonstrates the psychological preparation that complements physical training. This level of detail in course preparation reveals why Rachel has consistently performed at the highest levels across varying terrain types throughout her career. The conversation provides a rare glimpse into the mindset of an athlete performing at the sport's pinnacle. When discussing what another Team USA qualification would mean, Rachel's respect for the depth of American mountain running talent reminds us just how competitive this sport has become. Subscribe to hear more pre-Sunapee conversations with elite athletes as they prepare for one of mountain running's most significant qualification events of the season.Follow Rachel on IG - @rachrunsworldFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podUse code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com! 

Send us a textLauren Gregory's meteoric rise in trail running has been anything but straightforward. From contemplating quitting mid-season to standing on podiums at major races, her journey exemplifies the rollercoaster nature of elite athletics.Speaking from Boulder, Colorado—a place she calls home—Lauren opens up about managing an Achilles injury that has forced her to adapt her training. Rather than viewing this setback as purely negative, she's discovered unexpected benefits from cross-training on the bike: "It's nice when the cross-train doesn't take from your soul." Most surprisingly, she's found her hiking ability—previously a weakness—has improved dramatically, potentially giving her an edge on technical uphill sections.As the conversation shifts to race strategy for upcoming championships at Sunapee and Broken Arrow, Lauren reveals her thoughtful approach to two-loop courses. "The expectation is to make the team; the goal is to win," she says with remarkable clarity. This balanced perspective comes despite the pressure of following up her breakthrough 2023 season, which culminated in podium finishes at Headlands and the Golden Trail World Series final.Working with coach Ben True, Lauren has fully committed to trail running after transitioning from track. Her training philosophy emphasizes quality over quantity in racing: "I'd rather under race seasons than over race." While ultra distances intrigue her, she respects the progression required, planning to "add an hour every year" to her racing distances.What emerges is a portrait of an athlete who combines natural talent with strategic thinking and self-awareness. Despite being young in the sport, Lauren demonstrates wisdom in her training decisions, recovery priorities, and career planning that suggests she'll be a force in trail running for years to come.Want to support the podcast? Check out Ultimate Direction's new race and ultra vests in stunning new colorways. Use code "steep stuff pod" for 25% off at ultimatedirection.com.Follow Lauren on IG - @lgeeeeezyFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podUse code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com! 

Send us a textThe mountains beckon, and Anna Gibson answers with a fresh approach to trail running excellence. Coming off an impressive 11th place finish at the prestigious Zagama mountain marathon in Spain, Gibson shares what it's like to race through corridors of 100,000 screaming fans while tackling 9,000 feet of elevation gain.What makes Gibson's success particularly fascinating is her training philosophy. Unlike many elite trail runners, she thrives on remarkably low mileage—typically just 40-45 weekly running miles—supplemented with strategic cycling sessions. "If I can go for two or three-hour bike rides in a week, that's six hours of training that I could not run," she explains, revealing how this cross-training approach allows her to build tremendous aerobic capacity without breaking down her body. Even when preparing for her marathon-distance race at Zagama, she topped out at just 60 miles in her highest week ever.Working with renowned coach David Roche has helped Gibson develop this personalized approach. Their relationship embodies mutual trust, with Roche pushing her at precisely the right moments while giving her freedom to adapt the training as needed. Gibson candidly discusses her upcoming race at Sunapee, which serves as the US selection race for the Mountain Running World Championships. At 26, despite international success, she has yet to represent the United States at Worlds—something she hopes to change by qualifying for both the Vertical Kilometer and Mountain Classic teams.As trail running continues to professionalize, Gibson offers a glimpse into this evolution through her experience with Brooks, describing their comprehensive team approach where athletes travel together and receive extensive support at international races. She also touches on her future plans, including maintaining her track career alongside her trail endeavors, showcasing the versatility that makes her one of the sport's most exciting talents.Tune in to hear how this rising star balances multiple disciplines, navigates international racing, and approaches the challenges of competing at the highest level in mountain running.Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podUse code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com! 

Send us a textEver wonder what happens when you take a collegiate mile record holder and unleash her on mountain trails? Sophie Wright is showing us exactly that as she transitions from Western Washington University track star to mountain running phenom. Fresh off her selection to the 2025 Trail Team Elite Team, Sophie joins the Steep Stuff Podcast to discuss her approach to the upcoming Sun of Peace Scramble race.With a resume that includes the mile record at her university, a top-five finish at the legendary Mount Marathon race, and an overall win at Cirque Series Alyaska, Sophie brings serious credentials to this qualifying event. What makes her story particularly fascinating is the contrast between her track background and her growing prowess on technical mountain terrain. "I've been trying to get out of that mentality from college running where every hard workout is on the track," Sophie explains, detailing how she's focused on accumulating vertical gain and threshold training rather than traditional speed work.The Sun of Peace Scramble's unique double-loop format presents strategic challenges, with Sophie planning to "stay calm and collected" on the first loop before attacking the more technical second section. Despite never having raced on East Coast trails, her confidence stems from years navigating Alaska's notoriously challenging mountain routes. Her goal? A top-four finish that would earn her a spot representing Team USA, a lifelong dream. "I do want to race hard for everyone who has helped me grow up to be this runner," she shares, capturing the blend of personal ambition and community gratitude that fuels her running. As Sophie prepares to relocate to Colorado immediately after the race, we're witnessing the exciting evolution of a rising trail running star who refuses to place limits on what she can achieve. Subscribe now to follow Sophie's journey and hear more compelling stories from the trail running world.Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podUse code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com! 

Send us a textFrom track workouts to technical mountain trails, Flannery Davis Love defies conventional categorization. The current record holder on Colorado's iconic Long's Peak joins the Steep Stuff Podcast to share her unique approach to the upcoming Sunapee Scramble US Mountain Running Championship.Flannery takes us inside her training methodology that seamlessly blends road marathoning with mountain athleticism. Rather than abandoning speed for the trails, she recently completed a "mini speed roadblock" including her first-ever track 5K at Stanford before transitioning to more specific trail workouts. This hybrid approach has her discovering that road speed translates remarkably well to downhill trail sections, while she continues working on what she considers her weakness – pushing the pace during uphill hiking sections.The conversation dives deep into race strategy for Sunapee's challenging two-loop course. Drawing on her experience from Cirque Series races like Snowbird, Flannery reveals her plan to use the first loop as a controlled threshold effort before truly racing the second loop. "I do better later in races... it just takes me a while to really warm up and get into something," she explains, offering valuable tactical insights for listeners approaching similar race formats.When asked what making Team USA would mean, Flannery shares a surprisingly poignant childhood connection: "I was that kid growing up where you'd ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up and I'd say I want to play for Team USA. But I wasn't talking about running, I was talking about soccer." Her journey from soccer dreams to elite mountain running showcases how athletic aspirations evolve in unexpected and beautiful ways.Join host James Lauriello for this candid conversation about balancing multiple racing disciplines, adapting to East Coast humidity, and the ambitious calendar ahead that includes Broken Arrow and potentially the Berlin Marathon. Whether you're crossing over between road and trail or simply fascinated by high-performance mountain athletes, Flannery's practical wisdom and refreshing honesty offer something for every runner to take to the mountains.Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podUse code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com! 

Send us a textThe mountain running world is buzzing as defending champion Dan Kurtz prepares to face an elite field at the upcoming Sunapee Scramble. Fresh off a dedicated altitude training block in Boulder, Colorado, Dan takes us inside his unorthodox preparation—from living in a van and training on the steepest lines of Green Mountain to battling blizzards and mechanical breakdowns on his way to winning the Canyons 25K.Dan doesn't shy away from discussing the pressure he feels to defend his title and earn another spot on the World Mountain Running team. His candid reflections on training alongside mountain running stars Kyle Richardson and Johnny Luna Lima reveal the camaraderie and competitive edge that's sharpened his preparation. The conversation takes an intriguing turn when discussing his budding rivalry with Mason Kopi following their head-to-head battle on Boulder's notorious Sanitas Challenge—a contest that clearly still fuels Dan's competitive fire.With remarkable insight, Dan breaks down his race strategy for Sunapee's demanding two-loop course, analyzing how he'll approach the aggressive early pace from competitors and leverage his technical descending skills. His knowledge of the course—right down to his preference for minimal Asics Asheels on the potentially muddy terrain—showcases the meticulous preparation of an elite athlete who understands exactly what's required to succeed. Whether you're following the elite mountain running scene or simply fascinated by what it takes to compete at the highest level, this raw and revealing pre-race conversation captures both the physical and mental preparation behind championship-level mountain running. Don't miss this glimpse into the mind of one of America's premier mountain runners as he readies himself for one of the season's most anticipated showdowns.ollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podUse code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com! 

Send us a textWhen it comes to training for mountain running, conventional wisdom often points to endless miles on technical trails and massive vert accumulation. Mason Copey is challenging that paradigm—and the results speak for themselves.Fresh off his victory at the La Sportiva Mount Sanitas Challenge, where he crushed the FKT and defeated elite competitors like Dan Kurtz, Mason joins the Steep Stuff Podcast to reveal the innovative training approach that's positioning him as a top contender for Team USA's mountain running squad. His secret? Less running, more biking, and highly targeted quality sessions."Biking is the next frontier," Mason explains, detailing how he achieves the aerobic stimulus of 100-mile running weeks while keeping his body fresh for key workouts. Rather than grinding away on technical trails daily, he concentrates his mountain-specific training into focused sessions, building his foundation through track workouts that maximize running economy and speed. This approach has yielded remarkable results—from a significant marathon PR at CIM to blazing fast mountain performances that demonstrate both climbing power and downhill prowess.What makes Mason's perspective particularly valuable is his dual role as both elite athlete and coach. He meticulously analyzes training stimulus, distinguishing between metabolic and mechanical adaptations while crafting sessions that deliver maximum benefit with minimal breakdown. His explanation of how neuromuscular skills (like technical trail running) require frequency rather than volume offers a refreshing counterpoint to the "more is better" mentality.Beyond the physical aspects, Mason offers thoughtful insights on mental preparation, emphasizing self-acceptance and vulnerability as foundations for athletic success. As he prepares for the Sunupi Mountain Classic—a World Championship qualifier with a technical course that will test every aspect of mountain running ability—his confidence is evident but tempered with respect for the competitive field.Whether you're targeting a mountain race, seeking performance breakthroughs, or simply looking to train more sustainably, Mason's innovative methodology offers valuable lessons for endurance athletes at every level. Tune in for a masterclass in cutting-edge mountain running preparation.Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podUse code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com! 

Send us a textRemy Leroux returns to the Steep Stuff Podcast to share insights from his podium finish at the Alta 50K and his strategy for the upcoming Sunapee Scramble mountain running championships. Fresh from the Brooks team summit in Seattle, Remy opens up about the exciting experience of joining what he considers "the best sub-ultra trail team on the planet." He describes how Brooks actively incorporates athlete feedback into shoe design, even creating custom footwear for specific races, and the camaraderie of training with teammates who will race together throughout the season.The conversation shifts to Remy's impressive tactical approach at the Alta 50K, where he maintained disciplined pacing while others pushed too hard on climbs. "I would get dropped on every climb and catch them back on every downhill," Remy explains, demonstrating the race intelligence that earned him a spot on the podium in one of the most competitive early-season fields.As a Canadian athlete whose World Championship spot is already secured, Remy offers a unique perspective on the upcoming Sunapee Scramble. Unlike American competitors fighting for limited team positions, he can focus purely on racing his best. He breaks down the modified course, which combines elements of last year's classic and vertical races, and analyzes the strengths of competitors like downhill specialist Dan Wallis and emerging threat Mason Coppi.What stands out most is Remy's thoughtful approach to his racing schedule – maintaining higher training volume through the early races in a five-week competition block to ensure peak performance during his season's final objectives. His insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the strategic mindset of elite mountain runners balancing competition, training, and recovery across a demanding season.Don't miss this conversation with one of trail running's most consistent performers as he prepares to take on North America's best at the Sunapee Scramble.Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podUse code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com! 

