Blue Ridge Outdoors - December 2024

HIT THE SLOPES

CARE FOR THE L AND THEY LOVE

With help from the Family Forest Carbon Program

The Family Forest Carbon Program provides you with the technical support, professional advice and guaranteed income to help improve the health, value and resilience of your woods.

Now enrolling landowners with 30+ acres of forest land in 19 states. And landowners in Georgia with 40+ acres of unplanted fields can receive funding and guidance to grow pine for profit through Field to Forest.

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CONTRIBUTORS

DAVE STALLARD

GRAHAM AVERILL

ERIC J. WALLACE

7 | FIELD REPORT

A North Carolina woman completes a 2,000mile paddle from her home state to the Gulf.

44 | THE OUT AND BACK

An adventurer has optimism that plenty of snow is on the way, giving the Blue Ridge the best winter ever.

46 | THE GOODS

LAUREN STEPP MARY BETH SKYLIS MIKE BEZEMEK

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BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

Great new cold-weather gear for all your upcoming winter adventures.

50

| TRAIL MIX

New songs from Bonnie “Prince” Billy and Sharon Van Etten. Plus, Lucinda Williams' special tribute to the Beatles.

14 | CARVING TURNS AGAIN

A visit to the resorts in the North Carolina High Country helped a former skier find his old mojo on the slopes.

26 | BLUE

RIDGE ALL-STARS

Meet a top ultrarunner, an Olympic paddler, and the new A.T. speed record holder.

42 | PITCH A TENT THIS WINTER

Follow these tips to comfortably camp in the cold weather.

PHOTO BY

PHOTO BY MARY BETH SKYLIS

WATER WARRIOR

Farmer completes 2,000-mile paddle from Carolina to the Gulf

BY WILL HARLAN

BARGES, BLISTERS, BROKEN boat parts, and a busted tailbone didn’t stop 57-year-old Ann Rose from completing an epic 2,000mile paddle from North Carolina to the Gulf of Mexico. The off-grid organic farmer embarked on the journey to raise awareness about water and climate.

Rose has been concerned about health for her entire life. She was a nurse for more than a decade, but she began to feel like she was never fully helping anyone. “I was treating the symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of my patients’ issues,” says Rose.

She switched to organic farming, hoping that she could be of greater service by nourishing people with fresh, local, organic foods. For 15 years, she fed her community, until five years ago when her main water source started drying up. The climate crisis was hitting home.

Rose had to do something. Her farm was running out of water and money. So at age 57, she decided to paddle 2,000 miles from her North Carolina farm to the Gulf of Mexico to raise awareness about water and the climate crisis.

Rose began her paddle on July 7 on the New River near her off-grid organic farm in Lansing, N.C. She arrived at the Gulf of Mexico on Friday, September 27—the same day that Hurricane Helene hit and destroyed her hometown in North Carolina.

During her paddle, Rose took water samples each day. Initially, along the New River in North Carolina and Virginia, the water quality readings were 75 or higher (on a scale of 0 to 100). Below the coal facilities along the Kanawha River, the water quality scores dropped below 50. They continued to decline for the rest of the trip and never rose above 30 along the

Mississippi River.

Soon after she reached the Gulf, BRO talked with Rose about the highlights and heartbreaking moments from her journey.

BRO: What was a typical day on the water?

AR: I would wake up around 4am, make coffee, and boil water for oatmeal. I was often on the water before daylight. The first couple hours were always incredible: the birds come to life. I would paddle through the morning, stop for lunch around 11 or noon, and sometimes sneak in a power nap. Then I would paddle through the afternoon and start looking for possible takeout spots around 5 or so.

It was sometimes tough to drag a boat out of the water that was loaded up with 100 pounds of gear. I needed to find places along the riverbanks with gentle slopes.

One time I got myself into one situation where I couldn’t find a place to camp. It was an endless industrial area with big cement walls, so I just kept paddling into the dark. Finally, I paddled up a tributary and found a spot. But I could hear the factory noise all night and barely slept.

BRO: Did you have any visitors along the way?

AR: My 79-year-old mom drove down to visit me. Every couple of weeks, a film crew would meet up with me. And for a while, friends would meet me at certain spots along the river. But seeing them started to make me feel homesick, so I limited the number of visitors. I had to stay focused and not let my mind start thinking about all the people that I dearly missed. The emotional part of being away from the people I loved for 81 days was probably the toughest part of all.

ROSE TRAVELED WITH 100 POUNDS OF GEAR ON HER 2,000-MILE JOURNEY. ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROSE

BRO: What were some memorable moments?

AR: I was born in a small town in Ohio, and I paddled past the hospital where I was born. That was pretty cool. And the wildlife sightings were amazing: bald eagles, osprey, kingfishers, herons, and at night, the owls.

BRO: What were some of the saddest scenes?

AR: Paddling the Mississippi was absolutely heartbreaking. The water quality was so bad that I made every effort not to touch the water. The Coal Hole at the bottom of the Mississippi River was probably the most depressing part. There are six ports where all the petroleum is exported overseas, and the tanker traffic is overwhelming. The toxic algal bloom near Louisville was sad, too.

BRO: What did you eat along the way?

AR: I had hoped to fish, but the

water quality became unhealthy early in the paddle. Unfortunately, I ended up eating a lot of freezedried meals.

BRO: What challenges did you face?

AR: I faced challenges almost right away. I chipped my tailbone while paddling the New, and then the rudder pedal on my boat broke just a few weeks into the trip. Toxic algal blooms on the Ohio River near Louisville forced me off the water for a few days.

But the biggest challenges were probably the barges. At the convergence of the Big Sandy and Ohio Rivers, I was nearly crushed between two barges coming in both directions. Another time on the Mississippi River, the current nearly swept me beneath a fleet of barges. I was paddling with everything I had and telling myself, "Be stronger than the current!” It was really close. Nearly all the barges I

encountered were hauling materials out of the country—minerals, rocks, coal, gas. We ship away all our basic minerals, and then they ship back plastic crap made from those minerals.

BRO: What was the final day like?

AR: I was crying for the final few miles. After I passed mile marker zero on the Mississippi, I climbed up on the mile marker platform to celebrate and screamed a few profanities.

I finished my journey on the same day that Hurricane Helene was ravaging North Carolina and destroying my hometown. After I finished the paddle, I tried to call my mom, but I couldn’t get cell signal because Hurricane Helene had already knocked out service. The extreme weather—drought, and then hurricane—reinforced the climate crisis message that this whole paddle was about.

BRO: What do you want people to take away from this paddle?

AR: Don’t wait too late to follow your dreams. I wish I would have done this when I was 30. And take care of our precious water. Keep it clean and available to everyone. Water is the backbone of life, and how we are treating it has to change.

Paddling every day forced me to slow down. While I was paddling, it occurred to me that my grandparents rode a horse or wagon. Their life was so much slower. We don’t realize how new and consumptive our fast-paced modern life is. If we don’t use less and live within our means, the instability of climate change will get even more profound.

Learn more about Rose’s paddle and watch a trailer for the upcoming documentary film about her journey on Instagram: @Riverwarriordocumentary2024.

ROSE FACED MANY CHALLENGES ON HER 81-DAY JOURNEY, INCLUDING CHIPPING HER TAILBONE WHILE PADDLING THE NEW RIVER.

OUTDOOR HAPPENINGS

The top outdoor races, festivals, events and experiences in the Blue Ridge and Beyond. Check out some of our top picks here and online at blueridgeoutdoors.com

Light The Night Series

Wintergreen, Va.

November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 28

Gather for a magical tree lighting on the Blue Ridge Terrace from 5pm-6:30pm complete with seasonal decor, entertainment, hot coca, special holiday happenings, and more. Then retreat to one of the various dining outlets to enjoy dinner specials and drinks. Dress in your holiday best for a memorable photo.

WINTERGREENRESORT.COM

Winter Wonderland

Holiday Parade

Beech Mountain, N.C.

December 19, 2024

Join the Town of Beech Mountain for the wildly popular procession of festively decorated vehicles along Beech Mountain Parkway. Immediately following the parade, swing by Santa’s Workshop at Town Hall for cookies, cocoa and photos with Santa and his Elves.

BEECHMTN.COM

New Year's Eve

Wintergreen, Va.

December 31, 2024

Celebrate the New Year on the slopes at Wintergreen. Ski by day and ring in the New Year by night. There will be an adult party in The Edge and a youth party in Upper Crust Pizza. Everyone is welcome to view the fireworks on the slopes at 9pm.

WINTERGREENRESORT.COM

HeArt & SOUL Winter Fest

Massanutten, Va.

January 9-13, 2025

Massanutten is excited to host the second annual HeArt & SOUL Winter Fest weekend on January 9 - 13, 2025! This weekend event is perfect for the experienced outdoor adventurous to the person who wants to look fly and enjoy a cocktail by the fire! All generations are invited so grab your parents,

grandparents, aunties, uncles, and the kids; there will be something for every age group to enjoy!

MASSRESORT.COM

Roundtop Mountain

Resort Dew After Dark 60th Anniversary Lewisberry, Pa.

January 10, 2025 (Fridays through February. 21)

Celebrate Roundtop’s 60th anniversary at the Dew After Dark glow-up party. Join select nights in January and February 2025 to ski and ride under the lights, enjoy Mountain Dew samples, and score exclusive swag. Find the party at nearby Vail resorts. For more PA events, visit www.SkiPA.com.

SKIROUNDTOP.COM

The Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival Doswell, Va.

January 10-11, 2025

The 24th Annual Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival brings together over 90 vendors from across the Mid-Atlantic, including fly fishing lodges, guides, outfitters, custom rodmakers, fly tyers, and artists, as well as 9 vineyards and 3 distilleries. From newbies to veteran anglers, all are welcome. Tastings are included in admission.

VAFLYFISHINGFESTIVAL.ORG

50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend

Wintergreen, Va.

January 10-12, 2025

Celebrate 50 years of skiing at Wintergreen Resort. Join us for a weekend full of birthday fun including disco night at The Edge, special ceremony presentation on the Blue Ridge Terrace, historical presentation, Birthday Bash (ticketed event), and fireworks on the slopes. It's a weekend long party and YOU'RE INVITED!

WINTERGREENRESORT.COM

Winterfest at The Omni

Homestead Resort

Hot Springs, Va.

January 17 - February 14, 2025

Experience a winter wonderland for the whole family! Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating and more. Warm up with delicious barbecue and burgers at Kober's and relax in the mineralrich, geothermal waters of the Warm Springs Pools. Plus, enjoy indoor activities like wine tastings, craft classes, and family bingo.

THEOMNIHOMESTEAD.COM

Ski Sawmill Resort Kids

Ski Free Day

Morris, Pa.

January 20, 2025

Kids 15 and under ski FREE on January 20. (Limited to 225 free tickets). Enjoy extended hours from 10 a.m. –5 p.m. Reserve tickets in advance to claim a spot. Don’t miss out on PA ski specials—visit www. SkiPA.com for more details.

