Skiing Waterville Valley (Day 3/Indy Pass Day 3)

Skiing Waterville Valley

Sunday. December 14th, 2025

Runs: 20

Distance: 23.08 miles

Elevation: 26,392 feet

Max Speed: 32.8 mph

Avg. Speed: 15.5 mph

Moving Time: 1 hour, 29 minutes, 23 seconds

Total Time: 3 hours, 59 minutes, 47 seconds

My dad and step-mom were in town this weekend, so I spent a couple of days playing tour guide! I thought we'd get breakfast before they left, but they decided to leave first thing Sunday morning, which freed up my day, so naturally I made plans with myself to go skiing! I decided I'd pay a visit to Waterville Valley since it had a decent amount of open trails and it wasn't too far away. My 5:00am alarm got me there just before 8:00am, which was slower than planned due to snow falling the entire way there! Roads were mostly fine, just slow. I did skid down the hill a bit trying to get into the parking lot, but other than that all was good! I booted up at the car and got right to work, making it to the Tecumseh Express at 8:30am! Besides the slow drive, I did have my first mid-drive nosebleed of the season - happy winter! It did seem like there was a massacre in my car...

Alpine Snow Report

UPDATED: 05:54AM, DECEMBER 14, 2025 OPEN: M-F:9AM-3:30PM/SAT-SUN:8AM-3:30PM

Current Weather: 22°F Cloudy

Good morning! With great conditions, comfortable temperatures, fairly light winds, and potential for more snow later on, it's shaping up to be a fantastic ski day. We've been able to open a wide variety of terrain, including several ungroomed trails alongside the fresh corduroy you've been craving for that first run. Lifts start spinning this morning at 8:00am!

Trails and Lifts: We are open with 40 trails on 157 acres of skiable terrain. We anticipate spinning the Tecumseh Express, Valley Run, High Country T-Bar, Lower Meadows, and the Upper and Lower Pasture Carpet.

Anticipated Lift Hours: Tecumseh Express: 8am-3:30pm. Valley Run Quad: 8am-3:30pm. High Country T-Bar: 8:05am-3:15pm. Lower Meadows: 8am-3:30pm. Lower Carpet: 8am-3:30pm. Upper Carpet: 9am-3:30pm.

Snowmaking and Mountain Operations: Snowmakers are currently firing up snow on Ciao, Gema, Rock Island, Stillness, and Lower Stillness. Thank you our Mountain Operations team for all the hard work they have done to get the mountain into great shape!

Nordic Skiing: The Nordic Center is now open! Check out the Nordic report for all the Nordic info.

Conditions and Weather: We woke up to a surprise dusting of snow this morning - a pretty great way to start the day if you ask me! There's also a chacne we'll see a bit more snowfall later today. Today's forecase calls for cloudy skies with temperatures expected to reach a high of 22 degrees at the base and 12 degrees at the summit. Western winds are expected to reach 14-20mph at the base and 15-30mph at the summit. Always be sure to refer to the Snow Report for weather updates if necessary! You can get direct alerts about lift closures and wind holds by texting "SNOW" to 603-825-7989.

Terrain Parks: The High Country Park will be OPEN today with 9 rails/boxes and 2 medium sized jumps. The Boardercross Course remains temporarily closed.

Uphill Access: The Oblivion and High Country Routes will be opening Monday, 12/15. The route up the Oblivion trail is NEW. There is a side trail on skinners left through teh trees providing a more mellow route, popping you out on Palmer's Way. This also allows Uphill hours to extend during operation hours. There will be signage to enter teh side trail when you first get onto Oblivion. Learn more about uphill accesss here. Oblivion Route: Valley Run -> Upper Valley Run -> Oblivion Side Trail (entrance on skinners left of trail). Open from 7am-3:30pm. High Coutnry Route: Main Street -> Ruthie's Run -> Tree Line. Open from 8am-3:30pm.

Dining: Grab a bite at: Identity Coffee, The Marketplace, The Freestyle Lounge, and the Schwendi Hutte. Refer to Business Hours for hours of operation.

Additional Info: To get direct alerts about lift closures and wind holds, text "SNOW" 603-825-7989.

Runs 1-5

Run 1: Tecumseh Express - Oblivion - Valley Run

[1.69 mi; 5:31; 1,690 ft; 30.8 mph max; 18.4 mph avg]

Run 2: Lower Meadows - Leroy's Loop

[0.23 mi; 1:03; 171 ft; 20.8 mph max; 13.4 mph avg]

Run 3: Lower Meadows - Stemtation 

[0.20 mi; 1:13; 180 ft; 23.1 mph max; 13.7 mph avg]

Run 4: Lower Meadows - Revelation

[0.20 mi; 1:10; 170 ft; Not recorded on Garmin]

Run 5: Lower Meadows - Baseway

[0.20 mi; 1:28; 121 ft; 20.9 mph max; 8.1 mph avg]

My first few runs were just to get my legs warmed up and see how much of the mountain I could ski - the loose goal was to ski every open trail! Out of sheer laziness, I started at the Tecumseh Express instead of Lower Meadows only because it was closer. I did the classic run down Oblivion to Valley Run, which skied really well! Oblivion, while being the easiest way down, is decently narrow up top and the headwall is definitely a little daunting! I got some nice turns in on the lower half, and Valley Run was in great shape (with some snowmaking whales right at the start). The mountain was delightfully empty at this point in the day, which was welcomed!

I skied all the way down to the Lower Meadows double lift in the novice area, which had WONDERFUL corduroy. I just practiced making proper carving turns on these next few short runs - it was peacefully quiet and pretty untouched. Run #5 brought me down Baseway and back to the Tecumseh Express for some more adventerous skiing!

Runs 6-9

Run 6: Tecumseh Express - Sun Run - No Grit - Obilivion - Valley Run

[1.72 mi; 5:15; 1,686 ft; 32.1 mph max; 19.6 mph avg]

Run 7: Tecumseh Express - Upper Bobby's Run - Psyched - Utter Abandon

[1.17 mi; 3:55; 1,637 ft; 29.9 mph max; 17.9 mph avg]

Run 8: Tecumseh Express - Upper Bobby's Run - Upper Sel's Choice - Tommy's World Cup Run

[1.21 mi; 4:01; 1,680 ft; 31.9 mph max; 18.1 mph avg]

Run 9: Tecumseh Express - White Caps - Old Tecumseh

[1.26 mi; 4:41; 1,637 ft; 29.5 mph max; 16.2 mph avg]

My next batch of runs involved taking a left off of the Tecumseh Express. First, I hit Sun Run to No Grit (True Grit was closed, but poorly signed) - No Grit is really a lovely tree-lined run, and skips the headwall at Oblivion! The mountain was starting to fill up with ski school and racers, but as long as I avoided those pods, it was good! Run #7 brough me down Upper Bobby's Run to Psyched to Utter Abandon - it's definitely fun to be a the point of my skiing career where I don't really give much, or any pause to a black groomer. Snow was good and fast - it was fun!

