As luck may have it…it’s my turn to blog…On New Year’s Eve.

Kind of a daunting task…to try and sum up the year in such a manner worthy of our fine readers.

Time Magazine (http://tinyurl.com/yh6b2k9) posted a top 10 list of just about everything you can imagine. From top 10 Buzz Words (sexting) to top 10 Fashion Moments (Michelle Obama’s inaugural gown) to top 10 New Species (ratzilla) and everything in between.

Do we dwell upon some of the sad moments of 2009…the ongoing war in Afghanistan, the economic crisis, the death of Michael Jackson or Barack Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize;)

naaaa

Personally, 2009 was a pretty decent year. It was the first year in my new house. My sister had her second baby. I got a new job.

But really, who cares? The past is the past…Tomorrow is 2010…and I’m more of an in-the-moment kind of guy. New Year’s Eve is about today… errrr… tonight;) The biggest party of the year!

The first, big, party of the year kicked off in Sydney, Australia at 5am this morning, Tokyo 7am, Bangkok 9am, and all our brave soldiers will celebrate the New Year at noon in Kabul, Afghanistan.

For all the Schweitzer fans out there, the parties are many…so whether you heading to Taps for the sold out Sol Jibe party, the St Bernard for some DJ action, or kickin it in town at Eichart’s or the old Eklektos place…tonight will be a night for fun.

There’s lots of traditions surrounding New Years Eve…and no, getting so drunk you don’t remember the year…wasn’t gonna be my first one;) One of my favorites is the singing of Auld Lang Syne. First penned by the Scottish poet, Robby Burns in 1788…it has become the anthem sung around the world to usher in the new year. Another mainstay of the new year’s celebration is the Times Square ball drop. 1907 marked the first appearance of the ball…it had 100 lights, weighed 700 pounds and was 5 feet in diameter. And what better way to top off a poem singin, ball droppin evening than with a big smooch. Whether it’s your main squeeze of years, the guy/girl you just met at the bar, or every person that walks by with a pulse…what better way to end one year and start the next.

So here’s to you 2009…Be at war with your vices; at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man. –Benjamin Franklin

Ps…Be safe out there tonight…careful who you kiss;)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Webster’s Dictionary defines a Cougar as “a large, tawny cat, Felis concolor, of North and South America: now greatly reduced in number and endangered in some areas.

However urbandictionary.com (my source for all definitions) defines a cougar as “Attractive women in her 30s and 40s that are usually only interested in men under the age of twenty-five. Also, Cougars are non-committal, choosing to move from mate to mate without ever settling down. It is not uncommon for the same Cougar to attack many different men in the same group of friends. Furthermore, Cougars are older and more practiced in the ways of snaring a mate so they will rarely broadcast their intentions until you are already in her Jetta, headed for the condo she just bought. It is this elusive behavior that earns her the name, “Cougar”.”

When resorts around the nation first opened, skiing was a recreation of high class. Today resorts still maintain some of that status symbol. Snow covered villages are filled with high end clothing stores, gourmet delis, and lavish bars; all made accessible by nicely heated, snow free walkways. This is the perfect hunting ground for cougars to prowl, stalk, and pursue their prey; all while sauntering from bar to bar sipping morning mimosas, slurping afternoon margaritas and throwing back tequila shooters at the closure of the day.

Working in the ski industry and fitting the under 25, male profile I’ve had my fair share of encounters with cougars. I have decided to take it upon myself to do some research on these elusive women of Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

Cougars be warned: whether you are a Hollywood living, Rodeo Drive shopping, New York Fashionista, or even a local SARS mom. I will sacrifice myself to study the hunt, the snare techniques, and the catch.

Check back in Next week for Part 1 of the Cougar Chronicles.

I like powder just as much as the next guy. I’ll anticipate a big storm and spend a sleepless night gearing up for my first turns in knee deep fluff. But it always suprises me how the mountain clears out a few days after the storms pass.  Boards are hung up in anticipation of the next big dump.  The waiting game begins anew.