Send us a textEver wonder what it takes to compete at the highest level of mountain running? Andy Wacker, one of America's most accomplished trail runners, pulls back the curtain on his remarkable journey in this candid conversation.From crushing a string of road races to preparing for the all-important Sunapee Mountain Classic, Andy shares the surprising freedom he's found competing without sponsorship. "Racing for myself takes a lot of pressure off and it's been really fun," he reveals, explaining how this mindset has contributed to some of his best performances ever—including a fourth-place finish at the US Cross Country Championships and a breakthrough 13:51 5K on the track after a decade-long hiatus.The conversation digs into the fascinating tactical challenges of Sunapee's two-loop format, where competitors must navigate non-technical uphills and tricky descents not once but twice. Andy breaks down his specific preparation, including simulating the punishing sensation of hammering a downhill before immediately climbing again. "You've got to be able to hang with everyone climbing insanely fast. You've got to be able to descend on the most techie thing you've seen and be fine, and then you've got to be ready to do it again better than you did the first time," he explains.For Andy, this race represents more than just competition—it's a redemption opportunity after missing chances due to injuries and illness in recent years. He shares his burning desire to make Team USA and contribute to what could be a historic squad: "I really want to be on a team that wins a gold medal at Worlds, and this could be that team." With competitors capable of sub-14 minute 5Ks and sub-30 minute 10Ks lining up together, the stage is set for what promises to be an epic battle for those coveted national team spots.Whether you're a competitive runner or simply appreciate athletic excellence, this episode offers valuable insights into the mindset and preparation of elite mountain runners. Listen now and discover what it takes to perform when everything is on the line.Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podUse code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com! 

Send us a textTaylor Stack is redefining what it means to be a young talent in the ultra-competitive world of trail running. Fresh off signing with Brooks and joining one of the most stacked trail teams in the world, Stack brings us inside his journey from self-coached athlete to sponsored professional with World Championship aspirations.The conversation dives deep into the evolution of Stack's training approach since partnering with renowned coach David Roche. "Coaching myself, I was doing it on vibes mostly," he admits with refreshing candor. Now, he benefits from the perfect balance of scientific structure and personalized programming that honors what works for his body. This coaching relationship has provided both the accountability for those easy-to-skip strides and the objective perspective that's hard to maintain when emotionally invested in your own performance.As the Son of Peace Scramble approaches, Stack reveals his meticulous preparation for this World Championship qualifier. His strategy for tackling the unique East Coast terrain – "more grassy, wet and root-laden" than his native Colorado trails – and the challenging two-loop course shows his tactical maturity. Rather than locking into a rigid race plan, he'll trust his instincts developed through purposeful training that balances flat speed work with mountain-specific sessions. And when pushed about what making Team USA would mean? "It's kind of the premier achievement in the sport," he says with unmistakable reverence.Follow along as Stack outlines his ambitious season ahead, including Golden Trail Series races and his ultimate goal of representing his country on the world stage. Whether you're fascinated by the training philosophies of elite athletes or simply inspired by the passion that drives the next generation of trail running stars, this conversation offers a compelling glimpse into what it takes to chase dreams across mountain trails.Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podUse code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com! 

Send us a textEver wonder how elite runners approach championship races? Tyler McCandless, one of America's leading mountain runners, takes us deep into his preparation for the Sentipee Scramble US Mountain Running Championships in this illuminating conversation.With Pennsylvania roots that perfectly prepared him for East Coast racing conditions, McCandless explains why many Western mountain runners struggle when heading east—while he thrives. "I love the hot, humid races," Tyler reveals, discussing how his background racing in Pennsylvania summers gives him a mental and physical edge that's proven decisive in previous championships. This unique adaptation to humidity and technical terrain positions him as a serious contender for this year's US Mountain Running team.The conversation explores Tyler's impressive 20-week training block, consistently hitting 80-95 miles weekly while balancing family life and work responsibilities. What's particularly fascinating is his recent focus on improving downhill running through equipment changes and targeted training. "I found that especially for me, the downhills, I tend to feel more comfortable with a softer, more cushioned shoe that's still light," he shares, explaining how this simple adjustment has dramatically improved his recovery and performance on technical descents.Perhaps most valuable is Tyler's strategic wisdom for approaching championship races. Rather than getting caught in the excitement of chasing the win, he maintains a laser focus on the ultimate goal: securing a top-four finish to qualify for the World Championships. This measured approach, combined with his exceptional fitness and experience, showcases the mindset that has made him a perennial podium threat.Curious about how elite athletes prepare for championship events? Listen now to gain insights on everything from shoe selection to sauna recovery techniques that could transform your own approach to important races.Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podUse code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com! 

Send us a textDavid Norris might just be the most versatile endurance athlete you haven't heard enough about. The Alaskan-born mountain marathon record holder brings an Olympic-level Nordic skiing engine to the trails, creating a unique skill set that makes him a formidable competitor at the upcoming Sunapee Scramble World Team Trials.What stands out immediately about Norris is his refreshingly balanced approach to both life and sport. While maintaining a full-time banking career, he trains at an elite level, embracing not just running but also mountain biking and gravel cycling. "Just for pure joy and being outside, mountain biking and gravel riding is some of my favorite stuff to do in the summer," he explains, revealing how this multisport lifestyle stems from his cross-country skiing background where diverse training methods were the norm.The conversation explores how Norris's skiing career created the perfect foundation for mountain running success. Years of training to "redline" at high lactate thresholds before recovering and pushing again translates beautifully to the mountain classic format where athletes max out on climbs before recovering on descents. This explains his dominance at events like Mount Marathon and his competitive performances against specialized runners at races like Cirque Series Brighton.Perhaps most compelling is Norris's perspective on competition itself. After multiple heartbreaking near-misses as an Olympic alternate in skiing, he developed a profound understanding that "success comes from the pursuit of those goals, rather than just a true measurement of 'did I achieve these goals?'" This wisdom allows him to approach the World Team Trials with both serious preparation and genuine joy, focused on the process rather than putting pressure on specific outcomes.Whether you're a competitive athlete yourself or simply appreciate authentic approaches to sport, Norris offers valuable insights on balancing ambition with enjoyment, specialized training with multisport variety, and professional obligations with athletic excellence. Listen now to discover why this mountain marathon champion might be about to make a significant impact on the international trail running scene.Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podUse code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com! 

Send us a textThe mountain running community holds its collective breath as we approach the legendary Soonapie Scramble – the definitive American mountain running championship that will determine who represents our nation on the world stage. This Sunday, June 1st, 2025, Mount Soonapie in New Hampshire becomes the battleground where dreams are made or broken as elite athletes compete for just seven coveted Team USA spots.What makes this year's competition particularly thrilling is the extraordinary depth of talent. The men's field features mountain running royalty like Dan Kurtz and Mason Copey, alongside the legendary David Norris fresh off his Mount Marathon victory. Meanwhile, the women's competition showcases powerhouses Lauren Gregory and Ana Gibson, who recently stunned with a top-15 finish at Zagama against international competition. These athletes aren't just racing for personal glory – they're fighting for the honor of wearing the Stars and Stripes in the Pyrenees against the world's elite mountain runners.Throughout this electric week, we're bringing you exclusive, in-depth conversations with every top contender, revealing their preparation strategies, mental approaches, and personal journeys to this pivotal moment. It all culminates Friday with our comprehensive race preview featuring co-host Nick Tusa and the architect of this brutal challenge himself, race director Tom Hooper. Whether you're a dedicated mountain running fan or new to the sport, you won't want to miss this week's coverage of the event that will crown seven Americans as our nation's mountain running ambassadors. Subscribe now and join us for every breathless step of the journey to Soonapie Scramble glory!

Jeana Newbern, from the Lake Sunapee Area VNA and Hopice, is here as we talk about how yesterday's Women Who Make A Difference lunchon went in New London, who won this year's awards, the guest speaker, and what a great day it was in celebration. 

Hebrews 9:1-14 May 11, 2025 preached by Pastor Doug Cooper Download Time of Reflection Quotations “Out, damned spot! Out, I say! (…) What, will these hands ne'er be clean?” ~ Shakespeare, excerpt from Macbeth “We have a strange illusion that mere time cancels sin. But mere time does nothing either to the fact or to […]

Hebrews 8:1-13 May 4, 2025 preached by Pastor Chris Audino Download Time of Reflection Quotations “He is short-sighted who looks only on the path he treads and the wall on which he leans.” ~ Kahlil Kibran (1883-1931), Lebanese-American writer, poet, visual artist and philosopher “The church is the church as a creature of God's Word—a […]

Hebrews 7:11-28 April 27, 2025 preached by Pastor Doug Cooper Download Time of Reflection Quotations “The criteria for coming to Jesus is weariness. Come overwhelmed with life. Come with your wandering mind. Come messy. What does it feel like to be weary? You have trouble concentrating. The problems of the day are like claws in […]

1 Corinthians 15:1-22, 55-58 April 20, 2025 preached by Pastor Doug Cooper Download Time of Reflection Quotations “There is something in us, as storytellers and as listeners to stories, that demands the redemptive act, that demands that what falls at least be offered the chance to be restored. The reader of today looks for this […]

From the Sunapee PD, Lieutenant Tim Puchtler is here with Physical Education and Health Teacher Alyssa Krause and students Estelle, Allie and Nina as we talk Alcohol Awareness, what they have learned and the movie they have been working on in school about the topic.

Hebrews 6:19-7:10 April 13, 2025 preached by Pastor Doug Cooper Download Time of Reflection Quotations “God's dynamic plan is predicated on shalom – the intended state of peace and wholeness that all of God's creation is meant to experience. This isn't peace as we Americans conceive of it, like snoozing in a hammock; rather, it […]

Jeana Newbern and Cathy Raymond are here from the Lake Sunapee VNA and Hospice as we talk about the annual Women Who Make A Difference Luncheon in May, how tthe event works, are tickets still available, and lots more.

Sunapee Police Chief Neil Cobb is here with Alyssa Krause, from Sunapee High School, who has students Nina Corriveau, Chris Dabrowski and Estelle Nester as we talk about lessons the students have learned about alcohol, the film they are making for alchol awareness, wearing the glasses, and much more.

April 6, 2026 by Jessie Turner Download

Hebrews 6:9-20 April 6, 2026 preached by Pastor Doug Cooper Download Time of Reflection Quotations “If our hope is anchored in our own experience or efforts, we will never be settled.” ~ Rankin Wilbourne, contemporary pastor and author “Optimism hopes for the best without any guarantee of its arriving and is often no more than […]

Send us a textSydney Petersen's meteoric rise in the trail running world is a testament to what happens when natural talent meets mountain passion. From walking on to Colorado State University's team to signing a professional contract with Brooks Trail Runners in just one competitive season, her journey exemplifies the beautiful transition many athletes experience when moving from track to trails.Growing up in the mountain town of Crested Butte gave Sydney a natural affinity for vertical terrain. Despite starting competitive running relatively late, she developed steadily through college under coaches who recognized her potential. But it wasn't until tackling the iconic Imogene Pass Run after graduation that she discovered her true calling. Without specific training for the longer distance, Sydney had what she describes as "a spiritual experience" during that race, realizing her body might be better suited for mountains than tracks.What makes Sydney's approach refreshing is her "beginner mindset." Rather than feeling intimidated when lining up against world-class athletes at events like the US Mountain Running Championships, she focuses on enjoying the experience and removing self-imposed limitations. This mental framework allowed her to race confidently against established stars like Grayson Murphy, even leading portions of championship races in her debut season.Her 2024 plans include returning to Broken Arrow with improved tactical awareness, tackling the US Mountain Running Championships at Sunapee, and venturing to Europe for Golden Trail Series races including the legendary Sierre-Zinal. Sydney balances ambitious racing goals with thoughtful training through Gunnison's snowy winters, incorporating skiing and creative workouts while focusing on improving technical downhill skills to complement her natural climbing prowess.Listen in for insights on transitioning between running disciplines, maintaining confidence among elite competition, and finding inspiration from athletes who balance competitive excellence with community contribution. Sydney's story reminds us that sometimes the most beautiful athletic journeys happen when we follow the terrain that speaks to our hearts.Follow Sydney on IG - @sydneypetersen33Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Pod on IG - @steepstuff_podThis episode is brought to you by Ultimate Direction ! Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your next purchase ! 