Run #8 was similar to #8, but I turned onto Upper Sel's Choice and then Tommy's World Cup Run in the bottom half. There was a "race in progress" sign on Tommy's, but nobody to be seen. I shared the 6-pack with a woman and three ski race kids, she asked if I was with them and I loudly laughed and said "oh god no." We chatted a bit, turns out she's hiked 66 out of the New England 67, with only Kahtadin left! Run #9 was down White Caps to Old Tecumseh, which was ungroomed at the very bottom (and a little rocky), but fun!

Runs 10-12

Run 10: Tecumseh Express - Grimes Way - Periphery - The Boneyard - Lower Periphery

[1.34 mi; 4:02; 1,693 ft; 29.2 mph max; 19.9 mph avg]

Run 11: Tecumseh Express - Grimes Way - Preston's Path - Periphery - Lower Tippy - Lower Periphery

[1.34 mi; 5:02; 1,693 ft, 32.8 mph max; 16.0 mph avg]

Run 12: Tecumseh Express - Tangent - Periphery - Siegel Strett - Lower Sel's Choice

[1.40 mi; 7:07; 1,673 ft; 24.8 mph max; 11.8 mph avg]

I thought about going in for a break and a drink before my next pod of runs, but turns out the Freestyle Lounge isn't open at 10:30am... Back outside I go! Now, I was turning right off the Tecumseh Express and exploring trails on that side of things. Run #10 brought me down Grimes Way to Periphery, which was mellow and wonderful, and then to the Boneyard, which sounds much more daunting than it really is. It was groomed in the middle with natural bumps along the side - I stayed in the middle for now. Lower Periphery is basically their big spillway, so it was busy.

Next I was feeling brave and checked out Preston's Path under the Northside chair, which did NOT go well. It was narrow, natural, with LOTS of rocks and bushes. I did NOT have a good time, and I bailed when I could back onto Periphery. I ended up on Lower Tippy, another groomer, before finishing out on Lower Periphery.

Run #12 is when I really started my "practicing" laps. Tangent was a natural run with some bumps (and rocks) that was perfect for practicing (plus, the groomers were starting to get skied off). I took that to Periphery, which was getting very scrapey to Siegel Street (which had thin cover signs), eventually landing at Lower Sel's Choice, which would become my practice playground for a while. A wide, natural run full of soft bumps (and more rocks, naturally... my skies got a little natural base grind...). I did not do greatly, but I also did not do poorly, and that's progress! It was a longer bump run, too, so I had plenty of time to practice keeping my skis together, weight forward, actively pole planting, and turning with my edges (blah blah blah), oh, and linking turns! It got my heart pumping, and it was fun! I texted Patrol Sarah and Emma "okay fine bumps can be fun."

Runs 13-16

Run 13: Tecumseh Express - Tangent - Periphery - Siegel Street - Lower Sel's Choice

[1.44 mi; 7:13; 1,673 ft; 25.0 mph max; 12.0 mph avg]

Run 14: Tecumseh Express - Oblivion - Valley Run

[1.63 mi; 5:38; 1,706 ft; 27.6 mph max; 17.4 mph avg]

Run 15: Tecumseh Express - Sun Run - No Grit - Oblivion - Valley Run

[1.68 mi; 5:55; 1,670 ft; 30.6 mph  max; 17.0 mph avg]

Run 16: Tecumseh Express - Tangent - Periphery - The Boneyard - Lower Periphery

[1.41 mi; 5:32; 1,670 ft; 32.3 mph max; 15.3 mph avg]

This time, I thought I was going to head up the Tecumseh Express to the Schwendi Hutte for a drink, but I was still feeling good and energized and decided to keep on keeping on! I texted Emma and Patrol Sarah asking what I should be working on, and the assignment was "upper/lower body seperation" and "bumps." Run #13 was another bumpy run - I was LOVING Tangent. Periphery was getting worse and worse every time I skied it, but Lower Sel's Choice was also getting more and more fun (and I think I was getting better at it?). I want to start getting better at the upper/lower seperation WHILE skiing bumps and making tighter turns (versus hitting two bumps and then traversing).

#14 and #15 were two re-dos, first of Oblivion to Valley Run (Oblivion was now also getting icy) and then Sun Run to No Grit and down, which was... also getting icy! Plus, Valley Run was BUSY (makes sense). Usually Sillness is open as an alternative way down that main artery, but the Green Peak side of the resort wasn't yet open. I was dodging a lot of kids in ski school and race training doing goofy (but I'm sure effective) drills.

I felt like I was starting to wrap things up around Run #16 - I hit Tangent again, slid down Periphery, and hit the bumpy side of The Boneyard. The natural snow was sooooo nice! I also shared the lift with these three teenage boys, maybe 16 years old? They were an absolute riot. I was initially upset they put the bubble down just because it felt a little too intimate, but they were ragging on each other so intensely I couldn't help but laugh with them. They also complimented my pants and goggles, which could have been a dig, but I'm taking it as genuine! One asked me "would you rather take it slow and improve your skills or send it and have a little more fun?" and before I could answer, another one said "I'd rather just be good at snowboarding" and the other said "I'd rather just not be a b****" in rapid succession - took me out!

Runs 17-20

Run 17: Tecumseh Express - High Country T-Bar - Ruthie's Run - Grimes Way - Tippacanoe - Sigel Street - Lower Sel's Choice 

[1.85 mi; 8:13; 2,139 ft; 24.6 mph max; 13.5 mph avg]

Run 18: Lower Meadows - Baseway

[0.20 mi; 1:10; 120 ft; Not on Garmin]

Run 19: Tecumseh Express - Upper Bobby's Run - Psyched - Upper Sel's Choice - Lower Sel's Choice

[1.29 mi; 5:57; 1,713 ft; 29.5 mph max; 13.0 mph avg]

Run 20: Tecumseh Express - Oblivion - Valley Run

[1.62 mi; 5:14; 1,670 ft; 29.3 mph max; 18.5 mph avg]

I promised myself one tippy top to tippy bottom run, so I went back up the Tecumseh Express and then hit the High Country T-Bar. I wanted to hit Tree Line with its fun banked turns, but it was closed. Instead I skied Ruthie's Run, which paralleled the race course on the left (I did not like all the racers and race parents seeing me ski), to Grimes Way, and then I found Tippacanoe - a run I hadn't skied yet! Was this the last one I needed (it was not - I fully missed "And Tyler Too," and that's okay)? I ended Run #17 with another Lower Sel's Choice and then wiggled my way down to Lower Meadows, the true tippy bottom!

I wasn't yet done, even though my legs were starting to get wobbly, and I wanted to get a full run of Lower Sel's Choice (Siegel Street had been popping me in about 1/5 the way down. Run #18 was up Lower Meadows and down Baseway back to the Tecumseh Express, and #19 brought me back to Lower Bobby's Run, Psyched, Upper Sel's Choice, and then a full lap of Lower Sel's Choice. I was NOT skiing good at this point of the way - lots of back seat and firery thighs - fun though!

I called my two more skip the last for my next run, keeping it easy with a trip down Oblivion and back to the car!

This was such a great solo day and I'm glad I'm getting more comfy with the bumpy stuff (minus Preston's Path...)! My drive home was quick and easy, and now I am basically itching to get back out!

Map of Waterville Valley

Wright's Tower, Red Cross Path, Cross-Fells Path, Middle Road (Middlesex Fells Reservation)

Wright's Tower, Red Cross Path, Cross-Fells Path, Middle Road (Middlesex Fells Reservation)

Hike Type: Tracing Loop

Distance: 3.81 miles

Elevation: 417 feet

Time: 1 hour, 12 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Middlesex Fells Reservation Tracing, 52 Hike Challenge 2025

The Hike 

Okay, with my first few ski days behind me and squeeking in another 4000 footer, it's time to get back on-track with hiking. I always struggle this time of year with motivation since the only place I can realistically hike for more than an hour is the Fells which doesn't always excite me, only hiking for an hour isn't exciting, and getting minimal elevation also isn't exciting. That being said, everytime I go I think "I should do this more!" Thankfully, motivation came in the form of returning tubas to the high school and seeing their production of Cindarella, so I had some time to kill (plus, as per tradition, I'm comically behind on my 52 Hike Challenge hikes for Nov/Dec.

It was a windy afternoon and a chilly 30 degrees. My only goal was to see the view from the tower and then meander on trails that I had not yet meandered - off I go! The yellow trail up to the tower was made up of frozen mud (and two unleashed dogs) and I immediately found myself wishing I had a buff, gloves, and a fleece (instead of the hoodie I wore to school). The view was wonderful, as always, though. I passed some needle ice on the descent via Skyline Trail, and followed the Skyline Trail over to the Red Cross Path, avoiding some confusing criss-crossing unmapped trails and frozen swamps.

I hit a triangle along the Red Cross Path and maneuvered around some more unmapped paths around C5-25 before turning onto the more-rugged Cross-Fells Path. I followed the Cross-Fells for a while, and then eventually made a sharp turn onto the Reservoir Path, which had nice tree views to the Reservoir, which was not yet frozen. I still am wondering about the practicing legality of hiking the paths around the reservoir...

I hiked the network of loopty loop mini-trails around C5-4, which were mostly grown-in, and then made my way over to East Dam Road and the Bike Loop, which had a nice long series of NEMBA bridges. I was starting to work up an appetite! 

Now on Middle Road, the sky was illuminated with wonderful pastels as the sun barely poked through the sun. I made my down some unnamed paths, eventually returning to Bellevue Pond! It was a really nice afternoon in the woods, and now that it was dark at 4:20pm, I made my way over to Sweetgreen in Burlington and then schlepped up to the high school for some theater!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Bellevue Pond.

- Start hike on Quarry Road.

- After D6-5, turn right onto Wright's Tower Path.

- At D6-4, turn left onto Skyline Trail.

- At C6-3, turn right onto Red Cross Path.

- Hike triangle at C6-4, continue on Red Cross Path.

- At C5-25, turn left.

- At C5-17, turn right onto Cross-Fells Path.

- At C5-11, turn left to continue on Cross-Fells Path.

- Hit spur at C5-10, continue on Cross-Fells Path.

- At C5-5, turn right.

- At C5-6, turn left to continue on Cross-Fells Path.

- At C4-9, turn left onto path.

- At C4-8, turn left onto Reservoir Trail.

- Hike network of spurs around C5-4, then continue left on East Dam Road.

- At C5-8, turn sharply right onto Bike Loop.

- At C5-7, turn left onto Middle Road.

- Hike Triangle around C5-14/C5-15, continue on Middle Road.

- At C5-14, continue straight/veering slightly right onto continuation of road grade.

- At terminus, turn left onto road.

- At C6-2, merge and continue onto Middle Road.

- At unmarked junction, turn left and return to car.

Middlesex Fells Reservation Map

Photo Album

Cannon via Hi-Cannon and Lonesome Lake Loop (White Mountain National Forest)

Cannon via Hi-Cannon and Lonesome Lake Loop (White Mountain National Forest)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loopty Loop

Distance: 6.77 miles

Elevation: 2,418 feet

Time: 6 hours, 13 minutes (4 hours, 25 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2025; New Hampshire 4000 Footers; Terrifying 25

The Hike 

I am SO back... temporarily! After a quiet November, I soft-launched my reentry to the outdoors with the Ethan Pond hike. I was up at Jay Peak the past two days for my first ski days of the season (and to celebrate Emma's birthday), and now it was time to drive partway home to Cannon to hike and finish out Sarah's 48! We stayed at the Stateside Hotel for Emma's birthday, so it was nice to be leaving from Jay. I was up at 6:00am (Sarah was in charge of logistics... I would have started earlier...) and on the road just before 6:30am. I caught a shooting start driving down VT-242 and stopped for breakfast at my favorite Maplefields in Orleans before continuing down. Roads were thankfully in good shape minus 242, which was expected. 

I was about 18 minutes ahead of schedule, which did me good since the parking lot was unplowed and... I got stuck. I made it about 40 feet into the lot before my car wouldn't go any further because I tried to turn. My tires managed to scoop out the top layer of snow and revealed a THICK layer of boilerplace ice, which was... a bummer! There was an older couple at the trailhead watching me and passively offered me help, which I declined. I did wiggle my car back some by using normal wiggling techniques, including floor mats, but it just got stuck again (and almost skidded into a tree). I called Sarah and Alec and told them "soooo I'm having a bad time! I'm stuck in the parking lot!" - apparently the call dropped right after I said "bad time!" - which is a little funny. They pulled in and parked at the PLOWED trailhead down by the Pemi Trail before coming to my rescue. Sarah drove while Alec and I pushed, and we eventually got it out. It really was quite the workout BEFORE a hike!

Sarah drove my car to the plowed lot, I got suited up, and we were only 37 minutes behind schedule, which really isn't too bad! Thankfully, it was a beautiful morning with low winds and overcast skies - all the surrounding peaks were open! Sarah packed her Veuve Cliquot into her backpack, and we were off!

[9:07am - Start of Hike]

We FINALLY got started at 9:07am with a nice walk from the car to the trailhead proper. Spikes were on from the get-go and we took some photos with the boilerplate ice I had dug my tired into - I'm grateful to have friends that 1) will help me get out of a dumb situation and also 2) be in a good enough mood to make jokes about it!

[9:13am - Lonesome Lake Trail]

The Lonesome Lake Trail proper started near the end of the parking lot I failed to park in, marked with a trail sign, a sign from Cannon Mountain Ski Area saying "we won't save you!," and an iron ranger accepting donations. The trail immedaitely crossed the scenic Pemigewasset River on a snowy footbridge and then wiggled through the Lafayette Place Campground, easily gaining a little bit of elevation.

[9:17am - Lonesome Lake Trail/AMC Hut Sign]

After crossing a few rows of campsites we passed the sign for the AMC Lonesome Lake Hut, which is now open on a caretaker basis. I do want to do another winter hut stay - the one in Carter Notch was one of my favorite hikes to date! From the sign, the snowy Lonesome Lake Trail continued to climb at easy grades, eventually crossing a bridge over a freezing creek and landing at the junction with the Hi-Cannon Trail!

[9:29am - Hi-Cannon Trail]

To our delight, the Hi-Cannon Trail was well-broken out with a firm monorail (and about a foot of unconsolidated snow on either side. It started off with a nice meander through the woods before increasing in grade to the steepness that I "fondly" remember. It was MUCH nicer doing this stretch in the snow - the loose gravel was brutal in the summer! The other perk of hiking in the winter are the tree views over to Franconia Ridge - we particularly loved seeing the white slides scarring the mountains, including shining rock.

[10:09am - Hi Cannon Trail/Dodge Cut-Off]

We had a quick standing break at the Dodge Cut-Off junction, but I was down to my base layers and needed to keep moving to stay warm (especially since I knew we'd be climbing again shortly). We hiked through a winter wonderland with early-stage marshmallow trees that sometimes made the trail a little more narrow than we wanted. We also spent some time discussing the difference between rocks and stones (we LOVE a nonsensical question to power us through climbs) - we landed on that stones are somehow crafted by humans while rocks are nature's creations.

I started to get excited when the trail began to level out, which meant we'd be getting some views! The first peek-a-view was over to Mt. Liberty, which was looking incredibly moody in the wintry light. Just a bit further down the trail I did a classic "WOAH," followed by similar "WOAH"s from Sarah and Alec, respectively. We had a great view of the snow-capped Franconia Ridge, from Mt. Lafayette to Little Haystack, which really just looked incredible.

Soon after the views, the trail turned a corner and began to climb again, eventually bringing us to the terrifying ladders! They were not terrifying in the slighest over the summer, and even with the snow, they were still not that bad. I can imagine they'd get a little dicey with another foot or two, but in these conditions, it was totally fine. 

We enjoyed another view to the ridge from the top of the ladders as the Hi-Cannon Trail skirted the edge of some cliffs, providing additional views down south through Franconia Notch and to Lonesome Lake below.

Eventually, the trail began to climb again, this time at easier grades, as the temperature became noticeably colder. There were tree views to the Kinsmans as we skirted up some ledges that were not nearly as difficult as I anticipated, and we eventually landed at the height-of-land on the trail, which was just a beautiful winter wonderland. From here, the trail descended slightly to the Kinsman Ridge Trail.

[11:22am - Kinsman Ridge Trail]

We did another quick break at the Kinsman Ridge Trail - we were close now! The older couple from the parking lot were also taking a break at this junciton - I don't think they recognized me. The rest of the climb was a DELIGHT. Easy grades, lots of snow, and frosty trees. Plus, nearly endless snowshoe hare tracks! It really was so beautiful - we were all elated.

[11:34am - Rim Trail]

The beautiful forest led us to the White Mountain National Forest sign: "This marks the line between national forest and state park lands. The area in back of this sign is the White Mountain National Forest 724,333 acres. A multiple use area for the enjoyment of the people, protection and management of timber, water, wildlife." We followed the Rim Trail with Sarah in the lead to the top! I went to get my mittens since my hands were cold, but I realized I accidentally left them at home... sad!

[11:40am - Cannon Mountain Summit]

We made it! Sarah finished her 4000 Footers! It was fun to be there on her day, especially after she was there on mine! We first stopped at the actual summit underneath the observation tower, which had a neat coating of rime ice. Sarah took off her pack and made sure to give the top a "boop!" We exchanged congratulations, got some photos, and then threw our packs back on for Veuve Cliquot up top!

The stairs on the tower were pretty snowed-over, but took to spikes well. I forgot how insane the views from the top were! 360 degrees! The Kinsmans, Vermont (no 4000 Footers because of visibility), Willoughby Gap, The Percys, and of course, the Franconia Ridge. Sarah took out her sign for some more photos, we popped the champagne, took even more photos, and then RAN back down underneath the tower to enjoy our break out of the wind - it was COLD up top!

Our break wasn't too long due to the cold (18ish degrees with a slight breeze), but we enjoyed slacks and champagne. We had to drink the champagne a little faster than we would have liked, but it was still delicious! Sarah and I joked that we only have champagne on mountains (which also isn't really a joke...) since we've now had it at the Alpine Cabin at Black Mountain in Jackson, on Mt. Moriah, and now Cannon! We told Alec to get working on his 48 so we can have more! The folks from the parking lot eventually also made it to the top and shared their congratulations with Sarah before we packed it up and headed down on the Short Trail toward the Tram building.

[12:13pm - Short Trail]

We passed a skier hiking up on the Short Trail as we descended through more stunning woods to the top of the ski area. We were pretty sure it was going to be open, but we were ELATED to see the Cafe 4080' was open! We dropped our packs outside and RAN inside to warm up and get some provisions.

[12:20pm - Cafe 4080']

The Cafe was a DREAM. Both the food line and bar were open, and it was WARM. Plus, it was fun to be around skiers. I got a warm cinnamon roll and a hard cider, Alec and Sarah each got a bowl of chili, a hot chocolate, and they shared a warm cinnamon roll. Life was WONDERFUL again. We spent a nice chunk of time here alternating between yapping and staring into the void - we all started to get a little sleepy, and that is when we decided it was time to pack it up and head back out into the cold!

[1:08pm - Rim Trail]

It wasn't super clear where the Rim Trail picked up once we left the Tram building, but it was just to the left of the Short Trail sign, blocked by a blowdown. We carefully skirted around the blowdown and then continued on the wonderful trail. 