SKISAWMILL.COM

The

SARA Race

Snowshoe Mountain Resort, W.Va.

February 1-2, 2025

The Southern Alpine Racing Association returns with two thrilling days of Giant Slalom and Slalom ski races. Skiers will test their skills in this high-speed event! Snowboarders, get ready for your own challenge on Feb. 3 with the Cupp Run. Don’t miss the action!

SNOWSHOEMTN.COM

The Cupp Run Challenge

Snowshoe Mountain Resort, W.Va.

February 3, 2025

Get ready for the legendary Cupp Run Challenge! Known for its steep slopes, sharp turns, and intense conditions, this race is the ultimate test for skiers and snowboarders alike. Join us for a historic day of heart-pounding action on the mountain!

SNOWSHOEMTN.COM

Triathlons

Duathlons

Aquabike

PHOTO COURTESY OF SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN RESORT

Wilderness First Aid 20hour Certification Course

Charlottesville, Va.

February 22-23, 2025

Learn vital safety skills for outdoor adventures and travel in-person or online. More course dates in Charlottesville (Jan 11-12; March 29-30; May 3-4), as well as classes in the DC area, Baltimore, Richmond, Blacksburg, Lexington, Harrisonburg, Raleigh and more.

SOLOWFA.COM

Highland County Maple Festival

Monterey, Va.

March 8-9 & 15-16, 2025

Since 1959, visitors have been drawn to Highland County to tour Virginia maple sugar camps for a cultural and culinary adventure! Free tours, over 100 juried artisans and crafters, delicious food, and live entertainment abound at this county-wide family-friendly festival!

HIGHLANDCOUNTY.ORG/MAPLE-FESTIVAL

Thrive Outside Festival

Bedford, VA

April 5, 2025

Learn how to "Thrive Outside" this year by meeting and learning from local vendors related to Adventure/Recreation, Agriculture/ Homesteading, and Health/ Wellness. This is a FREE family oriented event with a variety of workshops, demos, kids activities, music, food trucks, regional craft beverages, and more!

FACEBOOK.COM/ BEDFORDOUTDOORADVENTURES

21st Spring Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival

Pittsboro, N.C.

May 1-4, 2025

The Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance is a collaboration between the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center and the GrassRoots Festival Organization, providing a familyfriendly celebration of music, dance, art, and education; a Music Lovers' Paradise! The Shakori Hills Community Arts Center is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization.

SHAKORIHILLSGRASSROOTS.ORG

Rooster Walk 15

Martinsville, Va.

May 22-25, 2025

Rooster Walk is a lively, family-friendly music and arts festival. This annual Memorial Day weekend event brings together top-notch musical acts across multiple genres, plus camping, food vendors, craft beer, and outdoor activities like disc golf and yoga. Rooster Walk fosters a vibrant community atmosphere that keeps fans coming back year after year.

ROOSTERWALK.COM

Meet The Mountains Festival

Johnson City, Tenn.

August 15-16, 2025

This festival serves as a showcase of Northeast Tennessee’s outdoor recreation assets. It provides a one-stop shop to explore our region’s outdoor opportunities. By increasing awareness of our natural assets and encouraging healthy and active lifestyles, we hope this festival contributes to the growth of our outdoor recreation economy.

MTMFEST.ORG

NC Liver Mush FestivalMush, Music & Mutts

Upper Shelby, N.C.

October 18, 2025

Enjoy live music, kids activities, RollOver Pet Zone, 100+ vendors and, of course, Liver Mush!! We are proud to bring the festival back better than ever in 2025! Free to attend, pets welcome, and fun for the whole family!

NCLIVERMUSHFESTIVAL.COM

ONGOING EVENTS

Spring Mountain Adventures 4th Grade

Season Pass Special

Spring Mount, Pa.

2024/2025 Winter Season

Spring Mountain offers a $500 value 4th Grade Season Pass for just $40. Available in-person only, weekday/ non-holiday (excluding December 24 - January 1). Includes unlimited access, one free lesson, and equipment rental. Deadline: January 31st. Bring proof of 4th-grade status. No exceptions. Visit www.SkiPA for more ski specials

SPRINGMOUNTAINADVENTURES.COM/ SNOW-SPORTS/4TH-GRADERS-FREE/

Deadline: January 2

REAL PEOPLE. LIVE INSTRUCTION.

Back on the Slopes

How a visit to the resorts in the North Carolina High Country helped a former skier start carving turns again

BY MIKE BEZEMEK

IT FELT GOOD TO BE BACK. I WAS STANDING

in the snow at the base of Appalachian Ski Mountain, an independent resort outside Boone, N.C. It was an early Friday morning in January 2024, and the lifts were about to open. I felt excited and nervous. Five years earlier, I’d put away my skis for what I thought would be a single offseason. Now, I was finally returning to a favorite sport.

Of course, eight months later, Hurricane Helene would rip through this region, causing devastating destruction. The storm couldn’t have come at a worse time. For mountain economies dependent on tourism, the disruption of fall-colors season would be a major economic loss. As efforts shifted from relief to recovery and rebuilding, one goal

would be to salvage the winter tourist season. This would raise questions for snow sports enthusiasts about when and how to continue visiting (see sidebar). Of course, I didn’t know any of this yet.

When I stepped onto the slopes for the first time in years, I was mostly focused on not embarrassing myself. Before pushing off, I inventoried my gear. Buckled my boots, and switched from walk to ski mode. Pulled my powder cuffs into place. Opened the vents on my shell jacket. Snapped my goggles to my helmet.

Most kitted-out skiers head straight to the mountaintop. Not me. Instead, I kicked and glided over to the bunny hill. Then I slid onto the magic carpet lift with way too much speed.

My skis gripped the rubber ramp and stopped. My torso swung forward, and I enjoyed a full-body stretch of legs, glutes, lumbar, and outstretched arms.

“You’ll get the hang of it,” joked the lifty.

“Let’s hope so,” I laughed, as I slowly inched uphill.

Refocusing on Skiing

After stepping off the ramp, I sashayed down a mellow slope practicing my edging. This wasn’t my first time returning to skiing after a multiyear break. As a teenager, I learned to ski in dense Tahoe snow using borrowed and rented equipment. When I later became an outdoor guide in Northern California, I switched

to telemark skiing with program gear. After moving to St. Louis, I saved up for an alpine touring kit, which combines downhill and backcountry ascent features. I practiced skills and conditioned my legs on the local hill before chasing powder across the Mountain West.

Thus followed seven seasons of awesome winter adventuring with friends and during solo road trips. Alternating between the Mountain Collective Pass and the Rocky Mountain Super Pass, I visited dozens of classic resorts. Along the way, there were plenty of side-country forays and backcountry explorations. I couldn’t imagine ever stopping again. So when my wife and I moved from the Midwest to the Southeast, I continued my Western trips for several seasons. But

the distances were farther, the costs were rising, and the conditions were increasingly hit or miss. Due to a foot injury and a family health crisis, a short break stretched to an unexpected five-year hiatus.

Eventually, I realized that my “out-westor-nothing” attitude was holding me back. If I wanted to return to this sport, and keep returning each season, I needed to refocus on skiing closer to home. Western North Carolina has half a dozen resorts, some not far from Asheville and some near Boone. My nonskiing wife would relax in the mornings, and we’d do other activities in the afternoon.

After a few rusty turns, my tune-up on App Ski’s bunny hill felt surprisingly good. So, I zipped through an empty lift line for the ride

up top. The goal was to preserve my legs by stopping after roughly 20 morning laps. With a reputation for being fairly uncrowded, this small family-focused resort and its affordable weekday price was an ideal choice. There are four chair lifts, about 10 trails, and 365 feet of vertical drop from the 4,000-foot summit.

In quick succession, I made first tracks on several groomers. Hard Core and Thin Slice were my favorites. Fun steep chutes that were signed as black diamonds but would be blues at bigger resorts. Like most old school ski hills, classic rock—and ONLY classic rock— blared from lodge speakers. Kids lined up for classes and families geared up. I rode the quad lift while chatting with friendly visitors from places like Charlotte and Florida. Within

25 minutes, I’d skied every major run, so I rotated through my favorites while the morning temps stayed cool.

Exploring Boone

Back in our room at Rhode’s Motor Lodge in Boone, my wife and I switched up afternoon plans. The weather had warmed to an unseasonable 60 degrees, so we nixed snow tubing or ice skating. Instead, we set out to explore the town. First, we checked out the nicely landscaped App State campus. The real gem was walking the Boone Greenway, with several miles of paved paths along Winkler Creek and headwater forks of the New River.

Before dinner, we stopped by Appalachian Mountain Brewery, a fun place packed with locals and college kids. I tried the flavorful Hop Rain Drop, a modern citrusy

IPA. My wife went with a hard sweet tea. We were standing on the covered patio with a raucous group when the rain hit.

Like most regional ski resorts, those in western North Carolina rely upon snowmaking machines, which require freezing temperatures. No matter where you ski, rising temps and rain are a big concern for visiting skiers, which can turn the slopes from a tidy mat of snow to patchy slush. Hopefully, the rain would be limited and overnight mountain lows would drop enough to preserve conditions.

That night we had a great dinner at the popular restaurant Mint Indian, my vegetarian wife’s favorite cuisine. With a big day planned tomorrow, we returned early to Rhode’s Motor Lodge. Passing through the bright lobby, we discovered the bar and restaurant were filled with a friendly crowd.

The lodge scene impressed us so much,

we ended up sticking around the hotel our final night—after morning skiing and a stop to check out the neighboring town of Blowing Rock. That evening, we had drinks at the patio fire pit. When the rain returned, we moved to an upstairs lounge where we hung out with fellow guests. For dinner, we sat at the bar for dinner. My wife had a cider, while I tried an excellent pilsner from Booneshine Brewing Co.

Beech Mountain Ski Resort

Early Saturday morning, we drove winding mountain roads through the high country above Boone. On the way, we passed Sugar Mountain Resort, the largest and most popular skiing area in North Carolina, with 20 runs, nine lifts, and 1,200 feet of vertical. I’d saved this one for last, provided my legs and conditions permitted.

After ascending an impressive series of switchbacks, we parked at the bottom of Beech Mountain Ski Resort. With 17 trails, eight lifts, and 830 feet of vertical, this one’s stats are second in WNC. My wife was debating a beginner ski lesson, but that day she wanted to sip hot drinks and watch the scene.

Crowds were forming, so I took the main lift straight to 5,506 feet. Then I worked my way through the four top-to-bottom trails. The blues had better snow. The steeper blacks named Southern Star and White Lightning had better terrain, but the coverage was patchier, and the snow piled into moguls within an hour. As a warm fog rolled in, and raindrops fell, I realized conditions wouldn’t last until tomorrow. I abandoned my laps limit and decided to burn out my legs before the snow slushed out.