When we get weather like we’ve had the past few days — bluebird and unlimited visibility — I often wonder how powderhounds can pass up the chance to switch things up and rip the groomers? Sure, it’s not the same feeling.  But for me, it’s just a different kind of rush.

Where do I head?  I start the day checking out the grooming report — a good way is to check out the interactive trailmap located at http://www.schweitzer.com/mountain/trail_maps/interactive/ and I look for the high angle groomers.  Schweitzer’s fairly unique in this region because our grooming crew regularly hits some of our steepest terrain – K-MAC, Bud’s Chute, Upper Kaniksu, Jack’s Dream and others. 

So, there I was yesterday, standing on the top of K-MAC, gazing in awe at the jaw-dropping view of Lake Pend Orielle that seems to never get old. I had waited for this moment all summer long — the feeling of the world dropping out from under you as you accelerate down the steep, smooth pitch. Dropping in, it was everything I hoped it would be — for a while. I couldn’t help but stop at the top of the terrain park, turn around and look up at what I had just skied. Powder day or not, it was hard to argue with the feeling of pure bliss that a well-manicured, high-angle groomer can bring.

Here it is…another Thursday…but it isn’t any Thursday…it’s Christmas Eve. Since I left home after high school…Christmas has always been more about work, and unfortunately, less about friends and family. I spent 12 years after high school in the military…and was away for most of those Christmases but since then, I’ve worked at ski resorts…and for the last 4 years, those Christmases have been spent at Schweitzer.

I must say, there’s something about getting together with friends and family and sharing time over the holidays…but for the last few years I’ve been working at ski resorts and there’s something totally different…although… just as good…about making the dream come true for others. There are plenty of Christmas songs and stories about white Christmases… the dream come true. And when it comes down to it, that’s the job of every ski resort employee… make the Christmas dream come true.

It doesn’t matter if your Christmas dream is slaying pow all day, partying with friends, seeing your child ski with santa, or just hanging out by the fire – watching the snow fall. I’ll admit, those of us in the industry call this time “hell week”…or two weeks…but we wouldn’t be here if we didn’t love the sport or the sight of a family enjoying the mountains like we get to do every day.

So here’s to you… the ski resort employee… making Christmas dreams come true. May your families miss you, but understand why… share the stoke that makes our days fly by…and a wonderful Christmas full of white snow and blue sky.

ps…there was a big, internal debate over the plural of “christmas”…hours of research…and 2 minutes on the google came up with “christmases”.  I would love to hear any other suggestions, comments, or corrections

I recently decided to quit being a knuckle dragger and switch over to the two planks. So I’ve dedicated this season to giving it a try, so far so good.

The only downfall to switching over is I no longer can just go wherever I want, whenever I want, in any sort of condition I want. However this new learning experience has been fun as well as super frustrating.

There have been many days where everything just seems to fall in line and work perfectly for me though. It’s those days that I cling to during the hair pulling, curse word flying, spits of rage I feel on the not so “clicky” days.

Today however was one of those days everything just seemed to click. While lapping Siberia I was finally getting the elusive face shot, as I was able to connect turn after turn in what seemed like bottomless powder. I ended the day feeling stoked and confident in my powder ability.

So whether it be the first time you complete a hockey stop, learn to parallel turn, slide your first box, or stomp your first cliff; cling to those moments of greatness next time you double eject on a cat track in front of a crowd of people.

Oh yeah, one more thing I was taught. No matter what you do, whether you mean to or not, always afterbang. That steezy way of skiing makes anything look like you meant to do it, and are stoked you pulled it off! Ahhhh yeah.

As someone originally from the east coast, I have to admit that ten years ago, I knew very little about Idaho, or skiing in Idaho, for that matter.  I knew that Idaho produced a lot of potatoes — the State has done a pretty remarkable job back east pushing the spuds.

So, I moved out here with a few pre-conceived notions, but essentially a blank slate. I had skied extensively in Colorado, Utah and back east, and didn’t know a whole lot about Idaho skiing. 

