Mike and Keith discuss Plymouth State University's unique approach to ski industry education. They are joined by PSU President Donald Birx and Athletic Director Kim Bownes, who share insights into the school's innovative three-year degree programs in Adventure Education and Business Administration, with a focus on tourism, hospitality, and ski area management. They emphasize the importance of these programs in sustaining the ski industry and fostering leadership. The conversation highlights PSU's strategic partnerships, particularly with Tenney Mountain, and the benefits for students, including hands-on internships and a strong emphasis on outdoor activities. Additionally, they touch on PSU's competitive Division I ski program and its impact on the broader athletic department.

Topics

00:31 Exciting Interview with Plymouth State

01:13 Ski Programs and Education

02:48 Upcoming Conversation with PSU Leaders

04:55 Welcoming PSU President and AD

06:06 PSU's Adventure Program and Skiing

09:46 Leadership and Ski Industry

11:13 Challenges and Successes in PSU's Ski Program

19:41 Future Opportunities and Internships

23:27 Practical Experience and Ski Coaching Opportunities

24:34 Three-Year Degree Model and Industry Integration

26:16 Town and Gown: Community and University Synergy

30:00 Ski Team and Athletic Program Development

31:36 Recruitment and Collegiate Ski Racing

34:58 Support and Sponsorship for Ski Programs

38:01 Future of Ski Industry and Education Partnerships

41:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mike and Keith engage in an energetic conversation with Nick Preston, the owner of Freestyle America and a pioneer in the sport. Preston shares captivating anecdotes from his career, detailing the development of freestyle skiing from its rebellious beginnings in the 60s and 70s to its current status as an Olympic sport. He recounts coaching future champions, the challenges of establishing freestyle in the skiing community, and memorable experiences, including traveling to Japan and Russia. The podcast also highlights the upcoming World Cup mogul skiing event at Waterville Valley, adding excitement for ski enthusiasts.

Topics

03:39 Early Days and Evolution of Freestyle Skiing

15:13 The Rise of Ballet Skiing

28:50 Challenges and Politics in Freestyle Skiing

31:30 Friction and Unity in Skiing

31:47 Legendary Coaches and Athletes

32:38 Recruiting and Embracing Snowboarding

33:20 Building a Successful Ski Academy

34:52 Key Figures in the Olympic Movement

35:55 Molding Future Champions

38:49 Remarkable Athletes and Their Stories

42:55 Adventures and Encounters Abroad

48:39 The Enthusiasm for Freestyle Skiing

52:51 Reflecting on a Legacy

Mike and Keith delve into a comprehensive discussion about the best of ski destinations in New England for 2024. They are joined by guest Chip Cook to analyze results from a reader survey on top ski locations across various categories including grooming, challenging slopes, overall experience, family skiing, glades, snowmaking, and more. The trio also shares personal anecdotes and insights on under-the-radar spots, the importance of good grooming, and the unique characteristics of New England skiing. Sponsored by Country Ski and Sport.

SUBSCRIBE AT www.skijournal.com

Topics

00:51 Reflecting on the Ski Season and Snow Conditions

01:29 Discussing the Best of New England Ski Survey

03:26 Ski Shop Banter and Reader Opinions

05:37 Exploring Top Ski Resorts for Grooming

09:58 Most Challenging Ski Mountains in New England

19:28 Best Overall Ski Resorts

24:46 Variety in Ski Terrain

26:56 Best Family Skiing Destinations

29:57 Exploring the Glades

36:04 Top Snowmaking Resorts

39:23 Scenic Ski Spots

40:09 Best Value Ski Resorts

41:04 Top Ski Lifts

43:26 Best Lodges and Après-Ski

47:01 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

Mike and Keith discuss the early ski season conditions and the upcoming winter with their guest, Heather Burke from FamilySkiTrips.com. They dive into Heather's background, her experience with skiing, and how she started her website to help families plan their ski trips. Heather shares insights on the best skiing destinations in New England, the benefits of mega passes, and tips for skiing out west. Heather and her husband, Greg, also talk about their extensive travels, photographing ski areas, and the challenges of staying current in the ski journalism world. To wrap up, they discuss the impact of changing media landscapes and highlight some ideal ski destinations in both North America and Europe.