Beech had a fun vibe, with a wide range

of folks on the mountain—skiers, snowboarders, college kids, young adults, and families. Whoever managed the loudspeaker playlist had made a startling discovery: ski resorts can play musical genres other than classic rock.

As conditions deteriorated, slow-moving beginners were harmlessly crashing. One fall triggered another fall and so on. Soon collapsed people were sliding down the slopes like human rafts. Kids' gloves were everywhere. Ski poles jutted from the ground at odd angles. The lucky ones riding the lift above the chaos began to cheer with each crash. This distracted people coming down the slopes, causing further comical crashes.

The mayhem reminded me that noon was an acceptable time to visit the mountaintop Skybar. The tasty beer on tap comes from the resort’s own Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Drinking an IPA on the outside deck in whiteout conditions was a perfect way to end my day. Or so I thought. Skiing down through blinding fog was even more memorable. I slalomed around exposed rocks, falling novices, and out-of-control pre-teens snowplowing for the exits. After a long break, I was hooked again. A welcome return to skiing in western North Carolina.

After Helene: Salvaging the WNC Winter Season

“The days after the storm, it was pretty harrowing,” said Emily Neeley, a Boone resident and director of marketing for Watauga County Tourism Development.

Around 17 inches of rainfall were recorded in Boone during the three-day period when Hurricane Helene swept through. Floodwaters of several feet inundated downtown. Homes were destroyed, residents displaced, businesses closed, and income was lost. Fortunately, the town and surrounding parts of the High Country were mostly spared the worst destruction, which occurred farther west, including western Watauga County, and especially in Buncombe County.

“Moving into recovery and relief efforts [around Boone], it was incredible to see this community come together,” recalled Neeley.

Rhode’s Motor Lodge, which is perched on a hill above Blowing Rock Rd., was fortunately spared from the floodwaters nearby. The lodge

provided rooms to displaced staff, residents, and first responders. The onsite restaurant shifted to making emergency meals for the crisis response organization World Central Kitchen. As efforts shifted to clean-up and the reopening of local businesses and App State, the lodge welcomed construction workers and returning visitors.

“Tourism plays a crucial role in our economy,” said Sharin Moran, general manager at Rhode’s Motor Lodge. “By visiting, you support local businesses and help the area recover.”

Neeley and Moran both suggested visitors should return with patience and flexible mindsets. While main highways and roads through town are open, construction delays may occur. Rural roads in harder hit areas should be avoided. Restaurants, attractions, parks, and greenways have mostly reopened. However, businesses are having occasional staffing issues as residents deal with housing issues and storm-related challenges. While power has been restored, occasional internet outages

may occur as the system is repaired.

“You can be a safe, empathetic, and kind visitor to the areas affected, while still enjoying a normal and fun vacation,” suggested Talia Freeman, director of marketing at Beech Mountain Resort.

In the High Country above Boone, the ski resorts were particularly fortunate. Due to their high-elevation locations, the resorts escaped the worst flooding with minimal damage compared to their downstream neighbors, and for whom they’ve been holding fundraisers to help.

The NC Ski Areas Association estimates the skiing industry contributes $244 million to the WNC economy. Everyone around Boone who was contacted for this article expressed hope in salvaging the winter season. If ever there was a time and a place to feel good about going skiing, it’s here and now.

“Please don’t be afraid to visit,” added Neeley. “We need you to come.”

For current road and town information visit exploreboone.com.

Swooshing down the slopes as the sun sets over the ridge.

Slope Report

With winter on the horizon, here are the new upgrades and improvements at Blue Ridge ski resorts you need to know

BY ERIC J. WALLACE

WINTER IS COMING, SO IT’S TIME TO TUNE up your ski and snowboard gear and prepare to hit the slopes. Whether you’re looking for an alternative to your backyard go-to, or an action-packed family vacation at a new resort, recent upgrades have made these Blue Ridge ski areas more visit-worthy than ever. From new high-speed lifts to sweet deals and fresh trails, our 2024-25 quick guide gives you the info you need to pick the right spot—and have a blast while you’re there.

Wisp Mountain, Maryland

Maryland’s lone downhill resort has seen a flurry of improvements in recent years. Last season brought the strategic addition of about two dozen new permanent snow guns—

including 16 on signature black-diamond, The Face—which freed up portable units for use in heavy traffic areas near lower lifts. This year follows suit, with the resort’s main learning area, Sunset Boulevard, getting all new TechnoAlpin stick guns.

Snowmaking capacity along signature blue routes like Boulder Run, Grouse Way, and Down Under has also gotten a boost from new, larger diameter water pipes. New LED and bright-snow lights have been installed along those trails, as well as Wisp Trail, The Face, and Squirrel Cage. Snowboards, skis, poles, and boots at the resort’s main rental shop have also all been replaced. Lastly, the snowtubing area has gotten a new and improved carpet conveyor lift to expedite trips to the top.

While You’re There

Visitors can now enjoy games of minigolf at a new 18-hole course with tons of cool features that was built last year. Follow with rides on a 4,800-foot mountain coaster that brings speeds around 28 mph, 350 feet of vertical drop, and stunningly scenic mountain views. wispresort.com

Blue Mountain Resort, Pennsylvania

The iconic northeast Pennsylvania resort has invested heavily in boosting snowmaking capacity across its 171 skiable acres and 40 trails over the past five years—and this season is no exception.

Blue Mountain added 132 state-of-the-art stick guns and six automated fans to increase powder production by a whopping 17.5% overall. These come on top of another 79 stick guns and 26 fully automated fan units—not to mention some 20,000 feet of new air and water piping—installed last year. Together, the improvements make the resort home to what it claims is the largest snowmaking system on the East Coast.

The upgrades are further magnified by a total overhaul around snowmaking automation software. According to spokesperson Ashley Seier, that will enable Blue Mountain to maximize production during critical snowmaking windows to produce more—and better—snow, faster, with less effort, and

greater energy efficiency.

The addition of a new Bison X Cat snow groomer from Prinoth should elevate the park crew’s ability to build and maintain the resort’s five terrain parks. skibluemt.com

While You’re There

Check out what may be the coolest snowtubing park on the East Coast. Blue Mountain’s 46-lane center brings a fast and furious 1,000 vertical feet of drop, interactive neon-colored party lighting, and a killer stereo system. Follow with drinks, pub fare, and summit views at Slopeside Pub & Grill. skibluemt.com

Snowshoe, West Virginia

The “Beast of the East” turns 50 this year and plans to celebrate its December 19, 1974 launch with a slew of special events and anniversary sales. A long weekend of festivities begins on that day of this year and will feature fireworks displays, retro-themed parties with live music on and off the slopes, and freestyle rail jam events. Golden anniversary lodging deals bring $50-a-night discounts paired with $50 adult lift tickets (students and kids are even cheaper).

A new $199 Flex 3 Pass lets riders save money and span visits out across three nonholiday carve sessions at any point during the season. Tickets can be used non-consecutively, so there’s no need to commit to specific dates.

Piste improvements are limited this year, but hard-hitting. Popular blue-level trail, J-Hook, got a facelift and was widened to about twice its original size. A new towrope will service the Silver Creek area’s two terrain parks and help ease traffic at nearby lifts.

While You’re There

Adventure-loving foodies should make a beeline for Appalachian Kitchen, where chef Scott MacGregor’s new American, Appalachianfocused cuisine earned him a semi-finalist spot on the James Beard Foundation’s 2024 Best Chef list. Wash down the made-from-scratch meal with slopeside craft beers and regionally sourced

ciders at Old Spruce Brewing. snowshoemtn.com

Ober Mountain, Tennessee

Gatlinburg’s well-known ski destination has undergone some big upgrades since local entrepreneur Joe Baker bought the place in 2022—and the trend continues this year.

A new Doppelmayr fixed grip quad replaces the resort’s central chairlift and increases carrying capacity on main slopes to upward of 4,000 passengers per hour. A second new quad has replaced the wildly outdated Scenic Lift to the viewing platform on the summit of 3,455-foot Mount Harrison. The lift currently services a lone

blue route that begins midway up the mountain, but the addition seems to foreshadow new trails in the future.

All this comes on the back of a $4 million investment in snowmaking equipment last year. A new fleet of fully automated SMI Super Polecat towers—like the ones used in the Winter Olympics—will let snow farmers make more snow, sooner, in higher temperatures, and with less water. The upgrade improves slope coverage to 95% and should allow makers to build three to five feet of foundational snow.

While You’re There

Catch a ride to or from downtown Gatlinburg

on Ober Mountain’s famed, 2.1-mile-long Aerial Tramway. The experience carries guests high above the treetops in one of the nation’s biggest enclosed cable cars and brings stunning views of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. obermountain.com

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort, North Carolina

With 125 skiable acres spread across 21 trails and 1,200 feet of vertical drop, Sugar Mountain is a revered ski resort in North Carolina’s High Country. And given the onslaught of improvements made over the past seven years, it seems destined to keep getting better.

Last year rounded out projects that replaced every chairlift on the mountain—slashing average ride times by nearly 80%—and boosted overall snowmaking capacity by more than 20%.

The 2024-25 season builds on the improvements with a near double widening of the heavily

trafficked Northridge trail, which connects the 5,300-foot summit to signature black diamond Gunther’s Way and other routes. The piste also gets new and brighter LED lights for night skiing, as well as three fully automated SMI Super Pole Cat snowmakers for greater coverage.

Primary beginner slope, Lower Flying Mile, will also benefit from a new SMI unit. A Pisten Bully 600 winch cat and two Bully 600 free groomers will help farmers craft impeccable corduroy and move more snow faster with less negative environmental impact.

While You’re There

Take advantage of Sugar’s 10,000-square-foot outdoor ice-skating rink. Lace up your skates and enjoy jaw-dropping views of surrounding western North Carolina valleys and highlands as you take laps on the professionally groomed surface. Follow with dinner and drinks at Stonewalls Restaurant in nearby Banner Elk. skisugar.com

More Slope Notes

Last season Virginia’s Massanutten Resort added the double black trail No Hesitation to offer something new for extreme skiers. And down in North Carolina, 5,506’, the bar and restaurant at the summit of Beech Mountain Resort , got renovated just in time for the ski season. With a spruced-up interior, it’s a perfect spot to sip a brew from Beech Mountain Brewing Co. and soak in the High Country views.

WINTER ADVENTURE

As the temps get cooler and the days get shorter, winter unveils a magical playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The Mid-Atlantic and southern landscapes become a canvas for a myriad of winter activities that promise both adventure and tranquility. From exhilarating skiing and snowboarding to cozy small-town getaways, this enchanting region offers something for every winter enthusiast. Use this guide to discover unforgettable seasonal experiences for you and the whole family to enjoy.

