Skiing Jay Peak & Cannon Mountain

Day #15, and it was one of my favorites! We got just over two hours of sleep and were out the door by 3:00am heading toward Jay for the sunrise service/free tram ride. I was shockingly awake for the drive, which is especially impressive considering I was abstaining from caffeine (I did not trust my bowels after two days of heavy, creamy pasta meals).

Jay Peak

Snow Report

Day 124a: Early Word (6:20a)

        It's looking like a bright and sunny Easter here at Jay Peak with our Sunrise Tram Service finishing up, an All-day Easter Buffet at Alice's Table and an Egg hunt for the kiddos at noon over at the waterpark. That west wind is still existent but has diminished generously and should hopefully allow us to run most lifts today.

        We'll see a high of 37 degrees and with lower temps at night causing the snow to re-freeze, the upper mountain conditions will continue to take on a frozen granular consistency this morning before that sun softens things up to more of a playful corn snow through the afternoon.

        Confidence is increasing in a possible "long-durration" April winter storm that would hit us roughly Wednesday through Friday. The verdict is still out on how much snow we'll see and we don't want to jinx it, but things could get deep here at Jay once again next week.

Run 1: Tram - Northway - Goat Run - Queen's Highway

[2.02 mi, 7:25, 2100 ft, 35.2 mph max, 16.3 mph avg]

I landed to the parking lot right at 4:00am, which was a bit stressful because I hadn't parked Tramside since my very first day skiing over two years ago. I figured it out, went for a walk to scope things out, and decided I had a bit of time to sit in the car. I eventually got dressed and carried my gear over to the Tram around 4:30am, which got me in line to make it on the second Tram of the morning. I was joined by Emma's coworker/my new friend Elizabeth, which made for a fun morning of chit chats. Riding the Tram for the first time in the dark was not for the faint of heart - it truly felt like we were going to fall into the abyss every time we went past a tower, but thankfully we made it up in one piece. There was free hot chocolate and coffee, but tragically I forgot my Irish Cream... next year! We met up with Emma on the ridge to watch the beautiful, but cloudy sunrise, and then we had to wait until the service was over to ski down. 

Following the service, we booked it out of the building to grab out equipment. There were just a few people ahead of us, which made for some really excellent skiing. The views were even more breathtaking than usual - the Northway from the top to the Flyer is really a lovely trail that gives you the "top of the world" feeling. I screamed "ARE YOU KIDDING ME" at the views numerous times. The curves on Goat Run that usually leave me humbled were simply a delight to ski down, and we took a pit stop at the Green Mountain Boys junction to say to Emma who was working very hard making sure the downhillers don't get into any mischief. 

The second half of our run brought us to Queen's Highway and then back to the Tramside Base. I've never loved a run this much - only thing that comes close was skiing America at Saddleback, but this was just two miles of freshly groomed snow with literally no one else around (turns out many people hang out up top for a while before skiing down). Elizabeth and I went back and forth on whether or not we'd stay to ski some more, but the four hour drive home got me moving (I also pressured Elizabeth into coming to the Eclipse with us) - maybe I'll stop at Cannon since it's LITERALLY on the highway? I made a reservation just in case.............

Cannon Mountain

Mountain Report

        "I tell you, we are here on earth to search for easter eggs at Cannon, and don't let anybody tell you different." - Kurt Vonnegut

        Happy Easter Cannon Family! The Yeti took it upon himself to hide easter eggs all over the Tuckerbrook area. They are filled with ful little toys and easter stickers! Big kids, keep your eyes peeled for the golden egg! It could be hiding anywhere on the mountain and stuffed inside is a two-night stay at the Woodstock Inn & Brewery and two 24/25 Cannon Lift Tickets. The hunt is on as soon as the lifts are open! Don't forget, spring ticket rates are in full effect, adult tickets are just $79. See below for more details and pricing

        The Groomers were out on 47 trails overnight. You can expect machine groomed, loose granular conditions across the mountain. Clouds will be clearing into the afternoon and temps are expected to reach into the high 30's at the base. So we expected surfaces to soften up towards the end of the day. Groomers have been working hard to get trails into the best possible shape after this weeks thaw/freeze cycle and each day the trails get a little better. For the best conditions get here early to enjoy the fresh crospy cords!

Runs 1-2

Run 1: Peabody Express Quad - Easy Link - Big Link - Middle Ravine - Lower Ravine

[1.16 mi, 3:29, 1378 ft, 34.8 mph max, 19.9 mph avg]

Run 2: Peabody Express Quad - Easy Link - Big Link - Middle Ravine - Lower Ravine

[1.04 mi, 3:11, 1312 ft, 32.8 mph max, 19.6 mph avg]

Well, as expected, I couldn't resist stopping in for a few runs at Cannon. It also perfectly split up my ride from Jay Peak to Boston. Thankfully, I knew my way around the base area now, so I pulled in, used the bathroom, suited up at the car, and got right on the slope! I got right to it from the Peabody Express Quad, hidding Easy and Big Links, Middle Ravine, and Lower Ravine. I'm not sure if its just becuase I was on day three of skiing or the conditions were better, but I felt like I was doing a MUCH better job at it! Also I was cruising faster than usual, which felt very fun. Also, less death cookies. I was delighted to see no lines or crowds, either!

Runs 3-4

Run 3: Peabody Express Quad - Cannonball Quad - Tramway - Middle Cannon - Rock Garden - Mickey's Margin - Gary's

[1.57 mi, 5:42, 2198 ft, 27.5 mph max, 16.5 mph avg]

Run 4: Zoomer Triple - Mickey's Margin - Lower Cannon

[0.54 mi, 2:27, 571 ft, 24.1 mph max, 13.3 mph avg]

For my third run, I ended up deciding to go big! I took the Peabody to Cannonball Quad all the way up - it was snowing up top! Also quite windy, but not as bad as Friday. I flirted with hitting the Slalom or Upper Ravine, but decided to stick with a trail that I knew, especially since I knew I'd see a great cloud-less view of Mt. Lafayette! The Tramway skied very well, and I enjoy how wide it is. From there, I last-minute decided to conitnue all the way down Middle Cannon, Rock Garden, Mickey's Margin, and then dreaded Gary's, who I overall felt better about, but still not thrilled. This was a fun, long run - getting as close to a tippy-top to tippy-bottom as I could. Note for next time - with my current skills, I could have gone to the bottom of the Tuckerbrook Area to lose a few more feet of elevation. Technically the Mittersill Base is lower, but there's no direct downhill connection from the Cannon Summit.

Run #4 was a non-glamorous run from the Zoomer Triple to Mickey's Margin to Lower Cannon - I cut off of Mickey's too early, went over a sheet of ice, and then a patch of bare ground, which landed me on my bottom. Getting back up, I started to skid until I sat down again. Not glamorous! Thankfully, not damaged either. Just humbled. 

Runs 5-8

Run 5: Peabody Express Quad - Cannonball Quad - Taft Slalom - Upper Ravine

[0.76 mi, 3:21, 909 ft, 23.6 mph max, 13.7 mph avg]

Run 6: Cannonball Quad - Upper Ravine - Middle Ravine - Lower Ravine

[1.65 mi, 4:59, 1998 ft, 29.2 mph max, 19.9 mph avg]

Run 7: Peabody Express Quad - Cannonball Quad - Tramway - Big Link

[0.63 mi, 2:26, 932 ft, 25.8 mph max, 15.5 mph avg]

Run 8: Cannonball Quad - Taft Slalom - Upper Ravine - Middle Ravine - Lower Ravine

[1.71 mi, 6:08, 2057 ft, 31.3 mph max, 16.7 mph avg]

Runs 5-8 were all from the summit and all VERY fun! #5 was an exploration lap of Taft Slalom and the lower Upper Ravine. Taft was FUN. Wide, just steep enough, with EXCELLENT views - I could even see where I started my day at Jay from here! The lower stretch of Upper Ravine was fun and easy, but definitely get some speed toward the end as it flattens out a bit. Run #6 explored the full Ravine trail. Upper Ravine was a little intense in the amount and frequency of curves, but could be fun on a second try. From there, the Middle and Lower Ravines were just as fun as they were before. 

My penultimate run was to revisit the Tramway down to Big Link - I forgot that I do not care for the steepness nor iciness of Big Link... And my final run was a super fun run of Taft Slalom to the Ravines. My heart wanted to keep going, but the "Sunday" of it all pushed me back to my car to pack up shop and head home. This was a VERY fun, fulfilling weekend of skiing and friendship - and I'm SUPER excited for the eclipse next weekend!

End of Day Stats: 9 Runs, 11.09 miles, 13,458 feet, 35.2 mph max, 0:39:58 skiing, 1:46:12 elapsed.

Map of Jay Peak Resort (2024)

Map of Cannon Mountain (2024)

Skiing Bolton Valley

Ski Day #14! Emma was taking an "off-day," so I headed back to Bolton Valley to do some exploring with more open terrain while she rested. The drive was super easy and I made it just before lifts opened. The forecast for the higher mountains was WINDY, but thankfully the lower mountain areas of Bolton were rather unscathed. Wilderness and Vista started the day on hold, which encouraged me to head over to the Timberline area.

Snow Report

7am Update

        Sound the corn horn (lightly) this weekend with freezing temperatures overnight and warming temperatures (and some sunshine) as the day progresses, which typically leads to that legendary spring corn we all know and love. Conditions should remain firm in the morning hours at most elevations, but expected to loosen up a bit in the afternoon as temps rise and peeks of sunshine do their thing. We expect the softest/corniest conditions down at lower elecation (and warmer) Timberline the earliest and persisting at lower elevations in the main base areas as we ski into the sunset with lifts until 10pm for the last time this season. Hard to believe this is already the final weekend of March, and thus begins our April left schedule on Monday which is daily lifts from noon to 7pm (though we'll spin lifts 10am to 6pm on Eclipse Monday 4/8).

        Today we plan to spin all 6 lifts with 60+ trails (though Patrol will have the final word as always). Groomers for the win in the morning and ungroomed natural terrain expected to be the winner by mid afternoon at lower elevations. And then rinse and repeat for Sunday funday with a similar setup currently forecasted.

        And don't look now, buuuuuut... have you heard we could see anywhere from one to three feet in a long duration snow storm next Tuesday to Thursday? Sure sets us up real, real nice for Eclipse weekend next weekend AND hitting our planned closing date of April 14. Sorry if you'll have to navigate the roller coaster of corn snow, Bolton Beach days and pow days over the next couple of weeks, but we feel like you can handle it. #SorryNotSorry.

8:30am Update: Vista and Wilderness are currently on wind hold.

        First lift for top-to-bottom skiing an driding anticipated this morning is Timberline at 9am. Hopefully we'll get the upper mountain lifts back by mid morning, but stay tuned with that refresh button as always... current forecase calls for those wind gusts at the top to subside a bit over the course of the morning, but Mother Nature can be unpredictable in the mountains - see this week's forecasted one to three foot snow storm for further evidence of this phenomena. We'll keep you posted.

Runs 1-6

Run 1: Snowflake Lift - Timberline Line - Timberline Run

[1.21 mi, 5:16, 896 ft, 26.7 mph max, 13.8 mph avg]

Run 2: Timberline Lift - Upper Villager - Timberline Run

[1.32 mi, 4:36, 1033 ft, 28.8 mph max, 17.3 mph avg]

Run 3: Timberline Lift - Upper Villager - Sure Shot - Timberline Run

[1.08 mi, 3:35, 978 ft, 25.3 mph max, 18.2 mph avg]

Run 4: Timberline Lift - Intro - Showtime

[0.77 mi, 3:44, 1040 ft, 26.2 mph max, 12.3 mph avg]

Run 5: Timberline Lift - Intro - Showtime

[0.69 mi, 2:42, 961 ft, 26.4 mph max, 15.4 mph avg]

Run 6: Timberline Lift - Upper Villager - Lower Villager

[0.71 mi, 3:24, 407 ft, 23.1 mph max, 12.6 mph avg]

The first half of my morning was spent in the Timebrline area, which was delightfully unpopulated. My first run was up the red Snowflake Lift to Timberline Line and Timberline Run, which was a nice, long warm up run. There was one steeper section as Timberline Run joined Sure Shot, but it was nice to get some speed for a short while. My second run was another lovely longer run following the Timberline Lift to Upper Villager to Timberline Run. It was chilly up at the top of the lift, but overall conditions felt good! Snow was hardpack/frozen, but was nothing compared to Cannon yesterday. 

I decided my next step would be to hit Sure Shot, a short blue that acts as a short cut of my previous run. It was groomed, a bit steep, but fun and wide! Afterwards, I decided I would push myself a bit more, and hit the short black trail "Intro" to Showtime. I felt okay doing this because it was the lift line and I could see the trail as I went up the lift, which wasn't anything steeper than I'd previously done - I think it's listed as a black because it's narrow, winding, and there's lift towers to dodge. The headwall into Showtime truly felt the steepest (and iciest), but overall it was a fun run! I texted Emma about my accomplishment and did a second lap of this run, which went smoother. Finally, after a LONG lift ride (I think someone fell down at the chair base), I checked the snow report and saw that the Wilderness Lift was opening, so I did a nice commuter run back to the main base area to discover the Wilderness Lift.

At this point in the day I have met my cast of recurring characters - the snowboarding dudes and the hot mess adult family. Snowboarding dudes are exactly what they sound like - older group (40s I'd guess) of snowboarders who are just a little obnoxious but not in a bad way. Hot Mess Adult Family is also what you'd expect - a hot mess adult family who appear to be learning how to ski together. It was a journey watching them struggle down Showtime.

9:30am/11am Updates: Vista is currently on wind hold.

        Timberline, Mighty Mite, Mid Mountain, and Snowflake lifts are off and running as scheduled with Wilderness expected to join them at 10am. Brisk start to the day, but looking forward to warming temps, sunshine and decreasing winds as the day gets on here and anticipate teh currently firmer conditions will start to loosen up on natural, ungroomed terrain for that classic spring corn at lower elecations by late afternoon if we get enough sunshine over the course of the day. On the way to find out - come on up to get down!

Runs 7-11

Run 7: Wilderness Lift - Peggy Dow's - Old Turnpike - Lower Turnpike

[1.21 mi, 4:56, 1050 ft, 24.8 mph max, 14.7 mph avg]

Run 8: Wilderness Lift - Peggy Dow's - Lower Crossover - Coyote - Work Road - Lower Wilderness - Abenaki Trail

[1.39 mi, 6:23, 1056 ft, 24.7 mph max, 13.1 mph avg]

Run 9: Wilderness Lift - Peggy Dow's - Lower Crossover - Fanny Hill - Lower Fanny Hill

[1.30 mi, 5:04, 1024 ft, 28.1 mph max, 15.4 mph avg]

Run 10: Wilderness Lift - Peggy Dow's - Old Turnpike - Lower Turnpike

[1.22 mi, 3:51, 1043 ft, 29.5 mph max, 19.0 mph avg]

Run 11: Wilderness Lift - Peggy Dow's - Lower Crossover - Fanny Hill - Lower Fanny Hill

[1.31 mi, 5:05, 981 ft, 27.2 mph max, 15.5 mph avg]

Phase two of the day was spent on the Wilderness Lift, which I LOVED. Another old double lift that moves glacially slow, but leads to a nice network of relatively uncrowded trails. My first run was down the uphill route, which seems to have become my go-to since its almost guaranteed to be the easiest way down. The route, Peggy Dow's to Old Turnpike to Lower Turnpike, is super fun and not to challenging. Definitely get some speed off the lift because Peggy starts pretty flat then comes to a fork - one groomed and narrow and one ungroomed and steep - I FOOLISHLY took the ungroomed way first and it sucked. The Turnpikes were wide, easy, and fast. Loved it!

Back on the Wildnerness Lift, I seemed to have reunited with the Snowboarding Dudes. We all watched the Hot Mess Family try to go down the lift line, but struggling with the ungroomed terrain. Dude #1 shouted "it just gets worse, you should turn around," so they did. My second run was less glamorous - I took Peggy's to the uphill-both-ways Lower Crossover to Coyote, which was ungroomed and FROZEN. I somehow made it out unscathed, but yikes. From there, I followed the easy Work Road to Lower Wilderness to the lovely Abenaki Trail, where I had to dodge a ski school group.

Run #9 was my last new route of the day, and my favorite! Peggy's to Lower Crossover to Fanny Hill to Lower Fanny Hill. The Fanny Hills are wide, groomed trails where I felt safe to catch some speed - just really fun skiing! #10 was the uphill route again, and I finished my morning doing the Fannys one last time. I truly would have stayed longer, but the Wilderness Lift was getting dreadfully slow (my perception, that is), and Emma and I had plans to go to the Banff Film Festival in Burlington that night with her work friends, so I NEEDED to get home in time for a nap. Overall, this was a really fun morning, and I'm excited to visit again to explore Vista!

End of Day Stats: 11 Runs, 12.22 miles, 10,476 feet, 29.5 mph max, 0:48:36 skiing, 3:05:54 elapsed.

Map of Bolton Valley Resort (2024)

Skiing Cannon Mountain & Bolton Valley

Ski Day #13 for me! I truly am shocked and delighted it's gotten this high. I had a long weekend with Good Friday off, so I took the chance to hit Cannon for the first time, and then I would meet Emma while she technically chaperoned her school's ski club at Bolton Valley later in the day. My alarm went off at 5:45am (a full hour+ later than usual!) and I was off to Cannon!

Cannon Mountain

I find I get very anxious/nervous whenever visitng a new mountain, but never in the bad way. I knew Cannon has a reputation of being hard and icy, but I also reminded myself I don't have to do anything I don't want to do, and I have the necessary skills to make it down, even if it takes a nice, long time. I started my day in the older-feeling Notchview Lodge to redeem my Indy and use the bathroom, and I ended up booting up in the car. I then discovered the newer-feeling Peabody Lodge, where I found a paper trail map and watched the die-hards wait in line for first chair.

Mountain Report

        "Skiing Cannon is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical." - Yogi Berra

        Cannon is no stranger to thaw and freeze cycles. Temps were in the 40s yesterday but slowly dropped overnight. That makes for challenging grooming conditions for our team bu thte perfect opportunity for oyu to work on your skiing technique and skills. Temperatures are colder today with teh chance for snow showers across the mountain throughout the day.

        The Groomers were out on 47 trails overnight. You can expect firm, fast, and variable conditions across the mountain. Any ungroomed trails will remained closed. All glades will stay closed until temperatures increase and things soften up. Mittersill Summit will also remain closed today, but you will be able to access the trails off the Valar T-Bar.

        Blizzard Splash Pond, scheduled for this Saturday, has been CANCELLED due to cold, windy, and snowy conditions.

Runs 1-6

Run 1: Peabody Lodge - Brookside

[0.23 mi, 1:38, 141 ft, 13.7 mph max, 8.3 mph avg]

Run 2: Tuckerbrook Quad - Raven Ridge - Huckerbrook - Brookside

[0.51 mi, 2:44, 282 ft, 17.2 mph max, 11.1 mph avg]

Run 3: Tuckerbrook Quad - Deer Run

[0.30 mi, 1:30, 289 ft, 22.9 mph max, 11.9 mph avg]

Run 4: Tuckerbrook Quad - Rabbit Path

[0.36 mi, 2:12, 292 ft, 17.8 mph max, 9.9 mph avg]

Run 5: Tuckerbrook Quad - Turkey Trot

[0.31 mi, 1:28, 285 ft, 21.5 mph max, 12.8 mph avg]

Run 6: Tuckerbrook Quad - Raven Ridge - Huckerbrook

[0.31 mi, 2:01, 154 ft, 17.8 mph max, 9.3 mph avg]

Respecting the aformentioned anxiety, I decided I would start in the beginner "Tuckerbrook" area, which is just below the main Peabody Lodge. My first run was a ski down to the Tuckerbrook Quad, which was FROZEN corduroy that vibrated my whole body - this would be interesting. I decided I'd do a bunch of runs, hitting most of the main trails one run at a time, from skiers right to left. Raven Ridge to Huckerbrook to Brookside was flat and easy, and then Deer Run was surprisingly narrow and steep. I missed Fox and Bear because of families. Next was Rabbit, which was fun! Still very frozen, but a bit steeper and wider than Deer. I ended my short stay in this area with Turkey Trot, which was similar to Rabbit Path, just shorter. There was no lift line at 9:15am, and this was my first experience with the pass scanning guns they have at Cannon - basically you point to where your pass it and they scan you like a grocery store cashier. Interesting! I was impressed how far they could scan, or maybe they just did the action for fun. My sixth and final run in this area was my return to the Peabody Lodge via Raven Ridge and Huckerbrook.

Runs 7-13

Run 7: Peabody Express Quad - Middle Cannon - Rock Garden - Gremlin

[1.08 mi, 5:13, 1375 ft, 24.8 mph max, 12.4 mph avg]

Run 8:  Peabody Express Quad - Easy Link - Big Link - Middle Ravine - Turnpike

[1.20 mi, 5:28, 1348 ft, 28.6 mph max, 13.2 mph avg]

Run 9:  Peabody Express Quad - Easy Link - Big Link - Middle Ravine - Turnpike

[1.25 mi, 5:32, 1371 ft, 31.2 mph max, 13.6 mph avg]

Run 10: Peabody Express Quad - Easy Link - Missing Link - Lower Ravine - Chute

[1.08 mi, 4:34, 1368 ft, 25.1 mph max, 14.2 mph avg]

Run 11: Peabody Express Quad - Middle Cannon - Rock Garden - Gremlin

[1.09 mi, 4:57, 1375 ft, 23.9 mph max, 13.2 mph avg]

Run 12: Peabody Express Quad - Middle Cannon - Rock Garden - Lower Cannon

[1.11 mi, 6:27, 1378 ft, 19.5 mph max, 10.3 mph avg]

Run 13: Peabody Express Quad - Middle Cannon - Mickey's Margin - Time Zone - Lakeside

[1.35 mi, 7:32, 1453 ft, 22.4 mph max, 10.7 mph avg]

My next and longest bit of runs were off of the Peabody Express Quad. I was definitely feeling nervous based on the previous hard/icy conditions and Cannon's reputation, but I knew I could take my time. I thought of doing the Ravines first, but I could clearly see Gremlin from the lift and decided I'd go that route, and it was... fine. A little steep, very icy.  My biggest takeaway was that these runs are BEAUTIFUL but terrifying since it looks like you're skiing over a cliff (you're not). The next two runs were much more enjoyable - Easy/Big Link to Middle Ravine with a cut-through to Turnpike (the main headwall was closed, but the lower part was open). I was able to get some speed and ski like I knew what I was doing. I did discover the dreaded "death cookies," which were a bummer, but thankfully I escaped rather unscathed. I did have my one and only fall of the day when I stopped to check my trail map - I simply failed getting out of "pizza," my ski popped off, and suddenly I was sitting... oh well!

Next up I was going to do a redemption run on Gremlin, which was... fine. I wasn't too thrilled with it, but I guess I did a better job? Afterwards, I stayed on Rock Garden and hit Lower Cannon, which was MUCH more enjoyable. Only downside was how hard and icy the trails were, but I enjoyed how wide they were. Finally, I read that "Gary's" was a good intermediate run on the "front five," so I attempted (and failed) to ski it. I ended up on Mickey's Margin (correct) and then Time Zone (incorrect) - both of which I enjoyed. From here, I could hike back up to the Peabody Express Quad or follow Lakeside to the Zoomer Triple, which I did. Tragically, Lakeside bottomed out in a dirty, muddy slush pit that I had to slog through to eventually hit the triple. 

Runs 14-15

Run 14: Zoomer Triple - Mickey's Margin - Gary's

[0.54 mi, 3:12, 643 ft, 21.1 mph max, 10.0 mph avg]

Run 15: Zoomer Triple - Mickey's Margin - Time Zone

[0.56 mi, 2:44, 564 ft, 29.5 mph max, 12.4 mph avg]

The Zoomer Triple definitely felt more tucked away, and my pass didn't get scanned down here. My first run after the lift was actually hitting Gary's, which was... rough. Very steep, very icy, very wide though? I don't like not seeing what's ahead of me, so I went very slowly with VERY wide turns. Thankfully no one else was tackling frozen Gary at this point. I eventually got speed at the bottom to make it back to the Triple, and then I followed Mickey's Margin to Time Zone back to the Peabody, which was a fun, fast run.

Runs 16-17

Run 16: Peabody Express Quad - Big Link

[0.15 mi, 1:00, 200 ft, 16.0 mph max, 9.1 mph avg]

Run 17: Cannonball Quad - Tramway - Big Link - Missing Link - Middle Ravine - Turnpike - Lower Ravine

[1.62 mi, 7:40, 2044 ft, 31.1 mph max, 12.7 mph avg]

The cloud ceiling had finally lifted, so I decided I'd make a go at the tippy top! I took the Peabody up, followed Big Link to the Cannonball Quad, which was steeper than I'd like - I'll definitely be sticking to Easy Link from now on. The Cannonball Quad was cold, windy, but very pretty. There was a lot of rime ice on the chairs, and the trees were fully frosted up top. The wind was blowing the snow like sand in the sahara, too. From the top, I read that Tramway was a good intermediate, so I headed that way and was STUNNED by how magnificent Mt. Lafayette and the Franconia Ridge looked from up here. The trail drops down past the tram house on a steep/icy headwall - it was so windy up here that the wind was actually pushing me backwards, which was... interesting. The Tramway itself was a lovely trail. A little steep, but super wide and beautiful. Eventually, it landed at the top of the Peabody, so I followed the Middle Ravine to Turnpike route I'd grown to like back to the base lodge. I was definitely feeling a high after that run, but I had to continue my drive up to Vermont - thankfully, I'll be back in a few days!

Bolton Valley

Another ~2 hour drive under my belt, I was now at Bolton Valley to meet up with Emma as she "chaperoned" her ski club. I made it to Bolton, got my $35 pass (the first time I paid for a pass this season!), and found her just as she was finishing up her first run with her work friends, and also just as the Vista Lift closed - tragic!

Runs 1-2

Run 1: Mid Mountain Lift - Bear Run - Primer Loop

[0.46 mi, 2:46, 338 ft, 19.4 mph max, 9.9 mph avg]

Run 2: Mid Mountain Lift - Bear Run - Primer Loop

[0.54 mi, 3:26, 258 ft, 20.1 mph max, 9.5 mph avg]

Since the Vista Lift was closed, we hit up the rickety Mid Mountain Lift, which was equally charming and terrifying. Safety bar was required (my rules) as I felt like I would slip out at any moment. We skied with three of her friends on easy, beginner runs, which was fun! I've never skied with more than just Emma and Gen before, so it was a fun, new experience. The snow was very wet and heavy, which made for a WILDLY different skiing experience than Cannon.

Runs 3-4

Run 3: Snowflake Lift - Snowflake Bentley - Lower Villager

[0.34 mi, 2:16, 285 ft, 18.0 mph max, 9.0 mph avg]

Run 4: Snowflake Lift - Foxy - Lower Villager

[0.37 mi, 2:35, 302 ft, 20.7 mph max, 8.5 mph avg]

After their runs, the folks who worked today were done. Since I paid a whole $35, I decided I'd get a couple more runs in. I went over to the other rickety lift, the Snowflake Lift, for my last two runs. The first was Snowflake Bentley to Lower Villager, which was bumpy and less-traveled at first, and then flat and easy. The second was a blue, Foxy, which was rocky and frozen and terrifying, but got me enough speed to get through Lower Villager. After these two runs, I decided it was also time for a hot dog, so I packed up shop. Overall a nice, short afternoon!

[UPDATE FROM THE FUTURE] Apparently one of my families from school was also at Cannon this day and saw me! It's hard to be a celebrity... 

End of Day Stats: 21 Runs, 14.76 miles, 15,847 feet, 31.2 mph max, 1:16:56 skiing, 4:11:59 elapsed.

Map of Cannon Mountain (2024)

Map of Bolton Valley Resort (2024)

Winter Roundup

With spring officially in the air, I figured I'd do some reflecting on this past winter season of hiking.

First, the stats:

29 Hikes (versus 34 last winter)

139.60 Miles 

21,081 Feet

Now, the reflection:

My hike count and miles hiked were both lower this winter than last winter, but December also has not happened yet, which could be a fun goal. That being said, I am far from upset about my stats. Elevation is higher with fewer miles and hikes, and elevation has always been the most challenging. I got to explore Nickerson State Park, MANY hikes in the Blue Hills, and started doing some more intense winter hikes up in the White Mounatins - notably Mt. Garfield and the Kinsmans, which were my favorite adventures. I got stronger and faced my fears of hiking with snowshoes, and did my first snowshoe hike up to Bald Peak. I finished the 52 Hike Challenge 2023, both the Blue Hills 125 Mile Club (2nd round) and Blue Hills Winter Trace, and surpassed 500 miles hiked in the Blue Hills (which I still might make my own patch for). It was a really great winter, and paired with skiing, I've really fallen in love with the cold, snowy, icy weather! 

Looking backward:

GOALS! WE LOVE GOALS!

My goals seem to remain unchanged from my New Years Resolutions - yay!

1. Hike 100 hikes; 500 miles; 100,000 feet [Going good].

2. Continue progress on NH48 and 52WAV - let's say 10 hikes devoted to these lists [2 devoted hikes so far, 3 of the 48].

3. Complete the VT5 [No progress].

4. Complete the Blue Hills 500-Miles, 125-Mile Club round two, and Winter Trace [COMPLETE].

5. 52 Hike Challenge 2024 [Going good].

6. Complete the Sunrise Six Challenge [did one more so far, two to go].

7. Hike Mt. Monadnock at least one time [after it melts].

8. Commit to some summer challenge when in NJ - TBD [TBD].

Looking forward:

Just updating my list...

1. Hike 100 hikes; 500 miles; 100,000 feet.

2. Continue progress on NH48 and 52WAV - let's say 10 hikes devoted to these lists.

3. Complete the VT5.

4. 52 Hike Challenge 2024.

5. Complete the Sunrise Six Challenge.

6. Hike Mt. Monadnock at least one time.

7. Commit to some summer challenge when in NJ - TBD.

8. Complete Castle in the Clouds Patch.

Happy Spring!

Skyline Loop via Trailside Museum

Skyline Loop via Trailside Museum (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 4.45 miles

Elevation: 1,204 feet

Time: 1 hours, 49 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Trail Trace the Blue Hills, Great Blue Summits

The Hike

After-school fitness hike! It was a WARM 60 degrees and humid - tragically I did not bring pants so I quickly sweat through my sweatpants. I was delighted to see a mostly empty parking lot, too! I didn't take many notes or have many thoughts during this hike, just enjoying the adventure. I did notice that it's really gotten relatively easy for me to climb up the Eliot Path, which is vastly different than where I was at a couple years ago. I hit the summit of Great Blue Hill and later noticed a new granite marker for the Skyline Trail North exit off of Eliot Circle.

Descending, I could hear the peepers! Spring is here! A few budding trees also sounded that alarm, just a bit quieter. I went up and over Wolcott, Hemenway, and Hancock, and then made my way down to Hillside Street. There were small, purple flowers at the base of the Skyline Trail South, and I happily hiked up Houghton Hill past my old break spot. It's been fun noticing that I am in better shape than I used to be - the whole "blah blah progress is slow and nonlinear" thing. I've also found importance and value in not basing fitness on how I look, but how my body reacts. I've been mentally unpacking this a lot recently with how much and how often I've been skiing, and I'm just grateful to be able to do these silly things. Anyway, there was a new inspirational quote sign at the top of the Houghton climb?

I continued into the wet area and then did my final climb, again passing my old break spots. I summit Great Blue Hill again and realized I completed this hike with zero breathing breaks! That's pretty monumental for me. I also only passed a few people, which is monumental in it's own merit.

Step-By-Step

- Start hike on Eliot Path (red dots).

- At terminus, turn right onto Eliot Circle.

- After crossing Summit Road, turn left onto spur trail to summit. 

- Summit Great Blue Hill, descend toward Skyline South.

- Turn left onto Eliot Circle/Skyline Trail (blue rectangles).

- At 1063, turn right onto Skyline Trail North.

- Follow Skyline Trail North to Hancock Street.

- Turn right onto Hancock Street.

- After stables, turn right onto Skyline Trail South.

- Follow Skyline Trail South to 1066.

- At 106, turn left onto Eliot Circle/Skyline Trail.

- At next junction, veer right to summit Great Blue Hill.

- Descend via spur path, retrace steps along Eliot Circle/Eliot Path to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

Skiing Jay Peak Resort

Now with the powder day behind us (and sore legs with us), we were up bright and early for day two! We landed at Jay a little after 7:30, got our breakfast and boots on, and Me, Gen, and Mum started our play date together!

Snow Report

Day 117: Early Word (7:33a)

        The March Madness continues today with another 6-8" since we last recorded at noon yesterday. Since this storm began Friday night, we're totaling 12-18" of fresh powder and it's all out there to enjoy in the sunshine today. That's right, today is expected to be another rare, bluebird pow day. It will feel breezy this morning with a high near 22 degrees and the primary conditions are, you guessed it, blower powder.

        This is the perfect time to explore Jay Peak with 100% open terrain including our expansive natural trails, glade, and of course plenty of groomed runs. Save your money when you buy your ticket in advance HERE. Print straight from one of our kiosks or reload a previous Jay Peak lift ticket from this season.

        We are going to start the day with 8/9 lifts, the Tram will be on wind delay for now. The Metro, Taxi, Village and both moving carpets will run at 8:00a. The Flyer, Bonnie, and Jet will spin at 8:30a.

Runs 1-3
Run 1: Bonaventure Quad - Northway - Angel’s Wiggle - Paradise Meadows - Kangaroo Trail

[1.28 mi, 6:00, 1,444 ft, 22.7 mph max, 12.5 mph avg]

Run 2: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway

[0.72 mi, 3:47, 574 ft, 22.0 mph max, 11.0 mph avg]

Run 3: Flyer Express Quad - Ullr's Dream - Kokomo - Ullr's Dream

[1.93 mi, 10:30, 1,788 ft, 21.6 mph max, 7.7 mph avg]

Our original goal was to go directly to the Tram, but tragically it was down. We pivoted our plans, still wanting to get up high right away to enjoy the new snow before it got bumpy like yesterday, to going right to the Bonnie. Our first run was the classic Northway to Angel's Wiggle, which was truly spectacular. I remember getting to the Taxi junction and thinking "oh I actually still like skiing" after I was HUMBLED yesterday. Mum was clear she was going to ski slowly, which was no problem, so we had lots of standing breaks at major junctions. Our second run was a commuter run over to the Flyer, and our third was down Ullr's to Kokomo - a new trail for me! 

Ullr's was in great shape, but I did forget about how steep the third headwall was... oops. I made it down okay. I watched Gen tackle it and noticed she was getting close to the edge and then... poof! She took a sit break. Mum handled it like a champ, but did point out that she did not like Ullr's and she did not like the term "headwall." Kokomo was truly magical - Emma described it as a lattice of trails, and she was very correct - an easy "choose your own adventure" - truly lovely. I sped out at the end because I desperately had to pee which was an adventure in its own, and then Gen and I waited a bit for mum. The Tram had opened finally but the line was astronomical (apparently this was the busiest day of the year for Jay, which makes sense). 

Runs 4-5

Run 4: Flyer Express Quad - Northway - Taxi - Queen's Highway - Grammy Jay

[2.13 mi, 10:53, 1,752 ft, 22.8 mph max, 11.6 mph avg]

Run 5: Village Chair - Chalet Meadows

[0.19 mi, 1:13, 138 ft, 13.5 mph max, 8.6 mph avg]

Following my bathroom break we found Mum and got in the very long, but understandably long line for the Flyer. We walked with our skis since it was that long, but tragically Mum popped/strained her knee getting her ski back on. She insisted she was okay to walk and that Gen and I stay in line, and then we watched her take one step every 20-ish seconds for the next 10 minutes to the lodge. We felt bad, but there was also nothing we could have done to help. I did text Ski Patroller Emma as a "heads up" - turns out Mum usually gets injured on ski weekends so there was nothing to worry about. 

After probably 20 minutes we were back on the Flyer and we got a text from Mum saying she may need rescuing after lunch (i.e., she's trapped on Tramside and can't ski back to Stateside). Gen and I decided since it was approaching noon we'd do a "two more skip the last" and turn this into an "almost tippy top to tippy bottom" run, which was truly fantastic! We followed Northway to Taxi, then Queen's Highway to everyone's favorite, Grammy Jay! The snow was skiing fantastic with small bumps beginning to form, and the Grammy Jay was just lovely. Afterward, we took the Village chair up and Chalet Meadows back to the lodge. 

Now we entered "OPERATION DORY" - the dramatic name I coined for getting Mum back to Stateside. She crab-walked her way to the Tram Haus hotel lobby, where I found her humbly sitting on a bench after chit-chatting with the manager. I got the coordinates of her skis, ran through the back stairway, and collected the precious cargo. We had an easy drive back, sneaked past the parking attendant turning people away, and completed the mission! We said our goodbyes, Gen and I got lunch at the JVI, and had a nice, long drive home.

End of Day Stats: 5 Runs, 6.25 miles, 5,692 feet, 22.8 mph max, 0:37:32 skiing, 2:11:26 elapsed.

Map of Jay Peak Resort (2024)

Skiing Jay Peak Resort

Another Jay Weekend! I picked up Gen from the Lowell MBTA station and we did the long drive up, naturally stopping at Sierra, Taco Bell, and Target on the drive up. We had a lovely night with Emma and her mom but quickly got to bed for an early morning. It was going to be a Pow Day™!

Up and out the door by 6:45am, we made our way to the mountain just after 8am and the Stateside Parking lot was nearly full - oh boy. We got a seat in the lodge to do all of our morning chores and the Stoke™ was real! Lots of hussle and bussle, lots of excitement. We dropped Mum off at her ski lesson and Emma did the right thing and forced us to eat breakfast - the potatoes at Jay are spectacular. We were officially on the snow just before 9am with no line on the Taxi.

TK’s Forecast

Updated March 22nd, 2024

        Stumped for superlatives…

        I don’t know what else to say about this suddenly relentless March miracle snow cycle. 

        From the depths of despair two weeks ago, to the depths of bottomless powder today.

        Our three hundred and thirteenth inch of snow for the season blew in on with the second blizzard in two weeks yesterday. Now we have almost an entire day with no snow falling from the sky. The first no new snow day since last Wednesday. Finally some “High Barometer Cold” with subsidence and sunshine. But faster than we can say, when it’s going to start snowing again? It’s starting to snow again!

        This one is a bigger beast in many regards. We are tapping the Gulf of Mexico for an extra infusion of energy injection into the backside of our latest arctic blast. Multiple low pressure centers and frontal boundaries are set to consolidate along interstate 95 from New York City to Portland Maine. That means we share the wealth this time, many of our neighboring resorts shall share the bounty this time around. And for a change, we are not getting the most snow from this storm, but we are getting the driest snow.

        Waves of strengthening low pressure systems arrive after the sun goes down, with snow returning just before midnight. The first wave is racing along Interstate-90, breaking the speed limit in an 80 mph west to east flow at 18,000 feet over our head. The second and third waves moving in from the south will be merging with the first wave near Boston early Saturday morning.

    Here at ground level that means a surface circulation from the east and then north, meaning all cold and all snow**. That was not a certainty a few days ago but it is now**. There is warmer air way up there but it still should be

cold enough for snow. That, less dense, warmer cold enough for snow. That, less dense, warmer air aloft is coming in off The Atlantic Ocean - rich with moisture ~ over the top of, more dense, colder air below ("High Barometer Cold") tomorrow. That's called over-running, another dynamic that makes it snow hard.

        If you read this blog the other day, it's about the only dynamic that was missing during the last 30 inches of snow since last weekend. Tomorrow 'over-running' is the primary dynamic.Any reason to snow!

        Anyway…. We are snowing close to an inch and hour, and ~ are you sitting down? ~ there are not too many surface isobars here ~ meaning not too windy! Yes it will be very windy 3 miles in the sky, but only "light wind' ~ 15-25 mph~ at the summit during this snowstorm. Possibly near calm at the base lodges... Tailgate in springtime winter flakage beauty! 

        Snow winds down by about sunset. So that's about 18 hours of snow. Let's call it an average of .75" per hour. Another 13.5" of low density snow. (**It is not a zero chance we get some sleet or sandy snow to keep amounts a little lower ~ but either way it will stay dry).

        High pressure moves in on Sunday with sinking air and sunshine. Not too windy either, maybe 10-20 mph if that, with highs in the 20s. A powder and spring sunshine Sunday! 

        Clear and cold Sunday night. Lows near 10° in the valley Monday ~ High Barometer Cold. Another beauty with afternoon highs near 32°.

        More of the same Tuesday, a little less cold as we transition back into a more classic spring pattern.

        The pattern gets active again after that. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it" .. as my dad always used to say.

        That bridge also includes starting to get serious about the April 8th forecast.

        No down days!

        Have a great weekend!

        Talk again Tuesday.

        -TK @ jaypeakresort.com

Snow Report

Day 116: Early Word (6:30a)

        Kicking off this Nor’easter with 3-5” overnight, putting us at over a foot of fresh powder in the past 72 hours and upwards of a foot forecasted to fall throughout the day. The back end of March has brought us pow day after pow day here at Jay and today will be no exception. It will feel breezy with a high near 25 degrees today and the primary conditions out there are, you guessed it, powdery.

        This is the perfect weekend to explore Jay Peak with 100% open terrain including our expansive natural glades, and of course plenty of groomed runs. Save your money when you buy your tickets in advance HERE. Print straight from one of our kiosks or reload a previous Jay Peak lift ticket from this season.

        It looks like we’ll be able to run 9/9 of our lifts today. The Metro, Taxi, Village, and both moving carpets will spin at 8:00a. The Tram, Flyer, Jet, Bonnie at 8:30a. Last chair, for all lifts, is at 4p.

Runs 1-4

Run 1: Taxi Quad - Boulevard

[0.30 mi, 2:10, 364 ft, 16.0 mph max, 7.6 mph avg]

Run 2: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway - Grammy Jay

[0.82 mi, 4:57, 581 ft, 17.2 mph max, 9.7 mph avg]

Run 3: Village Chair - Chalet Meadows

[0.18 mi, 1:37, 125 ft, 14.1 mph  max, 6.7 mph avg]

Run 4: Taxi Quad - Kangaroo Trail

[0.46 mi, 2:27, 371 ft, 24 mph max, 11.1 mph avg]

The first four runs were part warming up and part technique work with our fearless ski instructor, Emma. I really appreciate these practice/instruction runs, I feel they set a really nice precident for the day of "actually knowing how to ski," that I find myself forgetting when I get too excited. The snow felt so different! Emma also told me to not fight it because I'll lose, so after the first few I was able to adjust and calm down. I INSISTED we take the Grammy Jay for the second run simply because I love the Grammy Jay, and it was as lovely as I wanted. Snow falling constantly - not snowglobe snow like we had at Saddleback - still lovely. The third run from Village Chair to Chalet Meadows was just for a commute, and then we wrapped up with Kangaroo, which is a fun one. There was one patch of ice that Gen was UPSET about, but she's okay. Kangaroo brought us right to the Bonnie, which was starting to produce a longer line than usual. We also took a quick pit stop for bathroom and to pick up Mum from her skin lesson. 

Runs 5-7

Run 5: Bonaventure Quad - Northway - Angel's Wiggle - Paradise Meadows - Kangaroo Trail

[1.40 mi, 8:30, 1437 ft, 20.4 mph max, 9.6 mph avg]

Run 6: Bonadventure Quad - Northway - Purgatory - Hell's Crossing - Paradise Meadows - Kangaroo Trail

[1.30 mi, 7:08, 1424 ft, 20.6 mph max, 11.0 mph avg]

Run 7: Bonaventure Quad - Northway - Hell's Crossing - Paradise Meadows - Kangaroo Trail

[1.18 mi, 6:47, 1398 ft, 19.1 mph max, 10.1 mph avg]

The POW DAY continues! Mum is back from her ski lesson, I am getting used to the actual snow, and Gen is feeling good and ready to go up. Our first run up here was the classic Angel’s Wiggle route, which went quite well. It’s fun to ski with friends! There was a guy who we overheard say “no friends on a powder day!” to which we initially disagreed, but then we realized he was talking to his ~7 year old kid, which definitely changes things. Our second run went down a trail I really enjoyed on a normal day - Purgatory, but I had a majestic wipeout because apparently fresh snow skis VERY differently than hard pack. Thankfully, the fall felt like a fall into a cold pillow. My skis also popped off for no good reason - we would later get my dins adjusted at Fast Trax in Montgomery. The third was the best of the day so far, Hell’s Crossing. A really beautiful trail - Emma even got to play in the woods! Afterwards, Mum and Gen were done with the upper mountain, and Emma was EAGERLY waiting for me to consent to my first run in the woods. Oh boy!

Snow Report

Day 116: First Update (12:06)

        The dump continues with 6-8” since the snow began last night, putting us at 19” of fresh powder in the past 72 hours and another foot forecasted to fall before tomorrow morning. […].

Runs 8-10

Run 8: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway - Doe Woods - Chalet Meadows

[0.36 mi, 2:53, 341 ft, 18.7 mph max, 7.1 mph avg]

Run 9: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway - Doe Woods - Chalet Meadows

[0.43 mi, 3:17, 344 ft, 17.9 mph max, 7.8 mph avg]

Run 10: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway - Doe Woods - Chalet Meadows

[0.47 mi, 3:20, 364 ft, 14.8 mph max, 8.2 mph avg]

“Into the woods…”

Mum and Gen were going to take some runs off the Taxi, so we stayed on the lifts together and while they tackled Queen’s Highway/Chalet Meadows we went into the Doe Woods. First impressions: TERRIFYING, but then beautiful. I like gentle woods! Again, I was absolutely terrified and screamed a lot, but thankfully the grade is very easy. By the third lap I was getting more adventurous and choosing my own path - it’s fun to see your skis disappear in the fresh snow (as long as they stay on!). Emma said I did a good job - yay!

Runs 11-12

Run 11: Bonaventure Quad - Goat Run - Queen's Highway - Chalet Meadows

[1.25 mi, 8:42, 1411 ft, 14.6 mph max, 8.6 mph avg]

Run 12: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway - Doe Woods - Chalet Meadows

[0.42 mi, 2:30, 348 ft, 19.0 mph max, 10.0 mph avg]

As the day meandered on, we got closer to closing time, so Emma and I decided we’d hop on the Bonnie for one more long run, which was a **** jOURNEY. Dear god. I VERY QUICKLY learned how bumps/moguls are formed and I did NOT enjoy it. I swear there were little mountains haphazardly spaces apart, and I was somehow supposed to “have fun” and “ski down”?? Absolutely atrocious. My quads were about to POP. Adding insult to injury, Emma hopped into Buck Woods (I was not about to tempt fate), I skied to our rendezvous point, and apparently she LAUNCHED herself out of the woods (skis got caught on something) and landed in a scorpion pose - AND I DIDN’T GET TO SEE IT! Absolutely tragic. Her back hurt the whole next day. After this tumultuous run, we decided to “two more skip the last” with a gentle run back through Doe Woods to celebrate my big accomplishment, which was a lovely way to wrap up our day. MY LEGS HURT.

End of Day Stats: 12 runs, 8.60 miles, 8,510 feet, 24.0 mph max speed, 0:55:38 skiing, 5:32:28 elapsed.

Map of Jay Peak Resort (2024)

Eliot Path, Skyline & Hancock Trails, Border & Wolcott Paths (Blue Hills Reservation)

Eliot Path, Skyline & Hancock Trails, Border & Wolcott Paths (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Loop w/ Spur

Distance: 4.62 miles

Elevation: 879 feet

Time: 1 hours, 39 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Blue Hills Grid, Blue Hills Winter Trace (2x), Great Blue Hill Summits

The Hike

Another spring hike in shorts and a t-shirt! It was even a little warmer. My drive was brutal and I had to PEE, but we made it unscathed. The hike started at the Trailside Museum/Ski Area parking. I took a moment to lament at how many people were around (I understood, though), and tragically, I was following a couple with a dog who hyperfixated on me so I couldn't hop off-trail to relieve myself until I got WAY ahead of them.

The spur to the ski slope view was completely flooded, which made sense, but I'd never seen it like that before, and further up just past the summit, I noticed that the sketchy chairs at the viewpoint were gone! My original plan was to hike the usual Skyline Loop, but the people quickly dissuaded me. I pivoted my plan to following skyline from Wildcat Notch to Hancock Hill, but then following the Hancock Trail and eventually green dots back to the car, which turned out to be lovely. I was even greeted with more peepers in Wildcat Notch!

The warm air and the sun felt absolutely amazing, but my hip was in a bad mood. I contemplated which hill was my favorite, Hancock or Buck - leaning towards Hancock just becuase it's always less crowded. I also found myself missing mountain hikes (versus hill hikes). 

I zoned out for most of the return trip, but only "blacked in" while on the Wolcott Path and I saw the massive new townhomes that were built just through the trees. If they're going to ruin the illusion of wilderness, at least make the homes affordable for people who hike regularly! 

Step-By-Step

- Park at Trailside Museum/Ski Area parking lot.

- Start hike on Eliot Path (red dots).

- Just before Summit Road, turn right onto spur paths to ski area.

- Turn around when you realize they're flooded and continue on Eliot Path.

- At 1055, turn right onto Eliot Circle.

- At 1030, continue on Eliot Circle/Skyline Trail.

- At next jct., follow path to summit of Great Blue Hill.

- From summit, follow trail leaning NEE.

- At terminus, turn left onto Eliot Circle/Skyline Trail.

- After 1063, turn right onto Raccoon Hollow Path.

- At 1092, turn left onto Skyline Trail, followed by immediate right to continue on Skyline Trail.

- After 1170, turn left onto Hancock Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto Hancock Hill Path.

- At 1204, turn left onto Breakneck Ledge Path.

- At 1178, turn right onto Hemenway Hill Path.

- At 1140, turn right onto Five Corners Path (green dots).

- At 1135, turn left onto Border Path (green dots).

- At 1110, turn right onto Wolcott Path (green dots). 

- Cross Summit Road, follow Wolcott Path (green dots) to Trailside Museum/Summit Road parking lot.

- Walk around Trailside Museum to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

North Boyce, Burnt, and Buck Hills (Blue Hills Reservation)

North Boyce, Burnt, and Buck Hills (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Loop w/ Spur

Distance: 4.60 miles

Elevation: 633 feet

Time: 1 hours, 39 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Blue Hills Grid, Blue Hills Winter Trace (2x)

The Hike

Not gonna lie, I'm writing this 15 days late... better late than never! It's been a very busy fall between school, skiing, the Massachusetts Music Educators Conference, and overall trying to be a person. Also very interesting finding a balance between skiing and hiking... I think it's okay that I've hiked less so I can ski more (it's definitely okay, but I just wish I was partially retired so I could do both!). ANYWAY....

It was a 55-degree summer-like day, I was in shorts and a t-shirt, and my only goals were to hit Boyce and Burnt Hills with no other plans. There were a decent amount of people out due to the aformentioned beautiful day, but thankfully I would only be on the busy Skyline Trial for a short bit from Bugbee to North Boyce. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, and apparently ski conditions were fabulous up north, I was still happy to be out in the woods. 

I skirted around Tucker Hill, far too lazy to deal with the steep section, which brought me past the swamp I've dubbed "Peeper Swamp," which lived up to its name today becuase ITS FROG SEASON!!!! I love hiking the Blue Hills in March for one reason and one reason only - to hear the majestic call of hundreds of Peepers. I hit the Mattapan Path (which I proudly know how to correctly follow now), hiked past a confusing, new bird feeder, and landed back on the Skyline Trail to finish the climb up North Boyce Hill, where I followed a man in tight black jeans and Doc Marten boots... to each their own!

Now making my way over towards Burnt Hill, I hurdled over a decently-sized blowdown and hiked on the wet, but not muddy, Doe Hollow Path, and made my way to the illusion of a deer path to the summit of Burnt Hill. As I continued along, I was reflecting on how much I hate Daylight Savings Time, only for the reason of the week-long jet lag, but I LOVE hiking at 4:00pm and not having the sun actively setting. I eventually wiggled my way to one of my favorite trails, the Fern Spring Foot Path, which truly has never disappointed. It's off the beaten path, has a view part-way up, and traverses some unique terrain. Is it redundant to mention how much I also love Buck Hill? Probably, but I do not care, the views were beautiful of the surrounding Blue Hills, Boston, and of course, Mts. Wachusett and Monadnock.

I was starting to admittedly get a little chilly up on Buck, so it was time for the descent and ultimate return trip. I went down AMC Footpath to Buck Hill Path to Headquarters Path. Quincy Path was flooded, as usual, the NEMBA bridge was fun, as usual, and made my way back to the car, just in time to wait in the stop sign line at Hillside Street!

Step-By-Step

- Park across from State Police Barracks/Park HQ

- Turn left onto Headquarters Path.

- At junction, turn left onto Bugbee Path/Skyline Trail. 

- At 2054, turn left on Skyline Trail.

- At second junction, turn right onto Ayer Trail.

- At 2094, veer left toward Mattapan Trail.

- Turn left onto Mattapan Trail.

- At terminus, turn right onto Skyline Trail.

- After 2165, turn left onto AMC Footpath.

- At 2182, turn left Buck Hill Path.

- At 2164, turn left onto Headquarters Path.

- At 2153, turn left to continue on Headquarters Path. 

- At Chickatawbut Road, continue on Quincy Path.

- At 2112, follow white triangles along Chickatawbut Road.

- Rejoin Headquarters Path.

- Follow Headquarters Path back to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

Winter Finale @ Houghton Pond (Blue Hills Reservation)

Winter Finale @ Houghton Pond (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Loop w/ Spurs

Distance: 10.36 miles

Elevation: 532 feet

Time: 3 hours, 23 minutes
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge, Blue Hills Winter Trace

The Hike

Still legally testing positive, but I'm back to work so therefore the COVID chronicles are over! Still minding my business and trying to stick to lesser-used trails (or in today's case, nasty windy Mondays on more popular trails - it worked)!

I needed the random trails by the circle at Houghton's Pond, which I could have finished in 10 minutes, it even with the awkwardly intense wind, it was still nice to be outside, so I added a loop around the pond and Breeze Hill to my docket. Temperatures were in the upper 40s, I accidentally wore flood pants (the same Walmart pants I bought forever ago that I'm hoping rip soon so I can trash them - I only rememebred they were flood pants becuase I wore my shorter socks today), and I was off!

I suffered through the loopty-loops and enjoyed the occasional ray of sunshine, and then I was happy to be hiking the actual loop around the pond as a reward. I hadn't hiked this loop in a while, and I really enjoyed going around with a deeper apprecaition and knowledge of the area - notably being able to point out Great Blue, Houghton, and Hancock Hills from the far side of the pond. The woods back here are also lovely.

I continued along the choppy waters of Houghton Pond, enjoying the sights, when I decided I'd make my way up to Breeze Hill, and I did say to myself that I would shift my focus from the Winter Trace to the Grid once this was over - here we are!

The hike up and down Breeze was no problem, and I appreciate the easily accessible off-trail "summit." I headed down the paved Bugbee Path, and soon enough was back to use the Porta Potties and drive home with a new challenge under my belt! I emailed AMC-SEM, and they immediately got back with a notice of congratulations and asking for my address for the free (!) patch! 

Step-By-Step

- Start hike at Houghton's Pond Lot A. 

- Hike the mess of small paths/trails by the snack stand. 

- Once complete, follow yellow-dots around Houghton's Pond counter-clockwise. 

- At Northeast corner of pond, follow trail branching away from pond.

- At 2053, turn left to follow red-dots.

- Summit Breeze Hill just off-trail, turn left onto Bugbee Path.

- At junction, turn left onto Paddock Trail.

- At junction, continue right on gravel/dirt road.

- Hike back to Visitor Center.

- Return to parking lot.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

Ponkapoag East, Hemlock Road, AMC Cabins (Blue Hills Reservation)

Ponkapoag East, Hemlock Road, AMC Cabins (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Spaghetti Loop

Distance: 10.36 miles

Elevation: 532 feet

Time: 3 hours, 23 minutes
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge, Blue Hills Winter Trace

The Hike

COVID Chronicles: Episode 4!

I was feeling the same level of blegh as yesterday, but overall being outside and moving felt better than rotting into the couch, so off I went! The big goal for the day was to get Ponkapoag East plus some leftover trails on the southeast side of the main Ponkapoag Pond area... which was apparently longer than I had previously thought. Whoops! Temps were in the mid-30s, it was cloudy and raw outside, I was the only person in the parking lot at Donovan Elementary, and into the woods I went!

Right away I reminded about the heavy horse activty over here which is... fine. I know the trails are meant to be shared by all, but jeeze... If anything my mind stayed sharp dodging the massive piles of fresh excriment. The trail to Fawn Circle was recently brushed, which was visually nice but I read somewhere that it contributes to erosion because it basically creates a channel for water to rush down?

The loopty-loop area on the west side of Meadow Road was pretty and very muddy. The usually dried swamps were full ponds after the recent rain, but thankfully they stayed within their banks. There were "no bike" signs at all the entrances to this area, but it was clear the mountain bikers have been around, which is frustrating.

Next up was the dreaded Pasture Road section, which truly is just brutal, between the poop and the mud. I hiked the Pequimmit Trail out-and-back and then went in for the last round of loopty-loops. There was one duck-under blowdown right before the terminus of Pasture Road, and I did get stuck behind a couple of horses on my way out. I didn't want to keep my slow pace or worse, try to pass them, so I took the Pequimmit Trail again to make my way over to the Horse Bridge.

The Pipe Line south of the Horse Bridge was surpringly lovely, with wetlands on either side but a very dry, not-overgrown trail. It seemed like there was less graffiti on the bridge than usual (I truly think it would be fine to treat the bridge like the Quarries where graffiti is basically allowed, as long as it doesn't get on any natural beings (i.e., trees). 

I miss hiking in mountains.

Now on the eastern side of the main Ponkapoag Pond area, I worked my way to the end of Hemlock Road, which also had its fair share of muddy spots. The trail terminates just before a road at what appears to be a pump house. The Pipe Line leading toward the green dot route was dreadfully wet, but needed to be done!

The areas by the cabins were actually lovely - and the cabins were more or less occupied which was fun! Many fireplace fires, which smelled lovely. The views of Ponkapoag were lovely, but I was starting to feel very tired, especially brain tired. I was feeling ready to put a bow on the Winter Trace. 

Okay, with the Cabins done and my body shutting down, the reasonable next step would be to go home - but not for me, who wanted his patch! The only thing that kept me going was that the rest of my hike would be relatively low-brain. I crossed the Horse Bridge and turned sharply left onto the Wannamanhut Path, where I passed two guys Civilized Hiking with Budweisers (little strange, but truly who am I to judge?). 

I crossed over to Middle Road, where I yet again thought "I want to explore over here..." but again, eyes were on the prize (sitting down and a patch). From Middle Road, I followed the unmapped path to the Smith Trail, where I found the "chubby old man of the mountain" toward the end. I love that even though this was the third time I've hiked all the trails, I'm still noticing/realizing new things. 

Finally back at the Pipe Line, I was immediately greeted by a recently deceased rabbit... yikes. And soon enough, I was on the return schlep! I was very happy to make it back to my car, take off my shoes, lament at the blister that was now on my foot (have I mentioned that I really need to get uninsulated boots?), and worked my way home.

Step-By-Step

- Park at Donovan Elementary School in Randolph.

- Enter woods, turn left onto Meadow Road.

- Hike spur on left, continue on Meadow Road.

- At 5420, turn around, and then turn left onto unmapped trail. 

- At terminus, turn left onto path.

- At Reed Street, turn around.

- At next junction, turn left onto path that connects to Fawn Circle.

- At someone's back yard, turn around.

- At same junction, turn left to continue on path.

- On left, hike network of trails including Summer, Cranberry, and Coolidge (current and former maps disagree on what's actually over here).

- Continue left on Meadow Road. 

- At 5414, turn right onto Pasture Road.

- At 5423, turn left onto Pequimmit Trail.

- At 5421, turn around.

- At 5423, turn left onto Pasture Road.

- At 5424, turn right onto footpath.

- At terminus, turn right onto wider path.

- Follow path around to Pasture Road junction.

- At Pasture Road, turn right.

- At next junction, veer left/straight to continue on Pasture Road (now footpath).

- At 5440, turn around.

- At same junction, turn left to continue on path.

- At next junction, turn right onto footpath (repeat).

- At next junction, turn right onto wider path (repeat).

- At junction with Pasture Road, turn left.

- At 5423, turn right on Pequimmit Trail.

- At 5421, turn left onto Pipe Line.

- At 5413, continue straight on Pipe Line.

- At terminus, turn around.

- At 5413, turn left onto Randolph Path (Horse Bridge).

- At 5401, hike triangle that makes up Vose Path.

- Hike south to complete Hemlock Road.

- At Turner Road, turn around.

- At 5395, turn right to hike Pipe Line.

- At terminus, turn around.

- At 5395, continue straight onto Pipe Line (some maps have it labeled as Acton Path). 

- At 5335, turn left onto path.

- At terminus, turn sharply right onto Acton Path (green dots).

- Continue to follow green dots.

- At 5332, turn left to hike trails around AMC Cabins. 

- Once complete, travel to 5361, and turn onto Ponkapoag Path.

- At first junction, veer right.

- At second junction soon after, turn sharply right onto Randolph Path.

- At 5360, turn right to follow green dots.

- Hike both driveway spurs on left.

- At 5361, turn right onto Ponkapoag Path.

- At first junction, turn right.

- At second junction, continue straight onto Randolph Path.

- Follow Randolph Path to 5413.

- At 5413, turn sharply left onto Wannamanhut Path.

- At next junction, turn left onto Middle Road.

- At MA-24, turn around.

- Cross Pipe Line, continue on Middle Road at 5422.

- At terminus at Middle Street, cross pavement, and continue onto unmapped trail.

- At terminus, turn right onto Smith Trail.

- At terminus, turn around.

- At 5425, turn right onto Pipe Line.

- At terminus, turn around.

- Follow Pipe Line.

- At 5413, turn left onto Meadow Road.

- Follow Meadow Road to car.

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