Topics

00:00 Introduction and Weather Update

01:43 Early Season Skiing Success

03:22 Vacation Planning and Ski Trips

09:01 Interview with Heather Burke

09:23 Heather's Skiing Background

11:55 Family Ski Trips and Advice

13:56 Skiing in the Alps and Canada

24:16 Packing Tips for Ski Trips

26:32 Exploring the Western Ski Experience

26:52 Cultural Differences Between East and West

27:22 Traveling with Kids: Tips and Experiences

28:31 Skiing Adventures in Japan and South America

31:14 The Evolution of Ski Journalism

38:15 Family Ski Trips: Planning and Recommendations

41:34 Skiing in New England: Top Spots and Tips

50:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mike and Keith discuss the recent weather and ski events in New England. They present an in-depth interview with Olympic gold medalist and world champion freestyle skier Hannah Kearney. Hannah shares her experiences from growing up in Vermont, her career highlights, and her journey through three Olympic Games. The conversation covers her training regimen, the impact of mogul skiing on her life, and her upcoming induction into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. The episode also previews the upcoming World Cup event in Waterville Valley and celebrates the rich history of the ski industry in New England.

Topics

00:00 Introduction and Recent Snowfall

00:56 Ski New Hampshire Event Recap

02:18 Importance of Winter Weather to the Economy

05:21 Upcoming Ski Events and Competitions

07:40 Interview with Hannah Kearney

08:48 Hannah Kearney's Early Skiing Journey

13:11 Hannah Kearney's Competitive Career Highlights

15:43 Olympic Experiences and Reflections

23:27 Post-Olympic Career and Achievements

24:43 Reflecting on the Streak

26:49 Skiing in the Connecticut River Valley

28:05 Challenges of World Cup Travel

30:07 Influence of Past Skiers

32:08 Honored in the Hall of Fame

34:58 Waterville World Cup Event

42:32 Raising the Next Generation of Skiers

44:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The guest is Andy Shepard, Director of Community Engagement at Black Mountain, New Hampshire. Shepard dives into the rich history of the mountain, its significance in the skiing community, and the newly adopted co-op ownership model aimed at preserving the mountain as a community-centric skiing destination. The discussion emphasizes the importance of affordability, maintaining historical ski areas, and engaging the local community. Shepard also touches on similar initiatives and the broader implications for small ski area sustainability. The episode sheds light on upcoming changes and improvements at Black Mountain, aiming to create a viable model for other independent ski areas.

Topics

00:36 New Ski Boots and Patriots Talk

01:39 Skiing Season Updates

03:25 Michaela Shiffrin and Lindsay Vonn Discussion

04:55 Ski Resort Openings and Operations

06:40 Black Mountain's History and Significance

10:04 Interview with Andy Shepard

23:05 Exciting Developments at Black Mountain

23:25 Role and Responsibilities at Black Mountain

24:14 Challenges and Future Plans for Black Mountain

25:02 Exploring the Co-op Model

26:35 Comparing Nonprofit and Co-op Models

29:04 Community Involvement and Support

31:53 Changes and Improvements at Black Mountain

34:20 Ski Passes and Membership Plans

37:19 The Importance of Community and Sustainability

42:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The guest is Steve Wright, President and General Manager of Jay Peak Ski Resort in Vermont, for an in-depth conversation about the resort's unique features, including the abundant snowfall, the iconic tram, and its many amenities such as the indoor water park and hockey rink. Steve shares insights into Jay's snowmaking advancements, their strategic approach to handling Canadian visitors and day skiers, and the affordability measures they've implemented. The episode touches on challenges like employee housing and the goal of drawing new skiers to the sport. The hosts conclude by highlighting the enjoyable spring skiing conditions at Jay Peak and the importance of making skiing accessible for all.

