Where are all of the people? Honestly, this place was deserted. It's hard to imagine that given the weekend crowds this place can even pay the bills. <BR> <BR>I was there to take video and photos for an upcoming piece that Sharon Heller is writing. After sweating profusely during a tele clinic the day before at Hickory, it was surprising to have 75% of our group sporting white frostbite patches midway down our first run. The car's thermometer read +4F as we arrived at 9:30 am, and the summit winds were rocking right up Talisman, so strong in fact that the surface literally disappeared in the blowing snow. <BR> <BR>At least it was sunny, and by mid-morning the temps warmed into the comfort zone. We pounded the mountain hard right up to 4 pm. Everything was open, but some things were more recommendable than others. Witch had firm manmade, but one benefit of limited crowds and a limited budget is that snomaking has been used to a minimum this season. Goniff Glades and Twilight Zone were both fun on the upper part with only the occasional rock or stump poking through, but past where they merge the runout back to the groomer was ugly. Not quite sure why Slide of Hans was closed, but it was fun even with the crunchy, crusty cut up snow in there. <BR> <BR>The groomers were all in superb shape, but we admittedly spent little time on them. The run of the day was the ugliest looking of them all: Redline. This technically demanding trail was even more challenging thanks to exposed rocks, stumps and ledges. No matter, though, for it was fun, fun, fun. <BR> <BR>If you're looking for uncrowded, naturally-challenging terrain for a decent price in southern VT, look no further than Magic.