MASSIVE FUN AT MASSANUTTEN RESORT, VA

Embark on a thrilling alpine adventure at Massanutten Resort in Virginia, where winter sports enthusiasts find a haven for exhilarating winter experiences. Nestled amid the majestic beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, Massanutten stands as a premier destination for those seeking the perfect blend of snow-covered slopes and top-tier amenities. With meticulously groomed trails catering to all skill levels, skiers and snowboarders alike carve through the pristine powder against a backdrop of panoramic mountain vistas.

TAKE A LESSON OR SHRED IT SOLO

Massanutten offers private and group lessons for all ages, plus a dedicated Children’s Program for skiing and snowboarding. Get fully equipped at the resort’s Rental Shop , and don’t forget to stop by the General Store for any extra accessories.

Looking for the best runs?

Massanutten added three new runs in 2022, and a brand-new expert trail last season. Mueller’s Mile, a blue square trail, quickly became a favorite with its mile-long stretch and stunning views of Massanutten and the Blue Ridge. For experts, the double black diamond trail, “No Hessitation”, presents a thrilling challenge—and a crowd of spectators ready to cheer you on.

APRES SKI ACTIVITIES

Massanutten Resort offers plenty of cozy spots to relax and warm up after a day on

the slopes. Enjoy a fireside seat at Base Camp or unwind inside Elevations Lounge in the ski lodge. For a different kind of fun, test your teamwork in the immersive escape rooms or indulge in a spa day for the ultimate relaxation. The resort also features snow tubing, a waterpark, and ice skating, with options for all ages and skill levels.

During the off-season, enjoy mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, a family adventure park, a mountain coaster, two golf courses, escape rooms, Perfect Break, and seasonal events like Snow Moon Fest (Feb. 28 - March 2) and Light Up the Park (ongoing). For the best stay, book directly through Massanutten Resort to enjoy full access to all recreation centers and indoor pools. Thinking about making the area your home? Reach out to Massanutten Realty for local listings and personalized assistance!

MassResort.com

• Opening Day: Typically around Dec 10.

• 7 Green, 10 Blue, 5 Black, 1 Double Black trail

• 80 Skiable Acres

• 7 Lifts

• Elevation (Base/Summit): 1,770 ft /2,922 ft RESORT RUNDOWN

DISCOVER PENNSYLVANIA’S PREMIER SKI DESTINATIONS

Pennsylvania stands as a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders, offering 21 diverse ski resorts across the scenic Poconos, Alleghenies, and Laurel Highlands. Whether you’re a beginner, seasoned skier, or part of a family looking for unforgettable memories, SkiPA’s resorts cater to all ages, abilities, and adventure levels.

A HOST OF HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AT THE OMNI HOMESTEAD RESORT, VA

Pennsylvania’s 21 resorts include both charming, independently owned locations and world-class properties managed by Vail Resorts, providing options for every kind of winter adventurer. Familyfriendly resorts like Shawnee Mountain, Ski Big Bear, Mount Pleasant of Edinboro, and Whitetail Resort are ideal for beginners and those looking for a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Vail properties such as Jack Frost, Big Boulder, Liberty Mountain, and Roundtop Mountain Resort offer enhanced amenities and trails for all skill levels. Advanced skiers can take advantage of the Indy Pass and Vail’s Epic Pass for greater variety!

Pennsylvania’s ski resorts span a variety of scenic settings, each offering exciting options for winter adventures. With the Peak to Peak Pass, visitors can access both Blue Mountain and Camelback, two standout destinations in the Poconos. Meanwhile, the Allegheny region is home to family-friendly favorites like Seven Springs and Hidden Valley. If you’re after a high-end, resort-style experience, head to Montage Mountain, Nemacolin’s The Peak, or Bear Creek for luxury accommodations, fine dining, spa services, and more. Unique experiences abound at places like Laurel Mountain,

which boasts historic trails, and Blue Knob, which offers quiet, cozy runs. For those wanting even more options, Ski Sawmill and Tussey Mountain provide accessible slopes in beautiful, laidback settings.

Conveniently close to Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, NYC, and New Jersey, Pennsylvania’s ski resorts offer an ideal winter escape without the long travel. Some resorts aim to open as early as November 29 and stay open through March, making them accessible all season. SkiPA’s resorts cater to all, from young beginners to experienced skiers and boarders. Many locations offer Learn to Ski and Snowboard programs with tailored packages for all ages. With a range of slopes for every skill level, Pennsylvania provides the perfect setting for winter memories that last a lifetime.

Nestled in the picturesque Allegheny Mountains of Hot Springs, Virginia, The Omni Homestead Resort is a timeless destination that offers a unique blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty. As a place where presidents and dignitaries have sought refuge for over two centuries, The Omni Homestead invites you to indulge in an unparalleled getaway that seamlessly weaves together tradition, opulence, and adventure.

Hit the slopes for a true winter escape!

The Omni Homestead’s Mountain Lodge offers ski and snowboard rental equipment. Lessons for all experience levels are available through the Sepp Kober Ski School for those aged 4+, as well as private and group lessons. The Little Penguins Program is perfect to introduce kids to the sport while still having fun! Try your skills on the Upper Main run, which is just steep enough to provide a bit of confidence building for novice skiers and riders, but also provides a great view of the valley. Consider visiting during one of the many events The Homestead hosts. MLK Jr. Weekend, from January 17-20, and Presidents Weekend, from February 14-17, have activities for the whole family to enjoy.

New this season, guests can indulge in a tasting from The Homestead Bourbon Collection, featuring exclusive private barrel selections from Angel’s Envy, Blanton’s, Knob Creek, and Maker’s Mark.

Stick around the Resort for more activities off the slopes like carriage rides, trap, skeet, sporting clays, ice skating, tubing, archery, and The Homestead S’mores Express. Unwind and relax with a massage, facial, or body treatment at The Spa at The Omni Homestead. The little ones can try out some mini snowmobiles at the ski area, while the whole family can enjoy ice skating, swimming, and arcade games in the family game area!

The Omni Homestead Resort and the surrounding area is where history meets hospitality in a setting of timeless elegance. Soaking in the Warm Springs Pools is the ultimate apres ski activity. The naturally warm, mineral rich waters are refreshing and soothing. Enjoy a specially curated flight of Virginia wines or purchase a bottle to take home at The Virginia Wine Experience, another popular destination after a day on the slopes.

TheOmniHomestead.com

• 24 inches of average snowfall

• 3 beginner, 5 intermediate, and 1 expert trail

• 45 Skiable Acres

• 3 Lifts

THE PERFECT WINTER ESCAPE

WHAT’S NEW APRES SKI

BLUE RIDGE ALL-STARS

Meet three top athletes shaping the region’s mountain sports scene

CANYON WOODWARD Ultrarunner Competing with the World’s Best

BY ERIC J. WALLACE

THE SUN HAD YET TO RISE WHEN ultrarunner Canyon Woodward began to jog south on the Appalachian Trail from Tennessee’s Davenport Gap on a summer 2022, record-setting attempt at the Smokies Challenge Adventure Run (SCAR). The notorious 73-mile route passes through Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the spine of 6,000-plus-foot peaks and features a grueling 35,000 feet of elevation change.

And Woodward was taking it on alone and unsupported.

“There’s something amazing about the juxtaposition of competition and solitude this sport offers,” says Woodward, 31, a resident of Franklin, North Carolina. You’re racing “in one of the world’s most beautiful natural areas, watching the sunrise light up fog-filled valleys and forests in the middle of nowhere, and you’re completely alone.”

Woodward basked in the eye-candy and let thoughts of anything beyond pace, breath, muscles, thirst, calories, and terrain evaporate like morning dew. He’d pushed through a hellacious dozen-mile climb and crushed another 13 miles of ridgeline when the unthinkable happened: Loose rocks triggered a slip and nasty, downhill barrel roll.

“Miraculously, nothing got hurt but my hand,” says Woodward. But the damage

was severe. “My left ring finger looked twisted and, when I tried to make a fist, my lower knuckle just disappeared.”

Woodward used training techniques he’d learned as a wilderness first responder to try to push the presumably dislocated joint back into place. It didn’t work but, realizing he was well ahead of target pace, he chose to shoulder his trekking poles and run through the pain. (Woodward later discovered the finger was fractured in multiple places and needed surgery.)

“I just kept coming back to my mantra: ‘Make seconds, make minutes, make miles,’” he says. “I told myself to push just a little bit harder and run just a little bit more on the ups, knowing that every second I cut off adds up over the course of the day.”

And the strategy paid dividends: When Woodward emerged from the SCAR’s final eight, mostly downhill miles onto Fontana Dam about 13 and a half hours later, he’d shattered the route’s then fastest known time by more than 90 minutes.

The achievement cemented his reputation as one of the country’s most exciting up-and-coming ultrarunners and catapulted him onto the world stage.

“That was the moment I felt like I truly belonged competing at the highest level,” says Woodward. Ultrarunning had

become a passion, and he wanted to see how far he could take it.

Early Steps

Woodward didn’t set out to become a star ultramarathoner—it’s just something that sort of happened.

He grew up in Franklin in an outdoor recreation-loving family but preferred team sports like soccer and tennis when it came to competition. Running was just a means to train or play with siblings and friends. Then pleas from his history teacher and cross-country coach, Denise Davis, convinced him to race in a track meet as a high school junior.

“Much to my surprise, I won,” says Woodward. Taking gold felt spectacular and he joined the team immediately. Davis, it so happened, was an old school ultrarunner. “She introduced me to the sport and community,” says Woodward. “I learned it was a big thing in this area, and I respected that immensely. But it wasn’t really my thing.”

Woodward graduated and didn’t race competitively while attending Harvard University. He jogged to stay in shape and, while he did enter a couple

of mountain races on breaks, “I got crushed,” he says. “Which was pretty discouraging.”

Change came in 2017 when Woodward returned to Franklin to live with his older brother, Forest.

“He was getting into [ultrarunning] and is a super enthusiastic guy, so I kind of fell into it by proximity,” says Woodward. The two started with a motley training regimen but Bryon Powell’s book, Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons, inspired them to up the ante. “He had a plan for how to prepare for a 100-mile race and we were like, ‘Why not try this?’” says Woodward.

The duo began to eat healthier, do daily speed exercises, and log a minimum of 70 trail miles a week. Things got real when they registered for 2018’s C&O Canal 100. The move brought accountability and a target goal. And the brothers’ performance eclipsed expectations: Canyon finished seventh overall; Forest took 13th.

“I was shocked and elated,” says Woodward. “I realized this was something I really enjoyed and wanted to keep doing.” His results improved with experience

When the temperature drops and snow begins to blanket the mountaintops, a new life comes to West Virginia. This season, find your front row seat to mountain magic in Randolph County, where there’s no shortage of winter splendor.

and confidence. Wins at big regional races like the Naturalist 50K and Tsali Frosty Foot 50K inspired Woodward to enter major events. Taking first at Georgia’s infamous Cruel Jewel 100 in 2021 put him on the national radar and paved the way to competing in 2022’s Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). The 106-mile race passes through the Alps of France, Italy, and Switzerland, and is the world’s most prestigious ultramarathon.

“Running the UTMB was a dream come true,” says Woodward. Thousands of spectators crowded into mountain villages and streets to cheer on the event’s 10,000 runners. “I wasn’t prepared for that kind of spectacle. It was crazy and totally surreal.”

Grassroots Running

Woodward is less known for running than his political activism.

The co-founder of grassroots nonprofit Dirtroad Organizing has gained national attention in recent years for helping successfully train, mentor, and run young democratic candidates for state and national office in rural, conservative-majority

areas. The organization’s use of campaign strategies designed to have a net positive effect on communities regardless of outcome has been covered by major outlets like The New York Times and Washington Post

Woodward loves his day job and calls ultrarunning an anchor that counterbalances the relentless stress and demands of politics.

“Having these events on the calendar and training for them brings a shape and discipline to my life that I find really valuable,” says Woodward. Meanwhile, “running is a space where I can get out into nature, focus on the beauty around me and just putting one foot in front of the other. It lets me refill the cup and draw the energy I need to keep putting the work into organizing.”

Woodward has now run in three UTMBs—notably placing 23rd this past August—and plans to compete at more major international events like Colorado’s Leadville Trail 100 and California’s Western States 100 in the years to come.

And with top runners typically achieving peak performance between ages 35-40? Woodward has a lot to look forward to.

EVY LEIBFARTH Olympic Paddler on the Podium

BY SUZIE HODGES

GOING INTO THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN PARIS last summer, Team USA paddler Evy Leibfarth could feel a change in her racing mindset. The 20-year-old whitewater phenom from Bryson City, North Carolina, hadn’t just learned how to get stronger or faster in the three years since her Olympic debut in Tokyo in 2021. She had also learned how to get out of her head. “The goals I went into Paris with were to have runs that I was proud of,” Leibfarth says. “To really feel in the moment out there on the water, and really try to focus on my own race, my own runs.”

In whitewater events as unpredictable as the three in which Leibfarth competes—kayak slalom, canoe slalom, and kayak cross—all you can do is try to put down your best run and have fun, she says. Leibfarth made that her intention heading into the canoe slalom finals in Paris. In slalom, athletes race while maneuvering around uniquely placed gates during each event.

During finals, Leibfarth was the first to complete her run in the pack of a dozen canoeists. She had to wait for all the others to take their turns before learning where she stood. “I got down

to the bottom of my run, and I didn’t think it was going to be enough for a medal,” Leibfarth says. “But I was talking to my dad, and I was like, ‘I’m really proud of that. That’s what I wanted to come here and do: a run that I’m happy with, that I’m proud of, knowing I gave it everything.’”

By the time finals were over, Leibfarth’s score ended up being enough to win bronze, making her the first U.S. woman to medal in a slalom event since Rebecca Giddens won silver in kayak slalom at the 2004 Athens Games. With the win, Leibfarth is now the first U.S. woman to medal in canoe slalom, which debuted at the Olympics when she did: in Tokyo in 2021. Leibfarth is also the first U.S. woman to compete in an Olympic “triple” for the sport, with one of her disciplines, kayak cross, making its debut this year in Paris. As Leibfarth’s sport continues to rapidly evolve, there’s more progression and personal growth left in store for her in paddling.

Leibfarth was raised on whitewater. Her father and coach, Lee Leibfarth, was previously on the U.S. national whitewater slalom team and coached the U.S. junior national team, and her

mother, Jean Folger, was a whitewater rafting guide for the Nantahala Outdoor Center, where Leibfarth grew up paddling from the age of four.

“I know that a big reason why I chose paddling to be my sport was because my dad coached me when I was young,” Leibfarth says. “It’s really special to have a coach that I know is always going to be there to support me, but who is also going to really push me to go out there and achieve my goals. It’s incredibly helpful to have someone telling you: ‘Yeah, you can do this. You have to work for it, but you can do this.’”

Competing in three disciplines requires paddlers to flip switches in strategic thinking as they move between events. Slalom is all about visualization, Leibfarth explains, in which paddlers memorize the course until they can close their eyes and picture every stroke they’ll take. Then, when they’re on the water, they must be nimble. “There’s very rarely a perfect run in canoe slalom,” Leibfarth says. “It’s all about who can fix their mistakes the fastest. For all the top boats out there, you don’t even realize they’re making mistakes or that they’re

straying from their plan. But everyone is. Because just a little slight current in one direction can push you offline.”

Kayak cross, which debuted in Paris in 2024, is a different story in terms of planning. In kayak cross, four competitors race with contact allowed. There’s less visualization, and more planning for various scenarios. “In slalom, you have to be aggressive in the water in your sprints,” Leibfarth says. “In kayak cross, you have to do that toward other people’s boats. You have to just freaking go for it the entire run, to stay out ahead or pass someone.”

Leibfarth didn’t make it past quarterfinals in kayak cross, but she loved the energy of the event and the crowd’s excitement watching the paddlers battle it out to the finish. “It’s very different, but I love doing all the events,”

Leibfarth says. “Each one, I have a different mental picture of.”

When Leibfarth returned to her hometown of Bryson City with her bronze medal, she was met with a parade put on by the city and the Nantahala Outdoor Center. She saw old teachers, gymnastics coaches, and school classmates. “It was really special to be able to bring a medal home,” Leibfarth says. “Every single person that’s inspired me and been there for me, and been a part of my life, is a part of that moment. So it was really cool to get to go back and share that.”

As Leibfarth looks ahead at qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, she’s excited not just to compete again, but to have competitive whitewater sports shown on a U.S.-based Olympic stage. “It’s not very well known in the states,” Leibfarth says. “I think that could really change.”

TARA DOWER

Setting the Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail

BY LAUREN STEPP

WELL AFTER NIGHTFALL ON SATURDAY, September 21, Tara Dower was eight miles away from becoming the fastest person to ever complete the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). She was also on the verge of a panic attack.

As the 31-year-old ultrarunner from Virginia Beach, Va., trudged through the pitch-black woods of north Georgia toward Springer Mountain, the trail’s southern terminus, she trembled with anxiety. After weeks of running 17 hours per day on blistered feet and very limited sleep, Dower was about to accomplish the unthinkable. And that scared the hell out of her.

“I didn’t know what this would mean for my life,” Dower tells BRO. “I hadn’t mentally prepared myself.”

But all that anxiety melted away about a mile from the finish line. Megan “Rascal” Wilmarth, Dower’s crew chief, says her friend was “zoned in” for that last stretch of trail, her pace quickening as she saw the warm glow of headlamps in the distance.

Just before midnight, Dower emerged from the woodline on Springer Mountain with a huge grin on her face. As friends and family cheered, she touched the summit’s bronze plaque, finishing her southbound hike in 40 days, 18 hours, and six minutes—13 hours faster than Belgian runner Karel Sabbe’s 2018 record.

“All these emotions that I hadn’t allowed myself to feel just hit me,” says Dower. “I started crying.”

Wilmarth describes that moment as a “whirlwind.”

“We were both bawling our eyes out,” she remembers. “It was a historical event that’s going to be the catalyst for so many women to act on their wildest dreams.”

Finding Her Footing

As a kid growing up in Wake Forest, N.C., Dower never thought she would set a record on the A.T. But she did like to go fast.

Her mom, Debbie Komlo, remembers the first time she watched her daughter run competitively at a middle school track meet.

“I started crying because her cadence and form were perfect, and she just looked so beautiful,” says Komlo. “I knew she had found her gift.”

Dower continued running through high school and then played rugby at East Carolina University. It was there, during her freshman year, that she watched a National Geographic documentary about the A.T. and decided to thruhike after she graduated.

But in 2017, just eight days and 80 miles into her thru-hike, a panic attack forced Dower to pack up and leave the A.T.

“I was inside my tent having chest pains. I just felt disoriented and couldn’t get my breathing straight,” she remembers. “I had never felt that way before.”

In 2019, after taking some time away from the trail, Dower returned with her husband and completed a northbound thru-hike in five months and 10 days.

“I really feel like that was the year I was supposed to thru-hike the A.T.,” says Dower, who met Wilmarth during her trek. (She also earned the trail name “Candy Mama” for her maternal nature and sweet tooth.)

Hungry for more adventure, Dower began chasing fastest known times (FKTs). In 2020, she set a new speed record on the 1,175-mile Mountains-to-Sea Trail in North Carolina. In

2022, she did the same on the Benton MacKaye Trail, a nearly 300-mile footpath stretching from Springer Mountain to the Great Smoky Mountains. The next year, she shattered a longstanding women’s FKT on the Colorado Trail.

Dower also began competing in ultramarathons, such as Ohio’s Backyard Ultra and the Hardrock 100.

“By now, I’ve done eight to nine 100-milers and a slew of other ultras,” says Dower. “I just keep pushing the boundaries to see where my limits are. I want to know what’s possible.”

That’s how Dower found herself on Mount Katahdin in Maine at 5:47 a.m. on August 12, determined to set the overall speed record for the A.T.

Rising to the Challenge

The first 10 days of Dower’s FKT attempt were grueling.

“In southern Maine and New Hampshire, it’s very brutal and technical terrain,” says Dower. “I was basically crawling up those mountains.”

To make matters worse, a weather system rolled in and dumped rain, making the trail slippery. These conditions slowed Dower down, putting her almost 150 miles behind schedule.

Wilmarth and Komlo had no choice but to devise ways to increase her daily mileage.

“We started nickel-and-diming,” says Wilmarth. “Every day, we were like, ‘OK, how can Tara get at least one more mile in?’”

According to Wilmarth, Dower averaged 50 miles a day in Maine and 40 miles a day in New Hampshire. Thankfully, the sun came back out when Dower crossed into Vermont, and she was

able to knock out several 55-mile days. But around the mid-Atlantic, Wilmarth and Komlo had to make another tough decision.

“We were still behind schedule,” says Wilmarth. “So, Debbie and I pushed for a minimum of 58 miles a day with some 60-milers tossed in. Tara wasn’t happy, but it had to happen.”

To hit these extreme benchmarks, the crew followed a strict schedule.

At 3 a.m., Dower would wake up and wrap her blistered feet in Leukotape while Wilmarth spoonfed her breakfast, and the rest of the team prepped her gear. For the next 17 hours, Dower would run, typically with a pacer, only stopping for a few short food breaks and 90-second naps.

Around 10 p.m., Dower would curl up inside a tent right off the trail or in Wilmarth’s camper van. After five hours of sleep, she would do it all again.

“It was hard,” Wilmarth admits. “I watched my friend turn into this shell of a human. It tore me apart.”

Rallying for the Finish

The last 129 miles were particularly challenging. Determined to outpace Sabbe’s 2018 record, Dower

decided to push through this last leg with no sleep. But after logging nearly 60 miles, it was obvious she needed rest.

To boost her spirits, the crew allowed Dower to take a 20-minute nap in the van. When she woke up, she pleaded for another 10 minutes. The crew gave her three. When her alarm went off again, Dower still wasn’t herself.

Seeing that her daughter had hit a low point, Komlo shut the van door and offered a motherly pep talk.

“We often think we don’t have anything left to give, but we always do,” Komlo said. “So you need to go out there and empty your tank. You need to keep going.”

Those words carried Dower the last 60 miles to Springer Mountain.

Besides proving something to herself, Dower hopes her FKT motivates others to explore their endurance.

“I don’t think women are encouraged to test their limits, especially in athletics,” says Dower, who, with the support of Altra, has raised more than $50,000 for Girls on the Run, a nonprofit that coordinates running programs for elementaryage girls. “I want to inspire people, specifically young girls and women, to set big goals and to go for it.”

P eak P ursuits

T he 2025

B ucke T L is T

Start your new year right and embark on an exhilarating journey into the great outdoors with our curated bucket list. Whether you seek thrilling adventures or serene respites, our bucket list is a guide to unlocking the extraordinary experiences in our region. From conquering epic hiking trails to stargazing in secluded wilderness, this list is your passport to a world of awe-inspiring landscapes and unforgettable outdoor and cultural escapades. Join us as we inspire and encourage you to check off each adventure, one at a time.

FEEL THE RUSH WITH THE BIG DEAL RIDE ON THE GREAT ALLEGHENY PASSAGE

ALLEGANY COUNTY, MD Experience 25 miles of pure downhill bliss on this unforgettable, NEW ride along the GAP, organized by WheelzUp Adventures in Cumberland, MD. Starting at the Eastern Continental Divide, you’ll cruise through highlights like the Big Savage Tunnel, Big Savage Overlook, the Mason-Dixon Line, Helmstetter's Curve, and the mysterious Bone Cave. It’s perfect for all ages, and the best part? No uphill climbs! Your adventure includes a bike rental, helmet, and a shuttle to the trailhead, with a self-guided format that lets you set the pace. Want a local’s insight? Guides are available for an additional cost. Add this scenic ride to your bucket list and experience the GAP’s best.

MDMountainSide.com

UNEARTH PREHISTORIC TREASURES AT CALVERT CLIFFS STATE PARK

CALVERT COUNTY, MD Make a discovery of a lifetime at Calvert Cliffs State Park, where you can dig for fossils along the stunning Chesapeake Bay shoreline! This unique destination, spanning 24 miles in Calvert County, offers a glimpse into the distant past, with cliffs revealing the remains of ancient sharks, whales, rays, and seabirds from 10 to 20 million years ago. Enjoy a day of exploration on the sandy beach, hike 13 miles of scenic trails, and take home your very own fossil finds. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to connect with nature and the fascinating stories of our planet’s past!

VisitCalvert.com

Calvert County Government

HEAD BACK TO SUMMER CAMP AS AN ADULT AT TREMONT INSTITUTE

TOWNSEND, TN Discover the adventure of a lifetime at Tremont’s Naturalist Week, a summer camp for adults in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Step outside your routine and dive into a week of birding, animal tracking, plant identification, stargazing, and campfire storytelling. Surrounded by North America’s richest biodiversity, you’ll connect with fellow nature lovers and expert guides who share your passion for hands-on exploration (and rest assured—holding hands with a snake is purely optional!). Whether you're new to outdoor adventures or a seasoned nature enthusiast, Naturalist Week promises new skills, deeper connections, and unforgettable experiences.

gsmit.org/naturalist-camp

LEARN TO SKI/SNOWBOARD, CONQUER THE TERRAIN PARK, OR TAKE ON A DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND AT MASSANUTTEN RESORT

MASSANUTTEN, VA Experience our brand-new high-speed detachable lift, advanced snowmaking technology, and newly developed slopes. Challenge yourself on the thrilling double black diamond trail, “No Hesitation,” and explore our newly designed terrain parks. Our friendly expert trainers are eager to encourage and teach lessons to help you reach the next level. Enjoy a variety of winter activities including snow tubing, ice skating, and the beautiful “Light Up The Park” displays. After a day of adventure, unwind by the cozy fireside and share stories with friends and family. Embrace the season and create unforgettable memories at Massanutten – your ultimate destination for winter excitement!

MassResort.com

DISCOVER THE STARS AT VIRGINIA’S DARK SKY PARKS

VIRGINIA Experience the wonders of the night sky at Virginia’s Dark Sky Parks! These stunning locations— Natural Bridge State Park, Sky Meadows State Park, James River State Park, and Staunton River State Park—offer unparalleled views of the cosmos, perfect for stargazing enthusiasts. While Natural Bridge and Sky Meadows provide primitive camping options for those seeking a rustic experience, James River and Staunton River offer more amenities with cozy cabins and well-equipped campgrounds. Staying overnight allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the stars, creating unforgettable memories under the night sky.

VirginiaStateParks.gov/dark-sky-parks

SAVOR THE SWEET TRADITION OF SYRUP AT THE HIGHLAND COUNTY MAPLE FESTIVAL

MONTEREY, VA Step back in time and enjoy Virginia's sweetest event at the annual Highland County Maple Festival! Since 1959, this charming festival has drawn visitors to tour authentic maple sugar camps and experience a cultural and culinary adventure. Recognized by the Library of Congress as a “Local Legacy” and designated the “official maple festival of Virginia,” the event celebrates the maple syrup-making process each year. Enjoy pancake dinners, delicious doughnuts, and live entertainment, with over 100 juried vendors March 8-9 & 15-16, 2025. Virginia is for Maple Syrup Lovers!

HighlandCounty.org/Maple-Festival

TAKE IN THE THRILL OF SNOW TUBING AT SNOW RIDERS

HARPERS FERRY, WV Unleash your inner child and glide down the snowy slopes at Snow Riders, the ultimate destination for snow tubing in West Virginia. Located where Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia meet, Snow Riders Tubing Hill is just one hour from Washington, D.C, and features up to 12 lanes on one of the East Coast’s longest slopes at nearly 900 feet! Enjoy thrilling rides for all ages, with a modern Magic Carpet conveyor lift that quickly brings you back to the top. Whether you’re a seasoned snow enthusiast or trying it for the first time, Snow Riders promises an unforgettable winter adventure surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

SnowRiders.com

CLIMB WEST VIRGINIA'S ONLY WORKING LIGHTHOUSE AT SUMMERSVILLE LAKE RETREAT

GREATER SUMMERSVILLE AREA, WV Erected on October 17, 2012, this impressive 104-foot tall steel lighthouse in Mount Nebo, West Virginia stands at an elevation of 2,164 feet above sea level. Ascend 122 steps to reach the 360-degree gallery deck, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Summersville Lake and the Gauley River National Recreation Area. The retreat also offers fully equipped cabins, spacious camping options from primitive to full-service RV sites, and a variety of clean watercraft for rent!

SummersvilleCVB.com

HIKE THE ICONIC PEAKS OF OTTER ON THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

BEDFORD, VA Explore the Peaks of Otter, a premier spot for hikers along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sharp Top offers a steep, rewarding climb with 360-degree views, ideal for sunrise or sunset. For a quieter challenge, Flat Top’s forested trails lead to stunning overlooks and seasonal wildflowers. Harkening Hill provides a more relaxed hike, featuring unique rock formations and scenic woodlands. For an easy stroll, the ADA-accessible Abbott Lake Trail is a one-mile loop with lake views, open fields, and kid-friendly self-guided activities. All of these trails offer breathtaking scenery and unforgettable views, making Peaks of Otter a bucket list must for every adventurer!

DestinationBedfordVA.com

RESET, RESTORE, AND RENEW AT THE FARMHOUSE AT VERITAS

AFTON, VA Over four days and three nights, embrace a comprehensive wellness retreat experience that blends hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, daily yoga, and exclusive vineyard tours. Each day begins and ends with a taste of chef-prepared meals and award-winning Veritas wines, creating a perfect balance of relaxation and indulgence. This all-inclusive retreat offers an ideal getaway to revive your spirit and invigorate your senses. Experience The Farmhouse at Veritas, where luxury meets the tranquility of nature.

VeritasFarmhouse.com/four-day-retreat

TRY ROCK CLIMBING AT SUMMERSVILLE LAKE

GREATER SUMMERSVILLE AREA, WV Add rock climbing at Summersville Lake, WV, to your bucket list! The northern shore features high-quality single-pitch sport routes, ranging from 5.easy to 5.15 in the Coliseum. Deep-water soloing is available in warmer months when the water levels are up (note: jumping in over 6 feet is prohibited), while from October to April, the drained lake reveals incredible sport and trad routes. Explore Whippoorwill for swimming and deep water soloing in summer, or enjoy fewer crowds at Long Point in spring and fall. Don’t miss the Gauley River’s adventure crags like Carnifex Ferry for bouldering!

SummersvilleCVB.com

Savanah Graham

Claire Wright

HIKE THE LONG POINT TRAIL AT SUMMERSVILLE LAKE

GREATER SUMMERSVILLE AREA, WV If you enjoy mild hikes that lead to breathtaking views, don’t miss the Long Point Trail at Summersville Lake! This 3.9-mile out-and-back trail is wide, well-marked, and features a gentle gradient winding through a beautiful Appalachian hardwood forest, rich with diverse wildlife, including squirrels, turtles, and deer. As you hike, the canopy provides shade and comfort. The trail culminates at a sandstone cliff with stunning panoramic views of Summersville Lake.Whether you hike in summer, when the lake buzzes with activity, or in late fall, you’ll be rewarded with incredible scenery.

SummersvilleCVB.com

RELAX AND UNWIND WITH RIVANNA RIVER COMPANY'S SAUNA EXPERIENCE

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA Experience our region's first and only wood-fired public sauna on Charlottesville's riverfront! Connect with locals and visitors in a Community Session or arrange a Private Session for your group in one of the authentic Finnish-inspired saunas at this unique natural destination. Challenge yourself to a cold plunge in the Rivanna River or a cast-iron tub. Finish your experience off with tea and charcuterie or stroll over to locals-favorite Hogwaller Brewery just steps away. This truly one-of-a-kind destination will invigorate you with a new take on what a Virginia winter can be!

RivannaRiverCompany.com/sauna

TUNE IN AND JAM OUT WITH THE

FRONT PORCH

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA Step out of the cold and into the warmth of The Front Porch, a welcoming nonprofit in Charlottesville that brings people together through the power of music. Join in a free weekly community jam, featuring old-time, bluegrass, Americana, and a Saturday drum circle. Or experience a live concert in the unique listening room, where local, regional, and national artists perform in an intimate space where every note is heard, and every moment cherished. Find tickets and the jam schedule at frontporchcville.org.