Topics

00:00 Introduction and Thanksgiving Greetings

01:14 Ski Season Kickoff and Snowmaking Advances

01:20 Memories of Early Skiing Days

02:38 Climate Change and Its Impact on Skiing

03:30 The Unique Snowfall at Jay Peak

06:37 Interview with Steve Wright: Jay Peak Insights

08:14 Jay Peak's Snow History and Events

10:22 Jay Peak's Transition and New Ownership

16:27 Jay Peak's Facilities and Off-Season Investments

21:24 Balancing Canadian and Boston Markets

23:19 The Iconic Jay Peak Tram and Future Plans

26:04 IndyPass Impact on Jay Peak

27:44 Challenges and Future Plans for West Bowl

29:21 Navigating Vermont's Regulations

30:05 Employee Housing and Resort Amenities

33:21 Late Season Skiing at Jay Peak

37:36 Mission Affordability Program

40:18 Promoting Skiing to New Generations

42:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mike and Keith discuss the kickoff of the ski season with Thanksgiving approaching. They explore the importance of local 'feeder' ski areas around Boston, such as Ski Ward, Blue Hills, and others. The podcast features an in-depth interview with Geoff Homer, the new operator of Blue Hills, and Molly Gilleece, the general manager. They discuss the significant upgrades being made to Blue Hills, including doubled snowmaking capacity and all-new energy-efficient snow guns. Geoff shares insights from his previous experience at Shawnee Peak, while Molly talks about the youth programs and the importance of local ski areas in fostering a lifelong passion for the sport. The episode highlights the revitalization efforts at Blue Hills and the critical role these smaller urban ski areas play in the broader ski industry.

Topics

00:21 Thanksgiving and the Start of Ski Season

03:13 Local Feeder Ski Areas Around Boston

04:56 Challenges and Importance of Feeder Hills

09:33 Interview with Blue Hills' New Operators

21:19 Industry Insights and Climate Challenges

22:53 Snowmaking Upgrades and Water Supply

24:57 Memorable Moments and Staff Loyalty

29:23 Importance of Blue Hills in Skiing

32:44 Community Programs and Partnerships

33:54 Future Plans and Exciting Announcements

35:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mike and Keith dive into the excitement of the coming ski season with discussions on early snowfall, mountain energy, and resort activities. They welcome Brian and Tyler Fairbank from the Fairbank Group, owners of Jiminy Peak, Bromley Mountain, and Cranmore Mountain. The Fairbanks discuss the unique features and family-oriented experiences offered by their resorts, their environmental initiatives such as wind and solar power, and the future of the independent ski industry. They also highlight the importance of growing the ski industry through initiatives like Kids Rule programs and maintaining high-quality facilities and guest experiences.

Topics

00:27 Hosts' Excitement for the Ski Season

00:56 Energy and Activities at the Resorts

03:35 Upcoming Ski Events and Shows

03:56 Spotlight on the Berkshires

07:07 Interview with the Fairbank Group

08:23 Skiing Culture and Family Business

15:08 Sustainability Efforts at Jiminy Peak

22:12 Marketing Strategies for the Resorts

24:18 Skiing Experience at Jiminy Peak

26:00 Snowmaking and Family Focus

26:24 Kids Rule Program

28:26 Northeast Skiing Experience

29:37 Enhancing Lives Through Skiing

30:46 Bromley Mountain's Unique Charm

33:05 Cranmore Mountain Developments

36:32 Year-Round Operations and Future Growth

39:19 Industry Recognition and Future Outlook

44:20 Podcast Wrap-Up and Reflections

Mike and Keith record live from the Country Ski and Sport Expo in Hanover MA. They catch up with various ski resort representatives to discuss the upcoming ski season, highlighting special events, new developments, and exclusive deals available at the expo. Guests include Jay Stenson from Country Ski & Sport; and representatives from Saddleback, Maine; Smuggler's Notch, Sugarbush; Gunstock Mountain Resort; Waterville Valley; Loon Mountain; and Cannon Mountain, each sharing their unique updates and promotions. The episode is filled with enthusiasm for the winter season and invaluable information for ski enthusiasts gearing up for their favorite sport.

The Expo:

Veterans Day Weekend, November 7-10, 2024

Thursday, November 7th: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

389 Columbia Rd. (Route 53)

https://www.countryski.com/

Topics

00:41 Interview with Jay Stenson from Country Ski and Sport

06:23 Saddleback, Maine: A Rising Star in the East

11:46 Smuggler's Notch: The Family Mountain

16:40 Sugarbush: Exciting Upgrades and Community Engagement

19:53 Snowfall at Sugarbush

20:42 Exclusive Deals at Sugarbush

22:02 Gunstock Mountain Resort Updates

25:41 Waterville Valley Highlights

29:34 Loon Mountain Excitement

32:35 Cannon Mountain's Big Plans

37:30 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts