Winter 2021/22 | Volume 5: Issue 18
arts culture Winter 2021/22
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Snow Trains! Take a classic train ride in a winter wonderland! Try our ski-season Snow Train to Attitash. Trains run weekends from mid-January to end of February, plus February vacation weeks. All trains depart from our 1874 station in the center of North Conway Village.
All Aboard!
s Winter!
Conway Scenic heritage excursions thi
Call or Book online - ConwayScenic.com • (603) 356-5251
38 Norcross Circle | North Conway, NH 2
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Winter 2021/22
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THOUGHTS FROM THE EDITOR
FOUNDER/PUBLISHER/CREATIVE Dan Houde dan@wiseguycreative.com MANAGING EDITOR Cam Mirisola-Bynum SALES MANAGER Chris Pacheco ads@mwvvibe.com DISTRIBUTION / CIRCULATION Mt Washington Valley Vibe is published four times annually and is available for pick-up, free of charge, in over 300 locations throughout the White Mountain Region of New Hampshire and into the communities of Western Maine. MWV Vibe is also available at many New Hampshire Welcome Centers throughout the state.
Dear Vibe readers, Our vision for Vibe has been to be a voice in and of this amazing community—and your support and enthusiastic engagement has validated that we’re, indeed, onto something here! Your stories are what motivate us—and your neighbors—to support each other. This past year, we shared recipes with you, provided pro tips on everything from gear, technique, the best spots to go, and how to keep you healthy while doing so—with nutrition, stretching, and conditioning. And, yes, the best brews to quench your thirst after said adventures. We’re lucky to have local farmers who so generously let us peek into their lives—showing us the grit behind the glamour (of feeding a community). Hopefully you’ve learned something new about herbs, trail etiquette, service dogs, stunning local art, and the many talented Valley artists, wildlife that we feature on our pages, small businesses that we (and you) love to support, all the history the Valley possesses, and non-profits that enrich everyone’s collective lives in the Valley— the Granite Outdoor Alliance, the Kevin Peare Memorial Skate Park, and this issue’s article on the Mt. Washington Valley Adaptive Sports program. Along with new articles on the above subject areas, some of the feature article for you in this issue include a complete rundown of backcountry events, a front-row seat on a cross-country ski trek across the state, a comparison of snowshoeing vs. barebooting, and an insightful interview with local adventurers, Mark Synnott and Thom Pollard. We love hearing from you and have enjoyed your feedback … and look forward to your continued input. Send us your thoughts and ideas, feedback on articles, suggestions for what you would like to learn about when you flip through the pages of Vibe. We’re here to hear it all! Wishing you all health, happiness, and endless powdery trails in 2022! Nothing but the best to you, Cam Mirisola-Bynum, Managing Editor
MWV Vibe can also be found in select retail shops, dining establishments, lodging properties, and grocery stores throughout the same area. If your business, or one you know, would like to make MWV Vibe available to its customers, please contact us.
Spring 2019 | Volume 2: Issue 8
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Fall 2021 | Volume 5: Issue 17
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
If you reside locally or have ties to the Valley and would like to offer your creative talents, please contact us at info@mwvvibe.com. Mike Cherim, North Conway, NH Mike is a trailwork-and SAR-volunteer in the WMNF. His passions are primarily hiking and skiing (plus biking and fishing)– and he also loves to write. He makes his living, however, running a local guiding company, Redline Guiding out of Intervale. Clem McAuliffe, Bartlett, NH Clem McAuliffe, owner of Vista Bev & Market in Intervale, loves beer. He loves talking about beer, reading about beer, writing about beer, and of course, drinking beer. All who enter the store quickly understand the benefit of asking, “Clem, what am I drinking today?” Christine Thompson, Jackson, NH Christine is an educator and grant writer. She spends most of her free time enjoying the outdoors or “doing theater” at M&D Playhouse. She believes that everyone has a story, and she loves to be the one to discover it. Ellin Booras, Bartlett, NH After traveling to the Valley with their sons for over 35 years, Ellin and her husband Chris followed their dream to live here full time after retiring from her job as a high school principal. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Boston College, and currently assists schools throughout New England navigate the accreditation process. Ellin and Chris love their home in Bartlett, and are pursuing their passion for cycling, skiing, hiking, kayaking, community service, and writing for Vibe! Nancy White Cassidy, North Conway, NH Nancy Cassidy owns The Cassidy Gallery in Conway Village where she features her paintings, as well as the work of dozens of area artists and artisans. She earned her MFA in fine art from WCSU in Danbury, CT and has been a professional artist, illustrator, and instructor for nearly 30 years.
Winter 2021/22
Marty Basch, Conway, NH Marty Basch often muses about the outdoors, travel, and sports. He’s written a bunch of books, none New York Times bestsellers. Marty likes to ride bicycles and has undertaken numerous long-distance cycling trips in North America and Europe, plus the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail three times. Lisa McCoy, Bartlett, NH As the events and marketing director for the Mt. Washington Auto Road and Great Glen Trails, it was hard for Lisa McCoy to be convinced that she’d love the sport of ice climbing when even the skiing was, “firm.” She now loves to get out on ice whenever possible and enjoys being a part of the climbing community. Lisa will also be helping to coordinate the Mt. Washington Valley Ice Festival on February 4-6, 2022.
Additional Contributers - Dr. Trish Murray, writer - J.P. Goodwin, writer - Andrew Drummond, writer - William B. Abbott, writer - Jessica E. Wright, writer - Olivia Saunders, writer - Anne Skidmore, photography - Ski The Whites, photography - Cait Fitzgerald, photography - Chris Shane, photography - Richard Staples, photography - Gail Prelli, photography - Bud Gordon, photography - Bob Holdsworth, photography - Laureen Hylka, artist - Bob Gordon, artist - Larry Garland, Cartographer
Jake Risch, Conway, NH As a North Conway-based freelance writer, backcountry skier, and whitewater kayaker, Jake is also a founding member of three MWV non-profits, president of Friends of Tuckerman Ravine, vice president of the White Mountain Swiftwater Rescue Team, and on the board of the Granite Backcountry Alliance. Dan Szczesny, Manchester, NH Dan is a long-time journalist, author, and speaker who has written several books of travel memoir, fiction, and poetry. His book on Mount Washington, The White Mountain, won the 2019 New Hampshire Writer’s Project award for outstanding work of non-fiction, and won the People’s Choice award for non-fiction that year, as well. Dan writes a syndicated column on fatherhood called “Transcendental Dad.” More on Dan’s work can be found at www.danszczesny.com. Open Daily Dailyat at11am 11am Open (603)733-5550 733-5550 (603) 6 1464 Mountain Valley Blvd, Highway No Conway White Mountain
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WINTER 2021/22 • CONTENTS 14 - ART IN THE VALLEY
Courtesy of Bob Gordon
60 - ICE CLIMBING
36 - BACKCOUNTRY SKIING
Photo: Chris Shane
Photo: Cait Fitzgerald
FEATURES 14 ART: ART IN THE VALLEY
28 SNOWMOBILING THE WHITES
40 SNOWSHOEING VS. BAREBOOTING
68 ADVENTURERS POLLARD & SYNNOTT
18 ART: CONWAY ARTIST, SEAN STULL
30 NH SNOWMOBILE MAP & APP
44 XC SKIING TO SUIT YOUR MOOD
76 WHERE HAS THE FARMLAND GONE
20 SUPERFOODS FOR ACTIVE LIFESTYLES
34 BACKCOUNTRY GEAR REVIEW
52 FROZEN XC ADVENTURE
24 WHITE MOUNTAIN BREWS & NEWS
36 COMMUNITY IN THE BACKCOUNTRY
60 NEXT GENERATION OF ICE CLIMBING
84 HISTORY: GOLDEN AGE OF SKIING By Dan Szczesny
By J.P. Goodwin,
Nancy White Cassidy
By Dr. Trish Murray
By Clem McAuliffe
A Collaborative Effort
NH Snowmobile Association
By Andrew Drummond
By Jake Risch
GENERAL DEPARTMENTS 7 READER LETTERS 8 SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 10 NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT 14 ART NEWS & GALLERY LISTINGS 20 HEALTH/FITNESS 24 BREWS & NEWS 84 HISTORY IN THE VALLEY
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By Mike Cherim
By Marty Basch
By Ellin Booras
By Christine Thompson
A Collaborative Effort
By Lisa McCoy
ON THE COVER “Ice Climbers in the Notch” Camera: Nikon D300 Wiseguy Creative Photography Location: Crawford Notch, NH
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READER LETTERS
Send us your thoughts, suggestions, and concerns to info@mwvvibe.com.
Dan, I need to tell you that your motive and efforts on the topics you have in Vibe are so wonderful. As I reflect on your summer issue, I have to say that nothing in resort or adventure or photographic magazines compares to what you have achieved. Thank you for even considering our Volvo stadium painting as a featured item in the fall edition. I’m so delighted.
Dan, Thank you so much for the article about RideNoCo. It looked fantastic and we really appreciate the extra work your staff put into it. We had a tremendous response and even noticed an uptick in donations to our capital campaign as a result!
From Vibe Thank you, Paul, for saving the tennis painting from potential fate when the Cranmore fitness building was razed! (see the bottom of page 55, Fall 2021 edition)
Dear Vibe, I’ve had this impression of the MWValley as a quiet, small, mountain community—tourists aside—that was somewhat isolated from the world (and I don’t mean that as a bad thing!). I was clearly wrong. Your magazine opened up a vista to me that I was so unaware of. Your stunning visuals capture the impressive (and seemingly never-ending) physical beauty of the Valley, and the articles are so in-depth and informative. It is obvious that your writers and photographers have deep passion and talent for what they do—that this isn’t just a job to them, it is truly a lifestyle. Thank you for opening up your world for us all to explore.
Best, Paul S., Jackson, NH
----Hello, I finally moved here from Salt Lake City last year, after coming up to the North Conway area ever since I was a little kid. I first picked up your magazine last fall, and now check every time I am at the Hannaford in North Conway to see if there is a new issue. I just love how your magazine and authors cover the various arts, history, and unique events of the Mt. Washington Valley. Your publication is truly one of a kind. I would love to be a part of your team of contributors and feel that I could further add value to your publication. I am an aspiring writer myself, avid outdoorsman, and passionate photographer. Thanks for your time and consideration.
Dyane M., North Conway, NH
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Sincerely, Betsy M., Topsfield, MA
From Vibe Thank you, Betsy! The amount of work that it takes to put the publication together can seem overwelming at times, but everyone’s passion helps to drive us forward and on to the next edition.
Luke C., Ossipee, NH
From Vibe Thank you, Luke! Yes, all our writers have ties to the Valley, which we feel helps to convey accurate local lore for more engaging stories. We’re always in search of new writers of all ages, and at the moment, especially looking for those interested and knowledgeable about local music and art.
----Hello Vibe! We’ve been fans of the magazine for a long time, and as residents, really enjoyed reading about North Conway’s water precinct in the summer edition. It’s truly amazing that our water is still untreated and so pure. It’s no wonder certain water companies are interested in this area. It’s sad, though, to think how much they contribute to the world’s pollution with their plastic containers while profiting greedily. Anyway, keep up the good work! Shawna M., Center Conway, NH
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Dear Vibe, thank you for producing such a high-quality publication for our Valley. We have so much to be proud of and decades of rich history that should continue to be passed along. Will you consider writing more articles that cover our Valley’s past? Robert D., Freedom, NH
Thank you for the kind words, Robert! We couldn’t agree more, and are always on the lookout for interesting stories and those willing to write about them. Please send ideas to info@mwvvibe.com. Winter 2021/22
Cabinets, Counters, Hardware & Accessories. Exemplary service & over 40 years of experience in the kitchen & bath industry.
Phone: 603-383-3030 Fax: 603-383-3110 NestersKitchenandBath@gmail.com 7
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Tell us about your unique Valley business at info@mwvvibe.com.
VALLEY SMOOTHIE SHOP Valley Smoothie Shop is your new local stop to feel energized, nourished, and satisfied. There are choices for everyone, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free items. If you’re tired of feeling bloated and sluggish after a meal, then fuel up here with fresh, healthy breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beverages. Valley Smoothie Shop is a joint venture between Conway residents Angela Acone and Dr. Trish Murray. Angela has worked in the restaurant business and began to cater vegan events after she converted to a vegan lifestyle. Dr. Trish Murray founded Discover Health Functional Medicine Center and has helped thousands of patients through their personal journey to restore and optimize their health from a multitude of chronic diseases. Together, they have converted space in the building where Dr. Trish has her medical practice into a welcoming shop with items that will delight your taste buds and help you thrive. The “grab and go” café features a fabulous menu of freshly made smoothies, salads, wraps, vegan cheese, and baked goods, making it so easy to eat well and feel great! Available menu items change seasonally, using ingredients specifically selected for their health benefits. Looking for healthy, delicious options and friendly service? Pop into the Valley Smoothie Shop conveniently located at 24 Pleasant Street in Conway. You’ll leave ready to take on whatever adventures come your way!
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • • • •
Delicious smoothies Healthy “grab and go” Vegan, vegetarian, gluten and dairy free Freshly made baked goods
For more information, call (603) 662-0437, or visit www.valleysmoothieshop.com.
VILLA HYGGE HOTEL
Welcome to the wellness journey of Scandinavian. Villa Hygge is a new upscale wellbeing hotel in the heart of North Conway, a space that was designed to embrace the natural surroundings with warm, natural tones that evoke a peaceful atmosphere to experience the serenity of the Scandinavian hygge (pronounced hyoo-guh) lifestyle. Escape to Europe for a couple of days or for a couple of hours, all without leaving New Hampshire. Scandinavian hygge lifestyle focuses on wellness, enjoying simple pleasures, embracing nature, and taking time for oneself. The healing effect of spa treatments has been practiced throughout Europe and Scandinavian for centuries and is reflected in the general health and happiness of its people. There is a growing movement towards complete wellness, one that focuses on more than just the body, but the mind as well, unlike traditional spa services. Calm your mind in the natural detoxification process of halotherapy in the Himalayan salt lounge, the first of its kind in the White Mountains. Enjoy the magic moment of an authentic outdoor Finnish sauna, an ancient practice with profound implications on health and aging. Experience the Nordic multireflexology-inspired treatments focusing on pressure points throughout the body, promoting relaxation, stress relief, and wellness for a more complete mind and body rejuvenation. Scandinavian wellbeing is something that cannot be easily explained, but must be experienced.
villahyggehotel HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • • • •
Wellness hotel Upscale Scandinavian design & decor Luxury Nordic Spa Hygge lifestyle, from its authentic origins
For more information, call (603) 730-5606 or visit www.villahyggehotel.com. 8
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THE RUGGED MILL
The Rugged Mill is the “Quality Outdoor Outfitter” that was established by locals, Matt and Carissa Fusco, in North Conway Village in June of 2010. The Rugged Mill is founded on the premise of providing top-quality outdoor products and their belief in providing the best customer service possible. The Rugged Mill offers some of the topmost recognizable outdoor apparel brands, featuring Patagonia and including Pendleton, KÜHL, Arborwear, Outback Trading Co., Royal Robbins & Kavu, to name a few. The Rugged Mill also carries an extensive selection of New Hampshire novelties and souvenirs, Boston sports apparel, funny T-shirts, fashion accessories, blankets, throws, and more. Some of The Rugged Mill’s most popular items include Patagonia trucker hats, Patriot moose T-shirts and hoodies, Pendleton wool shirts, Woolrich flannels, Hydroflask water bottles, Outback Trading oilskin hats and jackets, Arborwear work pants and jackets, Douglas Co. stuffed animals, A.T. Storrs’ abalone jewelry, Royal Robbins’ sweaters, and Matt’s personal favorite, Kuhl pants. The Rugged Mill is located at 2633 White Mountain Highway; it’s on Main Street in North Conway Village, across from the train station, next to Badger Realty.
/theruggedmill HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • • • •
Sales with discounts of 20% – 70% off daily Quality outdoor clothing Funny T-shirts NH T-shirts, shot glasses, stickers, and magnets
For more information, call (603) 356-0490 or visit the www.theruggedmill.com.
RAGGED MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT
Ragged Mountain Equipment has a long history as the most comprehensive purveyor of backcountry ski equipment in the Mt. Washington Valley, and their expert staff is on hand to mount the bindings on your new Nordic skis, or custom-fit your new alpine-touring boots. Their retail shop in Intervale, NH carries everything you need for the outdoors this winter: camping gear from national brands, snowshoes, MICROspikes for local hikes, and winter climbing gear of all sorts. But some locals don’t realize that Ragged Mountain Equipment has been manufacturing quality outdoor clothing and gear right here in Intervale, NH since 1985. They’re proud of their long commitment to employing local skilled workers, and they have outfitted countless backcountry skiers, hikers, and adventurers facing challenges in the White Mountains nearby, and all across the globe. You’ll see the iconic Ragged Mountain label everywhere you look around here: it’s there on that person’s coat at the local coffee shop, and on their dog’s coat, too. Plus, every time a school bus stops, another Ragged Mountain kid’s vest or hooded jacket climbs aboard. Ragged Mountain Equipment has also designed and manufactured countless custom products for local businesses: chairlift tower pads for local ski areas, briefcases for local business groups, and hats and scarves for local non-profits.
/raggedmtequip HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • • • •
Valley’s largest selection of backcountry and AT ski gear Ski bindings mounted and boots fitted on-site Outdoor clothing and gear manufactured right here Great options for adults, kids, and even dogs!
For more information, call (603) 356-3042 or visit www.raggedmountain.com. Winter 2021/22
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NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT Mt. Washington Valley Adaptive Sports Giving Your All Is Always a Win, by Laura Scrimshaw Photo by Richard Staples
Courtesy photo
Can you remember a time when you may have inadvertently excluded a peer? Perhaps, driving home from an office party, you realize you may have left a new colleague out of a conversation. Maybe you hosted an event and had to make tough choices about the guest list. Now, recall a time when you were the one who wasn’t included. This memory is likely much more immediate and stinging. We can often recall distant childhood feelings of being left out just as strongly as if it happened today. Exclusion is painful and damaging; exclusion can actually change who we are. Repeated childhood exclusions can change the way a child’s brain develops. We all understand the importance of belonging, and we strive to be an inclusive culture—yet, we still have a long way
increase quality of life. Athletes in adaptive sports can also give the gift of possibility to others. Today, children living with nearly any type of disability can find a role model who looks like them. A longtime Mt. Washington Valley Adaptive Sports (MWVAS) instructor, Liz Craveiro, is a polio survivor and formidable threetrack skier (using two outriggers on her arms and a single ski). While she teaches children parallel turns, she is also teaching them by example that disability does not preclude excellence in sport.
to go. How do we break down the barriers—both physical and perceptual—to create a truly inclusive community? Sports and recreation can be an excellent platform for inclusion. Global sporting events such as the Olympics and Paralympics remind us of the power of sport to transcend differences in language and culture; in the same way, sport and recreation can unify people of all disability types with so-called “able-bodied” participants. Sports highlight a participant’s skills and successes. When people with disabilities engage in sport, their accomplishments help us see the person and not the disability. For the adaptive athlete, sport and recreation can greatly
compounding the buy-in cost. MWVAS provides participants with equipment during programming. While most families cannot afford an array of adaptive equipment on their own, a community of families can tap into our collective equipment resources through our programming. Equal to cost, opportunity remains a formidable barrier to engagement in adaptive sport. With specialized equipment comes specialized instruction. Most sports and sporting areas, including outdoor recreation areas, are set up for able-bodied athletes by default. American law asserts that if a public-school student with
Barriers to Accessibility and Inclusion Despite the progress in adaptive sport and recreation, very real barriers exist to equal access to recreation for people with disabilities. One of the most significant of these barriers is expense. Adaptive equipment is exponentially more expensive than its mainstream counterpart. For example, a sit-ski costs at least $6,000. As adaptive athletes progress through skill-building, they may quickly outperform their starting piece of equipment,
MWVAS instructor and board member Lynette Pierce noted, “Our happiest lesson day is when our student no longer needs us because they have gained the skills to participate with their family and/or with their peers.”
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disabilities cannot be included in mainstream physical education, the school must make an effort to seek an alternative in programming. However, an alternative isn’t always equal, and children with disabilities can feel left behind. School-based ski programs provide students the benefits of physical fitness through lessons that create a path to a lifelong love of outdoor adventure. MWVAS works with schools and Eastern Slope Ski Club to ensure that all kids, regardless of disability types, have a chance to play, learn, and succeed on the snow. Perhaps the greatest spotlight on societal inequalities was shone through COVID. The pandemic exacerbated existing inequalities for people with disabilities, and triggered new inequalities as well. For example, social distancing requirements affect many people living with many types of disabilities who need assistance with transferring to adaptive equipment.
student no longer needs us because they have gained the skills to participate with their family and/or with their peers.” Some adaptive sports athletes might always need the support that we provide through adaptive programming. Participation at any level is a success. The goal for each of us is to participate as fully and joyfully as we can, wherever we’re at. Showing up to give it your all is always a win. If you are interested in learning more about Mt. Washington Valley Adaptive Sports, or would like to participate or volunteer, send an email to info@mwvas.org. Courtesy photo
Moving Forward MWVAS took advantage of the COVID-induced pause in programming to rebrand, rebuild, and come back stronger than ever. Formerly operating as AbilityPLUS, we embarked on a name change to reflect our new commitment to expand programming here at home in the Mt. Washington Valley, where we enjoy the bounty of outdoor resources and a strong supportive community. We want to make the riches of the Mt. Washington Valley area accessible to everyone. MWVAS offers each participant the opportunity to learn the specialized set of skills required to use their equipment independently (or with the assistance of family, who are always welcome to train with us). MWVAS instructor and board member Lynette Pierce noted, “Our happiest lesson day is when our
Find your place in the sun Join Cranmore this season for fun on and off the slopes
Come experience the family atmosphere at Cranmore and enjoy a day of action, laughter, and good times. You deserve it! • Terrain for all ability levels • KidsRule Mountain Camps • Night Skiing on Saturdays and during holiday periods • NH’s #1 Snow Tubing Park and Mountain Adventure Park rides • Slopeside lodging at Kearsarge Brook • Lots of food and beverage choices • Family events and more Plan your winter at cranmore.com
Winter 2021/22
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NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT Ham Arena The Coolest Place in the Valley
Courtesy photo
Darrell Umlah got an idea in 1996. His idea: to see his son play hockey in an indoor ice arena in Conway, rather than outdoors at Schouler Park. As a result of Darrell’s drive—and funds raised by private donations—the Ham Arena opened in December of 1998 on West Main Street in Conway. When you walk into the Ham Arena, you will notice plaques, engraved stones, dasher panels on the boards, and hanging banners. These are the people and businesses that helped build the Ham Arena. When Darrell started trying to raise funds in 1996, it was not easy; but when the late Thaddeus Thorne joined Darrell, doors began to open, and funds started rolling in. Especially with the help of the original founding directors, Shawn Bergeron, Dixie Coleman, Jim Doucette, Scott Gamwell, Bayard Kennett, Nat Lucy, and Alena McDonough. When Darrell wasn’t raising money, he was visiting ice arenas all around New England, looking for his idea of the perfect arena. Darrell found The Cairns Arena in South Burlington, Vermont and knew that was the one. Darrell ran the Ham Arena for about 17 years before moving on. Because of Darrell’s efforts, there is a whole community of on-ice athletes, which includes hockey players, figure skaters, curlers, and more. Today, the Ham is run by their GM and board of directors. General manager Dave Woodbury says, “Without Darrell and the board of director’s efforts, both past and present, I’m not sure where the Ham would be right now—so we owe them all a huge thank you.” Today’s board includes president Chris Weiss, VP Jay Donabedian, treasurer Bob Murphy, and directors Glen Saunders, Pat Kittle, Kathy Sherman, Peter Hall, Erik Dziedzic, and Curtis Coleman. Before the Ham was built, if you wanted to play hockey, you needed to play outdoors at Schouler Park or drive an hour or more away. With the Ham Arena in place, youth hockey started to take off, and in 1999-2000 boys ice hockey became an official sport at Kennett High School. Since that season, Kennett High has won five Division III State Championships, with the most
Courtesy photo
recent being in 2020, when they shared the title with their northern neighbors, Berlin/Gorham, only because COVID shut down the final game in Manchester. Today, even after the challenges COVID has brought, our programs are growing. Mount Washington Valley Youth Hockey (mwvyha.org) numbers are way up. This year there will be about 14 freshmen on the Kennett High School hockey team. There are nine curling teams in the Wednesday night Mount Washington Valley Curling Club (mwvcurlingclub.org) league. The Mount Washington Valley Skating Club (mwvsc.org) is looking good and has some new coaches this season. There are also four Monday Night Women’s League teams, four Tuesday Night Open League teams, and six Thursday Night Coed League teams. The Ham offers several ways for you to get on the ice. Every week, they offer a number of public skating and “Stick & Puck” hours. There are private rentals available, birthday party packages, learn to curl, and more. There are numerous adult and youth hockey tournaments. The adult tournaments are back on for this year, including the Dave Dore Winter Classic Women’s Tournament in January, the Coed Ice Out in March, the Open Division Men’s President’s Cup in April, the Old Man of the Mountain Tournament in April (50+), and the Coed Beat the Heat in August. The Ham also offers off-season (no ice) building rentals by the hour, half day, and full day. This year they will be trying to get back to their street hockey league, box lacrosse pickup, and are working on ideas for an indoor whiffle ball league. The Ham Arena in a non-profit that depends on grants and donations and is presently in the middle of the Repair and Replace Fund Drive. They have raised $188,500 of a $250,000 anonymous matching grant, and have one more year to raise $61,500 that could double to $123,000. If you would like to donate, or for more information about the Ham Arena, look online at www.hamarena.com, or visit them at 87 West Main Street, Conway, NH; call (603) 447-5886.
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cable channel 16 streaming at whitemountains.tv
Winter 2021/22
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ART IN THE VALLEY By JP Goodwin The Breathtaking Views en Plein Air and a Heartfelt Nod to Robert Gordon The air is crisp, laced with the tang of pine and fir, views are long in the thin, cold air. Colors are intensified when the low angle of winter sun turns the snow into a carpet of diamonds. This dream world, heart of the North country, is captured en plein air as intrepid artists venture to stake a claim on their panorama or quiet woodland corner; careful to dress against frigid temperatures, shielding feet, sheathing hands, and wrapping heads in layers of hoods and hats. The reward is huge: finding the clean, vast simplicity of a winter landscape playing off the crystal blue skies or outrageous colors of early sunsets. Jackson Art offers the plein air experience throughout the season to aspiring and the more experienced artists through workshops; check their website for availability at www.jacksonart.com. The MWVArts and ArtWorks/Chocorua Creative Arts Center have extended their schedule en plein air to include all but three months (January through March) when Friday Painters Group meets weekly at locations around the Valley and beyond. This offering is community service at no cost to the
we go to create ... it has no time and is a different space. His was a love story with the North Country. He embraced all the seasons, finding beautiful vistas often at the terminus of an
attendees. Laureen Hylka can also be found en plein air and is open to instructing newbies. But this story of rugged artists would not be complete without a nod to one of our most prolific painters en plein air, Robert Gordon, who could be found every month of the year everywhere by a roadside or atop a remote summit, practicing a form of meditation known to all artists. It’s the place where
arduous hike with companions and his dog, Champney, who was named after another famed artist credited with the founding here of the “White Mt. School” of art in the mid 19th century. We all owe a debt to Bob, a gentle, talented man dedicated to the arts community and his craft. Throughout his life, he set a high bar for plein air and exhibiting painters. At days end, if his feet weren’t too sore from the hike, he could be found at Almost
Laureen Hylka
But this story of rugged artists would not be complete without a nod to one of our most prolific painters en plein air, Robert Gordon, who could be found every month of the year everywhere by a roadside or atop a remote summit, practicing a form of meditation known to all artists.
MWV ARTISTS & GALLERIES
Please report corrections and additions to info@mwvvibe.com.
Edge of Maine Art & Framing 182 Main Street, Brownfield, ME (207) 935-2817 www.edgeofmaine.com
Harvest Gold Gallery 1082 Main Street, Center Lovell, ME (207) 925-6502 www.harvestgoldgallery.com
Artworks* 132 White Mountain Highway, Chocorua, NH (603) 323-8041 www.chocoruaartworks.com
Erik Koeppel Fine Art PO Box 325, Jackson, NH (603) 383-7062 • www.erikkoeppel.com
Jackson Art Studio & Gallery* 155 Ridge Road, Jackson, NH (603) 387-3463 www.jacksonartnh.com
Bill Fein Gallery 106 Fein Lane, Center Conway, NH (603)-356-7943 Cassidy Gallery* 28 Main Street (Majestic Theatre Building) Conway Village, NH • (603) 662-2074 www.cassidygallery.com Cook Memorial Library 93 Main Street, Tamworth, NH (603) 323-8510 www.tamworthlibrary.org
Fryeburg Harbor Antiques and Fine Art Gallery 506 Harbor Road, Fryeburg, ME (207) 925-2848 www.fryeburgharbor.com Gallery 302 112 Main Street, Bridgton, ME (207) 647-2787 • www.gallery302.com Gateway Gallery & Gifts 32 Exchange Street, Gorham, NH (603) 466-9900 • www.gatewaygallery.biz
Jesse Mixer Metalsmith North Conway, NH www.jessemixer.com Karen Eisenberg Designs North Conway, NH • (603) 662-9887 www.kareneisenberg.com League of NH Craftsmen North Conway* 2526 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH • (603) 356-2441 www.northconway.nhcrafts.org
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Winter 2021/22
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There, dancing to Simon’s band. We will miss him whenever we pick up a brush, and at every turn of the trail. Nancy Cassidy, who represented Bob, said his dedication to craft, expansive knowledge of remote panoramas—both hikable and unique—were unequaled. Cassidy Gallery, Jackson Art, the League of NH Craftsmen, Main Street Art, and ArtWorks Gallery are among the local venues that keep regular winter hours for your convenience. By appointment, you will be able to find the Stained Glass Shack, Jesse Mixer,
We all owe a debt to Bob, a gentle, talented man dedicated to the arts community and his craft. Throughout his life, he set a high bar for plein air and exhibiting painters. At days end, if his feet weren’t too sore from the hike, he could be found at Almost There, dancing to Simon’s band.
Bob Gordon - Mount Washington from Wildcat
Metalsmith, Bill Fein Gallery all in Conway, and a host of other creative people who welcome visitors this time of year, offering the most unique gifts and treasures to one and all. Please refer to the “MWV Artists & Galleries” section for contact information for the above-mentioned folks, and many more. Shop local, support your native creators, and give a thumbs up if you pass a bundled artist out there creating something to take your breath away, even indoors.
JP Goodwin lives on an old farm in Silver Lake where her tiny studio is simply her warehouse and frame shop. JP is a plein air painter throughout all four seasons, and always has been. She has degrees in fine art and residential design. Having been a principal in three galleries in Massachusettes and one in Colorado over the years, she now is associated with the
Bob Gordon - Swift River in Winter
Mt. Washington Valley Arts Association and ArtWorks Gallery/ Chocorua Creative Arts Center. She hikes, gardens, as well as paints, and during the winter, she also teaches skiing. Visit www.house-portraits.com for more info.
MWV ARTISTS & GALLERIES (continued ) Louise Perry of Vintage Frameworks 28 Norcross Circle, North Conway, NH (603) 356-7711 www.vintageframeworks.com
Roger C. Williams Fine Art 125 Main Street, Lovell, ME (207) 925-3380 www.rogerwilliamsfineart.com
Virginia Moore Pet Portraits & Fine Art 83 Crossover Road, Albany, NH 03818 (603) 520-8230 www.vmooreportraits.com
Main Street Gallery/MWVArts 16 Norcross Circle, North Conway, NH (603) 356-2787 • www.mwvarts.org
Skyforest Gallery 407 White Mountain Highway, Conway, NH (760) 770-3777
Nathan Macomber Glass Studio 480 Eaton Road, Conway, NH (603) 447-1825 www.macomberglass.com
Surroundings Art Gallery 12 Main Street, Sandwich, NH (603) 284-6888 www.surroundingsart.com
White Mountain Artisans Gallery 3358 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH • (603) 356-6546 www.whitemountainartisansgallery.com
Patricia Ladd Carega Gallery 69 Maple Street, Center Sandwich, NH (603) 284-7728 www.patricialaddcarega.com
Stained Glass Shack Studio 63 West Main Street, Conway, NH (603) 447-4949 www.stainedglassshack.com
Robert Gordon Gallery Kancamagus Highway, Conway, NH (603) 356-7943
St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts 155 Emery Street, Berlin, NH (603) 752-1028 www.stkieranarts.org
Winter 2021/22
White Mountain Photography 95 Main Street, located inside Snowflake Inn Jackson, NH • (603) 374-6050 www.whitemountainphoto.com With These Hands Pottery* 397 Tasker Hill Road Conway, NH (207) 256-2522 www.withthesehandspottery.com * Direct supporters helping to make MWV Vibe possible
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FINE CRAFT GALLERY
David Ernster
Sean Stull, Conway Landscape Artist by Nancy White Cassidy
Karen Eisenberg
Andy Hampton
Tarja Cockell
www.nhcraftsmen.com 603-356-2441 2526 Main St. North Conway Village
Tucked away in the Conway hills, high above Pequawket Pond, artist Sean Stull works tirelessly on his paintings in his dark and unheated basement. His wellworn H-frame easel is propped up against chairs, boxes of art books, and stacks of artwork. A large, lidded, plastic storage bin serves as his palette, upon which he squeezes out copious amounts of oil paint to scoop up with large and fraying brushes. There are canvases in various stages of completion everywhere: some he may ultimately determine as successful, and others less so, which will eventually be painted over with a new work. But despite the grim appearance of his studio, Sean is creating magic. Sean’s paintings are the result of a journey he takes in his mind, and that journey can sometimes take him to areas from his past: the hills of Ireland, the wilds of northern Maine (where he lived off the land for a period of time like Thoreau), the Maine seacoast and its vast swaths of marshland. Mostly, however, his journey takes him closer to his present home: the hills, mountains, and rivers of the White Mountain Region. Each of these experiences finds their way into Sean’s work, and often plays a part in his choice of descriptive titles, such as: “A Conversation Between Two Trees,” “A Hike Above the Treeline at Dawn,” or “A Mountain Bluff at Sunset in Summer.”
As an avid conversationalist and reader, Sean has an insatiable appetite to learn as much as he can from those around him, as well as from the copious number of books on all subjects that are strewn about his home, never far from his reach. Sean is equally enthusiastic in exploring nature alone, or with his dog Ro, often spending hours hiking into quiet nature preserves to watch for an elusive but industrious beaver, seldom-seen migratory songbirds and waterfowl, or even a litter of fisher kits, which he once spotted as they peered out at him from a tree hollow. Such encounters fill him with almost a childlike wonder and awe of the natural world around him, which, in turn, directly informs his studio work. Sean was born and raised a stone’s throw from Manhattan to a mother who wrote for children’s educational markets and an artist father, John DeForest Stull, who was involved in the Ashcan School, an expressionist art movement in New York City prior to World War II. Some 80 years later, the father’s expressionist painting style appears to have influenced the son’s current work in oil on canvas. Sean’s landscapes in oil are heavy, textural, expressionistic works, rich in color and movement. These are not tentative paintings, nor is there any delicacy about them. Bold brush strokes are evident all across the canvas and often are applied with
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JACKSON
studio & gallery
CONTEMPORARY ART
WORK FROM 30+ ARTISTS
enough fervor to embed a copious number of bristles into the wet or setting paint. For as bold and in-your-face as his oil paintings are, Sean’s pastel landscapes are the complete opposite. Sensitive and atmospheric, they are reminiscent of an English or Irish countryside, with windswept trees perched, sometimes precariously, on well-grazed hills, or with billowing cloud formations, suggesting a brewing storm, or one that has already blown through. Another familiar theme with his pastels is a seascape with a wave-tossed sailboat in the distance, or a freighter, anchored somewhere offshore. As with his pastoral scenes, Sean places a great deal of emphasis on creating dramatic cloud structures in his seascapes. It appears that, through these works, Sean is tapping into previous experiences of his many hikes throughout northern New England, and through the British Isles. Regardless of the medium in which they were created—oil or pastel—Sean Stull’s landscapes speak directly of the artist and his relationship with the natural world. The work of this prolific artist may be viewed on his website, www.seanstull.com, and also may be seen in person at The Cassidy Gallery, located at 28 Main Street Winter 2021/22
WINTER PAINTING WORKSHOPS!
in Conway Village. For more information, visit www.shopcassidygallery.com or call (603) 662-2074. Nancy Cassidy owns The Cassidy Gallery in Conway Village where she features her paintings, as well as the work of dozens of area artists and artisans. She earned her MFA in fine art from WCSU in Danbury, CT and has been a professional artist, illustrator, and instructor for nearly 30 years.
VISIT OUR ARTISTS AT WORK EVERY WEEKEND! 155 RIDGE RD JACKSON, NH
CALL 603-387-3463
WWW.JACKSONARTNH.COM 19
Courtesy photo
SUPERFOODS TO FUEL YOUR ACTIVE LIFE Dr. Trish Murray
Do You Know What Foods are Making YOU Sluggish, Sore, and Slow? One of the best things you can do to fuel your active lifestyle is to find the right foods for you. Contrary to popular headlines, there is no singular superfood or dietary approach that will work for everyone. Human bodies are complex systems. With food allergies and intolerances on the rise, the need for individuality is more important than ever.
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hen we eat inflammatory foods, we may feel sluggish, sore, and slow to recover from our favorite activities. Sometimes, symptoms are mild and may be chalked up to being “not as young as I used to be.” At their worst, we could find ourselves sidelined and unable to participate in hiking, biking, skiing, or other things that bring us joy. If we ignore or mask the symptoms without finding the root cause, we cannot perform at our best. Eventually we may not perform at all! You might ask, “So, what does that have to do with me? I feel fine most of the time.” Like many people, you might feel mostly “fine,” or you may have gotten accustomed to feeling subpar a lot of the time. Many people walk around for years with symptoms that they ignore, explain away, or mask with medication; symptoms include heartburn, indigestion, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, depression, anxiety, skin issues, joint pain, sinus congestion, etc. Furthermore, we ought to aim for feeling “awesome” and “energized,” rather than merely “fine.” Would you rather
just make it up the mountain or conquer the trails with enthusiasm? Mastering your nutrition makes a world of difference in energy levels and recovery. Even if you eat “healthy,” if you are unwittingly promoting inflammation, your performance and health will suffer. With a little bit of investigative experimentation, you can find your personal superfoods and feel your best!
HOW CAN HEALTHY FOODS BE INFLAMMATORY? I think we can all agree that fruits and vegetables are widely considered a healthy choice. Unless you’re sensitive to nightshades. Or FODMAPs. Wait ... Nightwhat? FODwho? Nightshade vegetables (e.g., potatoes, eggplant, tomatoes, peppers) can be inflammatory to some people. Those suffering from joint pain, including arthritis, for example, may find relief when eliminating or minimizing these otherwise nutritious veggies. FODMAP is an acronym that refers to certain fruits, vegetables, and grains. Folks with irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS) or other gastrointestinal issues may find that reducing or avoiding FODMAPs will alleviate their digestive distress. If you’re FODMAP sensitive and using pea protein in your workout shake or eating apples as a snack, your “healthy choices” may backfire. If you’re not feeling 100 percent, identifying food sensitivities can help you recover. If you’re already feeling fine, identifying your personal superfoods can help optimize your performance. Read on to learn how to hone your diet to work best for you.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES VS. FOOD ALLERGIES Food is information for your body. For optimal performance, you need to ensure you’re not stoking the fires of inflammation that may be smoldering beneath the surface. A food allergy causes a dramatic and immediate reaction to the skin, breathing, or digestion— which can be unpleasant or even dangerous. It causes an IgE antibody reaction from your immune system. A food sensitivity is a subtler IgG
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antibody reaction from your immune system. Symptoms can develop moments after eating an offending “trigger food” or as long as 72 hours later. If your symptoms are delayed or if you aren’t eating the offending foods daily, it can be difficult to identify the culprit(s). Meanwhile, symptoms can accumulate and worsen over time, leading to poor performance, inflammation, slow recovery time, and a compromised immune system.
Some common symptoms associated with food allergies and sensitivities include: • Digestive distress • Respiratory issues • Rashes • Acne • Water retention • Migraines • Congestion • Fatigue • Irritability and mood swings • Brain fog
The source of these symptoms very well might be on your plate, but there is no way of knowing without isolating the offender. DISCOVER YOUR TRIGGERS Despite advances in medical testing, a comprehensive elimination diet is the “gold standard” for finding food sensitivities. Although a blood test for food antibodies can identify true allergies and some food intolerances, it may not provide the whole picture. If a food is not consumed regularly, antibodies may not be present to a sufficient level to be detected by a blood test, despite undesirable symptoms. Furthermore, for certain people, such as those on immunosuppressant medications, the test may prove completely unreliable. A comprehensive elimination diet is a short-term eating plan that temporarily eliminates the most common food allergens and inflammatory foods for three weeks. It is remarkable how much the immune system can quiet down and what kind of progress can be seen in this time period. Following the elimination phase, you systematically re-challenge one food at a time to determine any adverse effects. In addition to identifying any foods that may be dragging you down, you will also have the opportunity to determine which Winter 2021/22
Tips for Fueling an Active Lifestyle
Pay attention to how you feel. You may choose to track your symptoms with a journal • Identify your triggers • Tune into your superfoods • Include plenty of nutrient-dense foods in your diet • Read labels carefully, as potential allergens or triggers hide in many of the foods you may be eating every day • Check any supplements you may be taking; watch out for hidden sugar, gluten, dairy, corn, and soy • Drink enough water throughout the day, as staying hydrated will help control cravings and satiety Courtesy photo
Healing Dimensions Massage Therapy “Bridging the Mind and Body through Touch”
Julie Sargent, LMT- NH Lic. # 3358 Member AMTA, Nationally Certified
www.JulieSargentMassage.com (603) 502-5326 24 Pleasant St. Conway, NH Courtesy photo
The Comprehensive Elimination Diet Step-By-Step
1. Eliminate all common food triggers for 21 days 2. Slowly and systematically re-challenge each category of eliminated foods to identify your potential food triggers 3. Continue eliminating only your triggering food categories for an additional month 4. Slowly and systematically re-challenge each of these categories again to identify your individual triggers 5. Once you’ve identified your food triggers, continue to avoid them and perhaps re-challenge them every few months to see if sensitivities have improved
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foods are lifting you up. You may be surprised by what you find! One client, of Italian descent, realized that tomatoes (a daily staple) were causing the fatigue and joint pain he’d lived with for years! An elimination diet, followed by systematic reintroduction, is the best way to determine which foods work for you. The key to success in undertaking an elimination diet is to view it as a personal experiment from which you can derive huge benefits! Embrace the things you are able to eat and approach it as a culinary adventure. POTENTIAL TRIGGERS While many different foods or categories could cause sensitivity, common triggers include: • Gluten (wheat, barley, rye) • Dairy • Peanuts • Corn • Eggs • Shellfish • Caffeine • Alcohol • Soy • Nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers)
POTENTIAL SUPERFOODS While there are some exceptions, the following foods are typically considered to be non-inflammatory for most people: • Gluten-free grains (rice, quinoa, amaranth, teff) • Dairy substitutes (almond, coconut, or hemp milk) • Vegetables (except corn or nightshades) • Whole fruits (fresh, frozen, or water-packed) • Lean animal protein (wild game, organic chicken, fresh fish) • Nuts, seeds, beans, and most legumes (except soybeans or peanuts) • High-quality oils (coconut, avocado, cold-pressed olive) • Herbal teas • Sweetener alternatives in moderation (honey, blackstrap molasses, brown rice syrup) • Spices CRAFTING YOUR INDIVIDUAL DIET Once you’ve identified trigger foods to avoid, focus on the nourishing and delicious foods that you CAN have! For optimal performance, figure out what works best for you. Your “superfoods”
will make you feel nourished, healthy, and at the top of your game mentally and physically. Pay close attention to how food makes you feel. Tune into your body when engaging in your daily activities. Which foods give you the most energy? Which foods make you feel satisfied (without feeling bloated or overly full)? Do you notice any differences in your performance or your recovery? What gives you the feeling of being sharp and ready to tackle the great outdoors? As a functional medicine provider, former athlete, and avid outdoor explorer, I know firsthand how people thrive when they eat the right foods for them. Finding the best diet for your needs may seem daunting at first. Completing an elimination diet with a buddy or group guided by a professional health coach or with a functional medicine practitioner can provide accountability and support to help you through the process. For more information about the comprehensive elimination diet, check out the Detox Plus Program: www.members.discoverhealthfmc.com/ product/detox-plus-plan-videos
Healthy Eating on the Go
While hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, or climbing, we can’t always be eating from our own kitchen. A bit of planning will keep you on track and feeling fabulous! Scope out your choices ahead of time when out. We’ve so many great restaurants to choose from and many have their menus published online, making it easy to find healthy choices when dining away from home. If you want to avoid some of the most common food triggers, most restaurants that cook from scratch will have something on the menu from which you can choose. Remember to ask how things are cooked if you’re sensitive to gluten or dairy so you can be aware of any breading, butter, cream sauces, or thickeners to avoid. If you’re on the run and looking for healthy “grab and go,” there are a growing number of fabulous local options that particularly well to special dietary needs including:
Photos by Valley Smoothie Shop
Valley Smoothie Shop – www.valleysmoothieshop.com 24 Pleasant Street, Conway Village, NH
The Valley Vegan Bakery – www.valleyveganbakery.com 3425B White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH
The Local Grocer – www.nhlocalgrocer.com 3358 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH
Spice and Grain – www.spiceandgrain.vpweb.com 17 Portland Street, Fryeburg, ME
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LETTERS TO DR. TRISH
Send us your thoughts and questions at info@mwvvibe.com. Hi, Dr. Trish! I really enjoyed your latest article in the fall edition of Vibe about eating with color. I was wondering if you think that skipping a meal is okay if I substitute it with a fruit smoothie. Can I do it and still get enough protein? Thanks! Lisa P., Madison, NH From Dr. Trish Thanks for reaching out, Lisa. Fruit will give your smoothie some great color and add sweetness, but as a meal replacement, I would suggest making it a bit more robust in order to get decent protein and other nutrients. You can add a high-quality protein powder; options include whey, egg white, collagen, pea, or hemp protein. A scoop of nut butter will provide some healthy fat and a bit of protein. Also, adding spinach, chard, salad greens, and/or beet greens will give you a nutrient boost for a well-rounded smoothie. Feel free to experiment with fruit and veggie combinations to find the flavors that suit you! Hi, Dr. Trish. I was fascinated by your article on fascia in the Winter 2020/21 edition of Vibe. Are self-myofascial release techniques safe to do every day? I take daily walks and longer hikes several times per week and tend to have pretty tight muscles. Will this help? Tom M., Conway, NH From Dr. Trish Hi, Tom. Yes, these techniques are safe to do every day, and your tightness could very well be helped by loosening up the fascial layers in and around your muscles. Myofascial release work can help hydrate and lubricate the tissues that we use in hiking, walking, and all our daily activities. I’ve incorporated these techniques into my daily routine and find it works wonders! We offer online classes where you can learn how to do this, too: www.discoverhealthfmc.com/#Movement.
Dear Dr. Trish, in the Summer 2021 issue of Vibe, you talked about vitamin D. I know it’s a pretty common deficiency. We spend our summers at the lake and get plenty of sun for those three months, but I’m thinking of boosting my supplementation in the winter months. Is there a standard guideline for how much vitamin D an adult should take? Sandra S., Salem, NH From Dr. Trish Hi, Sandra–your individual needs would be dependent on your personal risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. That said, as a general rule, 2000IU (international units) is typically accepted as a reasonable recommended dose. For more specific longterm guidance and/or testing options, I would encourage you to reach out to your primary care physician or a functional medicine practitioner to determine the best personal options for you. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, so it gets stored in the body—and too much of it can be toxic—but deficiency is connected to heart disease, high blood pressure, immune system disorders, and some types of cancer. The typical laboratory range for vitamin D is 30-100ng/mL, so if your level is 32ng/mL, it may be normal, but it is not optimal. In this example, optimal would be 40-70ng/mL. Thanks for your question!
Hi, Dr. Trish. I was always active in my youth. I’m still hiking and skiing on weekends in my 60s. Over the years, I notice I’m more sore and stiff upon waking. Is this just something I need to accept with age or is there something I can do? Pete G., Salem, NH From Dr. Trish Hi, Pete. Many of us tend to sit too much in our day-to-day lives. Movement helps lubricate the joints and keep our fascia fluid and pliable. Being a “weekend warrior” is not enough. Daily stretching, self-myofascial release, and good hydration can help! See the article on fascia in the Winter 2020/21 edition of Vibe.
Dr. Trish Murray is a highly accomplished physician certified in internal medicine, osteopathic manipulative medicine, energy medicine, and functional medicine. She is the founder of Discover Health Functional Medicine Center and co-owner of Valley Smoothie Shop, both located at 24 Pleasant Street in Conway Village. She has also collaborated with four other wellness professionals to create Discover Health Movement Membership, an online movement program. For more information, visit www.discoverhealthfmc.com Discover Health Functional Medicine Center 24 Pleasant Street, Conway, NH • (603) 447-3112
Winter 2021/22
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By Clem McAuliffe
FROTHY FERMENTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS—NO ASSEMBLY REQUIRED!
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T
is the season to be merry and eager for the new year and new beers coming to town. Santa’s helpers have been busy all through the Valley making gifts for good boys and girls. Some of these presents are fresh off the presses, while others have taken years to craft. These local brews are wrapped and ready to bring joy to the world and peace on earth. Okay, maybe that’s pushing it, but I guarantee they put a sparkle in your eye and warm the cockles of your heart. Plus, you will be supporting the hard-working elves who labored all year so you can give out some super stocking stuffers. So fasten your seatbelts for my latest signature sesquipedalian synopsis of our friends’ frothy fermented fluids. On the first day of Christmas, Moat Mountain made for us, their Belgian beer, Gnomaste. This complex concoction blends the sweet aromas and flavors of a beautiful Belgian blonde ale with the hoppy dry finish of an American IPA.
At 8.8%, this happy hybrid is sneaky strong, so it won’t take long for you to find inner peace. Quickly becoming a winter tradition is the release of Moat’s Chocorua rye-barrel-aged Imperial Stout. This collaboration with Tamworth Distillery will be in short supply and tall demand, making them harder to get than a Cabbage Patch Doll on Christmas Eve. Be ready to fly faster than a reindeer to bag one of these rarities. Then the ever-popular New England pale ale, Clockwork Mandarina, skates into place after the new year. This juicy treat is never naughty and plows the way for their Belgian Slowchair Tripel. This frosty weather fave finishes the season with a bang and at 8.9% ABV, they could have called it Wheelchair! Next, ski over to Tuckerman Brewery, the only place where everyone can get in some First Tracks no matter what time you get up. Their 4.9% ABV session IPA, First Tracks, is a lighter body IPA with a hop-forward punch of pine and
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citrus. While this beer is unfiltered, it’s naturally carbonated, resulting in a clean finish. More adventurous alpiners might want to take on Doublehead DIPA, a 7.8% New England-style Double IPA brewed with Lotus and Citra hops and bursting with tropical citrus flavors. If IPAs are like coal in your stocking, you better not cry because Tucka Claus packed his 6288 Stout in his big bag of brews. This roasty, malty masterpiece makes the season bright with funds going to the Mount Washington Observatory for research and education vital to the heritage of our region. Craftsmanship, patience, and a sprinkle of magic are mixing together this winter at Hobbs Brewing Co, in Ossipee. Their first-ever barrel-aged imperial stout, Wizard of Hobbs, matured to 11% ABV after cellaring for more than six months in whiskey barrels. The result is smooth and luscious, with notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, and bourbon. This is an extremely limited run, so
If IPAs are like coal in your stocking, you better not cry because Tucka Claus packed his 6288 Stout in his big bag of brews. follow the yellow brick road (Route 16) to Hobbs or send flying monkeys to pick some up at a beer store near you. If you have room in your basket, grab their Rt. 16 Pale Ale. This classic American pale ale is brewed with Amarillo and Comet (the hop, not the reindeer). The blend gives it a touch of bitterness and a balance of dank, resinous pine with notes of grapefruit, peach, and citrus. Then, anytime you want to go to Hobbs, just click your cans three times and say, “There’s no place like Hobbs. There’s no place like Hobbs … ” What would be better than visiting the manger in Bethlehem on Christmas? How about if the three wise men were pouring pints of local craft brews! Welcome to rek’•lis brewing company in Bethlehem, NH. This beloved beer barn also has a new addition to the family, Madame Noir. This pleasant pinot noir wine-barrel-aged stout sat wrapped for two years before blessing us with its presence. Complete with a very special label created by local print press artist Josh Danin, Madame Noir is truly a gift worth giving. A brand new Belgian tripel is coming down the chimney next. This secret Santa brew has no name yet, but that won’t stop them from marching on with their mistletoe
Winter 2021/22
There’s always something new brewing at Saco River Brewery (SRB) in Fryburg, ME. In addition to the Double Deckah English Special Bitter, Ancient Galaxies is back on for the winter season. Next time you’re by, be sure to ask for tap #13 ... Tap 13 is new rotating small-batch series and can be just about anything! SRB will be open all winter long, Wednesday through Sunday.
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VISIT OUR FRYEBURG TASTING ROOM!
Offering a variety of styles focused on high-quality, local brew!
Enjoy a pint or a flight, and be sure to take some beer to go in growlers or cans!
miracle. Rek’•lis just ain’t rek’•lis without the ones they love, like Ski the Whites Coffee Co. Their latest collaboration is Grind Koffee Kolsch, a definitely different, yet delightfully delicious draught. This libation takes the classic recipe of a German Kolsch and infuses it with the best coffee. Thus, forming flavors unlike any light beer to grace their taps before. Check their website for fun get-togethers like Wax-n-Stew, Monday night wax clinic. Pint and stew included with workshop. Beat that, Santa! Hoppy, hazy, tropical, bitter … these are a few of my favorite things. Woodstock Inn Brewery put them all in one and one for all. The new Pulp Juice DIPA is plump
when slipping this sipper under the tree. While winding through the windy wonderland to Woodstock, one would want a warming winter Wassail, wouldn’t one? Well, my wish has been granted with this deep ruby red, sweet, and balanced 8% Wassail ale from Woodstock that goes well with a warm fire and not going to work. Works for me! Let me enlighten you on Ledge Brewing’s latest enticements. Starting with their 6.6% ABV smoked porter, Smolder. A rich, dark beer with a subtle smokiness, hints of dark chocolate, toasted biscuit, and caramel. Lightly abrasive yet well-rounded, this is a new seasonal favorite. Ledge recently introduced Chillsner,
Their first-ever barrel-aged imperial stout, Wizard of Hobbs, matured to 11% ABV after cellaring for more than six months in whiskey barrels.
(207) 256-3028 www.SacoRiverBrewing.com 10 Jockey Cap Lane, Fryeburg, ME
with six varieties of hops, and the 7.6% ABV is their biggest New England DIPA to date. Jolly notes of tropical fruit and orange prance with strong aromatics to a plush, light bitter finale. Picking Pulp Juice ensures you won’t need a gift receipt
COPPER PIG BREWERY
Come by to say hi to BOOMER!
SCHILLING BEER
a crisp and slightly sweet version of the much-loved Pilsner that tickles the tinsel for lager aficionados. The big news is they will be bottling their first barrel-aged beer in January. This imperial stout has been aging in two barrels for a whole year! Both
WHITE MOUNTAIN BREWERIES
REK’•LIS BREWING IRON FURNACE BREWING
• Over 500 Craft Beers • Make Your Own 6-Pack • Just South of Storyland
LEDGE BREWING WOODSTOCK INN BREWERY ONE LOVE BREWERY
LEDGE BREWING COMPANY
MOAT MOUNTAIN BREWING SEA DOG BREWING
SACO RIVER BREWING
TUCKERMAN BREWING
779 ROUTE 16, GLEN, NH (603) 383-4800
TWIN BARNS BREWING CO.
HOBBS TAVERN & BREWING
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barrels are from Tamworth Distilling. One held a CARAWHEAT® red whiskey, and the other held their Old Hampshire Blended Applejack apple brandy. A peek in both
to the style Double Deckah is perfectly balanced between the smooth malty backbone and full organic fruit flavors giving way to a clean finish. Grandma, if
Besides their fabulous flagship brews and, yes, a hard seltzer, Tap #13 is a rotating small-batch series that can be anything. You never know until you unwrap it, so it’s like Christmas every day! presents discovered layers of rich complexity and flavors of wishes come true. Aptly named Midnight Run, because if you dawdle, the quick shall inherit the bauble. Check social media for the release dates and plan for their New Year’s Eve party with Local Drama playing until midnight! You’re probably going to want more than 12 days to sample all 13 taps at Saco River Brewing in Fryeburg, Maine. Besides their fabulous flagship brews and, yes, a hard seltzer, Tap #13 is a rotating smallbatch series that can be anything. You never know until you unwrap it, so it’s like Christmas every day! Mason must have heard me caroling, “All I want for Christmas in an E.S.B, an E.S.B.,” because Double Deckah English Special Bitter is back. True
you’re listening, please replace that fruitcake with a four-pack! Returning home for the holidays is their hazy tropical Ancient Galaxies. This galaxy-hopped 8.4% DIPA is a treasure trove of passion fruit, peach, and citrus over a resiny backdrop. Looks like my list for Santa just got a little longer. Included at Saco River are Pitchfork Pickle products, an expanded seating area at the taproom, and nearby Fryeburg Kitchen and Market has food to go. Do you hear what I hear? That’s my truck warming up so I can quench this mighty thirst I’ve worked up. Best wishes to you all—and remember, the greatest part of giving beer to a friend is that there is no assembly required!
Clem McAuliffe, owner of Vista Bev & Market, loves beer. He loves talking about beer, reading about beer, writing about beer and, of course, drinking beer. All who enter the store quickly understand the benefit of asking, “Clem, what am I drinking today?”
V
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(603) 356-5084 • Intervale
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Visit our brewery in Conway, NH Indoor Tasting Room & Outdoor Beer Garden
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Winter Winter 2021/22 2021/22
Find us on draft & in stores in NH, ME & MA 66 Hobbs St, Conway, NH
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Scan for our location, hours, website & more tuckermanbrewing.com
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WiseguyCreative.com photo
Looking to the Season Ahead
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nowmobilers, just like skiers, are eager to get back on the trails this winter, especially after a lackluster spring season was cut short by less snow and milder temps. Extra planning has never been more important, as even a stop for lunch or a snack at a local eatery along the trail may not be available in the regular locations. Depending on where you choose to ride, things may be a bit more limited when you arrive, so be sure to plan ahead and choose your trails wisely.
Join a Club, then Register
As far as stickers go, all you need to snowmobile in NH is a state registration. They are available at over 200 locations throughout the state. NH snowmobile club members receive a $30 discount on each registration. A voucher can be obtained from a local club or the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association Club membership website, www.nhsa.com. Join where you ride, support the clubs that maintain the snowmobile trails, and save a few bucks while you’re at it. It’s important to note that registration fees fund a significant portion of trail
maintenance, covering grooming costs, signing, and bridge construction.
Trail Grooming
Over 200 trail groomers maintain the trail system in New Hampshire. Quality snowmobile trail grooming provides smooth trails that are suitable for all levels of rider experience. This accomplishes many goals: establish a trail base at the beginning of the season, reestablish a trail after heavy snowfall and/or winds have obliterated it, rework a heavily moguled trail back into a smooth surface, and general trail restoration. Be aware that grooming takes place at all hours. A groomer travels at an average of only 5-8 mph. Riders must use extreme caution at all times when on the trails and be on the lookout for groomers and other obstacles. Many of the grooming machines are exceptionally wide and long, so you need to give it the right-of-way. Always slow down when approaching a groomer and be prepared to stop.
Guided Tours & Rentals
If you don’t already own a snowmobile, renting can be a good way to experience
the adventure. There are a number of businesses in the Valley that offer guided tours by snowmobile or allow you to rent your own. Being prepared is key, and these outfitters will make sure you have all the information you need to experience snowmobiling safely. Remember to ride responsibly, dress for the elements, and plan for the ride ahead with a mapped route. Never ride off-trail unless an area is designated, or you have written landowner permission. SNOWMOBILE TOURS AND RENTALS Northeast Snowmobile & ATV Rentals, Gorham, NH/Fryeburg, ME www.northeastsnowmobile.com (800) 458-1348 Northern Extremes/Bear Notch Snowmobile Rentals, Bartlett, NH www.nxtsnow.com (603) 374-6000 Northern Extremes/Mt. Washington Snowmobile Rentals, Bretton Woods, NH www.nxtsnow.com (603) 374-6000
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NH Recreational Trail Etiquette Source: NH Bureau of Trails
Why is trail etiquette needed? New Hampshire promotes sharing the trail with other users so that everyone can equally enjoy their experience. Trail etiquette is a tool to help inform other users of the courteous way to interact on recreational trails. This is not a complete list, nor are these rules or laws. When in doubt, smile and use common sense.
Snowmobilers: - Yield to non-motorized users. - Keep noise levels to a minimum where practicable, especially around residential areas. - When approaching an oncoming equestrian or musher, pull off to the right, stop your vehicle and let the horse or musher pass. - When passing a horseback rider or musher, alert the rider to your presence by calmly calling out you wish to pass. - The horseback rider or musher should pull the horse or dogs over. If the rider has the horse under control, proceed on. If not, allow the rider to move the horse or dogs to a safe spot on the trail and then proceed. - Park your snowmobile and walk to sensitive, historic, scenic, and cultural areas.
We araete passiounr local about mo unity! com
PLEASE STAY ON THE TRAIL
NH Recreational Trail Etiquette General User Guidelines Why is trail etiquette needed? New Hampshire is one of the best places in the country to recreate. With a variety of ways to recreate, New Hampshire promotes sharing the trail with other users so that everyone can equally enjoy their experience. Trail etiquette is a tool to help inform other users of the courteous way to interact on recreational trails. This is not a complete list, nor are these rules or laws. When in doubt, smile and use common sense.
General guidelines for all users • • • • • • • • • • • •
Be courteous of all other users regardless of their sport, speed or skill level. Keep pets under control. Enjoy and respect wildlife; do not disturb. Stay to the right and pass on the left when safe and appropriate. Train yourself and your animals. Be polite and a good steward of your recreational use; educate others. Travel at a safe and reasonable speed. Faster users yield the right of way to slower users. All users yield the right of way to horses and mushers. Users should be single file when in groups and approaching other users. Stay on trail, avoid trail widening when trail is wet/muddy and stay off trails during mud season. When parking, do not block gates, and park only in designated areas.
General guidelines for all users encountering equestrians and mushers • • • •
When passing a horse or musher from behind, call out that you want to pass, and proceed slowly and safely. Speak in a calm tone to alert horse and rider/musher of your presence. Ask the rider and musher to advise you on passing and always proceed slowly around horses and dogs. Motorized vehicles should stop and wait for rider and musher to advise what to do next.
Yield To (Summer)
Yield To (Winter)
Since 2014 thanks to the patronage of our guests we have donated over
$1,848,000!
to worthwhile local charitable organizations! Bureau of Trails nhtrails.org
Winter 2021/22
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PLANNING YOUR RIDE WITH THE NH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION TRAIL MAP The interactive desktop version of the NH Snowmobile Trail Map is available at www.nhsa.com and is completely free to use. This map is perfect for planning your trips, saving itineraries for future adventures, or sharing them with friends. You can even export/import the itineraries between the web and mobile app.
PLAN YOUR NH RIDE HERE, THEN EXPORT TO HERE
NH SNOWMOBILE TRAIL MAP FOR IOS & ANDROID
NH SNOWMOBILE DESKTOP MAP FEATURES
• • • • •
Pinpoint your exact location with mobile GPS or web-location services Points of interest and services: fuel, food, parking, clubhouse, scenic vistas Geographic search as well as pan-and-zoom functionality Trail status ... what’s available, what is not Easy location-sharing with friends with cell service
MAP FAQ
What are the desktop map functions and how do they work? Complete information can be found at www.nhsa.com/ nh-snowmobile-trail-map. Mobile-Specific Questions I bought the app last season. Do I need to buy it again? The app is valid for the season in which it is bought. Next season you can purchase the new version to access the up-to-date trail map. Club volunteers maintain the trails and map information— without them, riding would be impossible. Show your support!
What is the easiest way to get help for the mobile app? Open the app, click on the menu icon in the top left to access the Help section. What mobile devices are compatible? Many! A comprehensive list can be found at www.nhsa.com/ nh-snowmobile-trail-map. How do I display services/ amenities in the app like fuel, parking, food, etc. Services and points of interest are off by default. You can selectively turn them on through the Search icon at the top left.
Snowmobile Phone Mount
Check out how to mount your phone to your dash for hands-free operation: www.nhsa.com/snowmobile-phone-mount
The mobile NH Snowmobile Trail Map App is available for Android at the Google Play Store and iOS at the Apple App Store. Simply open the app, select a starting point and destination, then go! What’s new for the 2022 App? • Satellite view • Horizontal displayed in full screen • Check-in functionality • New Record my Rides (completely rebuilt) • New behavior for the Location button • New notification Center • Improved interface • Better search • Club sponsors (lodging, food, sales/service) • Option to check for updates on WiFi only No cell service required for these features: • Complete trail system stored on phone • See your location on the map through phone’s GPS signal • Select destinations and follow route • Quickly save and load itineraries • View nearby points of interest and services • Access the trails conditions per last data connection available • See the distance between you and a specific point NH SnoTraveler Trails 2021/22 season (iOS/Android, $4.99) • www.nhsa.com
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WELCOME TO PROFILE POWERSPORTS LET THE FUN BEGIN!
REGISTER WITH US!
Tuesdays-Saturdays: 9am - 4pm Must be 18 years of age with a valid license or photo ID to register. Year, Make, Model, Color, CC, and VIN required, plus your club membership number and/or voucher.
WE ARE THE AREAS LEADING POWER SPORTS STORE
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Stop by to see the latest products, parts, service, repair, or maintenance.
www.ProfilePowerSports.com (603) 447-5855 • 1319 WHITE MOUNTAIN HWY, CONWAY, NH Winter 2021/22
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Photo by Gail Prelli
Photo by Bud Gordon
Photo by Bud Gordon
Bear Notch Vintage Snowmobile Ride, Bartlett, NH By Bud Gordon, NH Snowmobile Museum
At the end of last winter, January 24, 2021, the members of New Hampshire Snowmobile Museum held a vintage snowmobile ride at Bear Notch State Park in Bartlett, NH. Approximately 25 riders showed up from New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, some with more than one sled to ride. The morning started out with the temperature around 2 below zero but did get all the way up to about 18 degrees later. However, the wind was the
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real enemy, with heavy gusts all day. Three rides went out that day, with two 9-mile loops in the morning and a 27-mile loop later. Some braved all three rides; others only made one or two. Luckily, only one sled had to be towed back to the parking lot. A good variety of snowmobiles were there for the ride— sleds from a 1963 Polaris rear engine to a 1992 Arctic Cat EXT. I did, however, have my 2008 Ski-Doo, in case of emergency. Three riders showed up with twin-tracked machines, two SkiDoo Alpines, and one Aktiv Grizzly. From trail to muscle sleds, and entry level, too. Museum vice president John Lumnah and I handled the food and refreshments: hot dogs, cup o’ soup, and snacks were available to all who braved the cold and wind. Hot chocolate and coffee were the big hits of the day, though. Museum member Charlie Bierce led all three rides, with Doug Kauer taking up the tail on the first two rides, and me taking that position on the last ride, to monitor for breakdowns or problems. Thank you to all who participated in the ride, especially Charlie Bierce for leading the groups, as well as all his help in pulling this ride together, and Doug Kauer for his help monitoring the early groups. A big shout-out to the White Mountain Trail Club for grooming the area before our ride, pushing back the snowbanks in the parking lot, getting us permission to use the driveway across the street from the lot, and securing the use of the parking lot at the Joshua Bartlett Elementary School for any overflow parking. It takes the effort of so many to put on a ride like this. A heartfelt thank you to you all. The New Hampshire Snowmobile Museum also hosted a vintage ride in Franconia Notch on March 7, with help from the White Mountain Snowmobile Club taking care of the food concession. The ride headed up the bike path, past Cannon Mountain, up to the Lafayette camping area for a short break, and then back to the Whale’s Tale for food and refreshments. The annual winter Rally be February 20, 2022 at 157 Deerfield road in Allenstown. This year’s Winter Rally is being sponsored by the Burdick Family, in memory of George and Betty. Cross Country racer will be the featured sled for the 37th Winter Rally. This article originally appeared Sno-Traveler Magazine.
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Backcountry GEAR REVIEW By Andrew Drummond
Down Knickers
Down knickers in action, easy to dump heat when things warm up. Photo by Ski The Whites
E
ntering the world of backcountry skiing can be overwhelming. Aside from the inherent risks of advanced terrain and being far from help, there is so much specialized gear to choose from when building out your kit. While you can make do with some alpine or Nordic gear, you’ll surely optimize your experience by adding backcountry-specific softgoods and hardgoods to your pack list. The backcountry segment is reaching a new level of maturation, which means the gear is excellent across most brands, but there are still a few standout items that pop up each winter. We’ve picked a few products that are often overlooked and can make your winter tours that much more enjoyable. Here are several items that we think you’ll love.
Ski Crampons
Ski crampons are worth every penny for steep approaches. Photo by Ski The Whites
Down Knickers: We dismissed these funny-looking things when they surfaced a few years ago. It turns out, we didn’t know what we were missing out on. It all makes sense when you think about it: we carry puffy jackets to throw on our upper body when we get cold but what about our lower extremities? Apparently, they have been neglected for years. Easy to put on and take off with full zips, then pack up into a grapefruit-sized stuff sack. You’ll never look back once you try these on. Ski Crampons: Another overlooked piece of equipment that is worth every penny when you need it. Ski crampons are perfect for steep approaches (think hiking trails) where you need more traction than your skins can offer. Slide in your ski crampons and you’ll be rewarded with efficient travel without post-holing or catching your skis on every branch along the way. Ski crampons are specific to the binding manufacturer and require a crampon slot on the toe piece. Size a little wider than the waist of your ski.
Touring-Specific Pack
Alpine touring packs have a place for all the necessities. Photo by Chris Shane
Touring-Specific Pack: A good pack has a place for all your gear, organized and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. We like packs in the 35 to 45L size for day tours in the White Mountains. This means no excuses for not being prepared with room for warm layers, food, and a dedicated pocket for avalanche gear. Added features include an easy-to-use ski carry, back-zip entry, helmet and ice ax carry, and most importantly, comfortable! Our picks are the Norrona Lyngen Pack (35 or 45L) or the Mammut Nirvana 35 (there’s a short version for short torsos, too). 34 MWVvibe.com
ATK Bindings
Chris Wilke put ATK bindings to the test last winter. Photo by Ski The Whites.
ATK Bindings: Dynafit was the pioneer in modern tech bindings, but we’ve seen companies innovate on what they invented. Just think same taste, half the calories. ATK is an Italian company that makes beautifully machined metal bindings that are simple and easy to use, but weigh in at just 200 to 400 grams per binding. That adds up with every step, and we didn’t find terrain these bindings couldn’t handle with release values for all skier types.
Lightweight Helmet
Helmets should be part of everyone’s pack list. Photo by Chris Shane
Lightweight Helmet: We can’t think of a reason why you would head into the backcountry without a helmet. It’s a piece of equipment that should be comfortable enough (both in weight and fit) that you might forget you have it on. The Pret Cynic AT is our pick, as it has all the features we look for in a touring helmet: lightweight (415g/M), removable ear flaps with venting across the top, dial-fit adjustment mechanism, and Velcro headlamp straps for night missions.
Ski The Whites is a backcountry ski shop located in Jackson, NH that offers rentals and season-long leases for all the gear sold in the shop. Learn more at www.skithewhites.com and be sure to check out the winter Friday Night Lights series at Black Mountain. Winter 2021/22
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Photo courtesy of Ski The Whites
Building Community in the Backcountry Scene
By Jake Risch
NEWS, REVIEWS & This Season’s On-Snow Schedule
The backcountry scene continues to grow in the Mt. Washington Valley. The parking lots for the Granite Backcountry Alliance (GBA) glades are full most weekends, and gear is flying off the shelves at local shops like Ski the Whites and Ragged Mountain Equipment. So now that you’ve bought your gear and tested out uphilling at your local ski resort, what’s next? Where can you meet like-minded individuals and get integrated into the Mt. Washington Valley backcountry scene? Well, luckily for you, we have a vibrant event schedule with fun, inclusive community-building activities for everyone from newbies to seasoned mountain explorers.
Friday Night Lights | Friday Nights December 31, 2021 – March 18, 2022 Black Mountain The Friday Night Lights community ski mountaineering (skimo) race series kicks off its fifth season on New Year’s Eve 2021. Organized by the crew from the Ski The Whites shop in Jackson NH, and hosted by the Black Mountain Ski Area, Friday Night Lights is a welcoming uphill racing experience for all abilities. Demo and rental equipment is available for folks interested in trying out uphilling/backcountry skiing.
Every Friday night (with one Saturday evening), racers compete to see who will be the fastest to complete one or two laps of the course up and down Jackson’s Black Mountain. The course is marked by lanterns along the uphill route, and racers descend by headlamp. Racers can log their laps at any time between 6 and 9 p.m., with a group start at 7 p.m. Pizza is available for racers and the Lostbo Pub is serving drinks. The season finale and overall championship will be held on Friday March 18, 2022.
Race dates: 12/31, 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/12 (SAT), 2/18, 2/25 (bonfire & music), 3/4, 3/11, 3/18 (finale) Race Day Schedule 6 p.m. Course opens 7 p.m. Group start 7:30 - 8 p.m. Pizza For more information and to register, check out www.skithewhites.com.
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M. W. OTTO Rhode Memorial Skin & Ski | January 29, 2022 | Mt. Washington Auto Road
The Mt. Washington Auto Road has a long history of racing to the summit of Mount Washington. In the warmer months, intrepid souls race on foot, bicycle, and in cars. There is even a day dedicated to being the first to ascend the mountain in a peculiar way. The M.W. Otto Rhode Memorial Skin & Ski event continues to expand this tradition to the uphill skiing community; the “Otto” racers and participants skin up the Auto Road using backcountry alpine touring, split board, or telemark equipment. The event will proceed as far up the road as weather and conditions allow, potentially offering a 4,618-vertical-foot climb. This event is a fundraiser for the 501(c)3 non-profit Granite Backcountry Alliance. Day-of-Event Schedule 11:30 a.m. Registration open 12 p.m. Pre-race safety briefing for all participants 12 - 1 p.m. Event begins—schedule and course, weather dependent. Stay tuned for updates and potential format changes, such as staggered start. COVID regulations will evolve as we approach event day. 3:30 p.m. All skiers still on the mountain head to the bottom 4 p.m. Refreshments and laughs at the Hideaway House (base of the Auto Road) This event sells out! For more information and registration, visit www.granitebackcountryalliance.org/otto. Note that this is the only day of the year that skiing is allowed on the Auto Road with alpine or snowboard equipment.
Last Skier Standing | February 12, 2022 | Black Mountain
There can be only one! This event, organized by the Ski The Whites crew, is one of the most unique uphilling events in the country. Racers compete to see how long they can go. Competitors step off at the top of each hour for a lap of Black Mountains 1.1-mile-long, 1,000-vertical-foot uphill route. The race is over when the “last skier standing” shows up at the start line. Last
year, the title went to Ben Eck who climbed 61,000 feet over 61 continuous hours. “This event is for everyone—set a personal record for vertical; see if you can make it six, 12, or 24 hours. Meet a ton of great people all working towards getting the most out of their performance,” says event organizer Andrew Drummond. Event Schedule 8 - 9:30 a.m. Check-in 9:55 a.m. Group photo 10 a.m. Event start Registration is open; check out www.skithewhites.com/pages/last-skier-standing-2022 for more details.
Mt. Washington Backcountry Ski Festival | February 24 – 27, 2022 Various Locations
The main event for the backcountry skiing community in the Northeast is the Mt. Washington Backcountry Ski Festival. The festival offers guided ski tours, skill-building clinics, yoga sessions, gear and equipment demos, friendly competitions, live music, speakers, and vibrant parties. Entering its fifth year, the festival is hosted by Synnott Mountain Guides and Backyard Concept, LLC. The event kicks off with a special presentation and kick-off party on Thursday evening. Friday evening, Ski The Whites hosts a bonfire and pizza party with live music and demos at the weekly Friday Night Lights event. Saturday evening, the party moves to Theater in the Woods where festival goers can sample local craft beer from the New Hampshire Brewers Association, and check out the latest and greatest in new backcountry gear at the High George Beer and Gear Explosion. Frontside Grind serves up coffee each morning at Ledge Brewing, starting at 8 a.m., where folks can link up with their guide or group, demo equipment, and make plans for the day. The party returns to Ledge Brewing for après ski and stoke sharing each afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m.
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AndesSki.Shop
Winter 2021/22
Bartlett, NH
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8:30 - 9 a.m. Demos & guided groups meet at Ledge Brewing 4 - 6 p.m. Après ski party with live music at Ledge Brewing 7 - 9 p.m. Special presentation Friday 2/25 8 a.m. Frontside Coffee at Ledge Brewing 8:30 - 9 a.m. Demos & guided groups meet at Ledge Brewing 4 - 6 p.m. Après ski party at Ledge Brewing 6 - 10P p.m. Friday Night Lights, demos, bonfire, live music, and pizza Saturday 2/26 8 a.m. Frontside Coffee at Ledge Brewing 8:30 - 9 a.m. Demos & guided groups meet at Ledge Brewing 10 a.m. Yoga & ski party 4 - 6 p.m. Après ski party at Ledge Brewing 7 - 9 p.m. High George Beer & Gear Expo at Theater in the Woods Sunday 2/27 8 a.m. Frontside Coffee at Ledge Brewing 8:30 - 9 a.m. Demos & guided groups meet at Ledge Brewing 10 a.m. Yoga & ski party 4 - 6 p.m. Après ski party at Ledge Brewing Check out www.skimtwashington.com to learn more about guided skiing, friendly competitions, live music, professional athletes, and socials.
Tuckerman Inferno Pentathlon March 19, 2022 | Great Glen Trails/Tuckerman Ravine
Entering its third decade, the Tuckerman Inferno Pentathlon is the Northeast’s premier single-day adventure race. Re-imagined for the 2021 season, it now consists of fat bike, XC ski, snowshoe, mountain run/skin, and skimo legs. Racers compete as individuals or relay teams to complete the course that starts at Great Glen Trails and finishes on the western flank of Tuckerman Ravine. Paying homage to the original American Infernos of the 1930s, the skimo leg of the race includes a section of giant slalom ski racing set in the alpine zone above treeline on Mount Washington. Proceeds from the event support the Friends of Tuckerman Ravine working to support the Mount
Washington Avalanche Center, promote avalanche education and outreach across the white mountains, and to promote responsible sustainable use of the high Presidentials to protect the “Tuckerman experience” for generations to come. For more information and registration, visit www.friendsoftuckermanravine.org/inferno.
Wild Corn Backcountry Shindig April 1 & 2, 2022 | King Pine Ski Area The season finale is the Wild Corn Backcountry Shindig. The crew from the Granite Backcountry Alliance lead a mountain takeover, shutting down all lifts and creating a backcountry ski resort for the weekend. Bring out your best Hawaiian shirt, tutu, or other creative costume, demo next year’s backcountry gear, and celebrate the transition from winter to spring by shredding sweet corn bumps and listening to great live local bands. Ski The Whites organizes a fun, friendly skimo race, Mamut sets up a beacon and probe park, live local bands keep the party going on the sound stage, and BBQ and beer are flowing all day. Event Schedule Saturday 4/1/22; 9 a.m. - sunset 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Demos 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. BBQ and beer 10 a.m. - sunset live music on the sound stage 4 - 5 p.m. Wild Corn Ski Mo Race hosted by Ski The Whites For more information and to register, tune into www.granitebackcountryalliance. org/wildcorn.
Backcountry Community Non-Profit NEWS GRANITELAND
Granite Backcountry Alliance was hard at work this past fall expanding its glade zone and historic ski trail network known as “Graniteland” to 14 locations across New Hampshire and western Maine. With a 120mile footprint from Pike, New Hampshire to Rumford, Maine, Granite Backcountry has developed 40,000 vertical feet of skiing since 2017 in 10 glade zones and maintains four historic ski trails of 10,000 vertical feet in the White Mountain National Forest. New this year includes the Pike
Glades near Haverhill, NH in partnership with the Upper Valley Stewardship Center, a new glade zone in Bartlett, NH on private land known as the West Side Glades, a new section known as the “Gammon Chutes” within the Black & White Glade in Andover, Maine, and a new line on Pine Hill section of the Maple Villa Glade. Over 400 Quarry Dogs (volunteers) came out this fall, investing over 3,200 hours.
FRIENDS OF TUCKERMAN RAVINE/ WHITE MOUNTAIN AVALANCHE EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The boards of directors for the Friends of Tuckerman Ravine (FOTR) and White Mountain Avalanche Education Foundation (WMAEF) have agreed to join forces under a new combined mission statement. The Friends of Tuckerman Ravine—a private, not-for-profit, 501c3—seeks to promote sustainable recreation that preserves and protects the unique alpine environment of the White Mountains, support and provide avalanche education around the region, and advocate for responsible backcountry travel. FOTR partners with the United States Forest Service (USFS) to support the mission areas of the USFS Mount Washington Avalanche Center as well as associated projects and facilities. The mission of the WMAEF will continue as a dedicated education committee within the friends group. The newly merged organization will begin a rebranding process to capture the newly expanded mission statement. FOTR has also entered into a cost-sharing agreement with the USFS to fund an additional snow ranger position for the 2022 season (and beyond) to expand capacity for avalanche forecasting and search and rescue across the Presidential Range. Finally, working with residents from the Dartmouth Hitchcock Wilderness and Austere Medicine Fellowship and Eastern Mountain Sports, FOTR is fundraising to install a fixed avalanche beacon and probe practice park at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. This park will enable backcountry users to practice with their lifesaving avalanche rescue gear before heading up into the Avalanche Terrain of the Presidentials.
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LOCAL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTING BACKCOUNTRY SKIING AND SEARCH AND RESCUE Want to give back? These local nonprofits support gathering and broadcasting critical weather and safety information, develop and maintain the backcountry zones, and support search and rescue efforts in the region. Mount Washington Avalanche Center www.mountwashingtonavalanchecenter.org Granite Backcountry Alliance www.granitebc.org Friends of Tuckerman Ravine www.friendsoftuckermanravine.org White Mountain Avalanche Education Foundation www.wmaef.org Mount Washington Volunteer Ski Patrol www.tuckerman.org Mountain Rescue Service www.nhmrs.org Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue www.avsarnh.org Appalachian Mountain Club NH Chapter Ski Committee www.amc-nh.org/committee/ski Mount Washington Observatory www.mountwashington.org AVALANCHE COURSES IN MWV Understanding where and how avalanches happen and what to do is an essential skill for backcountry skiing. International Mountain Climbing School www.ime-usa.com/imcs Synnott Mountain Guides www.newhampshireclimbing.com Northeast Mountaineering www.nemountaineering.com Mooney Mountain Guides www.mooneymountainguides.com Eastern Mountain Sports Schools www.emsoutdoors.com East Coast Avalanche Education www.eastcoastavalancheeducation.com The Eastern Snow and Avalanche Workshop www.esaw.org Mount Washington Avalanche Center www.mountwashingtonavalanchecenter.org/avalanche-safety Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School www.acadiamountainguides.com/winter/avalanche-education Mountain Shadow Adventures www.mtnshadowadventures.com/avalanche-education Chauvin Guides International www.chauvinguides.com/avalanche-programs
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SNOWSHOEING VERSUS BAREBOOTING We’ll Settle this Once and … Maybe Never By Mike Cherim
S
Photo by WiseguyCreative.com
hould people use snowshoes on snow-covered hiking trails in the White Mountain National Forest in the winter, or do without? For those who aren’t aware of it, this subject is a hotly debated topic. Every year, someone will innocently ask if they should wear snowshoes and, without fail, a firestorm will ensue. Every year, that is, that people have had access to a public forum where they could debate such a thing. Nowadays, that forum is largely
insight, but no hard answers. HYOH or “hike your own hike,” as they say. You are allowed—or rather—you have to decide for yourself. In some places, like the Adirondacks, for example, they decide for you and mandate the use of snowshoes to protect the trails. But here in New Hampshire, where we “Live Free or Die,” you’re on your own.
in the form of Facebook groups. I doubt this is an age-old debate. Surely there is no such debate in, say, an Eskimo village or in the Scandinavian backcountry. So, should you? Well, if you’ve come here for a definitive answer, you won’t find it. You will find opinion, as balanced an argument as possible, maybe even
hear the arguments from those who favor snowshoes and from those who oppose—if that’s even the right word to use since “don’t care” might be more apt. When considering the various characteristics of snowshoes and their use, what might these factions say? As you’ll discover, on some points they agree.
THE SNOWSHOE ARGUMENT To better understand both sides, let’s
FLOTATION Favor: Snowshoes limit the amount one sinks into the snow. The lighter the snow and/or the heavier the person, the bigger the snowshoes need to be. Snowshoe and walker do need to be adequately paired, but they will limit the depth one needs to step out of. And the shallower that depth, the easier it is to walk. Oppose: But they don’t provide fully positive flotation in any condition. It’s true
The way we look at, it is that people who don’t care about wearing snowshoes won’t care whether we wear snowshoes or not. And those who do care will be grateful we are.
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some offer better results than others in some conditions, but realistically, one would need multiple sets. Moreover, if there’s an icy crust on the snow, using snowshoes can be even more difficult because the fronts will catch under the ice layer (instead of hitting your shins).
STABILITY Favor: Walking in loose, unconsolidated snow is much like walking on beach sand. It moves underfoot in unpredictable ways—and this makes for a tiring day. Wearing snowshoes allows one to maintain a flat, even foot for comfort and efficiency once one becomes accustomed to having them on their feet. Oppose: Walking or “slabbing” a sidehill can be awkward or difficult with snowshoes, especially if one opted for a flexible or tubular frame. It may be completely impossible, however, without them. It’s otherwise hard to fault snowshoes in this category; then again, cement shoes also provide stability. WEIGHT Favor: Unless you’re training for something or love pain, the weight of snowshoes is a hard-to-appreciate characteristic. Aside from the training benefit and keeping you grounded on a windy day, the weight offers little to desire. They are best kept on your feet, and you do eventually get used to them. Oppose: In winter, when your kit should contain much in the way of items to help you survive, the weight soars quickly; so adding several pounds to your pack for a single-purpose item can be a struggle. As noted, though, when on your feet this is less concerning. Moreover, with an already heavier pack, you may need them more. Sigh. BULK Favor: In our wildest imagination we cannot see an upside to the bulkiness of snowshoes. Oppose: On your feet, you do get used to them—but you will have to change up your gait more than likely. Learn to walk like a cowboy! On your pack, the bulk adds to the struggle. Depending on your pack, and the design of the snowshoes, and how well they nest, attaching them securely can be tough.
TRACTION Favor: The bottom of an aggressively-cramponed mountaineering snowshoe—and what we recommend in the White Mountain National Forest—is like something out of killer-thriller. A maw of teeth! Coupled with the stability offered, they can power you up most stuff, barring hard ice. Oppose: They don’t replace crampons, though they may replace light traction (and in some cases, light traction may replace them), so if you even remotely think you will encounter hard ice, you need to carry another heavy, yet necessary, item. This doesn’t, however, take away from the fact that the traction snowshoes offer is great. HEEL LIFTS Favor: On angled terrain typical to the hiking trails in the Whites, the heel lifts provided on your better-quality snowshoes are a huge plus. They aid stability, traction (by centering your weight), and help ease stress on the calf muscles. And on flat terrain they make your derrière look smashing. Oppose: On flat terrain, they are like walking with high heels, so they have to be put down. In rolling terrain, Winter 2021/22
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Plan and Prepare Know your limits and your gear. Pack extra layers, waterproof clothing, and safety equipment or beacons for the backcountry. Have a Plan B in case you can’t access your destination. #RecreateResponsibly Winter Edition Guidelines: Know Before You Go Some areas are seasonally closed or have limited hours, and many places become dangerous with winter weather. Research your destination, weather, and road conditions prior to your trip.
Build an Inclusive Outdoors Everyone deserves to experience a winter wonderland. Be an active part of making the outdoors safe, accessible, and welcoming for all identities and abilities. Respect Others From mountain tops to shores to prairies, parking can be in short supply in the winter. Park only in safe and
legal spaces. Learn to ski kind or tread lightly when skiing, riding, or traversing off-road. Leave No Trace Respect the land, water, wildlife, and Indigenous communities. Follow the Leave No Trace winter use principles. Make it Better Keep our winter playgrounds clean. Pack out any human or pet waste. Consider your responsibility to take action to protect our climate–today’s snow is tomorrow’s water.
Check out #RecreateResponsibly guidelines for tips on safe winter recreation: www.recreateresponsibly.org/winter this may have to happen a lot. On some snowshoes, engaging and disengaging the heel lifts requires stooping down or clever trekking pole tricks. Ugh.
DEXTERITY Favor: Snowshoes are clunky. And the bigger and more effective they are, the clunkier they are. There are really no two ways around this. Oppose: As said by the pro crowd, above, they’re clunky. In certain terrain, such as the wind-scoured rock found in the alpine zone, this clunkiness may pose a hazard to the wearer, making them more clumsy. To manage this, it may involve stopping and changing out footgear. This is often less than ideal, to say the least. Cost Favor: Spending a few hundred dollars for the really great ones is a tough pill to swallow unless you’re either careless about your spending or have come to really appreciate their clear advantages. Oppose: And still, even then, the cost of really good snowshoes cannot be a positive for most people. Sure, it boils down to being “the cost of doing business” to winter hikers, but still.
Trails Favor: It’s satisfying to break trail with snowshoes. A group will leave behind a nice, almost groomed path (this is what barebooters will be supported by if they stay on it and if the snowpack doesn’t soften). Those who don’t wear snowshoes may punch through the existing treadway creating postholes. Oppose: Well, moose do it.
Some Final Thoughts There are clearly two sides to this argument, yet there is a fair amount of overlap. We opt to use them much of the winter ourselves, but we also hate carrying them (easier just to keep them mounted most of the time). The way we look at, it is that people who don’t care about wearing snowshoes won’t care whether we wear snowshoes or not. And those who do care will be grateful we are. That said, our biggest motivation for using
them most of the time is simply a matter of sound winter travel. Snowshoes ease our way in snowy conditions for the aforementioned reasons. Snowshoes facilitate, after all (to borrow a well-known book’s title), a freedom of the hills. Remember that Eskimo village and the Scandinavian backcountry? Do you think they walk around post-holing, let alone hanging out on Facebook arguing about it? One could argue that if you’re not using some sort of backcountry ski gear or snowshoes, you’re working too hard and not having as much fun as you could. So, does this mean that people who don’t use snowshoes are wrong? No, but they may be working harder than those who are, some of the time. That said, they don’t have to deal with the weight or bulkiness. Always a silver lining, right? But aren’t the trails being ruined? Well, early- and mid-season, not so much. Snowshoers can easily bridge the gap, so to speak, even repair a trail (they are the ones who usually break the trails out in the first place). Moreover, in the upper boreal zone and above, everything fills in pretty quickly. Overnight, above treeline. In the spring, however, postholes can melt out, freeze up, then get covered over with new spring snows, and can actually then pose a hazard. Bareboots can make a spring trail, in particular, a really tough-to-walk-on mess once it freezes. To the degree that nobody will enjoy the trail. At some point, however, the warm weather wins over and we leave the snowshoes at home, crushing the monorail of remaining ice and snow into a slushy mess with our bare boots. We begin a new season leaving the dust of those nasty snowshoe wars to settle once again. We reconnect with old friends. Until the following winter when someone innocently asks The Snowshoe Question again … and the war starts anew. Mike Cherim, a North Conway resident, is a trailwork and SAR volunteer in the WMNF. His passions are primarily hiking and skiing (plus biking and fishing)—and he also loves to write. He makes his living, however, running a local guiding company: Redline Guiding out of Intervale.
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a year-round adventure!
WINTER TRAINS
on Mount Washington! Ride the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway all winter long, with daily trips to Waumbek Station (4000’) or Skyline (5300’) through late April. Marshfield Station, open 7 days a week, is the perfect base camp for winter hiking and skiing, with direct access to a network of hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails!
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Winter 2021/22
3 Blitzen Way, Black Mountain Road, Jackson – NH
603-383-4313
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Jackson Ski Touring Foundation
XC SKIING TO SUIT YOUR MOOD
By Marty Basch
Exploring the Valley’s Six Nordic Centers
Photos by WiseguyCreative.com
S
oft blankets of freshly fallen snow, cups of sweet hot chocolate, and the warmth radiating from a wood stove or fireplace are the perfect components to get you in a frisky mood—for cross-country skiing. Though the hot chocolate and fire can wait until after a morning or afternoon spent frolicking on skate skis in the woods on wide-open scenic trails or kicking and gliding along canopied classically groomed lanes, the Mt. Washington Valley’s six Nordic ski centers serve up a delightful menu of outings to suit your mood. Whether you’re out for a mellow time with the family and your polite pooch or tapping your inner Kikkan Randall (no stranger to the Valley), it’s time to click into your skinny ski bindings and go. The Valley is home to some of the finest cross-country skiing in the East—and topping the list is the handsome village of Jackson. With its relatively high elevation and amenable landowners, the non-profit Jackson Ski Touring Foundation works its sophisticated grooming magic on the 150-kilometer network that has lots of everything for everyone. Whether a simple schuss from the village along the frosty Ellis River or tapping the racehorse within on the international racecourse, which includes the sublime twists on The Wave trail, skiers
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Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring
Bear Notch Ski Touring
Bretton Woods Nordic Center
Winter 2021/22
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Great Glen Trails
can find their smoothed classic or skate path through the forest to the village with its treasure chest of amenities. Winter reigns in rugged Pinkham Notch with its bountiful outdoor offerings. When it’s time to pick up speed on some finely honed rollercoaster-like trails, head up to the 45-kilometers of snowy paths at the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center located at the base of Mount Washington with its outstanding views. The trails were designed to be entertaining and fun for skiers, and have some whimsical names like Great Grumpy Grade, Libby Trace, and Dragon Corridor. They all lead to the popular and scenic Great Angel Station warming hut within earshot of the West Branch of the Peabody River. Well, then slay that dragon! With its myriad twists and turns, you’ll be feeling the burn, especially on some of those fiery curves and climbs—but at least you’ll live to tell the tale. Crawford Notch also blossoms in winter with the Valley’s other Nordic center found at the scenic base of Mount Washington—Bretton Woods. When it’s time to immerse yourself in the alpine splendor of the rockpile and its Presidential Range neighbors on some wide-open trails, it’s time to ski The Woods. Throw in the majestic and historic Omni Mount Washington Resort in the backdrop, and you’ve got quite a stage. Ski on those sweeping JACKSON SKI TOURING FOUNDATION 153 Main Street, Jackson, NH (603) 383-9355 www.jacksonxc.com 46
Total Km - 150 Groomed Km - 80 Tracked Km - 80 Skate Groomed Km - 80 Snowshoe Terrain - 40 Dog-Friendly - Partial
GREAT GLEN TRAILS OUTDOOR CENTER Route 16, Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH (603) 466-2333 www.greatglentrails.com
Total Km - 45 Groomed Km - 26 Tracked Km - 18 Skate Groomed Km - 26 Snowshoe Terrain - 45 Dog-Friendly - Partial
Bear Notch Ski Touring
100 Kilometers of Groomed XC Trails in NH’s White Mountains Jackson Ski Touring Recharge your batteries
Family fun
Ski with your best friend (skijoring)
Ski with your friends
• 100 Kilometers of Groomed XC Trails • Five Distinct Trail Networks
• Easy Loops & Epic Long Distance Routes • Trailside Dining & Lodging
JacksonXC.org
Jackson, NH
In NH’s White Mountains
MEMBER OF HISTORIC HOTELS OF AMERICA
Purity Spring Resort
• 96 comfortable rooms and suites • Eagle Landing Tavern and Highfields Restaurant
Located on the world-famous Jackson XC Trail Network (603) 383-9111 • EagleMt.com 179 Carter Notch Road, Jackson, NH 03846 Winter 2021/22
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Bretton Woods Nordic Center
trails along the Ammonoosuc Trail System just outside the hotel and touring center—like Perimeter and Sebosis. While there, be sure not to miss a most distinctive adventure on the other side of U.S. Route 302. Skiing through the woods with occasional looks at those mighty mountains is quite a unique experience by taking the chairlift up to ski down the undulating Mountain Road. More cross-country ski centers across New England are enabling Nordic skiers to relish the trails with their canine companions. Bear Notch Ski Touring Center in Bartlett has embraced the Fido-lifestyle by allowing both well-behaved dogs and owners on their 65-plus-kilometer system that wiggles and rolls through the woods, along flat fields, and by the pristine Saco River. The Saco should not be missed. Wind by Bartlett Village and Bear Peak at Attitash Mountain Resort before returning to the no-frills comfort of the rustic lodge that offers warming victuals. Owned by the Garland brothers, the two have a keen ability to get the most out of Mother Nature’s offerings by moving snow where it’s needed most. That’s Yankee ingenuity. Feel like skiing close to town with access to North Conway’s warming pubs and restaurants? There’s nothing easier than the convenient trails of the Mount Washington Valley Ski Touring and Snowshoe Foundation. The system is bigger than it seems, with trails running from North Conway into neighboring Intervale. While the flats and hills of Whitaker Woods, just blocks from Main Street, are the most used of the 40-kilometer network, and BRETTON WOODS NORDIC CENTER 210 Mount Washington Hotel Road, Carroll, NH (603) 278-3322 www.brettonwoods.com 48
Total Km - 100 Groomed Km - 100 Tracked Km - 100 Skate Groomed Km - 100 Snowshoe Terrain - 100 Dog-Friendly - Partial
BEAR NOTCH SKI TOURING CENTER Route 302, Bartlett, NH (603) 374-2277 www.bearnotchskitouring.com
Total Km - 70 Groomed Km - 60 Tracked Km - 60 Skate Groomed Km - 60 Snowshoe Terrain - 60 Dog-Friendly - Yes
Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring
HELPING VALLEY BUSINESSES WORK REMOTELY
Serving our Valley for over 20 years Business & Home Technology IT Systems & Tech Support Smarthome Integration VOICE, DATA, & VIDEO COMMUNICATIONS VoIP Phone Systems featuring Voicemail to Email • Smartphone & Computer Apps • Mobile Office
NORTHLEDGE TECHNOLOGIES INC. (603) 383-4030 • www.northledge.com
Winter 2021/22
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Great Glen Trails
Purity Spring Resort
WiseguyCreative.com photos
the Intervale Trail the longest, it’s the under-the-radar Hayfield Loop by the Scenic Vista in Intervale and 1785 Inn in the shadows of the Moats that serves up a fine view of Mount Washington. After you’re done, you’ll be talking about it while enjoying an adult beverage in a comfy bar. Winding Route 153 between Conway and East Madison serves up serene settings, including a classic lakeside white-steepled church set against rolling low-lying hills. At the southern end of that stretch lies something of a diamond in the rough for families looking for some cross-country skiing and snowshoeing—Purity Spring XC and Snowshoe Reserve. The forested 20-kilometer network by the King Pine ski area takes a minimalistic approach to grooming. You’ll also find peaceful trails under tree canopies in the NH Hoyt Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary and the lovely Lake Trail across frozen Purity Lake. Families can bring their courteous canines during non-holiday midweek jaunts. The snowshoeing is free on backcountry paths, but access to the groomed stuff requires a trail pass. No matter your mood, free your heels and the rest will follow.
MT. WASHINGTON VALLEY SKI TOURING & SNOWSHOE FOUNDATION 279 NH Route 16/302 Intervale, NH (603) 356-9920 www.mwvskitouring.com
Total Km - 45 Groomed Km - 45 Tracked Km - 45 Skate Groomed Km - 45 Snowshoe Terrain - 45 Dog-Friendly - Yes
PURITY SPRING RESORT XC & SNOWSHOE RESERVE 1251 Eaton Road, East Madison, NH (800) FREE-SKI www.purityspring.com
Total Km - 28 Groomed Km - 15 Tracked Km - 15 Skate Groomed Km - 15 Snowshoe Terrain - 28 Dog-Friendly - Midweek
50 MWVvibe.com
Winter is calling… plan your adventure!
SnowCoach Tours • Cross Country Skiing Snowshoeing • Tubing • Fatbiking
greatglentrails.com Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire (603) 466-3988
Winter tours to an extreme world
Book your tour today! SnowCoachNH.com
Call or check our website for early season deals on gear from great brands, including:
Salomon * Fischer * Swix * Rossignol Winter 2021/22
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Enjoying the spectacular view of the northern Presidentials–and plenty of snow on the Israel River Bridge along the Presidential Rail Trail in Randolph–are skiers ( left to right) Ellin Booras, Don Kernan, Marianne Borowski, Rob McConaghy, Madeleine Ryan, and Sherrill Kernan. 52 MWVvibe.com
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hen you log on to the website for the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail (xNHAT), you are greeted with the motto: “It’s more than a bike ride, it’s an adventure!” And that it is. Founded in 2019, the trail, in its original inception, was planned as a bike route knitting together rail trails, dirt roads, recreation paths, and small sections of paved roads. Two years later, the trail would expand its repertoire to offer a snowy paradise for winter adventure seekers! On Sunday, February 28, 2021, four cross-country skiers were the first to complete a border-to-border ski trip across the state of New Hampshire. In the colder months, the xNHAT is transformed into a winter recreation gem. The trail plays host to hikers, walkers, snowshoe groups, dog sleds, snowmobiles, fat bikes, Winter 2021/22
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and recently to an intrepid group of Nordic skiers who used the winter connectivity of rail lines as the spine for their first trek across the state. This team of steadfast border-to-border pioneers refers to their journey as the Frozen Adventure. In winter, the snow allows for additional miles of skiing on abandoned rail beds and inactive rail lines, re-connecting the original railroad’s routes that passed through this area, and replacing the paved road sections of the bike route with miles of scenic backcountry. The snowmobile clubs and the NH Bureau of Trails groom these rail trails and rail beds to pack the snow. The result? A cross New Hampshire cross-country ski route. The trail’s founder and architect, Marianne Borowski, has been invited to make presentations across the state with the focus of expanding opportunities for
year-round recreation through the repurposing of rail lines. Her work has expanded to create four seasons of adventure. In the winter months, the rail trails comprising the xNHAT, the Ammonoosuc, and the Presidential Range, play host to hikers, walkers, snowshoe groups, skiers, dog sleds, snowmobiles, and fat-tire cyclists. The Frozen Adventure skiers’ route spanned a total of 71.7 miles. The group of four was able to ski 57.5 continuous miles exclusively along rail lines from the Vermont border at Woodsville through Bath, Lisbon, Littleton, Whitefield, Jefferson, Randolph, and Gorham. The final miles through Shelburne, which were needed to achieve the NH-ME border, included an unplowed dirt road, a section of the Appalachian Trail, and a snowmobile corridor. Planning out a multi-day ski trip is 53
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largely determined by the weather. Such was the case with the Frozen Adventure. Key to the team’s success was Bob Holdsworth of Bartlett, NH. Bob is the official photographer for the xNHAT, a member of its executive board, and serves as logistics coordinator. He joined Marianne in scouting out snow conditions and making tracks in fresh snow to assist the team. During their journey, which spanned over five days, the team experienced fluctuating weather elements ranging from comforting warm winter sun to punishing winds and sub-zero temperatures. Under Marianne’s tutelage, the group carefully followed forecasts to gauge snow conditions. Unlike resort-based Nordic skiing, which is groomed daily, providing tracks for classic skis and packed down snow for skate skiers, multi-use trails, such as the XNHAT, are largely ungroomed, except for those segments used by snowmobiles. Joining Frozen Adventure for a day was Laurel Smith, a highly regarded ski instructor at Jackson Ski Touring Founda-
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tion, and distinguished Nordic skier with a passion for endurance events. Laurel spent much of her youth in North Conway and is the daughter of Dwight Smith, the co-founder of the Conway Scenic Railroad. When asked what attracted her to ski the xNHAT, and what she most enjoyed, she replied, “When I cycled the length of the xNHAT back in 2019, I became curious to explore the section of the trail from Littleton to Whitefield that did not include repurposed rail lines at that time. Then, cyclists were routed to paved road for a 10-mile stretch from which one can see the vestiges of railroad tracks. Spying the rail lines hidden in the brush, Laurel noted, “I knew I could access that section in the winter on my Nordic skis.” And so … she did—guiding the four members of the Frozen Adventure team joining in her quest!