[1:11pm - Rim Trail & Kinsman Ridge Trail]

Shortly after, the Rim Trail joined the Kinsman Ridge Trail and opneed up some mroe wonderful views towards Franconia Ridge. The tippy top of Lafayette was now in the clouds, and flurries were beginning to fall like a snowglobe. The trees were absolutely caked in snow, and we could see down to Lafayette Place, including both the parking lot I failed to park in, and the parking lot where we did park! We soon dipped back into the woods, made it to the WMNF sign, and continued on the Kinsman Ridge Trail.

[1:17pm - Kinsman Ridge Trail]

The flurries were falling more steadily once back on the Kinsman Ridge Trail, which continued to be a freaking delight and visually stunning. Alec got a ahead for a bit while Sarah and I gabbed about who knows what. The two glasses of champagne and hard cider were definitely feeling good at this point!

[1:25pm - Kinsman Ridge Trail/Hi-Cannon Trail]

We continued on past the Hi-Cannon Trail junction and started our descent do the first col between Cannon and the Cannon Balls. The woods were STILL beautiful and thankfully the trail was still well-traveled and packed down. I stopped for a quick potty break, and between the etherial "you" and I, I love winter becuase I can pee right on the side of the trail and cover it up without question. Eventually, though, I heard Alec and Sarah go "oh." This marked the STEEP section.

The Kinsman Ridge Trail absolutely plummeted down, which in fairness, is what it's known for doing! We took a while in this stretch, which was not long, but we wanted to be safe. We crossed paths with two teenage-looking boys who were carrying snowshoes and said "we didn't think we'd need spikes on this one!" - which was confusing. Why bring snowshoes but not spikes? Who knows! I assume they made it out safely since I did not see anything on the Search and Rescue pages. 

We caught some views from the trail, which signaled that the steep stretch was almost over. It was Sarah's time to blast off ahead of us while Alec and I enjoyed the again beautiful woods. 

[1:51pm - Lonesome Lake Trail]

We were equally thrilled and relieved when we made it to the Lonesome Lake Trail junction. The flurries had increased to what I would call "snowing," so I asked Sarah to get my sunglasses out of my pack, only to find that I also didn't bring those! I have no idea where they could be... Strange that both my sunglasses and mittens are missing from the Ethan Pond hike? Hopefully I'll find them again! 

The Lonesome Lake Trail continued through beautiful woods at easy grades before descending again, but never getting nearly as steep as before. The steepest stretch was down what appeared to be a drainage of some sort, but it was mostly snow-covered sans a few open, wet spots. The trail soon bottomed out and followed a series of mostly-covered boardwalks with an occasional view back to Cannon through the trees.

[2:22pm - Around-Lonesome-Lake Trail]

The flats led us to the Around-Lonesome-Lake Trail and the lake proper. We could have turned left for a shorter way out, but I wanted to hit the hut and walk across the dam (and get the views), so we turned right. The trail led us through an absolutely beautiful snow-covered wetland that required a little bit of brain power to make sure we were stepping on the boardwalks and not into the pond inflows. Behind us was a great view to Cannon and the lake was on the left. This stretch was simply delightful!

We eventually began to catch some views over to the mostly-hidden Franconia Ridge on the far side of the lake. 

[2:34pm - Fishin' Jimmy Trail & Lonesome Lake Hut]

[2:42pm - Cascade Brook Trail]

We went back and forth about visiting the hut, and the fact that the sun was going to be setting soon was enough to keep us away from the main building, but we did do a quick bathroom break. We heard the caretaker splitting wood as we walked back down to the lake, and I reminisced about the time I was panic-sending sub plans from the dock on the lake a couple autumns ago!

We admired the view to Cannon from the dam and I tried to recreate a photo I got a little over a year ago of the lake before we continued onto the Cascade Brook Trail, which featured long boardwalks (the nice kind, not the rotting plank kind) that we walked along until we were back at the Lonesome Lake Trail.

[2:48pm - Lonesome Lake Trail]

The Lonesome Lake Trail rose gently for a short bit before starting the mile-long, gradual descent. The snow was back to flurries at this point, and we were cruising! We kept asking Sarah how it felt to be done and she was just so happy and proud! We did hit the delusional part of the hike where we were just splattering out anything that came to mind, which made conversations comical and nonsensical. 

[3:11pm - Lonesome Lake Trail/Hi-Cannon Trail]

[3:17pm - Lonesome Lake Trail/AMC Hut Sign]

We were thrilled to see the Hi-Cannon Trail sign, and even more thrilled to reach the AMC Hut sign! I picked up a forgotten car mat that I left in the unplowed lot, and soon we were back at our cars!

[3:23pm - End of Hike]

We exchanged a ground of cheers and hugs, changed our clothes, and then it was time for the pilgrimage back to Boston! I had a lovely cheese steak from the Common Man at the Hooksett Rest Area, and to my delight, was in bed nice and early! What a FANTASTIC weekend, and I'm feeling sad that I won't be able to get up there again until after Christmas!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Lafayette Place

- Start hike following signs to Lonesome Lake Trail.

- At trail sign, continue onto Lonesome Lake Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Hi-Cannon Trail.

- At terminus, turn right onto Kinsman Ridge Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto Rim Trail.

- Summit Cannon Mountain.

- From summit, continue onto Short Trail.

- From tram building, continue onto Rim Trail (Kinsman Ridge Trail joins later).

- From jct., turn left onto Kinsman Ridge Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto Lonesome Lake Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Around-Lonesome-Lake Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Fishin' Jimmy Trail to hut.

- Turn around at hut.

- Continue onto Fishin' Jimmy Trail, then Cascade Brook Trail.

- At terminus, turn right onto Lonesome Lake Trail.

- Return to car.

Photo Album

Skiing Jay Peak (Day 2/Indy Pass Day 2)

Skiing Jay Peak

Saturday. December 6th, 2025

Runs: 17

Distance: 12.35 miles

Elevation: 11,906 feet

Max Speed: 32.7 mph

Avg. Speed: 9.0 mph

Moving Time: 1 hour, 22 minutes, 41 seconds

Total Time: 6 hours, 40 minutes, 35 seconds

Day Two of the first weekend back! Emma and Sarah had to be up early for a big day of patrolling and training (plus the groomers were shining the brightest lights imaginable into our room at 5:00am), and I was up just a little later. This was going to be the first day of the season for the Tram (and Tramside), so I decided I'd do my usual Taxi to Tramside to see the line for the Tram, and then decide if I wanted to wait or Metro back. Stevens wasn't too far behind me - it was also my big day of being the substitute teacher!

Snow Report

SATURDAY DECEMBER 6 AT 6:50 AM

Tramside Debuts. Snow Keeps Coming. Wintershine Kicks Off.

We're officially riding Tramside.

Today marks the debut of Tramside for the 2025/2026 season with the first spin of the Tram and Metro Quad. With it comes a major terrain boost, bumping us up to over 60 open trails and making it easier to bounce between both sides of the resort.