From day one, I was blown away by the diversity of skiing here in Idaho.  I was also surprised, given 18 ski areas in the State, that Idaho skiing really isn’t on the map.  Having been familiar with other State ski associations, like Colorado Ski Country, Ski Utah, the Vermont Ski Areas Association and others, I wondered if such an organization existed here in Idaho and if so, what were they doing keeping skiing in Idaho such a secret?

We’ve come a long way over the past couple of years with the Idaho Ski Areas Assocation.  Just a couple days ago, they launched www.soulofskiing.com , a site definitely worth checking out!  When you visit the site, you’ll be asked to fill out a few fields of info, including first name, last name and phone number — rest assured that your personal info isn’t being used for spam and it won’t be shared.  Once you enter this, you’ll get a personalized message from Jeret “Speedy” Peterson, favored to win gold this winter in Vancouver.  He also happens to be an Idaho native.  It’s a pretty cool, personalized video project, so check it out! (Be sure to have the phone handy that you enter in the phone number field — that’s all I’m going to say!)  I hope you enjoy it — I think it may just be a first within the ski industry.

Christmas Eve, 1993.

I was 8.

It had been a full day of skiing, and after going home, changing and coming back up the hill – it may as well have been the North Pole.

The village emptied with the slumber of daylight, and in a matter of hours, transformed from a the bustling sounds of clicking bindings, squeaking chairlifts and excited voices, to a scene that could have inspired any number of Christmas songs…. Silent Night, Winter Wonderland, Let it Snow….

I was wearing a dress and tights and shiny black shoes.

My feet were wet.

Should have worn boots.

Following tradition, my mother was taking a break from cooking for six on Christmas Eve and my visiting grandparents were treating us to probably the only “dress-up” dinner we would have all year.

Following dinner, children had the chance to see Santa before he set off to deliver gifts.

One last wish before the big day…

I don’t remember what I wished for.

I don’t remember if I opened it the following day.

But  I remember sitting on Santa’s Lap.

It was the only time in my entire childhood I remember my interaction with Santa.

Perhaps it’s because it was one of my last.

Perhaps it’s because he asked me if I wanted a Ferrari and looking back I wondered what Santa thought an 8-year-old North Idaho girl would do with a Ferrari….

Or perhaps it’s because it’s the one time I spent Christmas Eve in the mountains.

Where snowflakes are more exquisite…

Where the stars seem just a little more within reach…

Where the Santa Clause seems just a little more authentic…

A place one goes to enjoy winter and embrace the weather, rather than deal simple “get through it.”

2009.

Green Gables is now The Selkirk Lodge.

Things have changed a bit.

But Santa still comes every year for the last wish.

And if you’re doubting the authenticity of the season of joy, after months of being inundated with commercialized act of “giving” and the materialism of “cheer” – (the trend of the 21st century) – Or perhaps you need a break from the kitchen, the company, the craziness…

 ….give this a try…

The next time you come up to ski (or just come up to ‘be’) – stick around until after the lifts close.

Listen for the silence snowfall…

Dream beneath the Christmas tree…

Take a moment to believe in Santa…

Who knows…

Maybe you’ll get your final wish this season…

Maybe you’ll find a little peace…

Or maybe you’ll simply make a memory.

Here’s to you…  The Powder Hound

Well.  It seems like winter is finally upon us.  The last storm dumped almost 2 feet of the yummy white stuff all over the mountain…and it seems like we will have a White Christmas.  I’ve always been enamored with the videos and photos of people skiing in powder so deep they can’t breath…and as a child, wanted to grow a beard just so I could walk into the lodge with a frost-crusted face.

Here at Schweitzer, we may not have the bottomless days Utah likes to brag about, but what makes this place special, and in my opinion better, is our variety.  Anybody can look good skiing waist deep pow that has a 5% moisture content…especially with the widespread use of truly “fat” skis.  What makes a skier (or boarder) good, is his/her ability to ski in all conditions.