Send us a textJoan DeLeon's path to becoming one of trail running's most exciting talents defies conventional narratives. From the concrete streets of Waco, Texas, to stunning the mountain running world by beating Joe Gray at A-Basin, his journey combines raw talent with refreshing authenticity.Growing up without mountains or trails, DeLeon's running foundation came through summer track programs where Baylor University athletes served as mentors. This early exposure to quality coaching propelled him to collegiate success, but his introduction to mountain running came almost by accident when college teammate Cade Michael convinced him to visit Colorado's Gunnison Valley after graduation.What began as a temporary stay evolved into five transformative years in one of America's mountain running epicenters. DeLeon speaks candidly about discovering a completely different relationship with running in the mountains – one characterized by freedom and exploration rather than oval tracks. This new environment rekindled his love for the sport after collegiate burnout.The trail running community embraced DeLeon after his breakthrough performance at Cirque Series A-Basin, rallying through a GoFundMe to send him to Golden Trail Series races. This experience opened his eyes to the global mountain running scene, inspiring a more structured approach to training under the guidance of the Hemmings coaching team and leading to his new partnership with Satisfy Running.Looking toward 2025, DeLeon balances ambitious competitive goals—including the US Mountain Running Championships at Sunapee—with genuine appreciation for the journey. His competitive philosophy combines fierce determination with perspective: "We're all friends, but when we step on the line, my job is to destroy you."Ready to witness the next chapter in this remarkable story? Follow Joan's 2025 season as he continues to redefine what's possible for a kid from the concrete jungle.Follow Johen on IG. - @johen_dFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff on IG - @steepstuff_podUse code steepstuffpod for 25% off your next order on UltimateDirection.com

Hebrews 5:7-14; 6:1-3 March 23, 2024 preached by Pastor Doug Cooper Download Time of Reflection Quotations “We will never get anywhere in life without discipline, be it in the arts, business, athletics, or academics. This is doubly so in spiritual matters.” ~ Kent Hughes (1942-present), American pastor, professor, author “You do not become a master […]

For a limited time, upgrade to ‘The Storm's' paid tier for $5 per month or $55 per year. You'll also receive a free year of Slopes Premium, a $29.99 value - valid for annual subscriptions only. Monthly subscriptions do not qualify for free Slopes promotion. Valid for new subscriptions only.WhoIain Martin, Host of The Ski PodcastRecorded onJanuary 30, 2025About The Ski PodcastFrom the show's website:Want to [know] more about the world of skiing? The Ski Podcast is a UK-based podcast hosted by Iain Martin.With different guests every episode, we cover all aspects of skiing and snowboarding from resorts to racing, Ski Sunday to slush.In 2021, we were voted ‘Best Wintersports Podcast‘ in the Sports Podcast Awards. In 2023, we were shortlisted as ‘Best Broadcast Programme' in the Travel Media Awards.Why I interviewed himWe did a swap. Iain hosted me on his show in January (I also hosted Iain in January, but since The Storm sometimes moves at the pace of mammal gestation, here we are at the end of March; Martin published our episode the day after we recorded it).But that's OK (according to me), because our conversation is evergreen. Martin is embedded in EuroSki the same way that I cycle around U.S. AmeriSki. That we wander from similarly improbable non-ski outposts – Brighton, England and NYC – is a funny coincidence. But what interested me most about a potential podcast conversation is the Encyclopedia EuroSkiTannica stored in Martin's brain.I don't understand skiing in Europe. It is too big, too rambling, too interconnected, too above-treeline, too transit-oriented, too affordable, too absent the Brobot ‘tude that poisons so much of the American ski experience. The fact that some French idiot is facing potential jail time for launching a snowball into a random grandfather's skull (filming the act and posting it on TikTok, of course) only underscores my point: in America, we would cancel the grandfather for not respecting the struggle so obvious in the boy's act of disobedience. In a weird twist for a ski writer, I am much more familiar with summer Europe than winter Europe. I've skied the continent a couple of times, but warm-weather cross-continental EuroTreks by train and by car have occupied months of my life. When I try to understand EuroSki, my brain short-circuits. I tease the Euros because each European ski area seems to contain between two and 27 distinct ski areas, because the trail markings are the wrong color, because they speak in the strange code of the “km” and “cm” - but I'm really making fun of myself for Not Getting It. Martin gets it. And he good-naturedly walks me through a series of questions that follow this same basic pattern: “In America, we charge $109 for a hamburger that tastes like it's been pulled out of a shipping container that went overboard in 1944. But I hear you have good and cheap food in Europe – true?” I don't mind sounding like a d*****s if the result is good information for all of us, and thankfully I achieved both of those things on this podcast.What we talked aboutThe European winter so far; how a UK-based skier moves back and forth to the Alps; easy car-free travel from the U.S. directly to Alps ski areas; is ski traffic a thing in Europe?; EuroSki 101; what does “ski area” mean in Europe; Euro snow pockets; climate change realities versus media narratives in Europe; what to make of ski areas closing around the Alps; snowmaking in Europe; comparing the Euro stereotype of the leisurely skier to reality; an aging skier population; Euro liftline queuing etiquette and how it mirrors a nation's driving culture; “the idea that you wouldn't bring the bar down is completely alien to me; I mean everybody brings the bar down on the chairlift”; why an Epic or Ikon Pass may not be your best option to ski in Europe; why lift ticket prices are so much cheaper in Europe than in the U.S.; Most consumers “are not even aware” that Vail has started purchasing Swiss resorts; ownership structure at Euro resorts; Vail to buy Verbier?; multimountain pass options in Europe; are Euros buying Epic and Ikon to ski locally or to travel to North America?; must-ski European ski areas; Euro ski-guide culture; and quirky ski areas.What I got wrongWe discussed Epic Pass' lodging requirement for Verbier, which is in effect for this winter, but which Vail removed for the 2025-26 ski season.Why now was a good time for this interviewI present to you, again, the EuroSki Chart – a list of all 26 European ski areas that have aligned themselves with a U.S.-based multi-mountain pass:The large majority of these have joined Ski NATO (a joke, not a political take Brah), in the past five years. And while purchasing a U.S. megapass is not necessary to access EuroHills in the same way it is to ski the Rockies – doing so may, in fact, be counterproductive – just the notion of having access to these Connecticut-sized ski areas via a pass that you're buying anyway is enough to get people considering a flight east for their turns.And you know what? They should. At this point, a mass abandonment of the Mountain West by the tourists that sustain it is the only thing that may drive the region to seriously reconsider the robbery-by-you-showed-up-here-all-stupid lift ticket prices, car-centric transit infrastructure, and sclerotic building policies that are making American mountain towns impossibly expensive and inconvenient to live in or to visit. In many cases, a EuroSkiTrip costs far less than an AmeriSki trip - especially if you're not the sort to buy a ski pass in March 2025 so that you can ski in February 2026. And though the flights will generally cost more, the logistics of airport-to-ski-resort-and-back generally make more sense. In Europe they have trains. In Europe those trains stop in villages where you can walk to your hotel and then walk to the lifts the next morning. In Europe you can walk up to the ticket window and trade a block of cheese for a lift ticket. In Europe they put the bar down. In Europe a sandwich, brownie, and a Coke doesn't cost $152. And while you can spend $152 on a EuroLunch, it probably means that you drank seven liters of wine and will need a sled evac to the village.“Oh so why don't you just go live there then if it's so perfect?”Shut up, Reductive Argument Bro. Everyplace is great and also sucks in its own special way. I'm just throwing around contrasts.There are plenty of things I don't like about EuroSki: the emphasis on pistes, the emphasis on trams, the often curt and indifferent employees, the “injury insurance” that would require a special session of the European Union to pay out a claim. And the lack of trees. Especially the lack of trees. But more families are opting for a week in Europe over the $25,000 Experience of a Lifetime in the American West, and I totally understand why.A quote often attributed to Winston Churchill reads, “You can always trust the Americans to do the right thing, after they have exhausted all the alternatives.” Unfortunately, it appears to be apocryphal. But I wish it wasn't. Because it's true. And I do think we'll eventually figure out that there is a continent-wide case study in how to retrofit our mountain towns for a more cost- and transit-accessible version of lift-served skiing. But it's gonna take a while.Podcast NotesOn U.S. ski areas opening this winter that haven't done so “in a long time”A strong snow year has allowed at least 11 U.S. ski areas to open after missing one or several winters, including:* Cloudmont, Alabama (yes I'm serious)* Pinnacle, Maine* Covington and Sault Seal, ropetows outfit in Michigan's Upper Peninsula* Norway Mountain, Michigan – resurrected by new owner after multi-year closure* Tower Mountain, a ropetow bump in Michigan's Lower Peninsula* Bear Paw, Montana* Hatley Pointe, North Carolina opened under new ownership, who took last year off to gut-renovate the hill* Warner Canyon, Oregon, an all-natural-snow, volunteer-run outfit, opened in December after a poor 2023-24 snow year.