Upper mountain lifts - Jet Tripe, Bonaventure Quad, and the Tram from 8:30a to 4:00p.

Lower mountain lifts - Metro Quad, Taxi Quad, Stateside Carpet from 8:00a-4:00p.

There's been no new snow in the last 24 hours, but conditions are still excellent. We picked up 6 to 9 inches over the past 48 hours, and 27 inches in the last 10 days, with no warmup periods in bewteen. Arctic temps yesterday kept the snow light, fast, and in place, and today's mid-20s feel practically balmy by comparison. Low winds mean all lifts are expected to operate on schedule.

The Grooming Crew really stepped up for us. They worked through the night to lay down 38 trails of fresh corduroy for this morning, with help from our snowmaking team, who continue to match Mother Nature stride for stride putting extra effort to get terrain open for today. Goat and trails accessed by Goat will remain closed for snowmaking.

The snow forecast isn't letting up. Flurries may show up this afternoon, with heavier snowfall moving in overnight. We're expecting some fresh by Sunday morning, and another round Sunday night could bring weekend totals to 10 inches by Monday morning.

And don't forget: Wintershine kicks off tonight with Eric Hoh in the Tower Bar, 4:00-7:00pm. Plus a Viking Skol, lighting ceremony, fireworks, and free s'mores in our wood-fired pits. Wintershine runs every Saturday in December, so if you miss tonight's festivities, you've still got a few more chances to catch the glow.

Also, Apres with Joe Agnello & Freinds at the Bullwheel Bar has been bumped up an hours to 3:00-6:00pm to give you time to get over to Tramside for the fireworks.

Snowmaking is going strong on Goat top to bottom. Expect equipment on-hill, trail closures, and shifting access points as we keep pushing hard on terrain expansion.

A reminder for Uphill Travelers: our two designated routes are Angels Wiggle to Northway and Ullr's Dream. Please stick to these routes when traveling uphill and stay completely off any trail with snowmaking, machinery, grooming, or active work. Follow the same rules on the way down.

A Quick Notes about Jay Peak's Tram (by Snowology Weather & News)

While Jay Peak's Tram is literally the gateway to Valhalla outside of your own low speed quads, it does not move a lot of people. The Tram is in fact the lowerst capacity lift in the entire Northeast. yes, even Mad River Glen's Single Chair can move more people uphill than the Tram can. This is true of most trams of course; there are only two cabins.

This weekend the Tram will be the only upper mountain lift on the Tramside at Jay Peak. The Flyer won't ben running though Metro will be running on beginner terrain on Tramside. So there will vertainly be lines for the Tram all day long, and they will grow to whatever general consensus there is for the pain point, but that's also part of the allure as good things are more appreciated when they don't come easy. Without the Flyer only Tram riders and uphillers will have set ski on the snow up top and down through Tramside. So the wait will in fact be worth it for some, especially first tram. The best way to experience Jay's Tram though is to go on a weekday when it is quieter and the lines are shorter.

We do expect Jay Peak will be pretty busy as well as other larger ski areas in New England given the snow and the cold air reaching down to the coast reminding people that skiing is probably good right now, and it is, but terrain is generally limited still as well as lifts since it is early season. If you are at Jay, 80% of the action will be at Jet and Bonaventure over at Stateside where all or most of the trails are now open.

We have no concerns about wind holds this weekend, even on the Tram, though we're not quite at 100% on Saturday as it will be a little breezy.

Runs 1-2

Run 1: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway

[0.73 mi; 2:18; 551 ft; 31.2 mph max; 19.0 mph avg]

Run 2: Metro Quad - Perry Merril Ave - Chalet Meadows

[0.60 mi; 4:19; 374 ft; 26.0 mph max; 8.4 mph avg]

My initial goal was to get over to Tramside and see how bad the line for the Tram would be - I had dreams of hitting Vermonter before Jay gets too crowded for the next three months, but by the time I got over there the line was already past the queue. So intead I started my day with a lovely criss-cross of Taxi to Queen's Highway and then Metro back to Stateside. Nobody was on either of the low-speed quads, so it was actually a nice start to the day! Snow wasn't as wonderufl as yesterday, but still pretty fantastic!

Runs 3-7

Run 3: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway - Chalet Meadows

[0.39 mi; 4:11; 331 ft; 13.8 mph max; 5.6 mph avg]

Run 4: Taxi Quad - The Boulevard 

[0.30 mi; 3:19; 348 ft; 22.6 mph max; 5.5 mph avg]

Run 5: Taxi Quad - Lower Can Am

[0.32 mi; 1:40; 348 ft; 23.0 mph max; 11.4 mph avg]

Run 6: Taxi Quad - Kangaroo Trail

[0.48 mi; 5:13; 377 ft; 25.2 mph max; 5.5 mph avg]

Run 7: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway

[0.65 mi; 3:49; 538 ft; 23.2 mph max; 10.2 mph avg]

I met Stevens in the Stateside lodge where he was getting booted up (and ended up renting poles for $20, which is a silly fee). I got us both breakfast and then we planned our attack for the day! He said he didn't want to start on the carpets, which I thought (correctly) was a fine move. We decided we'd lap the Taxi for a while and then meander over to Tramside to get some laps on the Metro. Our first run was down Queen's Highway to Chalet Meadows, and Steven's goal was "remember how to ski." We slowed down the lift getting on and off, and he fell getting off, but vibes were good! I had one moment of being a very bad teacher when I saw the cutest little vole running across the slope - without looking behind, I chased it across the slope to the edge, and then it tried to climb on my skis. I almost caused a couple crashes, but all with snowboarders absolutely sending it, so I didn't feel too bad.

Run #2 was down the Boulevard, which had a relatively steeper start than Queen's Highway, but he handled it well. I was doing my best to remember my early days on "sticks," and it was fun to be on the other side of things! Run #3 was when he did NOT fall getting off of the lift for the first time, and Lower Can Am without the Rusch Park was actually a perfect beginner slope - wide and gentle. We started talking about the "smear" or stepping the inside ski in. I also told him he should stop putting his poles in his armpits like a ski racer, since he simply was not racing anyone or anything.

We cracked our first lift beer of the day before hitting the slightly-more-challenging Kangaroo Trail, which was still going well! The main focus was turning, getting the skis parallel during the traverse, and keeping weight forward (which is something I am still working on, writing in this journal with sore quads). Our final run on Stateside for now was down the Queen's Highway all the way to the Metro! We did a quick pit stop inside for a bathroom break before continuing to SHRED.