These past few days are a perfect example.  Monday, we had a healthy dump of picture perfect snow…6% moisture, cold and light.  You could wave your hand over your car and most of the snow would disappear from your windshield.  The crust layer underneath made for some fast paced hero snow.  The next two days were more typical Schweitzer snow…just as much of it, but with a lot more water.  Again, super fun to ride, but it definitely took a bit more effort, leg strength and skill to make look like a magazine ad.  Finally, today…some traditional Sierra Cement…  Heavy and dense, with a touch of rain.  So the past few days, I’ve made my best effert to shred the mountain like any other Schweitzer-ite.  Now maybe I’m a bit out of shape and not the raddest skier out there, but my legs are FRIED. 

During my 3-day tour of trying to be a legit powder hound, I came across a few characteristics of the species that you may not find in your typical winter enthusiast…and some may even call them crazy.  First, if you have never shown up to the mountain an hour (or more!) on a powder day and witnessed the line-up…it’s a sight to see.  People, fully geared up; standing in the cold waiting for the lift (with beverage of choice in hand) bragging to each other about who was there the longest.  The next characteristic of a true powder hound is an enhanced sense of sight…and I use the word “sight” loosely.  Skiing by brail is a necessity in the Northwest, whether it’s the powder blocking your vision or the thin layer of frozen moisture that can attach itself to your goggles in mere seconds.

Whether you are a genetically altered, optically enhanced, temperature impermeable powder hound, or just a beginner learning the ropes of the sport we love…I think I can say that a good powder day is something we all put at the top of the list.  As the old saying goes…there’s no blank (insert noun…friends, girlfriends, wifes, etc) on a powder day

So here’s to you…the Powder Hound…may your legs be strong, your goggles clear and the powder deep.  I hope we have many more powder days ahead…I know we will.

And of course, I’ve gotta give a shout out to the lifties and patrollers that help us enjoy the pow.

There’s nothing quite like a forecast of snow to add an extra bit of spring to a step, a little bigger smile to one’s face or just make a good day even better.  That’s the case with the forecast below:

Today: A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly after 10am. Cloudy, with a high near 11. East wind around 6 mph. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tonight: Snow likely, mainly before 4am. Cloudy, with a low around 7. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Monday: A 50 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 10am. Partly sunny and cold, with a high near 10.  Light and variable wind. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of snow. Cloudy, with a low around 10. Southeast wind between 5 and 7 mph.

Tuesday: Snow. High near 23. South wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Tuesday Night: Snow. Low around 22. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Wednesday: Snow. High near 31. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Wednesday Night: Snow likely. Cloudy, with a low around 26. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Thursday: A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 27.

Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of snow. Cloudy, with a low around 24.

Friday: A 50 percent chance of snow. Cloudy, with a high near 28.

Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of snow. Cloudy, with a low around 25.

Saturday: A 50 percent chance of snow. Cloudy, with a high near 29.

Let’s hope our trusty weather gurus have brought their “A” game to the table and this forecast verifies! We’ve been asked the question about what we need to get more of the mountain open.  A foot of snow should be enough to get Stella open on the backside and we’re probably looking at two feet to open upper areas in the North Bowl. With any luck, Schweitzer’s famous “Storm Cycles” are poised to kick into gear this week, just in time for the upcoming holidays!  Stay tuned to the snow report for updates on terrain and lift status and, by all means, keep doing those snowdances!

Today was a good day…

It was good because the sun was shining.

It was a good day because village was bustling.

It was good because my boss brought donuts in for breakfast.

It was good because the forecast kept increasing it’s snowfall percentage outlook (90% chance Sat. night and Sun!!!!)

It was good because I saw a purple Teletubby skiing through the village. (seriously).

But most of all, it was so good to see the turnout we had for A Day for Heather…

We raised $8160 today for Community Cancer Services of Sandpoint.

It’s not a powder day.

It’s not a Saturday.

We reached the number purely because of the heart of this community.

Because people skipped school and work to come up here and support an incredible cause. 

Because season pass holders and employees contributed an extra $10 even though they didn’t have to.

The sense of community in both Schweitzer and Sandpoint never fails to amaze me and make me proud to call myself a local.

‘Tis the season.

Thank you.