The Craftsbury Outdoor Center has changed skiing in New
England. This year instead of going to
West Yellowstone, I skied at Craftsbury on their 1.3K loop of manmade
snow. I know that sounds short, but with
a rolling loop through the woods with a couple of good hills it was fast, fun,
and challenging. How does that compare
to a trip to West Yellowstone? It's hard
to beat the scenic beauty of the west. When the snow is good the skiing is
wonderful, and the crowds of elite skiers are inspiring. On the other hand, there is the long and
expensive flight to get there, the lung-burning thin air, some years with bad
snow and trips to the plateau, and being away from family for the holiday.
In years past I have taken the trip out west, and enjoyed
myself. The highlight of trips there
came in 2003 when I skied for 90 minutes with Thomas Alsgaard. But in terms of improving fitness and
getting ready for ski racing I've always felt that the trip was a wash at
best. Sure I'd get some great time on
snow, but the stress of the travel and time-change left me more tired than fit
at the end of my trips. This year's experience at Craftsbury was so easy and so
satisfying. I could drive there, stay on
my normal schedule, and ski as many kilometers as I could handle.
Next year CSU will be skiing at Craftsbury for Thanksgiving
weekend!
Banging out a few K's at Craftsbury. (Fabio Schiantarelli Photo)