Runs 8-12

Run 8: Metro Quad - Interstate

[0.54 mi; 3:38; 522 ft; 21.5 mph max; 8.9 mph avg]

Run 9: Metro Quad - Deer Run - Ullr's Dream

[0.78 mi; 8:37; 525 ft; 25.8 mph max; 5.4 mph avg]

Run 10: Metro Quad - Harmony Lane

[0.57 mi; 3:41; 522 ft; 23.5 mph max; 9.3 mph avg]

Run 11: Metro Quad - Subway

[0.54 mi; 4:09; 522 ft; 20.1 mph max; 7.8 mph avg]

Run 12: Metro Quad - Perry Merril Ave - Chalet Meadows

[0.54 mi; 3:57; 377 ft; 23.2 mph max; 8.2 mph avg]

Time for the Metro! The line for the Tram was comically long at this point, and unfortunately with the Flyer not yet open the Metro was also busy. Thankfully, the line was moving quickly. Our first run was down Interstate, which truly is another great spot for a beginner once they get off the carpets - it's comically wide and long enough where you can do a lot before getting back on the chair. We kept on working on the same skills, and I threw in the idea of keeping his shoulders pointed downhill. Next was time for Steven's first "blue" of the season! Patrol upgraded Harmony Lane and Deer Run to blues - likely becuase of thin cover near water bars and larger pockets of natural snow. We scooted over to Deer Run, which was simply a delight. Stevens managed the rollers well, and I managed to launch myself out of only one of my skis hitting a bump in the natural snow (which was so wonderfully soft and fun to play in). I challenged him to get some speed for the Ullr's run out, which he was moderately successful with!

Run #10 brought us back up the Metro, which we shared with another patroller (we played the game of "we definitely know who you are but who are you) and then down Harmony Lane, which was just delightful. There were a few narrow bits at the end, but they were all clearly marked with Bamboo, and there was plenty of natural snow on either side, which was fun for me! We had our next lift beer before hitting the Subway, which really is a fun little run, I just hate that it's underneath the Metro! We ran inside to use the bathroom again before Run #12, which was back up the Metro and down back to Stateside base - lunch time! It was my first rice ball of the season, and Stevens' first rice ball EVER. Big day! 

Runs 13-15

Run 13: Bonaventure Quad - Northway - Angel's Wiggle - Paradise Meadows

[1.08 mi; 5:51; 1,411 ft; 27.6 mph max; 11.1 mph avg]

Run 14: Bonaventure Quad - Northway - Hell's Crossing - Sweetheart

[1.26 mi; 7:30; 1,453 ft; 26.4 mph max; 10.1 mph avg]

Run 15: Jet Triple - Montrealer - Northway - Hell's Crossing - Paraside Meadows

[1.14 mi; 10:26; 1,247 ft; 32.7 mph max; 6.5 mph avg]

We had our rice balls and loaded up on a few more beers (never have I ever drank so many Coors Lights in a day...) and we got onto the Bonnie! Stevens did a run or two from the Bonnie last season, so he was feeling okay with going up today. We managed to get on just the two of us, I warned him about keeping the tips up because of the Bonnie Boy's Bumps, and we were off! We had our lift beers, making sure to finish before the lift plateaued and he successfully got off at full-speed without falling! We got a pretty sweet pole picture with the Tram overhead and snow falling everywhere, and we were off!

The plan was to do the standard easiest way down the Wiggle, and he did a good job on the Northway! One fall, but he's gotten quite good at falling. Most impressively, he did NOT send it through the slow signs like he did last year - improvement! We regrouped at the Angel's Wiggle junction, and I talked him through the two "headwalls." The one leading to Taxi was unfortunately a sheet of ice at this point in the day, even with it snowing all day, so he... struggled. He went down mid-way and it took him a WHILE to get back up (ice is hard!), plus his glasses kept fogging up (he's having a similar issue as Gen where they need glasses on to ski but it's hard to keep them fog-less). 

After the two headwalls, though, we were good! I did see a few patrollers practicing sled runs, and I thought about jokingly asking them for an escort, but I was behaved! The rest of Angel's Wiggle and Paradise Meadows was good! 

Run #14 was back up the Bonnie. Northway to the junction was status quo, and to avoid the ice on Angel's Wiggle, I proposed we continue on Northway to the Purgatory/Hell's Crossing turn. This was good for two reasons: 1) quieter trail/better snow and 2) it was now my turn to ask the comical question "do you want to go down Purgatory or Hell's Crossing?" with a serious face. Upper Hells was good and slow with only one fall, and he loved Lower Hells! Since he liked the woodsier run, I proposed we hit Sweetheart and do a lap up the Jet, he was in! He LOVED Sweetheart (how could you not?!) and I got temporarily stuck in Stateside Glade off of a side hit... whoops!

The line for the Jet was longer than we anticipated, so I gave him the option of sticking together or hitting the single's line - he immediately went for singles - I was so proud of him! We literally immedaitely got on the lift - I was with a quiet couple and he was with two older women who had OPINIONS. They were dumbfounded why I would bring him on the Jet on his fourth day skiing, and when we got to the top they cattily said "if you friends cared about you they'd tell you to bend your knees more" - my god?! Wild! They skied away and Stevens and I got a classic pole picture with the Vermonter in the background (the real reason why we needed to go up the Jet). He did a good job on the Montrealer, but he did get stuck on the headwall before Northway - it was icy like the Wiggle. He tried to side-slip it, but it wasn't going well. I eventually yelled "JUST TURN" and he was literally fine. We hit Hell's Crossing again and made it back to Stateside for a potty break!

Runs 16-17

Run 16: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway

[0.68 mi; 3:08; 554 ft; 25.8 mph max; 13.1 mph avg]

Run 17: Tram - Vermonter - Montrealer - Northway - Hell's Crossing - Sweetheart

[1.74 mi; 6:53; 1,916 ft; 23.7 mph max; 15.2 mph avg]

Back at Stateside, I told him I wanted to check out the line for the Tram and said that he was not ready for the Tram, he agreed thankfully! He said he'd ski over with me and get some laps in to finish out the day. We took the Taxi up, I opened my final lift beer du jour and heard Stevens go "oh no." In his many falls, he actually crushed the beer in his pocket without noticing! He pulled out a shredded, crushed, empty can of Coors from his pocket! Objectively hysterical. I put mine down to get a photo, and then my full beer fell off the lift... It was a sign.

The run down Queen's was still good, and the line for the Tram was still within the queue, so I hopped on and sent Stevens on his way. He got a few laps on the Metro while I waited... and waited... Suddenly, it was 3:58pm (lifts close at 4:00pm), and they opened the doors one last time! I was sure I was getting trapped on Tramside, but turns out I'd be on the last Tram! Also good thing I was texting Emma and Patrol Sarah, because patrol was about to start their sweep, not knowing there was another Tram coming up!

By the time I got to the top it was noticeably darker out (thanks, December), and turns out Emma's dad was on the Tram with me! He was going to ski sweep with her, and my goal was to get the heck down the mountain before it was too dark!