Meet the Team
During the summer of 2020, two local athletes ran the entire trail. Madeleine Ryan, a retired podiatrist, lives in Glen,
Gorham
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NH. She has been a long-distance runner since 1981, competing in stage runs across the country. In 2018, she completed “The Trans Rocky,” running a distance of 120 miles over six days from Buena Vista to Beaver Creek, CO. With the onset of the pandemic, Madeleine adjusted her running goals to reduce or eliminate air travel. She became aware of the xNHAT trail and reached out to her running partner, Sherrill Tracy Kernan, a retired physician from Gorham, NH. They contacted Marianne Borowski, who stepped up and provided trail support for their trek. Starting on August 17, 2020, and spanning over five consecutive days, Madeleine ran the entire route while Sherrill chose to mix running and cycling, also completing the xNHAT route while accompanying Madeleine. When their summer adventure concluded, the runners needed a winter goal. They consulted with Marianne and made a plan to ski across the state in the winter of 2021. Joining them was Don Kernan,
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Sherrill’s husband, also a recently retired physician from Gorham, NH, and Borowski, who would lead the first-ever Frozen Adventure. And so, the idea to ski from Vermont to the Maine border across New Hampshire was born.
Segment One: Woodsville to Littleton
The four-person team set out on February 8, 2021, leaving from Wells River, VT, the border town just across the Connecticut River from Woodsville, NH and skied to Littleton, NH, a distance of 20 miles along the Ammonoosuc Rail Line. The intrepid pioneers began their journey under bluebird skies, establishing a carefully crafted pace line whereby one skier would lead for 2 miles and then drop to the end of the line while the next skier took the lead for 2 miles. They continued this strategy for the entire journey, extending and adjusting the intervals before the switch.
Segment Two: Littleton to Pondicherry
Day two was February 12, 2021. The team set out from Littleton, NH, and skied to Jefferson, NH for a distance of 17.8 miles. The temperature at the start was -1F, and the skiing would involve several unchartered miles of unbroken snow. Sherrill,
ered branches in an enchanted forest. Laurel’s participation in the Frozen Adventure added a rich historical context, as she guided the skiers along train track routes her father had traveled during his years working for Boston and Maine Railroad (B&M). She brought to life every trestle, flange warning, granite mile marker, and telltale while sharing her knowledge and excitement about all things rail trails. She was delighted to find many relics of the railroad industry still intact. She reported sighting several railroad bridges, insulators still mounted on telegraph poles, and even the iconic ball signal standing tall in Whitefield. The route of the ski trek took the team to Hazen and eventually to Quebec Junction, both sites of historical significance pertaining to the origin and development of rail lines in northern New England and beyond to Canada. This unique treasure trove of artifacts is described in detail in A History of the Boston and Maine Railroad: Exploring New Hampshire’s Rugged Heart by Rail by Dr. Bruce D. Heald, a college professor who is widely recognized as the leading author on New England railroads. In essence, sections of the xNHAT serve as a linear museum of railroad history. The team agreed that, while the section skied
The route of the ski trek took the team to Hazen and eventually to Quebec Junction both sites of historical significance , pertaining to the origin and development of rail lines in northern New England and beyond to Canada.
Don, and Madeleine report ducking under snow-laden branches and skiing through 15 to-16 inches of snow, while remarking on the raw beauty of the winter woods. Madeleine compared this section to a Disney movie when characters battled snow-covThe group under the famous Ball Signal in Whitefield
with Laurel was hard work, their memories are less about the physical challenges and more about what they learned that day. Laurel’s infectious enthusiasm for railroads energized the team and greatly enhanced the Frozen Adventure. Looking back on this section of their journey, team members recall how much knowledge they gleaned about the role of the railroad industry in shaping the history of New Hampshire. Laurel could not only identify every artifact, but also describe its function.
Segment Three: Pondicherry to Gorham
The third segment will be remembered for its variable weather, including bitter cold temperatures at the onset followed by snow squalls and whiteouts. This 20-mile stretch was along the Presidential Rail Trail (PRT), a true gem. The PRT offers unparalleled vistas in the Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge along with spectacular views of the northern Presidentials. Joining the team was Rob McConaghy, snowshoe guide from Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, and member of the xNHAT executive board, and me, a curious reporter delighted to experience this new winter adventure firsthand. Like Laurel, Rob and I were all on the first cycling trip crossing when the xNHAT opened in 2019 and eager to explore its terrain on skis. We were amazed at the energy—not only expended, but also remaining—in our four teammates, as they glided into Gorham smiling and high-fiving with us! We knew we were in the presence of an exceptional team that would soon complete the two remaining segments of their journey skillfully guided by Marianne, supported by Bob, and energized by a bond of long-standing friendship and mutual support. Rob and I felt honored to be a part of their journey.
Segment Four: Gorham to Shelburne
This 6.4-mile section on Hogan Road is the most rugged and exhilarating when traveling on a bike; it is a remote back road comprised of washouts, double track, and up and downhills.
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For Sherrill and Don, however, this was a skier’s delight. They conjured up their years of alpine skiing expertise and brought their skills forward to their skinny Nordic boards, navigating the hilly terrain with remarkable confidence. Hogan Road runs parallel to the scenic Ammonoosuc River and joins the iconic Appalachian Trail before it ends at North Road in Shelburne, NH.
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Segment Five and Final Day
This 7.5-mile segment took the team from Shelburne, NH to the Maine border. In preparation for this section, Marianne and Bob scouted snowmobile corridors looking for a suitable route that would connect from the Rattle River Trail to the Maine woods. They succeeded, and the team reached the border marker on February 28, 2021. All team members expressed their gratitude to Marianne and Bob who ventured out to track sections of unbroken snow.
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The Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail
The xNHAT holds the distinction of being the first, and only, mixed terrain cross-state bicycle trail spanning 83 miles from Vermont to Maine. After its official opening in May 2019, the xNHAT has achieved widespread recognition, including being featured in national publications such as Yankee magazine, local publications, multiple local news stories, support from bike and ski shops, and travel guides. The xNHAT was recently featured on NH PBS television outdoor series, Windows to the Wild. Interest in the xNHAT is well documented. Year-to-date data from 2020 to 2021 show an increase of 161 percent in requests for maps and a 189 percent increase in the numbers of patches awarded to those who completed the entire trail. Not only is the xNHAT gaining popularity, but it is also attracting visitors from beyond the Granite State as evidenced in a 170 percent increase in out-of-state cyclists, runners, and walkers who have discovered the spectacular views and unique characteristics of this jewel. Since the trail opened in 2019, a total of 647 cyclists from 30 states and three countries are the proud recipients of the iconic xNHAT patch. Borowski’s efforts are in sync with a national initiative to transform abandoned rail lines for expanded four-season recreation. The xNHAT includes the Presidential Rail Trail, which was nominated by Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) as the best trail in New Hampshire and in conformance with RTC’s mission: dedicated to “creating a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people. We imagine public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike, and be active outdoors.” The railroad industry forever changed the landscape throughout the United States. In 1835, the B&M acquired a New Hampshire charter. Railroad historians of New England agree that the B&M would become one of the most important railroad dynasties in the Northeast. Frederick Nowell, archivist for B&M Railroad notes: Visualize if you can, a New Hampshire of not so long ago where paved roads are a rarity and the motorcar is nowhere to be seen. With relentless regularity, the Boston and Maine Railroad conveyed the mail, carried the mail, and delivered the flour, nails, stove, newspaper, and all the necessities of life. It did this in all kinds of weather answering only to the demands of the timetable and the staccato click of the dispatcher’s telegraph key. Locally, the B&M Railroad not only brought about the development of manufacturing in New England, but also Winter 2021/22
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Success! the team reached the border marker on February 28, 2021.
reduced the social isolation inherent in north-country living. Dozens of small towns popped up along the rail line routes. Situated within 5 to 10 miles of each other, these communities forged connections through commerce, education, churches, trading, and shared expertise in rural craftsmanship. Working closely with the NH Bureau of Trails, Borowski and others have seen their work translate into an economic uptick for small businesses supported and sustained by cyclists, hikers, walkers, and snowmobilers. Her hope is that expanded winter use of the xNHAT will yield similar benefits.
Reflections
The reflections of the Frozen Adventure team are woven together by a mutual satisfaction in their completing the journey joined by their longing to get back out there and do more! I was honored to ski the Presidential Rail Trail section with this resolute group so that I could capture their excitement firsthand. “It was really fun and different; truly a unique kind of adventure. The skiing is mostly straight and flat and un-groomed, except for the sections where the snowmobile clubs had groomed the trails. My adventure was greatly enhanced by my life-long love of trains!” Laurel Smith
“Without the support and enthusiasm of Marianne, this adventure would never have taken place. Wanting to share the joy she experienced bicycling across the United States, she master-minded piecing together existing rail tracks, rail lines, back-country roads into a beautiful traverse now known at the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail. The winter excursion was an adventure of the
most satisfying variety, and one that will never be forgotten. The trek exceeded my expectations. It was a beautiful, safe place. I felt a sense of loss when it was over.” Madeleine Ryan “No matter what the weather had in store for us, I looked forward to getting back on the trail each day. It did not matter how cold it was. I was actually excited when we started the first day at sub-zero temperatures! It was about good exercise and great company. It was perfectly timed, as we were all looking to expand outdoor adventures during the pandemic. I really enjoyed all the planning—and I especially enjoyed the sense of community we built on our team. The mutual commitment was special.” Sherrill Tracy Kernan “I purchased my first pair of Nordic skis in December and headed out on the Frozen Adventure two months later. I loved it. Beyond the skiing, I experienced great teamwork, camaraderie, and support. It was not competitive. It was all about caring for the team, sharing snacks, encouraging one another, and celebrating our accomplishment together.” Don Kernan The rail lines throughout the country are truly linear parkways that can be explored for multi-use recreation anytime of the year. We discovered the gift of their unique beauty and rewarding challenges that came with winter use. In the winter, the trees have lost their leaves and the views open up. Not only the panoramic vistas, but also the railroad history is more visible. Unlike in other seasons, brush and leaves no longer obscure vestiges of the railroad, such as mile-
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age markers, telegraph poles, and switches. I look forward to the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail’s becoming a destination for Nordic skiing, winter hiking, snow showing, and fat biking. It is close to home for many locals, and can be traveled in sections for an hour, a day, or a multi-day trek.
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Working Together: Keeping the Vision on Track
The story of the xNHAT and its capacity to provide multi-use recreation year round is one of collaboration and communication. Working together with organizations representing motorized, as well as non-motorized recreation, Borowski has forged strong partnerships. Her goal continues to be focused on the unification of efforts in maintenance, preservation, and restoration of the trails for all allowed users. She has joined local ATV clubs and snowmobile clubs to support their maintenance and grooming services while offering praise and gratitude to the NH Bureau of Trails for its responsiveness and cooperation demonstrated through myriad projects. Dwight Smith’s vision to transform railroads into excursion use was the basis of his founding the Conway Scenic Railroad. A dedicated railroad professional, he is pleased with how the xNHAT has generated new awareness and interest in rail lines. Like Smith, Borowski has found a way to bring locals and visitors inside a landscape that serves as a living laboratory replete with lessons in history, ingenuity, and the changing dynamic of technology. The success of the year-round use of the xNHAT is an indicator of the burgeoning awareness of the capacity of repurposed rail lines to provide safe and expanded opportunities in the Valley and beyond. The parallels of Smith’s putting
The success of the year-round use of the xNHAT is an indicator of the burgeoning awareness of the capacity of repurposed rail lines to provide safe and expanded opportunities in the Valley and beyond. his vision into action bear similarities to Borowski’s success in acting on her vision. Both see rail lines as a way to connect and strengthen communities. While the seminal role of the railroads in the USA included logging, commerce, delivering milk, mail, and carrying passengers to the grand hotels, Dwight Smith and Marianne Borowski envision rail lines as avenues to recreation while serving as an economic engine to small towns and their local businesses. The hallmark set by the initial Frozen Adventure team portends the next chapter of the trail’s popularity and versatility. It has become clear that winter presents a unique opportunity to link together rail trails and abandoned rail lines for exploration on skis, snowshoes, microspikes, and fat bikes. When the urge to find a Frozen Adventure hits you, head to the xNHAT for a short ski, day trip, or multi-day trek. Remember: It’s more than a ski trip, it’s an adventure! Winter 2021/22
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THE NEXT GENERATION OF ICE CLIMBING By Lisa McCoy
Youth and technology are pushing the envelope of possibilities
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The next generation is taking full advantage of gear developments and treading into steeper, more challenging, and obscure terrain.
I
n 2013, Disney brought Frozen to the big screen, and along with the songs and an incredible female heroine, it piqued imaginations around the world about water-ice and its strength, beauty, and fascinating structure. In the winter, real-life ice castles form all around the Mt. Washington Valley and the region because of our unique geography. Ice-climbers revel in these plentiful and accessible playgrounds of cliffs encapsulated in water-ice, frozen waterfalls, ice caves, and larger-than-life icicles. Ice climbing, once deemed a niche and inaccessible sport, is growing in popularity, not only because of technological advances in gear, but due also to the young generation of climbers pushing the envelope of what is possible, and also becoming more familiar with this unique sport and terrain. “We have some of the best ice climbing in the country right here in North Conway,” said Paul McCoy, a climbing guide for the International Mountain Climbing School (IMCS). “People come to this area from all over the United States to climb ice,” he said. “In other places in the world, you may have to hike for hours to get to one [ice] flow, but here, for example, you can walk a mile along the Conway Scenic Railroad tracks in Crawford Notch, and access all different levels of climbing.” Kelsey Rex, who works at International Mountain Equipment said, “Accessibility is a huge perk to living here. It’s so easy to get out climbing, even in the morning before work or after work.” She admitted, “I moved here for the rock [climbing], but I’m attracted to staying
Winter 2021/22
here because of the ice. The ice here is world class.”
But I could never do that!
Climbing, you may be on low-angle terrain or dead-on vertical, but “… it’s a unique experience in the sense that it’s so unlike anything else, and it’s an activity that not many people get to do,” said Dugan Little, 17, who went ice climbing with IMCS last winter. “The exhilaration comes from being largely alone on a sheer face of ice, and reaching the top of the climb and looking out and around was awesome. The perspective provided such a unique view.” As a guide whose job it is to get people out on those fanciful cliffs of frozen ice, McCoy says, “You’ll be surprised about what you can do. People think that ice climbing is all about upper body strength. But what it really comes down to is your legs, along with balance.” You might think it impossible to wake up one day and decide to go ice climbing for the first time, in the same way you may do if, say, you decide to start running. And yes, while you may need good running shoes, ice climbing, too, requires special gear and equipment, along with technical instruction—which, luckily for those in the Valley, is readily available. With the right equipment and guidance, you can, indeed, climb on your first day out. Intendedly, the Mt. Washington Valley is home to an array of climbing guide services. McCoy says the learning curve on ice climbing is fairly quick for most people. You first learn to climb with just your feet, then climb with one ice axe, then two ice axes. Guides can have someone on “easy” low-angle ice and often by the end of the first day, they can
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“We have some of the best ice climbing in the country right here in North Conway,” said Paul McCoy, climbing guide for the International Mountain Climbing School (IMCS).
be successful on some steeper terrain. McCoy’s son, Rivir, who is 11 years old, has been out on ice several times and likened the experience of going on a rollercoaster. He said: “It’s intimidating when you are looking up at the ice, and when you are on it, your heart is beating!” And then when you come off the climb, “You just want to go and do it again!” Ice climbing can be a moving experience of empowerment and accomplishment. “Looking down at the ground sometimes can be scary,” Rivir said, “but smashing the picks and my feet into the ice is fun; I feel like I am spiderman on ice!”
Where did this sport even come from?
All varieties of climbing are derived from the training required to climb alpine peaks, explained Conrad Yaeger, also a guide with IMCS, and who has been ice climbing for over three decades. He reflected on the “Golden Age of Alpinism” in the mid-1800s, when the excess wealth of the Industrial Revolution
spurned British scientists and adventurers to hire French and Swiss farmers to be their guides. They completed first ascents of bold and previously unclimbed technical peaks throughout the Alps, such as the Matterhorn and the Eiger. “With its horrific weather and expansive alpine terrain, [Mount Washington] was a logical place to emulate the climbing being done in the European Alps during the 19th century,” according to New Hampshire Ice: A Select Guide by Dogarf and Rick Wilcox. “The first recorded climb was Herschel C. Parker’s ascent of the Tuckerman Ravine Headwall in 1895, completed with a single axe and some serious grit.” In an interview, Dogarf (a pseudonym) said, “We have one of the oldest climbing histories in North America.” He emphasized that the history of ice climbing is directly linked to the progression of equipment. “It wasn’t that long ago that the standard was to go up ice and chop steps.” (A technique of using ice axes
and hammers to create flat surfaces on the ice to gain elevation, which was very tedious, tiresome, and challenging.) But, he explained that within a decade of the creation of frontpoints (the “teeth” on the front of the crampons) climbing vertical ice became the norm. Brad White, the owner of IMCS who has been ice climbing for 46 years, said that the mark of an ice climber used to be the bruises on the outside edge of your pinky from slamming your hand into the ice. Those ice tools had a wooden handle and were quite slippery when cold. “Some of the biggest changes in technical gear have been the curving of the ax shaft, the drooping of the pick, and the improvement of the grip of the handle, which all prevent you from whacking your knuckles on the ice.” What’s different now: “The pommel protects the bottoms of your fingers, the grip is so much better and it’s ergonomically designed, and the curve of the shaft enables you to reach up and over ice bulges. The gear is
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The next generation is taking full advantage of gear developments and treading into steeper, more challenging terrain.
also much more dependable.” Jon Nicolodi, who has been ice climbing for about nine years, and is an avid mixed climber, said, “I entered the sport after a lot of the climbing technology had already taken place.” Mixed climbing focuses on those climbs that have both rock and ice, and you climb the rock with your ice tools and crampons. While you can “do a lot with mediocre gear,” Nicolodi said, “the more I got into pushing myself personally, I recognized how much it helps to have the specific gear for the climb. People are now down to not just which tools you are bringing, but how you sharpen them, which teeth you remove and how the pick is shaped.” There is a lot of specificity of gear in terms of what you are climbing, how, and when. “The younger generation of climbers are strong and are really talented athletes,” said Yaeger. “They are going to push it further than we did because we pushed it further than the generation before us; it’s the way it’s supposed to be.” The next generation is taking full advantage of these gear developments and treading into steeper, more challenging, and obscure terrain.
But … ice climbing looks so cold!
Yes, ice climbing can be cold, like many other winter sports (try sitting on a chairlift in the wind), but working to stay warm is part of the challenge. Yaeger said, “It’s way more fun than
people think it is, as long as you can stay warm.” He emphasized, though, “that’s how we grow as individuals: by pushing ourselves outside our comfort zone.” “I never really had a winter sport that I was drawn to because I don’t love the cold,” Rex said. “But, in ice climbing, you are either moving, or you are bundled up in a lot of layers.” She talked about the many ways that you can stay warm, including using hand and toe warmers, regulating your heat with layers, and even heated socks. “The key to being warm is to be properly outfitted,” echoed White. If you personally don’t have the proper clothing, reputable guide services like IMCS will have those items for you to use or rent for the day. He discussed how challenging it was when he first started climbing because GOR-TEX® hadn’t been invented, so you’d inevitably get soaked if there was any flowing water, or if it was snowing. But he was attracted to the sport because of its rugged nature. White said, “You face the challenge of the winter season by being equipped, and that’s what we do.” Guide services want you comfortable out in the elements so that you can have a positive experience.
How hard will it be?
Ice climbs, like rock climbs, are named, and there is a rating
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scale to understand the difficulty of the climb, which is a standard system used throughout the United States. Water ice (WI) is rated on a numerical scale, with WI1 being very low-angle ice formations and WI6 being vertical and sometimes overhanging. By nature, ice is ephemeral. Even the ice in your freezer changes conditions over time; at first, it’s beautiful clear ice, but if it sits in the drawer for a while you notice it becomes aerated, hazy, and shrinks. Similarly, ice climbs come “in,” but are always changing. Rex explained: “You see something on Instagram that someone may have climbed the day before, and you’ll go check it out the next day and it will look totally different. It could look a little bit better; it could look a little bit worse, but it’s not the same as the previous day. Very rarely is it ever the same shape.” An ice climb, with a given guidebook rating, can come in either really fat or really thin, so it would be easier or harder than what the guidebook says; so you have to use additional judgment, Nicolodi offered. He said, “You could do a climb one year and it feels easy or hard, and then the next year you do it and it feels completely different. It’s not as much about your ability or skill level, it’s about what’s given to you.” Winter 2021/22
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Reading the ice and the different ways that it forms is a skill, which is why much of the older generation seems to climb with grace and ease. Ice climbers with decades of experience have an advantage because they have had so much time on the ice, said Dogarf. But even the nature of social media has changed the sport; and there’s even a blog, www.NEIce.com, where you can get nearly up-to-the minute information about what is in, what conditions are like, which opens up additional access and information about climbing in the region. “Things come in, and the entire community is excited to climb them,” Nicolodi said. “Last year it was Welcome to the Machine—who knows what it will be this year. There are a lot of climbs that are more elusive: some ice climbs just haven’t formed even since I’ve lived here and that’s pretty fascinating in and of itself. So that aspect of waiting for those conditions is a long game of the sport.” But ultimately, “A lot of it depends on the day, and the weather, but mostly the person you are with,” said Yaeger. “You could be on the best climb in the world with a crappy partner and it’s not good … or you can be on a mediocre climb with a great climbing partner and have a great time.”
Okay … it’s time to climb!
