St.-Philémon (QC), Canada – It was around 10:30 p.m. when I pulled into the tiny pastoral village of St.-Philémon, Québec. René Godbout, Massif du Sud’s general manager, was convinced that I would never find my condo in the dark, and therefore made arrangements to meet me in the parking lot of the hamlet’s only gas … Continue reading Massif du Sud: A Personal Stash
Angel Fire, NM – The Ute Indians first called this area nestled high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains “Angel Fire” for the soft, amber glow of the setting sun as it radiates down the valley just before dipping beyond Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest point. Today, the name conveys a slightly different, yet parallel … Continue reading Angel Fire: It’s a Family Thing
Fernie (BC), Canada – “You’re in,” Heather told me, “one of the original group has broken his shoulder.” Let me tell you, I’ve never been so happy to see someone driven off the mountain in an ambulance in all my life. All it took was a week on the waiting list, 240 Canadian dollars and … Continue reading Fernie Wilderness Adventures: A Lucky Break
Alta, WY – As we drove north towards the small Idaho town of Driggs, I sat in the passenger seat with a heavy heart. No, it wasn’t the girlfriend troubles back home that had gotten me down, rather it was the snow, or more precisely the lack thereof. Women are nice to have around and … Continue reading Grand Targhee: It’s Amazing What You’ll Find
Bozeman, MT – “One if by land, two if by sea.” The code for the light signals emanating from Boston’s Old North Church during the American Revolutionary War was clear enough. Equally clear is the signal cast by Bozeman, Montana’s call to arms, a single blue light flashing high above a tall building on the … Continue reading Blue Light Extra Special
Bolton, VT – We here at First Tracks!! Online like to think we have a finicky audience. We like to think that our readers want a little more from their snow sliding experience than endless groomed runs, man made snow, and $7 burgers. Perhaps we’re wrong, but we believe that many of you out there … Continue reading Bolton Valley: Go Tele It On the Mountain
Santa Fe, NM – Home to Georgia O’Keeffe, green chiles and hand-crafted turquoise jewelry, New Mexico’s capital is home to another gem high in the Sangre de Cristo mountains overlooking the city: Ski Santa Fe. n The family-owned ski resort lies northeast of the city, 15 miles away by car. Artist’s Road begins climbing out … Continue reading Ski Santa Fe: A Turquoise Jewel