FrontPorchCville.org

SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS AT BICKLE KNOB OBSERVATION TOWER

RANDOLPH COUNTY, WV The Bickle Knob Observation Tower, built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, provides stunning 360-degree panoramic views. This tower is one of the few remaining observation towers in the Monongahela National Forest. From the parking area, it’s just a short walk of less than five minutes to reach the tower. While the tower is not accessible for those with mobility challenges, there is a beautiful viewpoint near the parking lot that offers views of the valleys below. On a clear day, you can see for miles, including the Mount Storm smokestacks in Tucker County, and on exceptionally clear days, the Shinnston smokestacks in Harrison County may also be visible.

ElkinsRandolphWV.com

CLIMB OR RIDE HORSEBACK UP THIS ONE OF A KIND ROCK FORMATION IN THE NORTH FORK VALLEY

PENDLETON COUNTY, WV Seneca Rocks, located in the Monongahela National Forest, is a striking natural landmark and popular adventure destination in West Virginia. This impressive rock formation, known for its towering peaks, offers thrilling climbing opportunities and scenic hiking trails for all skill levels. At the base, the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center provides an engaging look into the area's rich history, including its significance in Native American culture and its use as a training site during World War II. With educational exhibits and breathtaking views, Seneca Rocks promises an unforgettable experience, blending natural beauty with a deep appreciation of local heritage.

CONQUER VIRGINIA'S HIGHEST PEAK AT MOUNT ROGERS NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

SMYTH COUNTY, VA Add Virginia’s High Point to your bucket list with a visit to Mount Rogers, a destination that promises awe from every direction. At 5,729 feet, Mount Rogers offers clear, panoramic views of two state parks, wild highland meadows, and vibrant towns below. Journey through unspoiled landscapes where wild ponies roam, and explore trails lined with rich flora and fauna. After hiking, immerse yourself in Smyth County’s artsy, welcoming communities, where authentic charm meets adventure. Experience the warmth and beauty of this unforgettable place—because everything truly looks different from up here. Come see for yourself!

VisitSmythCountyVA.com

RANDOLPH COUNTY, WV Embark on an off-the-beaten-path adventure to Still Hollow Spirits, a charming whiskey distillery where you can savor handcrafted spirits and learn about the art of distillation. Afterward, head to Big Timber Brewing, a beloved local watering hole in downtown Elkins, where you can enjoy a refreshing selection of craft beers in a relaxed atmosphere. Then, stop by Fox Hops Brewing, another local gem offering unique brews that capture the essence of the region. Discover the distinctive flavors and mingle with friendly locals at these must-visit spots for a true taste of Elkins!

ElkinsRandolphWV.com

HIKE THROUGH HISTORIC BATTLEGROUNDS IN SOUTH CAROLINA

OLD 96 DISTRICT, SC Go outside and learn something new! The Old 96 District is home to Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, and McCormick counties, each with plenty of historic sites to explore. Hike through Revolutionary War battlefields in the Ninety Six National Historic Site, visit “the Birthplace and Deathbed of the Civil War” at Burt-Stark Mansion, and discover the legacy of a Civil Rights Movement leader at Dr. Benjamin Mays Historic Preservation Site. The significant architecture, museums, and cultural sites of Old 96 District are waiting to immerse you in the past.

VisitOld96SC.com

PEDAL THROUGH FORESTED CANYONLANDS ON THE BLACKWATER CANYON RAIL TRAIL

TUCKER COUNTY, WV Discover the latest addition to West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest with a scenic mountain bike ride through Blackwater Canyon. Recently expanded by 2,700 acres, this historic rail grade trail starts in Douglas and winds to Hendricks, connecting the 40-mile Allegheny Highlands Rail Trail. Although not yet upgraded to official rail-trail status, this rugged route offers a thrilling ride with spectacular views of Blackwater River. Begin your adventure in Thomas or on Falls Trail Road before Douglas Falls for an unforgettable journey through stunning canyon landscapes.

Vernon Patterson and Still Hollow Spirits

ADVENTURE CRITTERS

PET PHOTO CONTEST

February 2025 ANY PET CAN BE ENTERED TO WIN

Get your critter freatured in Blue Ridge Outdoor plus other awesome prizes!

Finalists will be selected by our editorial and design teams. Voting for finalists will commence in March 2025

How to Comfortably Cold-Weather Camp

BY MARY BETH SKYLIS

MY FIRST SNOW CAMPING experience was an accident. I was on the southern portion of the 500mile Colorado Trail, getting close to the end of a month-long hike when a blizzard swept over the mountain range. Over the years, I’d racked up thousands of long-trail miles but very few of them were spent in frigid conditions. Fortunately, I was ready to spend a chilly night under the stars, and I slept quite comfortably, even as the temps dropped. If you’re interested in cold-weather camping this winter, here are a few things you can do to be prepared.

Plan Before You Camp

Checking the weather is an obvious place to start, but it’s also smart to look beyond a basic forecast of a town near your backcountry destination. Many avid adventurers use Mountain Forecast (mountain-forecast. com) to obtain the most accurate information about a region based on a peak, which can provide a more comprehensive description of weather at higher elevations. Once campers know what kind of conditions they’ll be facing, they can choose the right equipment.

Choose the Right Gear

Campers should always head

into the backwoods equipped with navigation tools like paper maps and a GPS tracker – especially in cold or winter conditions, since threats like hypothermia and frostbite can be higher.

Additionally, bringing the right tent and sleeping gear helps ensure that campers will be able to insulate themselves at night. While some campers continue to use 3-season tents when the temperatures start to dip, others find that a 4-season tent does a better job of providing insulation and warmth no matter the weather. Smaller, cocoon-shaped tents are also easier to keep warm with body heat than larger dome tents with more space.

In snowy conditions, campers should even out their tent spot prior to staking it out and consider creating snow walls around the exterior of the tent to retain more warmth. Snow is a great insulator, which means that it’s often used by avid winter campers to create a cozy home for the night.

Inside the tent, the sleep system also plays a huge part in cold-weather camping comfort. Choosing a sleeping bag with a low temperature rating is a good first step. The sleeping pad is an equally or even more important component of the sleep system, although its significance is often overlooked. In the same way that sleeping bags

have temperature ratings, sleeping pads have R-values. The higher the R-value, the more insulated it is.

Stay Warm While in Camp

Temperatures can be volatile, and come with varying amounts of moisture, which makes preparing for them difficult. Fortunately, there are a few ways campers can stay prepared for a wide range of conditions. Layering clothing—a mix of baselayers, insulated puffy jackets, and rain shells—is a great way to trap body heat. But it also enables campers to remove layers when necessary, to find optimal warmth.

An old Army study suggested that the human head dispels 4550% of the body’s heat, which highlighted the importance of wearing a hat in cold conditions for

many decades. By the early 2000s, scientists found these estimates to be excessive. But head insulation still matters. In fact, researchers found that the face, head, and chest are all more sensitive to temperature changes, which means that they are much more likely to feel cold than other parts of the body. For this reason, packing a hat, scarf, and a balaclava or similar tube-style protector can provide added comfort for campers in coldtemperatures.

Another key component in maintaining body warmth is staying dry. This means that when a camper is preparing to be sedentary or to go to bed, they should ensure that their clothing isn’t damp from the weather or perspiration. Wet clothing causes quick heat loss. It can also weaken the immune system due to the output that’s needed to maintain warmth.

THE OUT AND BACK SNOWY OPTIMISM

BEST. WINTER. EVER.

BY GRAHAM AVERILL

SKI SEASON STARTS WITH A movie. It’s the same thing every year—I take the family to see the annual release of the latest Warren Miller film, we watch the collection of short clips of skiers and snowboarders floating through neck-high powder, and like a little kid, I imagine myself up there on the screen, in the powder, doing back flips off cliffs as if I don’t have the knees and back of a 48 year old.

It’s a tradition, like hanging stockings over the chimney with care or getting a gym membership on January 1. It’s something we do to mark the season. And every year I come out of that movie pumped for the winter ahead, like a little kid watching Elf on Christmas Eve. The stoke is so high after these Warren Miller screenings that I walk out of the movie theater, turn to my kids and say, “This is gonna be the best winter ever.”

I mean it, too. I am generally a positive guy, and every year I’m convinced that the ski season in front of us is going to be the stuff of legends. I know in my heart that the powder will be so thick that folk singers will write songs about it.

And every year, I’m dead wrong. It’s not my stoke that waivers, it’s the snow. We just haven’t been getting much of it in recent winters. You can blame global warming or you can blame the secret society that controls the weather. Either way, we’re not getting the powder we need to have the Best Winter Ever. At least, not here in the Southern Appalachians.

I remember the actual best winter ever. It was 2009/2010. My kids turned one that year. They still had that new baby smell and were greeted by a world with a near-constant blanket of snow. It’s possible that I’m wrong here, but the way I remember that winter is that it snowed just about every Friday for several weeks in a row. I remember skiing tree lines off the side of the Appalachian Trail above 5,000 feet.

I remember carving elaborate luge runs in the neighborhood park and taking my tiny kids sledding, holding them carefully in my lap while their mom worried about potential brain damage. I remember cross country skiing narrow mountain bike trails in Pisgah National Forest. It snowed so much in town a couple of times that winter, that I remember strapping on my skinny skis and skinning to the bars in downtown, where goodnatured snowball fights broke out between strangers in the middle of the street.

There was no political angst that winter. No ideological tension or rifts between family members… there was too much snow for that sort of silliness. Was there world peace? Did enemies drop their arms and hold hands across the globe? Probably. Fresh powder puts everything in perspective. Best. Winter. Ever.

So what’s happened since that epic 09/10 winter? Mostly meh conditions. We’ve had some snow, don’t get me wrong, and the majority of the resorts here in the South do a bang-up job creating and managing skiable conditions without much

help from Mother Nature, so we’ve had good ski seasons. I’m eternally grateful for the person who invented the snow gun. It was probably a mom who was sick of listening to her kids complain that there wasn’t enough snow to go sledding.

But have we had the Best. Winter. Ever? Not even close. And yet, contrary to all the evidence that stacked up against me, I still say it. I still see that Warren Miller movie and I still get stoked and I still come out of the theater thinking this will be the best winter ever.

What’s it called when you do the exact same thing over and over but expect a different outcome?

Optimism. That’s what it’s called. Optimism.

So here I am again, convinced that this winter, 2024/2025, is going to be the Best Winter Ever. Never mind the fact that I recently read an article in the Wall Street Journal about how this past fall was unusually warm. Pay no attention to the fact that it’s mid-November as I write this and I’m wearing a t-shirt and looking forward to a mountain bike ride with the temps in the low 60s. None of this matters. I’m going to bring so much stoke to this ski season that Mother Nature will have no choice but to unleash a fury of powder on my head.

And this year, I actually have a tangible, somewhat logical reason to be so stoked, because my home

mountain, the resort that I have dubbed Breckenwolf, has undergone massive renovations after a change in ownership. This is the same mountain that gave birth to the phenomenon known as Whiskey Wednesday, where adults with bad backs act like teenagers every week. This is the same mountain where I taught my kids how to ski, explaining to them the importance of spotting people from Florida, and avoiding those people on the slopes. This is the same mountain where I, too, took some of my first turns as a youth, still struggling to move from pizza to French fry.