With the myriad guide services here in the Mt. Washington Region and our accessibility to ice, an increasing number of people are getting the chance to experience this sport, whether local or visitor. What’s changing the sport now more than gear developments is the changing face of the new generation of ice climbers. Rex said, “I have more female partners these days in ice climbing than I do in rock climbing, and that’s really special. There are a lot of women in the Mt. Washington Valley who are really psyched on ice climbing, more so than rock. And that’s reflected in Dogarf’s guidebook too, how many women are in his book compared to only one woman in the last guidebook 20 years ago.” She said, “That’s how the sport is evolving here. We’ll see a lot more diversity in terms of gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity—and with the help of organizations like Outdoor Afro, more people will be brought into the sport. That’s going to change our ice crags in a great way: it will make a lot of people feel much more welcome and able to enjoy the sport when they are able to climb with people they can relate to and trust.” While you are out there, remember this: “Climbing is all about amusing ourselves and physical fitness,” said Yaeger. “It’s like being a kid.” Ice Climbing Guide Services in the Mt. Washington Region Novice climbers should hire a guide, and expect to be outfitted with all the various tools, clothing, and even a backpack, to make your day enjoyable. When you book with a reputable guide service, you will have guide and client insurance and protection, as well as the required permits.
What’s changing the sport now more than even gear developments is the changing face of the new generation of ice climbers.
Acadia Mountain Guides www.acadiamountainguides.com
Mooney Mountain Guides www.mooneymountainguides.com
Eastern Mountain Sports www.emsoutdoors.com
North Ridge Mountain Guides www.northridgemountainguides.com
Cathedral Mountain Guides www.cathedralmountainguides.com International Mountain Climbing School www.ime-usa.com/imcs
Mountain Shadow Adventures www.mtnshadowadventures.com Northeast Mountaineering www.nemountaineering.com Synnott Mountain Guides www.nhclimbing.com
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MT. WASHINGTON VALLEY ICE FEST February 4 - 6, 2022
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Started by Rick Wilcox and Nick Yardley in 1993, the Mt. Washington Valley Ice Fest has been the premier ice climbing event in the Northeast ever since. The founders were inspired by other events in the country that featured ice climbing clinics, slideshows, and of course, beer and a fun community atmosphere (read: a big party of climbers). Almost 30 years in, the party continues. With a year off in 2021 due to COVID, the Ice Fest is back this upcoming February 4 - 6, 2022. At Ice Fest, participants attend ice-climbing clinics led by local and specialized guest guides to broaden and develop their climbing skills; demo the latest gear from an array of national and international brands; learn and become inspired by the accomplishments of other notable climbers at evening slideshows; and drink beer from the Tuckerman Brewing Company, which is not only good for the soul, but fosters the community and the stoke for this amazing sport. Visit the Mt. Washington Valley Ice Fest website for information about speakers, guest guides, and all the latest and greatest: www.mwv-icefest.com.
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Winter 2021/22
(603) 356.4747 • ChefsBistroNH.com 2724 White Mountain Hwy, No. Conway Village, NH
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PUSHING INDIVIDUAL LIMITS TOGETHER
By Christine Thompson
Interview with Valley Adventurers, Mark Synnott and Thom Pollard
Thom Pollard admires the view of the full Buddha moon from 28,000 feet during the descent of his successful May 22, 2016 summit of Mount Everest in Nepal. Pollard was high-altitude cameraman on an expedition searching for an abandoned high camp in a remote area of the mountain dating back to Sir Edmund Hillary’s and Tenzing Norgay’s historic 1953 expedition. Photo courtesy of Lhakpa Pinasa Sherpa. 68 MWVvibe.com
Winter 2021/22
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“The greatest danger in life is not to take the adventure.” George Leigh Mallory
A
n inevitable part of the human condition is questioning whether you are on the right path. That questioning often sounds something like, “Have I lived life too cautiously? Have I played it too safely? Have I taken enough risks?” Sometimes, as we get older, those questions turn into regret for the things we haven’t done. We look on with envy at those brave enough to take those risks and wish we could live by the creed. After sitting down to interview Mark Synnott and Thom Pollard, I am fairly confident that they will face the end of their days without those regrets. Synnott and Pollard enjoy a unique friendship bound together with a spirit for adventure. Personally, I consider both Mark and Thom to be good friends. We socialized in some of the same circles as we raised our children, we interacted through chasing our toddlers at various potluck dinners, playing family Sunday soccer games, and attending school functions. Of course, I knew that they went on expeditions in far-off places, but I didn’t put much thought into it. It wasn’t until recently that I realized how accomplished they both were, and it wasn’t until interviewing them that I realized how driven and, conversely, how humble.
Mark Synnott: Crazy Kid of America Mark’s thirst for adventure started when he was a kid. “I was somebody that couldn’t handle being bored,” noted Synnott, which caused him to go outside and get into lots of shenanigans. He grew up in the suburbs of Boston where there were no woods, but that didn’t stop him from making his own adventure. He would set risky goals for himself and be bound and determined to see them through. One of the first such goals was to “dance on the chimney of every house in my neighborhood.” He laughs. In order to up the ante and motivate others to join him, he started dare devil clubs. One was aptly named, Golden Fellows, where members would have to do scrappy things for rewards. The rewards would help them move up the ranks and earn golden matches. Synnott’s family bought a ski house in Jackson in 1976, which is where he was introduced to the climbing community. In New Hampshire, he started a club called “Crazy Kids of America,” which led to his first foray up North Conway’s infamous Cathedral Ledge. For him, it was love at first pitch. “Climbing was an instant passion. It was so compelling. I’m not sure why, but I knew immediately that this was it.” His skill and deter-
Left: Mark Synnott sits on the summit of the world on May 30, 2019 during his Everest expedition to search for the remains of lost British mountaineer Sandy Irvine. Irvine disappeared in 1924 with fellow climber George Mallory, who were last seen “going for the top” at over 28,000 feet on Everest’s north ridge. Photo courtesy of Jamie McGuinness. Right: The vast north face of Everest rises above the terminus of the Rongbuk Valley in Tibet, as seen from the upper Rongbuk Monastery. Explorer George Mallory first explored this region as a viable route to the summit of Everest during the 1921 British Mount Everest reconnaissance expedition. Thom Pollard photo. 70 MWVvibe.com
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mination eventually earned him a coveted spot on The North Face’s athletic team. In addition to being an experienced climber and adventurer, Synnott is also a best-selling author. A gifted writer from an early age, Synnott created his first publication as a preteen. “Tom Sawyer Huck Finn” is a weekly newsletter to motivate his friends to be adventurous. As he grew into adulthood, this skill served him well as a contributing writer for National Geographic and Outside magazine. His first book, The Impossible Climb: Alex Honnold, El Capitan, and the Climbing Life, published in 2018, became an overnight success. His most recent book, The Third Pole Mystery, Obsession and Death on Everest, is equally as compelling. Synnott writes books about people who push the limits of what we think is possible. His approach to writing is not dissimilar to his approach to climbing. He immerses himself in research and is incredibly detail orientated. His “scrappy” persona (his words, not mine) makes most of his accomplishments look easy, though they are far from it. He is driven, brilliant, and focused. As a writer, it is vitally important to him to get the story right. As a voracious reader, he is especially drawn to works of history and non-fiction. A writer he particularly admires is Eric Larson, “He does meticulous research so non-fiction reads like fiction. He weaves it all together so you feel like you’re there.” The same could easily be said of Synnott’s writing. Writing does give him immense satisfaction. Synnott notes that intellectual pursuits, such as writing, can offer the same Winter 2021/22
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Top: (pictured from right to left) Mark Synnott, Thom Pollard, and professional climber Renan Ozturk pose for a photo atop the roof of a Buddhist monastery in the village of Tingri, Tibet, April 2019. Ozturk, a well-known filmmaker for National Geographic, directed the film about Synnott’s and Pollard’s efforts to solve the mystery of whether British mountaineers George Mallory and Sandy Irvine had become the first to climb Everest in 1924. The film, which documents their expedition, is called Lost On Everest, and is available on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Matthew Irving. Lower Left: Drones were a game changer during the 2019 search expedition led by Synnott and Pollard. Instead of “boots on the ground,” the search team was able to cover vast areas of the north face of Everest (above middle) with the use of modern drones. The historic expedition was the first to fly drones to altitudes over 28,000 feet. Photo courtesy of Thom Pollard. Thom Pollard visits the George Mallory and Sandy Irvine memorial at Everest Base Camp in Tibet on his and Mark Synnott’s expedition to search for the body of Irvine. Their team was literally the last on the mountain, north or south, when they made their final push and search of the mountain. Photo courtesy of Matthew Irving. 72 MWVvibe.com
type of satisfaction as discovering a new route on a climb. He likens the process to making a first ascent. “It is often something that no one has done before. I don’t like creating the words from whole cloth, but figuring out what you want to say is a cool process.” Mark’s advice for writers? “[You] have to be willing to put in the work and enter the pain cave for a year to write a book.”
Thom Pollard: Making Connections An adventurer in his own right, Thom Pollard is the founder of Eyes Open Productions, creating documentary films about a wide array of fascinating topics. He is also a gifted public speaker, award-winning documentary filmmaker, brilliant photographer, and podcaster, just to name a few of his talents. His storytelling skills are unparalleled. The passion he has for Mount Everest borders on obsession. Pollard was the high-altitude cameraman on the expedition that discovered the body of lost British Mountaineer George Leigh Mallory at nearly 27,000 feet in 1999. The significance of this discovery cannot be overstated. Many believe that George Mallory and Sandy Irvine were the first to summit Everest in 1924. To date, not enough evidence has been found to prove it. (Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay hold the title of the first to summit Everest in 1953.) Ever since discovering Mallory’s body, Pollard has felt that the key to solving this mystery might be found with Sandy Irvine, specifically with Sandy Irvine’s camera. Finding Mallory in 1999 has made finding his ill-fated climbing partner seem tantalizingly possible and this undying belief has sent him back to Everest three more times. It was after Synnott’s first book was published that Thom Pollard became a more predominant figure in his life. Though they had known each other for years, their orbits truly collided when Synnott went to one of Pollard’s Everest talks. The friends say that they were really living parallel lives before they came together for the Everest project. They both were raising kids, climbing, and trying to turn their passions into their vocations—to the detriment of their family lives. In an ironic twist of fate, when they went into the court hearing for their respective divorces, they were actually in court on the same day. They can laugh about it now, but it was a painful time for both. Pushing Limits Together It wasn’t long after that chance encounter that they decided to collaborate on an expedition to Everest, which is detailed in Synnott’s book, The Third Pole Mystery, Obsession and Death on Everest. Pollard was able to persuade Synnott that discovering Sandy Irvine’s body and his camera was possible. After a lot of research, they put together a team, and in 2019, they went to Everest to look for Sandy Irvine and his camera. It is impossible to separate the act of climbing from the climbing tribe. For Pollard, that’s always been the essence of it. A competitive swimmer in college, he likens the climbing community to an athletic team of scrappy dreamers with insatiable curiosity. “What makes it is the team, the camaraderie, and being with other like-minded people.” On Everest, there is a lot of downtime, and the pair often spent hours philosophizing and questioning the meaning of life. Synnott chimes in, “The people on your team are everything. In the 2019 Everest expedition, we nailed it.” Winter 2021/22
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Top: Mallory’s hobnail boot. Pollard revisited the site of Mallory’s remains at nearly 27,000 feet on Everest with team member Andy Politz on May 16, 1999. They searched the area (unsuccessfully) with a metal detector to look for the camera that Mallory was known to have been carrying. Lower Left: Sound recordist Jim Hurst pauses on the medial moraine of the East Rongbuk Glacier to admire the north face of Everest, several miles distant. Hurst was part of the National Geographic film crew that documented Synnott’s and Pollard’s expedition to find lost mountaineer Sandy Irvine. The team followed the exact path taken by George Mallory and Sandy Irvine on their fateful 1924 expedition. Lower Right: Mark Synnott ascends the fixed lines leading up to the North Col of Mount Everest in May of 2019. When Mallory and Irvine first climbed this section in 1924, it was believed that a human being could not survive a night at such high elevations. The last known photo of Mallory and Irvine was taken a short distance above where this photo was captured. All photos on this page courtesy of Thom Pollard. 74 MWVvibe.com
Trips are an excuse to go to a different part of the world. Both Synnott and Pollard agree that meeting the people has always been the best part of the expedition. They also both agree that Pollard is gifted at getting to know people. He is genuine and warm and is truly interested in learning about people and their stories. His interview style has a sincerity about it that allows folks to naturally open up. As Synnott observes, “We’re all interested in the human condition because we’re all human ourselves.” Pollard’s penchant for making connections isn’t limited to humans; it also includes animals. “If you camp next to Thom, you have to be prepared for a whole menagerie of fowl and wildlife, because Thom somehow has birdseed—in Tibet—which attracts all kinds of birds, and he’s talking baby talk to them.” Pollard’s affinity for animals got him the nickname The Bird Whisperer at basecamp. Pollard and Synnott’s mutual admiration and chemistry are palpable. When asked to describe Synnott, Pollard stated, “He’s insanely smart and really funny. Uber talented, but you’d never know it. He’s an immensely talented writer, well above the base IQ, self-deprecating to a certain extent, and fiercely loyal. And one of the funniest motherfuckers on the planet. He also likes vodka martinis, as I do.” Synnott says of Pollard, “His spirit is overwhelmingly positive, warm, and energizing. Anybody that you asked would tell you that about Thom. It’s like being on a drug, having him around. He’s so genuine— no bullshit. He’s a totally real, authentic person. Some climbers project a bit of an image, but Thom doesn’t do that. He has a genius for communication and is a naturally gifted presenter and communicator.”
next for the duo? Synnott plans to sail up into the arctic for his next project. Sailing is his new passion. He would also like to transform from solo to more family pursuits. Synnott finds sailing and climbing to be quite similar, so it’s a good fit as they both satisfy his thirst for adventure. He also plans to seek out projects where “exploration and adventure collide with science and environmentalism.” For Pollard, it’s all about the next story. His curiosity is an occupation, “It may sound like a joke, but not an untruth: I’m ADD, so my brain likes to be occupied.” He is drawn to certain topics, such as adventure and music, but does not limit himself. In October of 2021, Pollard began a new podcast, “Tools for Nomads,” in which he interviews “insanely productive and creative people.” His most recent podcast interview was of filmmaker Valarie Taylor on her latest piece “Playing with Sharks: The Valerie Taylor Story.” And if that isn’t enough, The Bird Whisperer has many more projects on the horizon. Both Pollard and Synnott agree that they have to feel a connection to a project to pursue it. With time and experience, they now have the luxury of being more selective about what projects they take on. Synnott’s strategy is to “ … figure out where you want to go and then dig until you find the story. Go specific and that’s when things happen. It all starts with geography.” They definitely want to tackle another project together, but they’re not quite sure what it will be yet. But you can rest assured that it will be epic.
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Moving Forward After tackling the world’s tallest mountain and investigating the decades-old mystery of Mallory and Irvine, what’s
Be sure to check out Synnott’s latest book, The Third Pole, available at White Birch Books (or Amazon) and Pollard’s podcasts, “The Happiness Quotient” and “Tools for Nomads” found wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
Winter 2021/22
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Where Has All the Farmland Gone?
WiseguyCreative.com photo 76 MWVvibe.com
Valley Farmers Craft Creative Solutions to Farmland Access Crisis
Winter is planning season for farmers. It’s a chance to sharpen tools, map out next year’s gardens, order seeds. Instead of 16-hour workdays, images of a slower time come to mind: staying warm by a wood stove, savoring simple meals made from the last season’s bounty, “put up” only a few months before. For farmers, winter is about recharging.
But this idyllic New England scene is sometimes underlain by worries: in addition to the hand-wringing over weather (early frosts, wind, hail damage, floods or oncoming drought—also all New England hallmarks), a deeper anxiety resides. For many of our local farmers, there’s no guarantee that they can run a profitable business or stay on their land beyond a few growing seasons, due to ongoing demographic shifts, changing land-ownership structures, and market forces that make it extremely difficult to support a family on farm income. Winter 2021/22
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“New Hampshire has a lot of farms—an estimated 4,100 of them—but most are small and don’t come close to being able to support a family.” That’s the conclusion of the latest NASS estimate for New England, which is unsurprising because the service has reached the same conclusion for at least two decades. Andrea Pelosi of the Spice of Life Farm in North Conway knows this hand-wringing all too well. Andrea worked for years to develop a breeding herd of heritage Kiko and Nubian goats, which she uses for meat, milk, and custom land clearing. In 2020, she unexpectedly lost access to the barn where she housed her animals and nearly lost her business. Through her relationship with friendly neighbors who have open minds and plentiful land they don’t use for agriculture, she was able to secure housing for her animals. “Without access to a barn and pasture for my goats, I would have had to sell my entire herd (five years in the making) and ended my farm quite possibly forever,” Andrea remarks. The arrangement isn’t perfect since it is not connected to her own land, but it has provided a critical bridge until she is able to construct something on her own property. Andrea’s story is typical of many beginner farmers who didn’t inherit land and face many barriers in starting, or scaling up, their business. Here are some edifying statistics, based on data from the last few agricultural censuses: • New Hampshire is listed in the top 10 states in the U.S. where beginning farmers start their operations (USDA; National Agricultural Statistics Service). This means we’ve got a lot of idealistic folks that want to start farming here! But they’re not just young folks: the average age of a beginning farmer is 46.3—meaning that they are likely coming to farming as a second or “retirement” career.
• Beginning farmers represent 27 percent of the country’s 3.4 million producers. In 2017, the United States had 908,274 producers who identified as beginning farmers (anyone who has farmed for 10 years or less); but they only control 21 percent of the farmland (meaning a higher percentage of beginning farmers farm small plots of land, or are farming on land they don’t own, or without a long-term lease). • Almost three-quarters (72 percent) of beginning farmers report a primary occupation other than farming.
• Farm ownership is not becoming more diverse—95 percent of beginner farmers, as well as young farmers (under 35 years), are white. White farmers own 95.5 percent of agriculture land in the U.S. across all age groups and experience levels. • From 2012 to 2017, more than 42,539 acres of land in New Hampshire were converted from farms to other uses. However, the number of farms increased by 29 percent between 2002 and 2012. Again, this means that more and more farmers (many of them “beginning” farmers) are farming on smaller and smaller pieces of land.
While national agriculture statistics are only collected every five years, David Brooks of the Concord Monitor summed it up nicely in an article from just last February, when the National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) updated their latest estimates: “New Hampshire has a lot of farms—an estimated 4,100 of them—but most are small and don’t come close to being able to support a family. That’s the conclusion of the latest NASS estimate for New England, which is unsurprising because the service has reached the same conclusion for at least two decades.” TENANT FARMERS & YOUNG FARMERS Farming is all about soil. The better the soil, the better the crop, and the more sustainable the business operation. And while some New England river-bottom land can rival some of the best Midwestern soils in terms of topsoil, many New England farms are successful only because of the gradual soil enhancement that has taken place over generations. Here in New England, it is essential to add lime (usually calcium carbonate) to raise the soil’s pH level, as well as organic material to increase the cation exchange capacity so that roots can access the available nutrients in the soil. These aren’t quick fixes—farmers work the soil season after season, year after year, with each year building on the last. Making good soil takes an awful lot of toil—and an awful lot of time.
Photo courtesy of Weston’s Farm / Anne Skidmore Photography
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LAND TRUST TOOLS Conservation easements reduce the value of the land. By entering into a conservation easement with a land trust, the ownership of the land doesn’t change, but the owners agree to “extinguish development rights”—meaning that they can no longer subdivide and develop the land. A conservation easement also prohibits commercial uses on the land except agriculture and forestry. And, importantly, these restrictions on the land are binding for future owners, too. These restrictions reduce the value of the land significantly, making it more affordable to the next landowner, and increasing the chances that the next landowner will also be a farmer. Added benefit: conservation easements can be donated and sometimes sold. The reduction in the sale price of the farm can also be beneficial to the current owner-operator: if they donated the conservation easement, they can use the loss of value of their land as a generous tax break on their farm income (and off-farm income, too). For farmland with the best soils (“prime agricultural land”), generous grants are available from NRCS for landowners to get paid for their extinguished development rights (based on the difference in value of the land “before and after” the easement went into effect). These grants can be significant, and are often used to pay off farm debt or help the farmer to scale up their business operations significantly. Land trust as owner/lessor. Sometimes, land trusts go a step further: they buy the land outright, and then they lease it back to farmers for a nominal fee. Land Trusts can also run “farmer incubator” programs on such land, offering new and beginning farmers an opportunity to try out their hand at farming, prior to large outlays of capital. Incubator programs can sometimes also provide equipment to beginning farmers, also for nominal fees. Option to purchase at agricultural value. In this hybrid model, a farmer gets to own the land, but if they sell, the land trust has a right of first refusal. Then, the land trust is obligated to sell the land to the next farmer at a rate that is based on the agricultural productivity of the land itself—not on what the real estate market could offer. In this example, it’s in the land trust’s best interest to sell the land quickly and get it back into agricultural production; they essentially act as a farmer-to-farmer “bridge.”
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Photo courtesy of Anne Skidmore Photography
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When you ask a successful farmer how they were able to choose farming as a career, it is surprising how many of them lucked into a “sweetheart deal”—and we need to make those sweetheart deals the norm, not the exception.