* Bellows Falls ski tow, a molehill run by the Rockingham Recreation in Vermont, opened for the first time in five years after a series of snowy weeks across New England* Lyndon Outing Club, another volunteer-run ropetow operation in Vermont, sat out last winter with low snow but opened this yearOn the “subway map” of transit-accessible Euro skiingI mean this is just incredible:The map lives on Martin's Ski Flight Free site, which encourages skiers to reduce their carbon footprints. I am not good at doing this, largely because such a notion is a fantasy in America as presently constructed.But just imagine a similar system in America. The nation is huge, of course, and we're not building a functional transcontinental passenger railroad overnight (or maybe ever). But there are several areas of regional density where such networks could, at a minimum, connect airports or city centers with destination ski areas, including:* Reno Airport (from the east), and the San Francisco Bay area (to the west) to the ring of more than a dozen Tahoe resorts (or at least stops at lake- or interstate-adjacent Sugar Bowl, Palisades, Homewood, Northstar, Mt. Rose, Diamond Peak, and Heavenly)* Denver Union Station and Denver airport to Loveland, Keystone, Breck, Copper, Vail, Beaver Creek, and - a stretch - Aspen and Steamboat, with bus connections to A-Basin, Ski Cooper, and Sunlight* SLC airport east to Snowbird, Alta, Solitude, Brighton, Park City, and Deer Valley, and north to Snowbasin and Powder Mountain* Penn Station in Manhattan up along Vermont's Green Mountain Spine: Mount Snow, Stratton, Bromley, Killington, Pico, Sugarbush, Mad River Glen, Bolton Valley, Stowe, Smugglers' Notch, Jay Peak, with bus connections to Magic and Middlebury Snowbowl* Boston up the I-93 corridor: Tenney, Waterville Valley, Loon, Cannon, and Bretton Woods, with a spur to Conway and Cranmore, Attitash, Wildcat, and Sunday River; bus connections to Black New Hampshire, Sunapee, Gunstock, Ragged, and Mount AbramYes, there's the train from Denver to Winter Park (and ambitions to extend the line to Steamboat), which is terrific, but placing that itsy-bitsy spur next to the EuroSystem and saying “look at our neato train” is like a toddler flexing his toy jet to the pilots as he boards a 757. And they smile and say, “Whoa there, Shooter! Now have a seat while we burn off 4,000 gallons of jet fuel accelerating this f****r to 500 miles per hour.”On the number of ski areas in EuropeI've detailed how difficult it is to itemize the 500-ish active ski areas in America, but the task is nearly incomprehensible in Europe, which has as many as eight times the number of ski areas. Here are a few estimates:* Skiresort.info counts 3,949 ski areas (as of today; the number changes daily) in Europe: list | map* Wikipedia doesn't provide a number, but it does have a very long list* Statista counts a bit more than 2,200, but their list excludes most of Eastern EuropeOn Euro non-ski media and climate change catastropheOf these countless European ski areas, a few shutter or threaten to each year. The resulting media cycle is predictable and dumb. In The Snow concisely summarizes how this pattern unfolds by analyzing coverage of the recent near loss of L'Alpe du Grand Serre, France (emphasis mine):A ski resort that few people outside its local vicinity had ever heard of was the latest to make headlines around the world a month ago as it announced it was going to cease ski operations.‘French ski resort in Alps shuts due to shortage of snow' reported The Independent, ‘Another European ski resort is closing due to lack of snow' said Time Out, The Mirror went for ”Devastation” as another European ski resort closes due to vanishing snow‘ whilst The Guardian did a deeper dive with, ‘Fears for future of ski tourism as resorts adapt to thawing snow season.' The story also appeared in dozens more publications around the world.The only problem is that the ski area in question, L'Alpe du Grand Serre, has decided it isn't closing its ski area after all, at least not this winter.Instead, after the news of the closure threat was publicised, the French government announced financial support, as did the local municipality of La Morte, and a number of major players in the ski industry. In addition, a public crowdfunding campaign raised almost €200,000, prompting the officials who made the original closure decision to reconsider. Things will now be reassessed in a year's time.There has not been the same global media coverage of the news that L'Alpe du Grand Serre isn't closing after all.It's not the first resort where money has been found to keep slopes open after widespread publicity of a closure threat. La Chapelle d'Abondance was apparently on the rocks in 2020 but will be fully open this winter and similarly Austria's Heiligenblut which was said to be at risk of permanently closure in the summer will be open as normal.Of course, ski areas do permanently close, just like any business, and climate change is making the multiple challenges that smaller, lower ski areas face, even more difficult. But in the near-term bigger problems are often things like justifying spends on essential equipment upgrades, rapidly increasing power costs and changing consumer habits that are the bigger problems right now. The latter apparently exacerbated by media stories implying that ski holidays are under severe threat by climate change.These increasingly frequent stories always have the same structure of focusing on one small ski area that's in trouble, taken from the many thousands in the Alps that few regular skiers have heard of. The stories imply (by ensuring that no context is provided), that this is a major resort and typical of many others. Last year some reports implied, again by avoiding giving any context, that a ski area in trouble that is actually close to Rome, was in the Alps.This is, of course, not to pretend that climate change does not pose an existential threat to ski holidays, but just to say that ski resorts have been closing for many decades for multiple reasons and that most of these reports do not give all the facts or paint the full picture.On no cars in ZermattIf the Little Cottonwood activists really cared about the environment in their precious canyon, they wouldn't be advocating for alternate rubber-wheeled transit up to Alta and Snowbird – they'd be demanding that the road be closed and replaced by a train or gondola or both, and that the ski resorts become a pedestrian-only enclave dotted with only as many electric vehicles as it took to manage the essential business of the towns and the ski resorts.If this sounds improbable, just look to Zermatt, which has banned gas cars for decades. Skiers arrive by train. Nearly 6,000 people live there year-round. It is amazing what humans can build when the car is considered as an accessory to life, rather than its central organizing principle.On driving in EuropeDriving in Europe is… something else. I've driven in, let's see: Iceland, Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro. That last one is the scariest but they're all a little scary. Drivers' speeds seem to be limited by nothing other than physics, passing on blind curves is common even on mountain switchbacks, roads outside of major arterials often collapse into one lane, and Euros for some reason don't believe in placing signs at intersections to indicate street names. Thank God for GPS. I'll admit that it's all a little thrilling once the disorientation wears off, and there are things to love about driving in Europe: roundabouts are used in place of traffic lights wherever possible, the density of cars tends to be less (likely due to the high cost of gas and plentiful mass transit options), sprawl tends to be more contained, the limited-access highways are extremely well-kept, and the drivers on those limited-access highways actually understand what the lanes are for (slow, right; fast, left).It may seem contradictory that I am at once a transit advocate and an enthusiastic road-tripper. But I've lived in New York City, home of the United States' best mass-transit system, for 23 years, and have owned a car for 19 of them. There is a logic here: in general, I use the subway or my bicycle to move around the city, and the car to get out of it (this is the only way to get to most ski areas in the region, at least midweek). I appreciate the options, and I wish more parts of America offered a better mix.On chairs without barsIt's a strange anachronism that the United States is still home to hundreds of chairlifts that lack safety bars. ANSI standards now require them on new lift builds (as far as I can tell), but many chairlifts built without bars from the 1990s and earlier appear to have been grandfathered into our contemporary system. This is not the case in the Eastern U.S. where, as far as I'm aware, every chairlift with the exception of a handful in Pennsylvania have safety bars – New York and many New England states require them by law (and require riders to use them). Things get dicey in the Midwest, which has, as a region, been far slower to upgrade its lift fleets than bigger mountains in the East and West. Many ski areas, however, have retrofit their old lifts with bars – I was surprised to find them on the lifts at Sundown, Iowa; Chestnut, Illinois; and Mont du Lac, Wisconsin, for example. Vail and Alterra appear to retrofit all chairlifts with safety bars once they purchase a ski area. But many ski areas across the Mountain West still spin old chairs, including, surprisingly, dozens of mountains in California, Oregon, and Washington, states that tends to have more East Coast-ish outlooks on safety and regulation.On Compagnie des AlpesAccording to Martin, the closest thing Europe has to a Vail- or Alterra-style conglomerate is Compagnie des Alpes, which operates (but does not appear to own) 10 ski areas in the French Alps, and holds ownership stakes in five more. It's kind of an amazing list:Here's the company's acquisition timeline, which includes the ski areas, along with a bunch of amusement parks and hotels:Clearly the path of least resistance to a EuroVail conflagration would be to shovel this pile of coal into the furnace. Martin referenced Tignes' forthcoming exit from the group, to join forces with ski resort Sainte-Foy on June 1, 2026 – teasing a smaller potential EuroVail acquisition. Tignes, however, would not be the first resort to exit CdA's umbrella – Les 2 Alpes left in 2020.On EuroSkiPassesThe EuroMegaPass market is, like EuroSkiing itself, unintelligible to Americans (at least to this American). There are, however, options. Martin offers the Swiss-centric Magic Pass as perhaps the most prominent. It offers access to 92 ski areas (map). You are probably expecting me to make a chart. I will not be making a chart.S**t I need to publish this article before I cave to my irrepressible urge to make a chart.OK this podcast is already 51 days old do not make a chart you moron.I think we're good here.I hope.I will also not be making a chart to track the 12 ski resorts accessible on Austria's Ski Plus City Pass Stubai Innsbruck Unlimited Freedom Pass.The Storm explores the world of lift-served skiing year-round. Join us. Get full access to The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast at www.stormskiing.com/subscribe

From the Lake Sunapee VNA and Hospice, Jeana Newbern is here with  Matthew Dean, Medical Social Worker, as we talk about social work with the VNA & hospice, what his role is with patient care, why he loves working for Lake Sunapee VNA and Hospice, and more.

Hebrews 5:11-14 March 16, 2026 preached by David Pinckney Download Time of Reflection Quotations “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” ~ 2 Peter 3:18 (CSB) “For my part, brothers and sisters, I was not able to speak to you as spiritual people but as people of the […]

Hebrews 4:14-5:10 March 9, 2025 preached by Pastor Doug Cooper Download Time of Reflection Quotations “No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good. A silly idea is current that good people do not know what temptation means. This is an obvious lie. Only those who try to […]

Hebrews 4:9-16 March 2, 2025 preached by Pastor Doug Cooper Download Time of Reflection Quotations “The road is rugged, and the sun is hot. How can we be but weary? Here is grace for the weariness – grace which lifts us up and invigorates us; grace which keeps us from fainting by the way; grace […]

Hebrews 4:1-13 February 23, 2025 preached by Pastor Doug Cooper Download Time of Reflection Quotations “To whatever you give your heart and entrust your being, that, I say, is really your god.” “Either sin is with you, lying on your shoulders, or it is lying on Christ, the Lamb of God. Now if it is […]

Hebrews 2:5-18 February 2, 2025 preached by Pastor Doug Cooper Download Time of Reflection Quotations “Our whole business in this life is to restore to health the eye of the heart whereby God may be seen.” ~ Augustine of Hippo (354-430) “When we get into difficult circumstances, we impoverish His ministry by saying, ‘Of course, […]

Hebrews 1:1-5, 14; 2:1-4 January 26, 2025 preached by Pastor Doug Cooper Download Time of Reflection Quotations “[The fear of God] is the result of discovering that the God whom we thought of with slavish, servile fear, the holy righteous, terrifying God of judgment and majesty, is also the God who forgives us through Jesus […]

Hebrews 1:1-14 January 19, 2025 preached by Pastor Doug Cooper Download Time of Reflection Quotations “It is significant that God does not present us with salvation in the form of an abstract truth, or a precise definition or a catchy slogan, but as story. . . Story is an invitation to participate, first through our imagination […]

Jeann Newbern is here with  Katie Wells, RN, Community Health Services Manager as we talk about the Good Day Respite Program in New London, what it does, how to sign your loved one up for the program, what Katie does, foot clinics and lots more.

This podcast hit paid subscribers' inboxes on Dec. 31. It dropped for free subscribers on Jan. 7. 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:WhoShaun Sutner, snowsports columnist for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and Telegram.comRecorded onNovember 25, 2024About Shaun SutnerSutner is a skier, writer, and journalist based in Worcester, Massachusetts. He's written a snowsports column for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Thanksgiving to April for the past several decades. You can follow Shaun on social media to stay locked into his work:Read his recent columns:* On Wildcat, Attitash, and Vail Resorts* Everyone needs a bootfitter* Indy Pass is still kicking assWhy I interviewed himJournalism sounds easy. Go there, talk to people, write about it. It's not easy. The quest for truth is like the Hobbit's quest for the ring: long, circuitous, filled with monsters who want to eat you. Some truth is easy: Wachusett has four chairlifts. Beyond the objective, complications arise: Wachusett's decision to replace its summit quad with a six-pack in 2025 is… what, exactly? Visionary, shortsighted, foolish, clever, pedestrian? Does it prioritize passholders or marketing or profit over experience? Is it necessary? Is it wise? Is it prudent? Is it an answer to locals' frustrations or a compounding factor in it?The journalist's job is to machete through this jungle and sculpt a version of reality that all parties will recognize and that none of them will be entirely happy with. Because people are complex and so is the world, and assembling the truth is less like snapping together a thousand-piece puzzle and more like the A-Team examining a trashheap and saying “OK boys, let's build a helicopter.”Sutner is good at this, as may be expected of someone who's spent decades on his beat. He understands that anecdote is not absolute. He knows how to pull together broad narratives (“New England's outdated lift fleet” of the 2010s), and to acknowledge when they change (“New England operators aggressively modernize lifts” in the 2020s). He is empathetic to locals and operators alike, without being deferential to either. He knows that the best stories are 90 percent what the writer leaves out, and 10 percent identifying the essential bits to frame the larger whole. And he lives the beat, aggressively, joyously, immersively.We need more Sutners, but we are probably getting fewer. As journalism figures out what it is in the 21st century, it is deciding that it is less about community-based entities employing beat-specific writers and more about feeding mastheads to private equity funds that drag the carcass down to entrails and then feed them to the hounds. Thousands of American communities now have no local news organization, let alone one with the resources to hire writers solely devoted to something as niche as skiing. Filling the information void is Angry Ski Bro, firing off 50 dozen monthly Facebook posts about Vail's abominable greed being distilled in a broken snowgun at Wildcat.I started The Storm as an antidote to this global complaint box. And I believe that the future of journalism includes writers tapping Substack and similar platforms to freelance the truth. But I still believe that the traditional news organization – meaning physical newspapers that have evolved into digital-analogue hybrids – can find a sustainable business model that tells a community's essential stories. Sutner, and the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, deserve credit for showing us how to do this.What we talked aboutSki South America; how to ski 60 days while working full time; Worcester's legendary Strand's ski shop; Powdr's sale of Killington and Pico and how the new owners can keep from ruining it; how to make Pico more relevant; is this the start of New England ski area deconsolidation?; Smuggs; Black Mountain, New Hampshire's co-op quest; taking stock of New England consolidation; Vail Resorts' New England GM shuffle; New England's chairlift renaissance; what is New England's new most-hated lift?; why New England needs more surface lifts; a new sixer coming to Wachusett; the legacy of Wachusett's David Crowley; why Wachusett works; and what we lose with consolidation.What we got wrongOn whatever that city is calledI probably still can't pronounce “Worcester.” Just congratulate yourself if you can, and keep moving.On South American skiingI said in our conversation that there were “40 or so ski areas” in South America. I've not taken my magnifying glass to the region as I have with Real America, but I made this quick-hitter chart earlier this year that counted just 26 on the continent, all of them in Chile and Argentina:This map on skiresort.info counts 45 South American ski areas, including a sporadically operating area in Bolivia and one indoor and one artificial-turf area in Brazil. Someday I'll do a cross-check with my list, but that day is not today.On which county Killington lives inNeither of us knew which county Killington is in, but he suggested Windham County. The correct answer is Rutland County.On The Man owning our ski centersWhen discussing state-owned ski areas, Sutner didn't remember that New Hampshire owns Cannon and Vail-operated Sunapee, and I didn't remember to remind him.On Black Mountain, New HampshireWe recorded this prior to Black outlining its plans for a transition to co-op ownership. Mountain leadership has since released more details:On Mad River Glen's snowmaking hard stopI noted that Mad River Glen only makes snow up to “2,000-whatever feet.” The actual number, as proclaimed by some past assemblage of the MRG co-op, is 2,200 feet. Though perhaps raising that by a couple hundred feet would have spared them from spending a fat stack to build a double-chair midstation this year.On Vail's GM shuffleWhen we recorded this conversation, Vail-owned Wildcat, Mount Snow, and Crotched had general manager vacancies. The company has since filled all three (click through on the links above).On Sugarloaf's T-barIn our discussion on surface lifts, Sutner references a T-bar to Sugarloaf's summit. The Bateau T-bar does land quite high on the mountain, but it stops short of the summit and snowfields.On Waterville Valley's T-barsWaterville's T-bar game is way ahead of most New England ski areas. Two of them serve lower-mountain race or race-training trails, and one serves the mountain's top 400 vertical feet, replacing the windhold-prone chairlifts that once ran to the summit. While two of the T-bars run parallel to terrain parks, serving them does not appear to be the lifts' direct purpose, as we debated on the podcast.On Vail's high-speed “T-bars”I mixed up my lift types when describing the high-speed surface lifts that Vail runs at its Midwest mountains. They are ropetows, not T-bars. Here they go at Afton Alps, Minnesota:Afton Alps, Minnesota. Video by Stuart Winchester.On Wachusett upgradesSutner noted that Wachusett's coming summit six-pack would be its first big infrastructure upgrade in 20 years, but the mountain installed the 299-vertical-foot Monadnock Express quad in 2011.On Berkshire East's T-Bar ExpressSutner said that last year was Berkshire East's second season running its T-Bar Express high-speed quad, but the lift first spun for the 2023-24 ski season. The current, 2024-25 season is the lift's second.On Sutner's ski daysWe recorded this a while ago, and Sutner had clocked eight ski days before Thanksgiving. As of Dec. 30, he'd hit 21 days, well along to his 60-day goal.Podcast NotesOn Cerro CatedralI'm somewhat obsessed with this 3,773-vertical-foot, 1,500-acre Argentinian monster:On Shaun's Worcester Living articleSutner wrote up his Argentinian ski adventure for Worcester Living magazine. The story starts on page 20.On Powdr's sale of Killington and PicoIn case you missed it:On New England consolidationNew England's 100-ish ski areas are largely independently owned and operated. These 25 are run by an entity that operates at least two ski areas:On Intrawest and American Skiing CompanyIt's impossible to discuss the history of New England ski area consolidation without acknowledging the now-dead Intrawest and American Skiing Company. On Vail's management shuffleI wrote about this recently:I launched The Storm in October 2019, when Vail owned 34 North American ski areas. To the best of my knowledge, just three of those ski areas' general manager-level leaders remain where they were on that date: Vail Mountain VP/COO Beth Howard, Okemo VP/GM Bruce Schmidt, and Boston Mills-Brandywine GM Jake Campbell. Compare this to Boyne, where nine of 10 mountain leaders either remain in their 2019 roles, or have since ascended to them after working at the resort for decades, often replacing legends retiring after long careers. Alterra and Powdr have demonstrated similar stability. Meanwhile, Vail's seven New England Resorts enter this winter with just two mountains – Okemo and Attitash – under the same general manager that ran them in the spring.The Storm publishes year-round, and guarantees 100 articles per year. This is article 90/100 in 2024, and number 590 since launching on Oct. 13, 2019. 2024 will continue until the 100-article threshold is achieved, regardless of what that pesky calendar says. Get full access to The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast at www.stormskiing.com/subscribe

Jena Newbern from the Lake Sunapee VNA and Hospice is here as we recap their Christmas program, talk about the Colby Sawyer College students who did a reserach project & marketing campaign for the VNA, frequently asked questions and more.

This podcast hit paid subscribers' inboxes on Nov. 29. It dropped for free subscribers on Dec. 6. 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:WhoSusan Donnelly, General Manager of Mount Sunapee (and former General Manager of Crotched Mountain)Recorded onNovember 4, 2024About CrotchedClick here for a mountain stats overviewOwned by: Vail Resorts, which also owns:Located in: Francetown, New HampshireYear founded: 1963 (as Crotched East); 1969 (as Onset, then Onset Bobcat, then Crotched West, now present-day Crotched); entire complex closed in 1990; West re-opened by Peak Resorts in 2003 as Crotched MountainPass affiliations:* Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass, Northeast Value Epic Pass: unlimited access* Northeast Midweek Epic Pass: midweek access, including holidaysClosest neighboring public ski areas: Pats Peak (:34), Granite Gorge (:39), Arrowhead (:41), McIntyre (:50), Mount Sunapee (:51)Base elevation: 1,050 feetSummit elevation: 2,066 feetVertical drop: 1,016Skiable Acres: 100Average annual snowfall: 65 inchesTrail count: 25 (28% beginner, 40% intermediate, 32% advanced)Lift count: 5 (1 high-speed quad, 1 fixed-grip quad, 1 triple, 1 double, 1 surface lift – view Lift Blog's inventory of Crotched's lift fleet)History: Read New England Ski History's overview of Crotched MountainAbout Mount SunapeeClick here for a mountain stats overviewOwned by: The State of New Hampshire; operated by Vail Resorts, which also operates resorts detailed in the chart above.Located in: Newbury, New HampshireYear founded: 1948Pass affiliations:* Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass, Northeast Value Epic Pass: unlimited access* Northeast Midweek Epic Pass: midweek access, including holidaysClosest neighboring public ski areas: Pats Peak (:28), Whaleback (:29), Arrowhead (:29), Ragged (:38), Veterans Memorial (:42), Ascutney (:45), Crotched (:48), Quechee (:50), Granite Gorge (:51), McIntyre (:53)Base elevation: 1,233 feetSummit elevation: 2,743 feetVertical drop: 1,510 feetSkiable Acres: 233 acresAverage annual snowfall: 130 inchesTrail count: 67 (29% beginner, 47% intermediate, 24% advanced)Lift count: 8 (2 high-speed quads, 1 fixed-grip quad, 2 triples, 3 conveyors – view Lift Blog's inventory of Mount Sunapee's lift fleet.)History: Read New England Ski History's overview of Mount SunapeeWhy I interviewed herIt's hard to be small in New England and it's hard to be south in New England. There are 35 New England ski areas with vertical drops greater than 1,100 feet, and Crotched is not one of them. There are 44 New England ski areas that average more than 100 inches of snow per winter, and Crotched is not one of those either. Crotched does have a thousand vertical feet and a high-speed lift and a new baselodge and a snowmaking control room worthy of a nuclear submarine. Which is a pretty good starter kit for a successful ski area. But it's not enough in New England.To succeed as a ski area in New England, you need a Thing. The most common Things are to be really really nice or really really gritty. Stratton or Mad River. Okemo or Magic. Sunday River or Black Mountain of Maine. The pitch is either “you'll think you're at Deer Valley” or “you'll descend the hill on ice skates and you'll like it.” But Crotched's built-along-a-state-highway normalness precludes arrogance, and its mellow terrain lacks the attitude for even modest braggadocio. It's not a small ski area, but it's not big enough to be a mid-sized one, either. The terrain is fine, but it's not the kind of place you need to ski on purpose, or more than once. It's a fine local, but not much else, making Crotched precisely the kind of mountain that you would have expected to be smothered by the numerous larger and better ski areas around it before it could live to see the internet. And that's exactly what happened. Crotched, lacking a clear Thing, went bust in 1990.The ski area, undersized and average, should have melted back into the forest by now. But in 2002, then-budding Peak Resorts crept out of its weird Lower Midwest manmade snowhole on a reverse Lewis & Clark Expedition to explore the strange and murky East. And as they hacked away the brambles around Crotched's boarded-up baselodge, they saw not a big pile of mediocrity, but a portal into the gold-plated New England market. And they said “this could work if we can just find a Thing.” And that Thing was night-skiing with attitude, built on top of $10 million in renovations that included a built-from-scratch snowmaking system.The air above the American mountains is filled with such wild notions. “We're going to save Mt. Goatpath. It's going to be bigger than Vail and deeper than Alta and higher than Telluride.” And everyone around them is saying, “You know this is, like, f*****g Connecticut, right?” But if practical concerns killed all bad ideas, then no one would keep reptiles as pets. Everyone else is happy with cats or dogs, sentient mammals of kindred disposition with humans, but this idiot needs a 12-foot-long boa constrictor that he keeps in a 6x3 fishtank. It helps him get chicks or something. It's his thing. And damned if it doesn't work.What we talked aboutTransitioning from smaller, Vail-owned Crotched to larger, state-owned but Vail-operated Sunapee; “weather-proofing” Sunapee; Crotched and Sunapee – so close but so different; reflecting on the Okemo days under Triple Peaks ownership; longtime Okemo head Bruce Schmidt; reacting to Vail's 2018 purchase of Triple Peaks; living through change; the upside of acquisitions; integrating Peak Resorts; skiing's boys' club; Vail Resorts' culture of women's advancement; why Covid uniquely challenged Crotched among Vail's New England properties; reviving Midnight Madness; Crotched's historic downsizing; whether the lost half of Crotched could ever be re-developed; why Crotched 2.0 is more durable than the version that shut down in 1990; Crotched's baller snowmaking system; southern New Hampshire's wild weather; thoughts on future Crotched infrastructure; and considering a beginner trail from Crotched's summit.Why now was a good time for this interviewAs we swing toward the middle of the 2020s, it's pretty lame to continue complaining about operational malfunctions in the so-called Covid season of 2020-21, but I'm going to do it anyway.Some ski areas did a good job operating that season. For example, Pats Peak. Pats Peak was open seven days per week that winter. Pats Peak offered night skiing on all the days it usually offers night skiing. Pats Peak made the Ross Ice Shelf jealous with its snowmaking firepower. Pats Peak acted like a snosportskiing operation that had operated a snosportskiing operation in previous winters. Pats Peak did a good job.Other ski areas did a bad job operating that season. For example, Crotched. Crotched was open whenever it decided to be open, which was not very often. Crotched, one of the great night-skiing centers in New England, offered almost no night skiing. Crotched's snowmaking looked like what happens when you accidentally keep the garden hose running during an overnight freeze. Crotched did a bad job.This is a useful comparison, because these two ski areas sit just 21 miles and 30 minutes apart. They are dealing with the same crappy weather and the same low-altitude draw. They are both obscured by the shadows of far larger ski areas scraping the skies just to the north. They are both small and unserious places, where the skiing is somewhat beside the point. Kids go there to pole-click one another's skis off of moving chairlifts. College kids go there to alternate two laps with two rounds at the bar. Adults go there to shoo the kids onto the chairlifts and burn down happy hour. No one shows up in either parking lot expecting Jackson Hole.But Crotched Mountain is owned by Vail Resorts. Pats Peak is owned by the same family of good-old boys who built the original baselodge from logs sawed straight off the mountain in 1962. Vail Resorts has the resources to send a container full of sawdust to the moon just to see what happens when it's opened. Most of Pats Peaks' chairlifts came used from other ski areas. These two are not drawing from the same oil tap.And yet, one of them delivered a good product during Covid, and the other did not. And the ones who did are not the ones that their respective pools of resources would suggest. And so the people who skied Pats Peak that year were like “Yeah that was pretty good considering everything else kind of sucks right now.” And the people who skied Crotched that season were like “Well that sucked even worse than everything else does right now, and that's saying something.”And that's the mess that Donnelly inherited when she took the GM job at Crotched in 2021. And it took a while, but she fixed it. And that's harder than it should be when your parent company can deploy sawdust rockets on a whim.What I got wrong* I said that Colorado has 35 active ski areas. The correct number is 34, or 33 if we exclude Hesperus, which did not operate last winter, and is not scheduled to reactivate anytime soon.* I said that Bruce Schmidt was the “president and general manager” of Okemo. His title is “Vice President and General Manager.” Sorry about that, Bruce.* I said that Okemo's season pass was “closing in on $2,000” when Vail came along. According to New England Ski History, Okemo's top season pass price hit $1,375 for the 2017-18 ski season, the last before Vail purchased the resort. This appears to be a big cut from the 2016-17 season, when the top price was $1,619. My best guess is that Okemo dropped their pass prices after Vail purchased Stowe, lowering that mountain's pass price from $2,313 for the 2016-17 ski season to just $899 (an Epic Pass) the next.* I said that 80 percent-plus of my podcasts featured interviews with men. I examined the inventory, and found that of the 210 podcasts I've published (192 Storm Skiing Podcasts, 12 Covid pods, 6 Live pods), only 33, or 15.7 percent, included a female guest. Only 23 of those (11 percent), featured a woman as the only guest. And three of those podcasts were with one person: former NSAA CEO Kelly Pawlak. So either my representation sucks, or the ski industry's representation sucks, but probably it's both.Why you should ski CrotchedUpper New England doesn't have a lot of night skiing, and the night skiing it does have is mostly underwhelming. Most of the large resorts – Killington, Sugarbush, Smuggs, Stowe, Sugarloaf, Waterville, Cannon, Stratton, Mount Snow, Okemo, Attitash, Wildcat, etc. – have no night skiing at all. A few of the big names – Bretton Woods, Sunday River, Cranmore – provide a nominal after-dark offering, a lift and a handful of trails. The bulk of the night skiing in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine involves surface lifts at community-run bumps with the vertical drop of a Slip N' Slide.But a few exceptions tower into the frosty darkness: Pleasant Mountain, Maine; Pats Peak, New Hampshire; and Bolton Valley, Vermont all deliver big vertical drops, multiple chairlifts, and a spiderweb of trails for night skiers. Boyne-owned Pleasant, with 1,300 vertical feet served by a high-speed quad, is the most extensive of these, but the second-most expansive night-skiing operation in New England lives at Crotched.Parked less than an hour from New Hampshire's four largest cities – Manchester, Nashua, Concord, and Derry – Crotched is the rare northern New England ski area that can sustain an after-hours business (New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont are ranked numbers 41, 42, and 49 among U.S. states by population, respectively, with a three-state total of just 3.5 million residents). With four chairlifts spinning, every trail lit, Park Brahs on patrol, first-timers lined up at the rental shop, Bomber Bro straightlining Pluto's Plunge in his unzipped Celtics jacket, the parking lots jammed, and the scritch-scratch of edges on ice shuddering across the night, it's an amazing scene, a lantern of New England Yeah Dawg zest floating in the winter night.No, Crotched night skiing isn't what it used to be, when Peak Resorts kept the joint bumping until 3 a.m. And the real jammer, Midnight Madness, hits just a half dozen days per winter. But it's still a uniquely New England scene, a skiing spectacle that can double as a night-cap after a day shredding Cannon or Waterville or Mount Snow.Podcast NotesOn my recent Sunapee podI tend to schedule these interviews several months in advance, and sometimes things change. One of the things that changed between when I scheduled this conversation and when we recorded it was Donnelly's job. She moved from Crotched, which I had never spotlighted on the podcast, to Sunapee, which I just featured a few months ago. Which means, Sunapee Nation, that we don't really talk much about Mount Sunapee on this podcast that has Mount Sunapee in the headline. But pretty much everything I talked about in June with former Sunapee GM Peter Disch (who's now VP of Mountain Ops at Vail's Heavenly), is still relevant:On historic CrotchedCrotched was once a much larger resort forged from two onetime independent side-by-side ski areas. The whole history of it is a bit labyrinthian and involves bad decisions, low snow years, and unpaid taxes (read the full tale at New England Ski History), but the upshot was this interconnected animal, shown here at its 1988-ish peak:The whole Crotched complex dropped dead around 1990, and would have likely stayed that way forever had Missouri-based Peak Resorts not gotten the insane idea to dig a lost New England ski area up from the graveyard. Somewhat improbably, they succeeded, and the contemporary Crotched (minus the summit quad, which came later), opened in 2003. The current ski area sits on what was formerly known as “Crotched West,” and before that “Bobcat,” and before that (or perhaps at the same time), “Onset.” Trails on the original Crotched Mountain, at Crotched East (left on the trailmap above), are still faintly visible from above (on the right below, between the “Crotched Mountain” and “St. John Enterprise” dots):On Triple Peaks and OkemoTriple Peaks was the umbrella company that owned Okemo, Vermont; Mount Sunapee, New Hampshire; and Crested Butte, Colorado. The owners, the Mueller family, sold the whole outfit to Vail Resorts in 2018. Longtime Okemo GM Bruce Schmidt laid out the whole history on the podcast earlier this year:On Crotched's lift fleetPeak got creative building Crotched's lift fleet. The West double, a Hall installed by Jesus himself in 400 B.C., had sat in the woods through Crotched's entire 13-year closure and was somehow reactivated for the revival. The Rover triple and the Valley and Summit quads came from a short-lived 1,000-vertical-foot Virginia ski area called Cherokee.What really nailed Crotched back to the floor, however, was the 2012 acquisition of a used high-speed quad from bankrupt Ascutney, Vermont.Peak flagrantly dubbed this lift the “Crotched Rocket,” a name that Vail seems to have backed away from (the lift is simply “Rocket” on current trailmaps).Fortunately, Ascutney lived on as a surface-lifts-only community bump even after its beheading. You can still skin and ski the top trails if you're one of those people who likes to make skiing harder than it needs to be:On Peak ResortsPeak Resorts started in, of all places, Missouri. The company slowly acquired small-but-busy suburban ski areas, and was on its way to Baller status when Vail purchased the whole operation in 2019. Here's a loose acquisition timeline:The Storm explores the world of lift-served skiing year-round. Join us.The Storm publishes year-round, and guarantees 100 articles per year. This is article 81/100 in 2024, and number 581 since launching on Oct. 13, 2019. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stormskiing.com/subscribe

Jeana Newbern is here from the Lake Sunapee VNA & Hospice with Jenny Avakian, RN, Hospice & Palliative Care Coordinator, to talk about her role, what is palliative care, how she got into nursing, National Hospice & Palliative Care Month, Time of Remembrance event coming up on 11/20 in Newport, and lots more

Jeana Newbern and (President & CEO) Jim Culhane are here as we talk about open enrollment, Medicare options, United Healthcare and more.

Derek Tremblay, Headmaster of Mt Royal Academy in Sunapee, is here as we catch up on the school year, the no phones policy, talk about interacting with others, religious questions and more.

Steve Patten is here as we talk about Morgan's Miles To Go Foundation, the tragic death of his daughter Morgan, what the Foundation is doing, the event in September at the Livery in Sunapee, and lots more.

This podcast hit paid subscribers' inboxes on July 27. It dropped for free subscribers on Aug. 3. To receive future pods 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:WhoPeter Disch, General Manager of Mount Sunapee, New Hampshire (following this interview, Vail Resorts promoted Disch to Vice President of Mountain Operations at its Heavenly ski area in California; he will start that new position on Aug. 5, 2024; as of July 27, Vail had yet to name the next GM of Sunapee.)Recorded onJune 24, 2024About Mount SunapeeClick here for a mountain stats overviewOwned by: The State of New Hampshire; operated by Vail ResortsLocated in: Newbury, New HampshireYear founded: 1948Pass affiliations:* Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass, Northeast Value Epic Pass: unlimited access* Northeast Midweek Epic Pass: midweek access, including holidaysClosest neighboring (public) ski areas: Pats Peak (:28), Whaleback (:29), Arrowhead (:29), Ragged (:38), Veterans Memorial (:42), Ascutney (:45), Crotched (:48), Quechee (:50), Granite Gorge (:51), McIntyre (:53), Saskadena Six (1:04), Tenney (1:06)Base elevation: 1,233 feetSummit elevation: 2,743 feetVertical drop: 1,510 feetSkiable Acres: 233 acresAverage annual snowfall: 130 inchesTrail count: 67 (29% beginner, 47% intermediate, 24% advanced)Lift count: 8 (2 high-speed quads, 1 fixed-grip quad, 2 triples, 3 conveyors – view Lift Blog's inventory of Mount Sunapee's lift fleet.)History: Read New England Ski History's overview of Mount SunapeeView historic Mount Sunapee trailmaps on skimap.org.Why I interviewed himNew Hampshire state highway 103 gives you nothing. Straight-ish and flattish, lined with trees and the storage-unit detritus of the American outskirts, nothing about the road suggests a ski-area approach. Looping south off the great roundabout-ish junction onto Mt. Sunapee Road still underwhelms. As though you've turned into someone's driveway, or are seeking some obscure historical monument, or simply made a mistake. Because what, really, could be back there to ski?And then you arrive. All at once. A parking lot. The end of the road. The ski area heaves upward on three sides. Lifts all over. The top is up there somewhere. It's not quite Silverton-Telluride smash-into-the-backside-of-a-box-canyon dramatic, but maybe it's as close as you get in New Hampshire, or at least southern New Hampshire, less than two hours north of Boston.But the true awe waits up high. North off the summit, Lake Sunapee dominates the foreground, deep blue-black or white-over-ice in midwinter, like the flat unfinished center of a puzzle made from the hills and forests that rise and roll from all sides. Thirty miles west, across the lowlands where the Connecticut River marks the frontier with Vermont, stands Okemo, interstate-wide highways of white strafing the two-mile face.Then you ski. Sunapee does not measure big but it feels big, an Alpine illusion exploding over the flats. Fifteen hundred vertical feet is plenty of vertical feet, especially when it rolls down the frontside like a waterfall. Glades everywhere, when they're live, which is less often than you'd hope but more often than you'd think. Good runs, cruisers and slashers, a whole separate face for beginners, a 374-vertical-foot ski-area-within-a-ski-area, perfectly spliced from the pitched main mountain.Southern New Hampshire has a lot of ski areas, and a lot of well-run ski areas, but not a lot of truly great pure ski areas. Sunapee, as both an artwork and a plaything, surpasses them all, the ribeye on the grill stacked with hamburgers, a delightful and filling treat.What we talked aboutSunapee enhancements ahead of the 2024-25 winter; a new parking lot incoming; whether Sunapee considered paid parking to resolve its post-Covid, post-Northeast Epic Pass launch backups; the differences in Midwest, West, and Eastern ski cultures; the big threat to Mount Sunapee in the early 1900s; the Mueller family legacy and “The Sunapee Difference”; what it means for Vail Resorts to operate a state-owned ski area; how cash flows from Sunapee to Cannon; Sunapee's masterplan; the long-delayed West Bowl expansion; incredible views from the Sunapee summit; the proposed Sun Bowl-North Peak connection; potential upgrades for the Sunapee Express, North Peak, and Spruce lifts; the South Peak beginner area; why Sunapee built a ski-through lighthouse; why high-speed ropetows rule; the potential for Sunapee night-skiing; whether Sunapee should be unlimited on the Northeast Value Pass (which it currently is); and why Vail's New Hampshire mountains are on the same Epic Day Pass tier as its Midwest ski areas.Why I thought that now was a good time for this interviewShould states own ski areas? And if so, should state agencies run those ski areas, or should they be contracted to private operators?These are fraught questions, especially in New York, where three state-owned ski areas (Whiteface, Gore, and Belleayre) guzzle tens of millions of dollars in new lift, snowmaking, and other infrastructure while competing directly against dozens of tax-paying, family-owned operations spinning Hall double chairs that predate the assassination of JFK. The state agency that operates the three ski areas plus Lake Placid's competition facilities, the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA), reported a $47.3 million operating loss for the fiscal year ending March 30, following a loss of $29.3 million the prior year. Yet there are no serious proposals at the state-government level to even explore what it would mean to contract a private operator to run the facilities.If New York state officials were ever so inspired, they could look 100 miles east, where the State of New Hampshire has run a sort of A-B experiment on its two owned ski areas since the late 1990s. New Hampshire's state parks association has operated Cannon Mountain since North America's first aerial tram opened on the site in 1938. For a long time, the agency operated Mount Sunapee as well. But in 1998, the state leased the ski area to the Mueller family, who had spent the past decade and a half transforming Okemo from a T-bar-clotted dump into one of Vermont's largest and most modern resorts.Twenty-six years later, that arrangement stands: the state owns and operates Cannon, and owns Sunapee but leases it to a private operator (Vail Resorts assumed or renewed the lease when they purchased the Muellers' Triple Peaks company, which included Okemo and Crested Butte, Colorado, in 2018). As part of that contract, a portion of Sunapee's revenues each year funnel into a capital fund for Cannon.So, does this arrangement work? For Vail, for the state, for taxpayers, for Sunapee, and for Cannon? As we consider the future of skiing, these are important questions: to what extent should the state sponsor recreation, especially when that form of recreation competes directly against private, tax-paying businesses who are, essentially, subsidizing their competition? It's tempting to offer a reflexive ideological answer here, but nuance interrupts us at ground-level. Alterra, for instance, leases and operates Winter Park from the City of Denver. Seems logical, but a peak-day walk-up Winter Park lift ticket will cost you around $260 for the 2024-25 winter. Is this a fair one-day entry fee for a city-owned entity?The story of Mount Sunapee, a prominent and busy ski area in a prominent and busy ski state, is an important part of that larger should-government-own-ski-areas conversation. The state seems happy to let Vail run their mountain, but equally happy to continue running Cannon. That's curious, especially in a state with a libertarian streak that often pledges allegiance by hoisting two middle fingers skyward. The one-private-one-public arrangement was a logical experiment that, 26 years later, is starting to feel a bit schizophrenic, illustrative of the broader social and economic complexities of changing who runs a business and how they do that. Is Vail Resorts better at running commercial ski centers than the State of New Hampshire? They sure as hell should be. But are they? And should Sunapee serve as a template for New York and the other states, counties, and cities that own ski areas? To decide if it works, we first have to understand how it works, and we spend a big part of this interview doing exactly that.What I got wrong* When listing the Vail Resorts with paid parking lots, I accidentally slipped Sunapee in place of Mount Snow, Vermont. Only the latter has paid parking.* When asking Disch about Sunapee's masterplan, I accidentally tossed Sunapee into Vail's Peak Resorts acquisition in 2019. But Peak never operated Sunapee. The resort entered Vail's portfolio as part of its acquisition of Triple Peaks – which also included Okemo and Crested Butte – in 2018.* I neglected to elaborate on what a “chondola” lift is. It's a lift that alternates (usually six-person) chairs with (usually eight-person) gondola cabins. The only active such lift in New England is at Sunday River, but Arizona Snowbowl, Northstar, Copper Mountain, and Beaver Creek operate six/eight-passenger chondolas in the American West. Telluride runs a short chondola with four-person chairs and four-person gondola cars.* I said that the six New England states combined covered an area “less than half the size of Colorado.” This is incorrect: the six New England states, combined, cover 71,987 square miles; Colorado is 103,610 square miles.Why you should ski Mount SunapeeSki area rankings are hard. Properly done, they include dozens of inputs, considering every facet of the mountain across the breadth of a season from the point of view of multiple skiers. Sunapee on an empty midweek powder day might be the best day of your life. Sunapee on a Saturday when it hasn't snowed in three weeks but everyone in Boston shows up anyway might be the worst. For this reason, I largely avoid assembling lists of the best or worst this or that and abstain, mostly, from criticizing mountain ops – the urge to let anecdote stand in for observable pattern and truth is strong.So when I do stuff ski areas into a hierarchy, it's generally grounded in what's objective and observable: Cottonwoods snow really is fluffier and more bounteous than almost all other snow; Tahoe resort density really does make it one of the world's great ski centers; Northern Vermont really does deliver far deeper snow and better average conditions than the rest of New England. In that same shaky, room-for-caveats manner, I'm comfortable saying this: Mount Sunapee's South Peak delivers one of the best beginner/novice experiences in the Northeast.Arrive childless and experienced, and it's likely you'll ignore this zone altogether. Which is precisely what makes it so great: almost completely cut off from the main mountain, South Peak is free from high-altitude bombers racing back to the lifts. Three progression carpets offer the perfect ramp-up experience. The 374-vertical-foot quad rises high enough to feel grown-up without stoking the summit lakeview vertigo. The trails are gently tilted but numerous and interesting. Other than potential for an errant turn down Sunnyside toward the Sunapee Express, it's almost impossible to get lost. It's as though someone chopped a mid-sized Midwest ski area from the earth, airlifted it east, and stapled it onto the edge of Sunapee:A few other Northeast ski areas offer this sort of ski-area-within-a-ski-area beginner separation – Burke, Belleayre, Whiteface, and Smugglers' Notch all host expansive standalone beginner zones. But Sunapee's is one of the easiest to access for New England's core Boston market, and, because of the Epic Pass, one of the most affordable.For everyone else, Sunapee's main mountain distills everything that is great and terrible about New England skiing: a respectable vertical drop; a tight, complex, and varied trail network; a detached-from-conditions determination to be outdoors in the worst of it. But also impossible weekend crowds, long snow draughts, a tendency to overgroom even when the snow does fall, and an over-emphasis on driving, with nowhere to stay on-mountain. But even when it's not perfect, which it almost never is, Sunapee is always, objectively, a great natural ski mountain, a fall-line classic, a little outpost of the north suspiciously far south.  Podcast NotesOn Sunapee's masterplan and West Bowl expansionAs a state park, Mount Sunapee is required to submit an updated masterplan every five years. The most transformative piece of this would be the West Bowl expansion, a 1,082-vertical-foot pod running skiers' left off the current summit (right in purple on the map below):The masterplan also proposes upgrades for several of Sunapee's existing lifts, including the Sunapee Express and the Spruce and North Peak triples:On past Storm Skiing Podcasts:Disch mentions a recent podcast that I recorded with Attitash, New Hampshire GM Brandon Schwarz. You can listen to that here. I've also recorded pods with the leaders of a dozen other New Hampshire mountains:* Wildcat GM JD Crichton (May 30, 2024)* Gunstock President & GM Tom Day (April 15, 2024) – now retired* Tenney Mountain GM Dan Egan (April 8, 2024) – no longer works at Tenney* Cranmore President & GM Ben Wilcox (Oct. 16, 2023)* Dartmouth Skiway GM Mark Adamczyk (June 12, 2023)* Granite Gorge GM Keith Kreischer (May 30, 2023)* Loon Mountain President & GM Brian Norton (Nov. 14, 2022)* Pats Peak GM Kris Blomback (Sept. 26, 2022)* Ragged Mountain GM Erik Barnes (April 26, 2022)* Whaleback Mountain Executive Director Jon Hunt (June 16, 2021)* Waterville Valley President & GM Tim Smith (Feb. 22, 2021)* Cannon Mountain GM John DeVivo (Oct. 6, 2020) – now GM at Antelope Butte, WyomingOn New England ski area densityDisch referenced the density of ski areas in New England. With 100 ski areas crammed into six states, this is without question the densest concentration of lift-served skiing in the United States. Here's an inventory:On the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)From 1933 to 1942 – the height of the Great Depression – a federal government agency knows as the Civilian Conservation Corps recruited single men between the ages of 18 and 25 to “improve America's public lands, forests, and parks.” Some of this work included the cutting of ski trails on then-virgin mountains, including Mount Sunapee. While the CCC trail is no longer in use on Sunapee, that first project sparked the notion of skiing on the mountain and led to the development of the ski area we know today.On potential Northeast expansions and there being “a bunch that are proposed all over the region”This is by no means an exhaustive list, but a few of the larger Northeast expansions that are creeping toward reality include a new trailpod at Berkshire East:This massive, village-connecting expansion that would completely transform Waterville Valley:The de-facto resurrection of New York's lost Highmount ski area with an expansion from adjacent Belleayre:And the monster proposed Western Territories expansion that could double the size of Sunday River. There's no public map of this one presently available.On high-speed ropetowsI'll keep beating the crap out of this horse until you all realize that I'm right:A high-speed ropetow at Spirit Mountain, Minnesota. Video by Stuart Winchester.On Crotched proximity and night skiingWe talk briefly about past plans for night-skiing on Sunapee, and Disch argues that, while that may have made sense when the Muellers owned the ski area, it's no longer likely since Vail also owns Crotched, which hosts one of New England's largest night-skiing operations less than an hour south. It's a fantastic little operation, a once-abandoned mountain completely rebuilt from the studs by Peak Resorts:On the Epic Day PassHere's another thing I don't plan to stop talking about ever:The Storm explores the world of North American lift-served skiing year-round. Join us.The Storm publishes year-round, and guarantees 100 articles per year. This is article 48/100 in 2024, and number 548 since launching on Oct. 13, 2019. Get full access to The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast at www.stormskiing.com/subscribe

Jeana Newbern from the Lake Sunapee VNA and Hospice is here giving an overview of the services the VNA offers, payment options, how to get the VNA, what is Hospice and more.

From the Lake Sunapee VNA and hospice, Jeana Newbern is here as we recap the great Women Who Make A Difference Luncheon yesterday, talk about an upcoming event with the VNA, and the big 50% off sale at the Renaissance Shoppe