The new owners have invested millions, completely revamping the facilities, and Breckenwolf has new snow guns, new pipes to carry water to those snow guns, a brand-new lodge. Rumor has it there will be new ski runs, even a terrain park with its own tow rope. Rumor also has it that the new management will actually blow snow on those ski runs, which will be a massive upgrade from previous winters.

I haven’t set foot on the revitalized property in person yet, but the photos and videos I’ve seen are enough to get me excited. Basically, we have a new ski resort to explore here in the Southern Appalachians. Between that new development and the latest Warren Miller flick, how could you not be stoked?

Best. Winter. Ever.

ROSSIGNOL

COLD COMFORTS

This winter, when the elements are rough, you need specialized gear and apparel to get outside and play. We have you covered.

BY DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

Duer

Performance Flannel

Here’s a flannel you will never want to take off— and might not have to. Duer crafted the shirt, which layers well with a tee but looks great on its own, too, with graphene, a nano-fabric that adds warmth when it's cold but cools down when it's warm. That makes it ideal for the transition from cold-weather hikes straight to your favorite spot for cold-weather cheer. $119; shopduer.com

Rossignol

Arcade 84

Arms of Andes

Women's Alpaca Long Sleeve Shirt

Here’s the perfect skis for the hard pack of the East, as well as trips out to softer snow in the West. At 84mm underfoot, they provide a lot of stability and confidence on the groomers but they have a lot more pop and agility to them than the usual frontside planks. Plus, rocker in the tip and tail means they will float in soft snow (and even suck up the bumps). Credit the ski’s responsive performance to a short turn radius and extended side cut that make it a blast no matter the snow surface. $850; rossignol.com

Rossignol

Vizion 4B Pro 80 GW boot

Hate having to contort your foot to even get it into your boot? Meet your savior. This is a highperformance boot that’s a breeze to slip into thanks to a lock system in the back that lets you slip into it with no pain—but then lock down for solid skiing. Want more? Insulation keeps your tootsies toasty and a GripWalk sole makes it easy to saunter around the base area. $550; rossignol.com

Soft to the touch and super warm, the Alpaca wool in this baselayer is crafted in Peru and has all the high-performance attributes outdoors folks have learned to love in merino—wicking, temperature regulation, breathablity—but with less itchiness. Plus, the brand is a sustainability winner sourcing from eco-friendly, family-run alpaca farms. $85; armsofandes.com

GnarA

Go Free Leggings

Previously known as SheFly, Gnara leggings feature a women-specific (and appreciated) zipper in the crotch. Beyond that welcome addition, these leggings work well on their own for chilly runs or as a layer under other winter pants. Bonus: Inclusive sizing here runs from XS to 3XL. $128; gnara.com

Oboz

Bangtail Mid

Waterproof and jacked up with recycled polyester insulation, this winter hiker can handle all the slop and cold of the season. The Vibram Arctic sole is designed to deal with snow and ice and the boot fits perfectly with a snowshoe or microspike. $230; obozfootwear.com

Blundstone

#2241 Women’s All Terrain Thermal Chelsea Boots

How do you make Blundstones—already our favorite shoe for everything from travel to get togethers to quick hikes—even better? Winterize them. With waterproof leather and a touch of Thinsulate insulation, these do-it all shoes can handle the worst elements. $265; blundstone.com

The North Face

Sierra Etip Gloves

There’s no more valuable piece of winter gear than a thin glove. Good for everything from walking the dog to ski touring to committed hikes, these fleece gloves keep you warm—and you don’t have to take them off to operate your phone thanks to Etip technology on the fingers.

$40; thenorthface.com

DUER

THE NORTH FACE

GNARA

ROSSIGNOL ARMS OF ANDES

BLUNDSTONE

OBOZ

Cotopaxi

Fuego Down Hooded Jacket

Everything is en fuego these days and this puffer is no exception. The responsibly sourced 800-fill down can ward off the worst chill. Plus, if you really want to get into the sustainability aspect, you can actually trace the supply chain of the down used in the jacket. Hot. $295; cotopaxi.com

Fjällräven

Abisko Winter Stretch Trousers

The perfect winter pant gets the job done for everything from skiing to hiking. These pants have just enough stretch to keep from crimping your style and enough protection on the outside to ward off the elements—without the use of PFAS. We wear them to work, too. $210; fjallraven.com

Lacrosse

Ursa LS

Here’s a boot that can stomp bad weather and sloppy terrain. With a lug patter that wears up snow and mud, these are the four-wheelers of winter boots—the perfect choice for when it gets slushy and messy out there. If that’s not enough, they also come in an insulated version ideal for snowshoeing. $400 ($420 insulated); lacrossefootwear.com

Kahtoola

MicroSpikes

The classic microspike still provides the best traction for hiking on packed snow and slippy stuff. Just attach it to your favorite winter hiker and head out on adventures no matter the conditions. $80; kahtoola.com

Mountain Equipment Coop

Oreus Jacket

Here’s an insulator that you can break out when the mercury really drops. Made with Aetherm Precision Insulation, it feels and lofts out like a down jacket but will stay warm when wet and doesn’t come with the maintenance issues of down. It’s the perfect layer to throw on at an ice climbing belay or on a cold campout. $450; us.mountain-equipment.com

Nestout

Power Bank 5000mAh

Power is even more essential when you are out there in the winter months. You need to keep your phone and other necessary electronics juiced. That’s easy with this small, waterproof portable power source that weighs in at just 4.9 ounces and will power up your phone or tablet. $40; nestout.com

Seirus Innovation

Heatwave Long Sleeve Crew Top and Bottom

This baselayer system for athletes and those who just hate the cold gives you plenty of stretch to perform and provides lots of warmth via a heatreflective material that requires less fabric to get the job done. Don’t worry, it also wicks amazingly well and comes with antimicrobial treatment in the right spots. $100 top, $90 bottom; seirus.com

Columbia

PowBound Gloves

Meet your new favorite ski/snowboard glove. At a reasonable price, these babies keep your digits from freezing while still allowing for plenty of movement and wick away the wet. $75; columbia.com

COTOPAXI

FJÄLLRÄVEN

LACROSSE

KAHTOOLA

MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT COOP

NESTOUT

SEIRUS INNOVATION

COLUMBIA

OUR FAVORITE SONGS IN DECEMBER

Best New Music from the Blue Ridge and Beyond

BY JEDD FERRIS AND DAVE STALLARD

EVERY MONTH OUR EDITORS

curate a playlist of new music, mainly focusing on independent artists from the South. . In December we’re highlighting new tunes from Bonnie “Prince” Billy and Sharon Van Etten.

SHARON VAN ETTEN & THE ATTACHMENT THEORY

“Afterlife”

“For the first time in my life I asked the band if we could just jam,” stated Sharon Van Etten, upon announcing the upcoming selftitled album (out February 7) with her backing crew the Attachment Theory. The record’s lead single is a synth-heavy rock tune that captures the spirit of spontaneous composition, with Van Etten’s enchanting vocals guided by a dance-ready beat and gentle cascades of keyboards. – J.F

BONNIE “PRINCE” BILLY

“Our Home”

Idiosyncratic indie-folk tunesmith Will Oldham (AKA Bonnie “Prince” Billy) decided it was time for his Nashville sessions, so he traveled to Music City and worked with producer David Ferguson on new album “The Purple Bird,” which comes out on January 31. First single “Our Home” features bluegrass great Tim O’Brien, who trades verses with Oldham on the rootsy tune that celebrates the fabric of family traditions. – J.F

LUCINDA WILLIAMS

“While My Guitar Gently Weeps” On her latest project, iconic singersongwriter Lucinda Williams did what no other artist has dared to do—enter the hallowed Abbey

Road Studios to record songs of The Beatles. “Lucinda Williams Sings the Beatles From Abbey Road” finds her offering interpretations of a dozen tracks—both classic hits and deep cuts—on the seventh volume of her “Lu’s Jukebox” series. Williams’s take on “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is stunning, proving that, even at the age of 71, she remains a relevant and powerful presence in American music. – D.S.

BARTEES STRANGE

“Sober”

Versatile indie artist Bartees

Strange veers into the territory of wide-open heartland rock in this charging track from the upcoming album, “Horror,” which drops next year. The song has an uplifting arrangement, with a high-energy groove and some 80s guitar crunch, but Strange gets vulnerable in lyrics, as he sings about leaning on booze during relationship failures. – J.F.

THE GREYBOY ALLSTARS

“Slip The Grip”

Originally concocted as a musical troupe to support noted San Diego jazz musician DJ Greyboy, the aptly named Greyboy Allstars have managed to put together an illustrious 30-year career and become all-stars in their own rite. The group recently released their eighth studio album, “Grab Bag; 2007-2023,” a collection of nine previously unreleased tracks from the latter half of the band’s career. “Slip the Grip” is pure jazzy soul, with Robert Walter’s organ and Karl Denson’s saxophone wrestling over a delicious funk groove. – D.S.

LOOSE CATTLE

The Shoals (featuring Patterson Hood) Musicians in New Orleans can’t help but be influenced by the cultural collisions taking place in the Crescent City. It should come as no surprise, then, that one finds hints of jazz, folk, country, and garage rock in the offerings on “Someone’s Monster,” the latest release from Loose Cattle. “The Shoals,” which

features a guest spot from Drive-By Truckers frontman Patterson Hood, trends towards the latter, with gritty guitar and fiddle supporting Kimberly Kaye’s haunting vocals. – D.S.

DENISON WITMER

“Older and Free”

Denison Witmer gets an assist from Sufjan Stevens in this pastoral folk song that celebrates the freedom of escaping the burnout of day-to-day responsibilities. Witmer wrote the song after a hike in Pennsylvania’s French Creek State and it’s teeming with idyllic imagery that fits the airy acoustic arrangement. Stevens, who produced the track, also adds his patented gentle-voices harmonies to the sweeping chorus. – J.F.

JOHN R. MILLER

“Garden of Fools”

Inevitably, the creation of an album calls for tough decisions, and great songs often end up on the cutting room floor. This is exactly what happened last year when John R. Miller put together his critically acclaimed release “Heat Comes Down.” Now, a year later, Miller is releasing two tracks, “Outset of the Breeze” and “Garden of Fools,” via a seven-inch vinyl single, that weren’t included on the original release. “Garden of Fools” is another stellar offering from Miller, and fans of the songwriter will be glad it’s seeing the light of day. – D.S.

To hear these songs and more, follow the Blue Ridge Outdoors’ Trail Mix playlist on Spotify.

BONNIE “PRINCE” BILLY WORKED WITH JOHNNY CASH’S LONGTIME ENGINEER DAVE FERGUSON ON HIS NEW ALBUM. PRESS PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BILLIONS CORPORATION