Tenant farmers, especially in the Northeast, do not have the luxury of decades. If they’re lucky enough to happen across excellent bottom-land soil that already has a desirable pH and high soil organic matter, they can turn that soil into veggies (and hopefully profit) quickly. But too often, tenant farmers farm on bony hillsides, on sandy outwash plains, and along windy ridges—all land that requires expensive soil amendments to make the soils productive at a commercial level. And most farm leases do not provide the long time-horizon necessary to make it worth a farmer’s effort to improve their soil. Many of our tenant farmers are younger—they are not the same “beginning farmers” captured in the statistics above, who are likely coming to farming as a second career, with assets already saved. It’s when looking at the statistics on young farmers that our story gets even more bleak: in 2012 (the last time a full census was done), only 15 percent of NH principal farm operators were younger than 45. And, the number of young operators keeps dropping, decade after decade, based on numbers from the last two censuses. In 2016, the American Farmland Trust, a national land trust that conserves farmland across the U.S., and Land For Good, a non-profit farmer advocacy organization based in Keene, commissioned a report to look at this and other farm succession conundrums, and came up with a sobering answer: in New Hampshire, “the continued decline in young farm operators
Photo courtesy of Weston’s Farm / Anne Skidmore Photography
suggests that access to land and capital may be challenging for them, and that many farm enterprises cannot generate sufficient profit to bring on or sustain new, young operators.”
WHERE TO GO FROM HERE? The trends we see emerging from national and statewide data are not different from those we see on the ground here in the Mt. Washington Valley. Beginning farmers struggle to find available, productive land to rent or own. Even when found, the plots can be too small or the leases too short term to create true farm viability. So we see lots of these new farmers producing at small levels, while maintaining off-farm income. These unsustainable trends can be reversed, but only with a lot of community backing. Access to land For tenant farmers, long-term leases are key. They need to farm with the assurance that they can reap their own rewards: that is, the work they’re putting into the soil should result in increased profit for them, not for the next renter who happens to farm the land five or 10 years from now. An automatically renewing “rotating five-year lease”—where the tenant farmer always has a five-year time horizon to plan for future crops, soil amendments, and infrastructure improvements—is one good solution. For younger farmers especially, farmland needs to be inexpensive. Farmers need to be able to access land without having had a prior career (or other sources of private capital). Both land purchases and long-term leases need to be subsidized through government programs, and existing programs need to be marketed better. When you ask a successful farmer how they were able to choose farming as a career, it is surprising how many of them lucked into a “sweetheart deal”—and we need to make those sweetheart deals the norm, not the exception. Land trusts—like the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust that works here in the Mt. Washington Valley, or like the American Farmland Trust that works nationally—are grappling with these issues head-on. (See the sidebar for a number of programs that land trusts use to provide access to land). But they also can’t do it alone; they, too, need community backing, since land trusts are non-profit organizations. That means that they rely on donations from community members to sustain themselves. Access to capital You need to spend money to make money, they say. For younger farmers especially, access to land is critical—but so is access to farm equipment, machinery, fertilizers, drip tape, row covers, weed barrier fabric, and a whole host of other supplies—and they all cost money. County Conservation Districts throughout the state have equipment-sharing programs, offering equipment for rent to local farmers that is not typically needed on a regular basis, like no-till drills and manure spreaders. This allows farmers to adopt conservation practices that keep soil and nutrients in place without breaking the bank. The NH Association of
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HOW YOU CAN HELP Support MWVEG (Mt. Washington Valley Eaters & Growers) A collaboration of local farmers and food system advocates who work to increase communication and collaboration between farms and our community. Visit www.mwveg.com for resources. MWVEG’s work is supported by donations. Support your local farmer by seeking them out, buying their produce, and/or joining their CSA. You can find a listing of local farms in the greater MWV (plus a list of what they’re growing) at the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust’s website: www.usvlt.org. Support your local land trust by becoming a member. Through conservation easements, land trusts make farmland access more affordable for the next generation of farmers. Visit www.landtrustalliance.org/find-land-trust. Own good-quality farmland not being farmed? Consider leasing your land to a tenant farmer—with a multi-year lease if possible. List your land on New England Farmland Finder: www.newenglandfarmlandfinder.org. Advocate by reaching out to your local, state, and federal representatives. Educate yourself about the conservation programs packed into the current Farm Bill and let your representatives know that you support their work in supporting our farmers. www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ national/programs/farmbill.
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Conserservation Districts offers staff conservation planners to help farmers with technical assistance for these practices on the land and help in understanding how to access USDA funding sources. Likewise, the UNH Cooperative Extension meets one-on-one with farmers to understand their needs and find science-based answers to their questions. Extension provides farmer support in all aspects of running a farm business: from understanding legal or regulatory requirements of growing food, to soil fertility and pest management recommendations, to education on farm financial management, like developing an enterprise budget. Capital—in the form of cost-share programs, grants, and loans—is also available through two different branches of the U.S. Department of Agriculture: the Farm Service Agency (FSA), and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Successful farmers often have decades-long relationships with both agencies. NRCS offers handsome grants to land trusts to purchase conservation easements, but only on the best soils. The state of New Hampshire will also step up to the table with other sources of grant funding—all in an effort to help keep our best farmland in farming, for generations to come. Finally, New Hampshire’s own Community Loan Fund offers both capital and business planning services for NH farmers as an additional choice. Look them up at www.communityloanfund.org. Access to experienced advisors Another key aspect to running a successful business is learning to not reinvent the wheel. Farmers (especially beginning farmers) need access to each other as well as technical service providers. Two newly launched collaboratives have exactly those goals in mind: the Agricultural Viability Alliance—NH consists of nine organizations that offer one-on-one technical assistance in farm business management topics; and the Legal Food Hub helps farmers with legal topics. But sometimes, an old-fashioned apprenticeship may be the best way to go: Joanne Ducas of Mountain Heartbeet Farm (see the sidebar) puts it this way: “In my experience and observation, the best-case scenario for a beginning farmer is to lease land from another farmer. Leasing from someone who currently farms or has previously farmed the land brings with it a wealth of knowledge, and understanding that farming is hard work and isn’t always pretty. When the
lessor has had their own struggles with growing and truly understands the value of providing the community with fresh, local food, they understand that leasing their land and infrastructure is an investment in the local food system. They share a belief system with the lessee farmer that the importance of feeding people usurps the monetary appeal of renting out a barn or field to store boats or antique cars for a better price.” Yes, farming in New Hampshire, or anywhere in New England, is difficult. But with the backing of community partners, farms can be viable—and celebrated as an essential part of the fabric that weaves our communities together. MWVEG - Mount Washington Valley Eaters and Growers are farmers and food advocates who work together on local food issues. Their mission is to strengthen the regional food system through communication, collaboration, and cooperation among our farms and our community.
University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension (UNH Extension) provides research-based information and non-formal education programs on topics important to the state. Through partnerships with county governments, UNH Extension offices staffed by specialists, educators, support personnel, and volunteers are located in each of the state’s 10 counties. UNH Extension works in four broad topic areas: youth and family development, community and economic development, natural resources, and food and agriculture.
The Upper Saco Valley Land Trust is a non-profit organization whose motto is “Preserving Land for Community Benefit.” USVLT has completed 78 conservation projects since 2001, totaling over 12,700 acres throughout the Mount Washington Valley in New Hampshire and Western Maine. These lands include vast tracts of habitat, gorgeous vistas, trailheads that access Forest Service land, and working lands—including hundreds of acres of prime agricultural soils and more than a dozen historic farms. Keeping farmland in farming is a key component of USVLT’s mission. Learn more about USVLT by calling (603) 662-0008 or visiting www.usvlt.org.
Photo courtesy of Weston’s Farm / Anne Skidmore Photography
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The Original “Sweetheart Deal” —Bill & Eve and The Farm by the River Bill and Eve Klotz own and run The Farm by the River in Effingham, New Hampshire. The land has a conservation easement on it, ensuring that it will never be developed. It’s gorgeous riverside land with excellent soils. It’s WiseguyCreative.com photo been in Eve’s family for over 50 years. It’s picture-perfect. But even on picture-perfect farms, in some years, it’s hard to turn a profit. Eve’s family purchased the farmhouse and surrounding farmland in 1964, when Eve was a teenager. They ran a successful annual and perennial business out of glass greenhouses for several decades. In 1975, Bill showed up and started working for Eve’s parents as a carpenter. Eve’s parents recognized a strong work ethic in Bill—as well as a growing love for the land. In 1978, Bill took over a small plot of land onsite to start a pickyour-own strawberry operation, which eventually turned into a formal lease of 10 acres onsite. The lease was free—the only requirement was that Bill maintain a strong working relationship with UNH Extension and NRCS, making sure that they were using the best available practices that would be gentlest on the land. The sweetheart deal also came with free use of the 1956 John Deere and 1949 Farmall Cub (nicknamed Charlotte), as well as an irrigation pump. Bill and Eve were married in 1982 and took over the property in 2001. When they first started, they knew nothing about growing crops, and relied heavily on expert help offered up for free from UNH Cooperative Extension. Eve credits the UNH Extension “old timers”—David Sorensen and Bill Lord, both now retired—with getting them to the point of having a viable business operation. In addition to the PYO strawberry business, they added perennials, raspberries, and vegetables, which they sold from the farm; while Eve made and sold jam. They have loved continuing the work started by Eve’s parents, and they feel blessed by the chance to create a family life at The Farm by the River, raising their two children there. But the pick-your-own strawberry business was never very profitable. In 1985, after a devastating hailstorm obliterated the entire crop in a matter of minutes (followed the next year by unceasing drought—meaning no farm income for two years in a row), they were forced to get jobs off the farm. Eve went back to school; she is now retired from her career as a clinical social worker. Bill still works part-time doing property maintenance off the farm. In 2015, Bill and Eve had an opportunity to “pay it forward.” Thanks to connections with UNH Extension, they learned about a young energetic farmer named Joanne Ducas, who wanted a chance at starting her own farm. That vision has now become Mountain Heartbeet Farm at The Farm By The River (www.mountainheartbeet.com) and it is a successful business with a loyal following. Joanne took over Bill and Eve’s small neighborhood CSA, and it has grown exponentially. She farms 1.5 acres of gardens onsite, has covered storage, and has use of the farm equipment, irrigation system, and pumps. Joanne also lives onsite, so she does pay rent, but it’s nominal. For Joanne, it’s been an opportunity to grow her brand and establish herself. For Bill and Eve, it’s the karmic wheels turning.
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The Golden Age of Skiing Comes Full Circle IN THE GLEN
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Mount Washington, the Glen, and the Breakthrough of Recreational Skiing By Dan Szczesny
I
n 1966, famed Swiss-American ski master Hans Thorner attended a luncheon in New York City where he was interviewed by the equally famous reporter and columnist, Inez Robb. Robb was 66 at the time. Thorner was 58. Both had made a mark in their industry by this time. Thorner had moved to the states in 1932 and helped revolutionize the ski industry, including running a ski school at the Glen House in Pinkham Notch and opening the Thorner House in Franconia. He was famous for his theatrics, such as skiing off roofs and appearing in Hollywood ski pictures. Robb had a nearly 40-year journalism career behind her and had been one of the first two women in the country to become a United States Army correspondent during World War II. She’d written extensively about the women left behind during the war, including the ones she called “American Amazons,” the seamstresses that created clothes and parachutes for the soldiers. They were both tough as nails and their interview was fiery. The talk got off to a popping start when Robb suggested that Magic Mountain—the
By the early part of the 20th Century, it was clear that New Hampshire in general and the Glen, in particular, would be the epicenter of the American ski industry.
ski resort in Vermont of which Thorner was currently the president and manager—was little more than a singles club. “That’s where the action is,” she said, “and the boys, too, ripe for the plucking.” But Thorner doubled down. “There is no easier place to meet the opposite sex,” said the skier. “On skis, one can display magnificently whatever he or she has to display.” Robb called him a “man of firm opinion and many of them.” Thorner told her that writers can’t be skiers because they fail to see the commercial value of the sport. “Skiing is in the heart,” Thorner told her. “It is not how well you ski, but what you get out of it.” By the end, they were both singing each other’s praises, as professionals do. But regardless of the journalist’s cautious approach, by the time of that interview, the skiing industry was a powerhouse, due in no small part to the work of celebrities like Thorner. He made stops in Lake Placid, Washington state, and Hollywood before arriving in the great flat bowl that is currently the home of the Mt. Washington Auto Road and the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center. And by the time he arrived in the mid-1930s, the ski industry was taking flight, and New Hampshire was ground zero.
In the Beginning
By the early part of the 20th century, it was clear that New Hampshire in general and the Glen, in particular, would be the epicenter of the American ski industry. According to Jeff Leich, the executive director of the New England Ski Museum, New Hampshire’s role in the industry was the result of the confluence of three distinct groups all coming together at about the same
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LEFT: Part of a panorama of shots taken, most likely, by the Associated Press during a 1933-34 season club ski meet from the Glen House. All the buildings in the background are now gone. Note the gas station under the shelter to the right of the building. This photo was published in Steven Caming’s Images of America: Mount Washington Auto Road, and dated as the 1932 Spring Snow Fest but Historian Ron Walters suggests, based on some of the cars’ license plates, that this is a later photo. RIGHT: This widely published photo of Hans Thorner jumping off the Glen House roof was taken by famed photographer Winston Pote. The shot was included in Pote’s book Mount Washington in Winter: Photographs and Recollections, 1923-1940, corresponding with some of time when Thorner was running his ski school there.
time: Scandinavian working-class immigrants who came to the Berlin paper mills in the late 1800s, Dartmouth Outing students who became obsessed with the sport in the 1910s and 1920s, and Boston-based Appalachian Mountain Club members looking for hills and mountains to practice the new pastime. These groups and clubs began filtering down and up toward the Glen,
the form of President Franklin Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Tyler Ray, the founder of the Granite Back Country Alliance, an organization that helps build and promote glade skiing in the North Country, said that local ski clubs of the time worked with the CCC to cut new backcountry trails. “There
the rolling hills and dales of that great area off Route 16 where the Glen House and Mt. Washington Auto Road were already thriving. But two more events had to take place to kick the Great Glen Winter Festivals of the 1930s in gear. The first had to do with land, said Howie Wemyss, the former long-time general manager of the auto road. In 1907, the family that owned the land at the Glen purchased the auto road, combining the two for the first time. Then, in 1924, the third Glen House burned down. “Winter sports was coming on strong to the scene,” Wemyss said. “So, when they rebuilt, they winterized it, putting in central heating and floodlights. They did everything they could to promote it and draw skiers.” One final piece of the puzzle clicked into place in 1933 in
were 40 or 50 ski clubs across New Hampshire at the time and they would apply to the CCC to come and develop trails, which encouraged people to be social and get outside during the winter,” he said. “This is enlightening as it demonstrates how important the culture was to the state, starting in the 1930s.” With all the pieces in place—location, interest, and momentum—Glen skiing was about to lift off.
There were 40 or 50 ski clubs across New Hampshire at the time and they would apply to the CCC to come and develop trails, which encouraged people to be social and get outside during the winter.
Snow Festival Madness
The early Mount Washington ski and snow festivals were fairly loose affairs, designed and managed primarily by the various ski clubs from around New England. In their recreation archives, the AMC’s Ski Committee lists excursions to Tuckerman Ravine, Pinkham Notch, and even trips to the Glen for what they
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Western Maine & New Hampshire Lakes & Mountains Carol Chaffee, REALTOR® www.carolchaffee.com (207) 240-1641 • (800) 450-7784 called pre-season ski conditioning all throughout the 1930s, with post-event libations across the road at Wildcat Mountain. There are references to many outings by the Dartmouth Outing Club, the Winnipesaukee Ski Club, and the National Association of America. The Nansen Ski Club Mount Washington Spring Snow Fests, though, were the events that catapulted skiing into the national scene. Jeff Leich of the ski museum said they were run for five consecutive years, 1932 through 1936. Nansen remains the oldest continuously running ski club in America, founded in 1872, and their snow fests involved races, workshops, training, and all manner of displays. Our friend Hans Thurber was running the Glen House Ski School by then. Dartmouth racer Dick Durrance created a new racing format known as the giant slalom and ran it successfully the first time in Tuckerman Ravine in 1937. Leich said the new style attracted high-end competitors as a new racing form— and also because of the lack of casualties! But the most legendary ski race run at Mount Washington was actually only run three times: 1933, 1934, and 1939. It was called the American Inferno, run from the summit of Mount Washington down Tuckerman Ravine and out to the Pinkham Notch Highway. A free-form race with a 4,200-foot vertical drop over 4 miles, the races are still spoken of in hushed whispers among the skiing elite. And among them all, Toni Matt and his 1939 schuss straight down the ravine has never been, and will likely never be, beat. He won the race with a time of 6 minutes, 29 seconds; this cut the existing course record in half. There was nothing like the Glen in those days. Skiing had yet to reach those epic heights in big mountain states and Winter 2021/22
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UPPER LEFT: Another picture by famous photographer Winston Pote of the finish line at the end of the Mt. Washington Auto Road during the 1932 Spring Snow Fest. This photo was published in Pote’s book “Mount Washington During Winter.” UPPER RIGHT: Another shot, most likely Associated Press, taken from the Glen House looking west toward the start of the Mt. Washington Auto Road as it begins its climb up Mount Washington. Note how crowded this ski meet is with cars parked along Route 16. Historian Ron Walters suggests that since the Glen House flag isn’t flying, this is a club ski meet, most likely the 1933/34 season, rather than the larger Snow Fest. LOWER LEFT: This shot is from the 1932 Spring Snow Fest. Note the Glen House flag flying in the center background of the picture, as it did for Snow Fests. Events like ski jumping were offered for all ages, including youth. The man in the white jacket appears to have a shield patch that identifies him from the US Eastern Amateur Ski Association. Perhaps he’s a judge. The man to his right is taking notes and is likely a reporter. LOWER RIGHT: This pic was taken at the base of the auto road, just north of the current toll house. The house behind the racer with the chimney and the long buildings still stand. Most likely another Associated Press picture taken of the finish line of a 1933/34 cross-country meet. This photo was published in Steven Caming’s Images of America: Mount Washington Auto Road, and dated as the 1932 Spring Snow Fest but historian Ron Walters suggests the later date due to the finish line’s location. RIGHT: This is most likely a postcard from the mid-1930s. It shows the fourth Glen House, built in 1925. Note the snow archway built at the entrance that wasn’t there during the 1932 Spring Snow Fest.
outdoors enthusiasts were, for the first time, learning that they could be outside all winter long. “The Glen House served as a venue, but didn’t run those events,” said Howie Wemyss. “They didn’t have the staff or wherewithal to mount an event. Despite that, every hill around the property was packed.”
Skiing Stronger Than Ever Today
What began in the 1930s right in the shadow of Mount Washington has, today, become a multi-million-dollar industry for New Hampshire. Abigail Nilsson, the assistant director of Ski New Hampshire, estimates that over the course of the 2020/21 season, the state saw 2.29 million visitors taking part in some form of ski or tubing activities, up four percent from the previous year. Taylor Caswell, the state’s commissioner of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, said that snowmobiling and skiing are the top winter activities that New Hamp-
shire promotes. “With skiing more so than in the summer months, tourists tend to stay for several days,” he said. “In general, skiing crowds spend more money.” So popular is the sport that even the Inferno—or a variation of the Inferno–is back. Since 2000, the Friends of Tuckerman Ravine have run the Tuckerman Inferno Adventure Race. Designed to pay homage to the original 1930s races, the new Inferno expands the format into a pentathlon, adding running, kayaking, cycling, and hiking legs. Even better, the current course of the new Inferno begins at Great Glen Trails. The next Tuckerman Inferno is scheduled for March 19, 2022. Meanwhile, Tyler Ray of the Granite Back Country Alliance continues to use the lessons from the 1930s CCC glade trails to inform his group’s work today. They’ve already created or re-established 14 glade zones across the state, based on the work of those early CCC crews.
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LEFT: This well-dressed skier does not appear to be a competitor or part of a news organization. He’s holding a Kodak Cone 8 Model 60 camera that came out later in 1932, which means this shot is likely from sometime later, again from the 1933/34 season, or perhaps the 1934 Spring Snow Fest. RIGHT: This photo was taken during what was probably a club ski meet and is most likely an Associated Press photo. Taken from the upper floor of the Glen House over a cottage behind the hotel, it shows a race along the Katzensteig Trail, dating the photo most likely as the 1933/34 season.
“We’re not reviving what the CCC did, but we’re mimicking them,” Ray said. “It’s about enhancing that engagement with the land and knowing where your roots are. This brings everything full circle.”
A partial look at a Glen House brochure from the 1940s
What about Hans?
In those early days of celebrity, Hans Thorner made part of his living by doing something unusual for the time, but common nowadays. He got sponsorship, from of all brands, Camel cigarettes. In the 1940s, he filmed the 1948 Olympics and made ski movies for Swiss Air. And in 1960, his dream of building a Swiss village at the base of a mountain came true when he created Magic Mountain in Vermont. But through it all, he never lost his idealized vision of what skiing really should be. In a 1967 Ski magazine interview, the always cranky Hans laid into the very magazine that was giving him ink with a most remarkable description of what he thought the image of skiing should look like. All skiers are dreamers, he said, and the ski media doesn’t understand what they really want. “I want to read about experiences or descriptions that carry me away,” he said. “How about a page of real good-looking, clean-cut girls, but sexy, in the Abracadabra lounge, smoke rising all around them, and some handsome masculine faces around them.” He paused, likely taking a drag, and finished with, “How would that be for a story?”
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