This podcast hit paid subscribers' inboxes on April 5. It dropped for free subscribers on April 12. To receive future pods 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:WhoBruce Schmidt, Vice President and General Manager at Okemo Mountain Resort, VermontRecorded onFeb. 27, 2024 (apologies for the delay)About OkemoClick here for a mountain stats overviewOwned by: Vail ResortsLocated in: Ludlow, VermontYear founded: 1956Pass affiliations:* Epic Pass: unlimited access* Epic Local Pass: unlimited access* Epic Northeast Value Pass: unlimited access with holiday blackouts* Epic Northeast Midweek Pass: unlimited weekday access with holiday blackouts* Epic Day Pass: access on “all resorts” and “32 resorts” tiersClosest neighboring ski areas: Killington (:22), Magic (:26), Bromley (:31), Pico (:32), Ascutney (:33), Bellows Falls (:37), Stratton (:41), Saskadena Six (:44), Ski Quechee (:48), Storrs Hill (:52), Whaleback (:56), Mount Snow (1:04), Hermitage Club (1:10)Base elevation: 1,144 feetSummit elevation: 3,344 feetVertical drop: 2,200 feetSkiable Acres: 632Average annual snowfall: 120 inches per On The Snow; Vail claims 200.Trail count: 121 (30% advanced, 37% intermediate, 33% beginner) + 6 terrain parksLift count: 20 (2 six-packs, 4 high-speed quads, 5 fixed-grip quads, 2 triples, 1 platter, 6 carpets – view Lift Blog's inventory of Okemo's lift fleet)View historic Okemo trailmaps on skimap.org.Why I interviewed himWhether by plan or by happenstance, Vail ended up with a nearly perfect mix of Vermont ski areas. Stowe is the beater, with the big snows and the nasty trails and the amazing skiers and the Uphill Bros and the glades and the Front Four. Mount Snow is the sixth borough of New York City (but so is Florida and so is Stratton), big and loud and busy and bursting and messy, with a whole mountain carved out for a terrain park and big-drinking, good-timing crowds, as many skiers at the après, it can seem, as on the mountain. And Okemo is something that's kind of in-between and kind of totally different, at once tame and lively, a placid family redoubt that still bursts with that frantic Northeast energy.It's a hard place to define, and statistics won't do it. Line up Vermont's ski areas on a table, and Okemo looks bigger and better than Sugarbush or Stowe or Jay Peak. It isn't, of course, as anyone in the region will tell you. The place doesn't require the guts that its northern neighbors demand. It's big but not bossy. More of a stroll than a run, a good-timer cruising the Friday night streets in a drop-top low-rider, in no hurry at all to do anything other than this. It's like skiing Vermont without having to tangle with Vermont, like boating on a lake with no waves.Because of this unusual profile, New England skiers either adore Okemo or won't go anywhere near it. It is a singular place in a dense ski state that is the heart of a dense ski region. Okemo isn't particularly convenient to get to, isn't particularly snowy by Vermont standards, and isn't particularly interesting from a terrain point of view. And yet, it is, historically, the second-busiest ski area in the Northeast (after Killington). There is something there that works. Or at least, that has worked historically, as the place budded and flourished in the Mueller family's 36-year reign.But it's Vail's mountain now, an Epic Pass anchor that's shuffling and adding lifts for the crowds that that membership brings. While the season pass price has dropped, skier expectations have ramped up at Okemo, as they have everywhere in the social-media epoch. The grace that passholders granted the growing family-owned mountain has evaporated. Everyone's pulling the pins on their hand grenades and flinging them toward Broomfield every time a Saturday liftline materializes. It's not really fair, but it's how the world is right now. The least I can do is get their side of it.What we talked aboutSummer storm damage to Ludlow and Okemo; the resort helping the town; Vermont's select boards; New England resilience; Vail's My Epic Promise fund and how it helped employees post-storm; reminiscing on old-school Okemo and its Poma forest; the Muellers arrive; the impact of Jackson-Gore; how and why Okemo grew from inconsequential local bump to major New England ski hill; how Okemo expanded within the confines of Vermont's Act 250; Vail buys the mountain, along with Sunapee and Crested Butte; the Muellers' legacy; a Sunapee interlude; Vail adjusting to New England operations; mythbusters: snowmaking edition; the Great Chairlift Switcheroo of 2021; why Okemo didn't place bubbles on the Quantum 6; why Okemo's lift fleet is entirely made up of Poma machines; where Okemo could add a lift to the existing trail network; expansion potential; does Okemo groom too much?; glade expansion?; that baller snowmaking system; what happened when Okemo's season pass price dropped by more than $1,000; is Epic Pass access too loose at Okemo?; how to crowd-dodge; the Epic Northeast Midweek Pass; limiting lift ticket sales; and skyrocketing lift ticket prices.Why I thought that now was a good time for this interviewBruce Schmidt first collected a paycheck from Okemo in the late 1970s. That was a different mountain, a different ski industry, a different world. Pomas and double chairs and primitive snowmaking and mountain-man gear and no internet. It was grittier and colder, in the sense that snowpants and ski coats and heated gloves and socks were not so ubiquitous and affordable and high-quality as they are today. Skiing, particularly in New England, required a hardiness, a tolerance for cold and subtle pain that modernity has slowly shuffled out of the skier profile.Different as it was, that age of 210s and rear-wheel drive rigs was not that long ago, and Schmidt has experienced it as one continuous story. That sort of institutional and epochal tenure is rare, especially at one ski area, especially at one that has evolved as much as Okemo. Imagine if you showed up at surface-lift Hickory and watched it transform, over four decades, into sprawling Gore. That's essentially what Schmidt lived – and helped drive – at Okemo.That hardly ever happens. Small ski areas tend to stay small. Expansion is hard and expensive and, in Vermont especially, bureaucratically challenging. And yet little Okemo, wriggling in Killington's shadow, lodged between the state's southern and northern snow pockets, up past Mount Snow and Stratton but not so far from might-as-well-keep-driving Sugarbush and Mad River Glen, became, somehow, the fourth-largest ski area in America's fourth-largest ski state by skier visits (after Colorado, California, and Utah, typically).The Mueller family, which owned the ski area from 1982 until they sold it to Vail Resorts in 2018, were, of course, the visionaries and financiers behind that growth, the likes of which we will probably never witness in New England again. But as Vail's roots grow deeper and they make these mountains their own, that legacy will fade, if not necessarily dim. It was important, then, to download that part of Schmidt's brain to the internet, to make sure that story survived the big groom of time.What I got wrongI said in the intro that Bruce started at Okemo in 1987. He actually started in the late ‘70s and worked there on and off for several years, as he explains in the conversation.I said that Okemo's lift fleet was “100 percent Poma.” This is not exactly right, as some of the lifts are officially branded Leitner-Poma. I'm also not certain of the make of Okemo's carpets.I noted in the intro that Okemo was Vail's second-largest eastern mountain. It is actually their largest by skiable acreage (though Stowe feels larger to me, given the expansive unmarked but very skiable glades stuffed between nearly every trail). Here's a snapshot of Vail's entire portfolio for reference:Why you should ski OkemoThe first time I skied Okemo was 2007. I rode a 3:45 a.m. ski bus north from Manhattan. I remember thinking three things: 1) wow, this place is big; 2) wow, there are a lot of kids here; and 3) do they seriously groom every goddamn trail every single night?This was at the height of my off-piste mania. I'm not a great carver, especially after the cord gets chopped up and scratchy sublayers emerge. I prefer to maneuver, at a moderate pace, over terrain, meaning bumps or glades (which are basically bumps in the trees, at least on a typical Vermont day). It's more fun and interesting than blasting down wide-open, beaten-up groomers filled with New Yorkers.But wide-open, beaten-up groomers filled with New Yorkers is what Okemo is. At the time, I had no understanding of freeze-thaw cycles, of subtle snowfall differentials between nearby ski areas, of the demographic profile that drove such tight slope management (read: mediocre big-city skiers with no interest in anything other than getting to the bottom still breathing). All I knew was that for me, at the time, this wasn't what I was looking for.But what you want as a skier evolves over time. I still like terrain, and Okemo still doesn't have as much as I'd like. If that's what you need, take your Epic Pass to Stowe – they have plenty. But what I also like is skiing with my kids, skiing with my wife, morning cord laps off fast lifts, long meandering scenic routes to rest up between bumpers, exploring mountains border to border, getting a little lost among multiple base areas, big views, moderate pitches, and less-aggressive skiers (ride the K1 gondy or Superstar chair at Killington and then take the Sunburst Six at Okemo; the toning down of energy and attitude is palpable).Okemo not only has all that – it is all that. If that makes sense. This is one of the best family ski areas in the country. It feels like – it is – a supersized version of the busy ski areas in Massachusetts or Connecticut, a giant Wachusett or Catamount or Mohawk Mountain: unintimidating, wide-open, freewheeling, and quirky in its own overgroomed, overbusy way.If you hit it right, Okemo will give you bumps and glades and even, on a weekday, wide-open trails all to yourself. But that's not the typical Okemo experience, and it's not the point of the place. This is New England's friendly giant, a meandering mass of humanity, grinning and gripping and slightly frazzled, a disjointed but united-by-snow collective that, together, define Okemo as much as the mountain itself.Okemo on a stormy day in November 2021. Video by Stuart Winchester.Podcast NotesOn last summer's flooding in Okemo and LudlowI mean yowza:I hate to keep harping on New Englander's work ethic, but…I reset the same “dang New England you're badass” narrative that I brought up with Sunday River GM Brian Heon on the podcast a few weeks ago. I'm not from New England and I've never even lived there, and I'm from a region with the same sort of get-after-it problem-solver mentality and work ethic. But I'm still amazed at how every time New England gets smashed over the head with a frying pan, they just look annoyed for five minutes, put on a Band-Aid, and keep moving.On the fate of Plymouth, Bromley, Ascutney, and Plymouth/RoundtopSchmidt and I discuss several Vermont ski areas whose circa-1980s size rivaled that of Okemo's at the time. Here, for context, was Okemo before the Muellers arrived in 1982:It's hard to tell from the trailmap, but only four of the 10 or so lifts shown above were chairlifts. Today, Okemo has grown into Vermont's fourth-largest ski area by skiable acres (though I have reason to doubt the accuracy of the ski resort's self-reported tallies; Stowe, Sugarbush, and Jay all ski at least as big as Okemo, but officially report fewer skiable acres).Anyway, in the early ‘80s, Magic, Bromley, Ascutney, and Plymouth/Roundtop were approximate peers to Okemo. Bromley ran mostly chairlifts, and has evolved the most of this group, but it is far smaller than Okemo today. The mountain has always been well-managed, so it wasn't entirely fair to stick it in with this group, but the context is important here: Bromley today is roughly the same size that it was 40 years ago:Ascutney sold a 1,400-plus-foot vertical drop and a thick trail network in this 1982 trailmap. But the place went bust and sold its high-speed quad in 2012 (it's now the main lift at Vail-owned Crotched). Today, Ascutney consists of a lower-mountain ropetow and T-bar that rises just 450 vertical feet (you can still skin or hike the upper mountain trails).Magic, in the early ‘80s, was basically the same size it is today:A merger with now-private and liftless (but still skiable from Magic), Timber Ridge briefly supersized the place before it went out of business for a large part of the ‘90s:When Magic recovered from its long shutdown, it reverted to its historic footprint (with extensive glade skiing that either didn't exist or went unmarked in the ‘80s):And then there was Round Top, a 1,300-foot sometime private ski area also known as Bear Creek and Plymouth Notch. The area has sat idle since 2018, though the chairlifts are, last I checked, intact, and it can be yours for $6.5 million.Seriously you can buy it:On Okemo's expansion progressionThe Muellers' improbable transformation of Okemo into a New England Major happened in big chunks. First, they opened the Solitude area for the 1987-88 ski season:In 1994, South Face, far looker's left, opened a new pod of steeper runs toward the summit:The small Morningstar pod, located in the lower-right-hand corner of the trailmap, opened in 1995, mostly to serve a real estate development:The most dramatic change came in 2003, when Okemo opened the sprawling Jackson Gore complex:On Vermont Act 250It's nearly impossible to discuss Vermont skiing without referencing the infamous Act 250, which is, according to the official state website:…Vermont's land use and development law, enacted in 1970 at a time when Vermont was undergoing significant development pressure. The law provides a public, quasi-judicial process for reviewing and managing the environmental, social and fiscal consequences of major subdivisions and developments in Vermont. It assures that larger developments complement Vermont's unique landscape, economy and community needs. One of the strengths of Act 250 is the access it provides to neighbors and other interested parties to participate in the development review process. Applicants often work with neighbors, municipalities, state agencies and other interested groups to address concerns raised by a proposed development, resolving issues and mitigating impacts before a permit application is filed.As onerous as navigating Act 250 can seem, there is significantly more slopeside development in Vermont than in any other Northeastern state, and its large resorts are certainly more developed than anything in build-nothing New York.On the CNL lease structureSchmidt refers to “the CNL lease structure.” Here's what he was talking about: a company called CNL Lifestyle Properties once had a slick sideline in purchasing ski areas and leasing them back to the former owners. New England Ski History explains the historical context:As the banking crisis unfolded, many ski areas across the country transferred their debt into Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). On December 5, 2008, Triple Peaks transferred its privately held Mt. Sunapee assets to CNL Lifestyle Properties, Inc.. Triple Peaks then entered into a long agreement with CNL to maintain operational control.The site put together a timeline of the various resorts CNL once owned, including, from 2008 to '17, Okemo:On the proximity of Okemo to Mount Sunapee Though Okemo and Sunapee sit in different states, they're only an hour apart:I snapped this pic of Okemo from the Sunapee summit a couple years ago (super zoomed in):On Mount Sunapee's ownershipThe State of New Hampshire owns two ski areas: Cannon Mountain and Mount Sunapee. In 1998, after decades of debate on the subject, the state leased the latter to the Muellers. When Vail acquired Triple Peaks (Okemo, Sunapee, and Crested Butte), in 2019, they either inherited or renegotiated the lease. For whatever reason, the state continues to manage Cannon as part of Franconia Notch State Park. A portion of the lease revenue that Vail pays the state each year is earmarked for capital improvements at Cannon.On glades at Stratton and KillingtonOkemo's trail footprint is light on glades compared to many of the large Vermont ski areas. I point to Killington and Stratton, in particular, in the podcast, mostly due to their proximity to Okemo (every Vermont ski area from Sugarbush on north has a vast glade network). Though it's just 20 minutes away, Killington rakes in around double Okemo's snowfall in an average winter, and the ski area maintains glades all over the mountain:Stratton, 40 minutes south, also averages more snow than Okemo and is a sneaky good glade mountain. It's easy to spend all day in the trees there when the snow's deep (and it's deep more often than you might think):On Okemo's historic pass pricesWe can have mountain-to-mountain debates over the impact Vail Resorts has on the resorts it purchases, but one thing that's inarguable: season pass prices typically plummet when the company acquires ski areas. Check out New England Ski History's itemization of Okemo pass prices over the years – that huge drop in 2018-19 represents the ownership shift and that year's cost of an Epic Local Pass (lift ticket and pass prices listed below are the maximum for that season):But, yeah, those day-ticket prices. Yikes.The Storm explores the world of lift-served skiing all year long. Join us.The Storm publishes year-round, and guarantees 100 articles per year. This is article 25/100 in 2024, and number 525 since launching on Oct. 13, 2019. This is a public episode. 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