The Vermonter skied well, but it was sketchy as hell! The upper mountain was in a cloud, paired with snow, paired with my dark lenses made for a cautiously fast trip down with a few surprise bumps along the way. Thankfully, I was the only one headed down this way. Once on the Northway, though, I had a delightfully quiet trip back down Hell's Crossing and Sweetheart back to the base. This was definitely one of the more stress-inducing runs I'd taken, minus hitting new trails. I was happy to be back in the Bullwheel, but our night was not yet over!

Apres

Apres naturally started with Stevens and I enjoying a post-ski drink and talking about the gnar we shredded. We were later joined by Emma's parents while the patrollers finished up their sweep. I had a small side quest - meeting a skiing beekeeper that I had been talking from the Boston area for a quick chit chat, so I took care of business there before rejoining Stevens and family. Once the patrollers were back in the patrol room, he and I said au revoir to Emma's parents and went to the room for a short quiet time (and a few Jager shots) before joining the patrollers for their annual fundraising auction!

It was fun to see a bunch of the friends I had made last season again, and even more fun, I won (paid for) a new-to-me pair of skis! K2 Mindbenders, 88 something and 170cm for $150 (bindings included). Both Sarah and Emma said "get those," so I did! The plan is for Emma to get new AT bindings so I can inherit her current ones and use them to start getting into the uphill life - exciting!

The rest of the night involved dinner at Howie's and a few more drinks in the room before passing the heck out. Gotta wake up early tomorrow to drive to Cannon to finish up other Sarah's NH48!

Map of Jay Peak

Skiing Jay Peak (Day 1/Indy Pass Day 1)

Skiing Jay Peak

Friday. December 5th, 2025

Runs: 20

Distance: 18.66 miles

Elevation: 20,079 feet

Max Speed: 32.2 mph

Avg. Speed: 12.3 mph

Moving Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes, 56 seconds

Total Time: 4 hours, 53 minutes, 22 seconds

IT'S SKI SEASON!! Emma turned 30 on Thursday, December 4th, so I took a personal day today to drive up last night, celebrate with a drink, and to be silly up at Jay Peak. I was like a kid in a candy store I was so excited! I ended up leaving Emma's around 7:30am, hours before she and Sarah left, becuase I was just itching to get back. I got my Maplefields breakfast sandwich and wiggled my way to Montgomery Center, where my body even knew I was back (as indicated by the immediate urge to use the bathroom, which historically happens everytime I hit VT-242). 

Snow Report

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 AT 6:50 AM

Snow Delivered, Trees Reloaded, Weekend Ready

Today's Ride Guide:

Upper mountain: Jet Triple and Bonaventure Quad from 9 to 4.

Lower mountain: Taxi Quad and Stateside Carpet from 8:30 to 4.

All lifts are operating out of the Stateside Base.

Yesterday's storm delivered a proper early December welcome. By the end of the day we stacked up close to 10 inches, bringing our early December total to 17 inches and pushing our season total to 136 inches. Yes, you read that right. One hundred and thirty six inches by December 5. The Jay Cloud is not messing around this year.

The wind traveled with the snowfall, shifting pockets and filling the trees through the afternoon. This morning those sheltered zones hold the best of yesterday's snow, refreshed and reset for anyone willing to hunt for the right lines. It was a classic Jay day, marked by steady snowfall and constant change across the mountain.

Tramside headlines the weekend. Metro and the Tramside Carpet are locked to run Saturday, and the Tram is in its final prep stage with the official word expected later today. Keep an eye on this report and our socials for the call.

And riding that same Tramside momentum, WinterShine returns Saturday from 4pm to 7pm on Alice's patio. Fire pits, free s'mores, holiday music, and Vikings ready to Skol winter into full swing. With WinterShine and Tramside lighting up on the same day, it really does feel like winter is showing off a little. The mountain has apparently decided it wants an audience.

Today brings calmer weather, with partly sunny skies and highs in the mid teens. The Jay Breeze is still hanging around, so expect drifting in exposed zones and that crisp cold that pairs perfectly with a hot cocoa or a warm tea from Miso Onigiri at Stateside. Layer smart, cover up, and keep the fingers warm.

Looking ahead, the pattern stays snowy. A small system moves in Saturday night with the chance for a couple inches, and another quick hit may arrive Sunday evening. Early December is leaning hard into winter, and TK's report this afternoon should help shape expectations for the week ahead.

Snowmaking continues on Perry Merrill, Lower Queens, and the Tramside Base with excellent temperatures and strong production. More terrain is queed up to join the party through the weekend.

I giggled at the first sight of the mountain and was basically bursting at the seams ready to get going! I got my Indy Pass for the day, got suited up in the Stateside Lodge (which took a WHILE - I kept forgetting steps) in MANY layers, and giddily made my way up to the Taxi to see if I even remembered how to ski just after 9:30am.

Runs 1-3

Run 1: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway - Chalet Meadows

[0.48 mi; 2:19; 361 ft; 19.3 mph max; 12.5 mph avg]

Run 2: Taxi Quad - Lower Can Am

[0.38 mi; 1:27; 364 ft; 24.1 mph max; 15.7 mph avg]

Run 3: Taxi Quad - Kangaroo Trail

[0.45 mi; 1:40; 384 ft; 23.6 mph max; 16.3 mph avg]

My first three runs of the day were simply joyful. Jay had been inundated with early-season snow, and I was delighted to be reaping the benefits! Only three runs were open off of the Taxi, so I decided I'd hit each of them before getting to the upper mountain. My first run was the classic Queens Highway to Chalet Meadows, which had me on confused legs at first, but I quickly remembered what to do and I basically smiled the whole way down - it's really nice to by starting the season with smiles instead of nervous tears!

It was still too early in the season for the Rusch Park to be open, so my second run was down Lower Can Am, which is actually a great wide, solid trail for beginners. I found myself attempting to remember how to "correctly" ski and "carve" while just being so happy to be out. I was also thrilled that the winds were very low, at least at the base area.

Final run of the morning was down Kangaroo Trail, which had a couple of dicey spots due to water bars. I got my speed up at the end, and then it was time to hop on my innaugural trip up the Bonnie!

Runs 4-8

Run 4: Bonaventure Quad - Northway - Angel's Wiggle - Paradise Meadows

[1.42 mi; 5:25; 1,522 ft; 23.7 mph max; 15.7 mph avg]

Run 5: Jet Triple - Haynes - Heaven's Road - Lower Jet

[0.79 mi; 3:55; 1,286 ft; 26.9 mph max; 12.1 mph avg]

Run 6: Jet Triple - Montrealer - Northway - Sweetheart

[1.13 mi; 4:41; 1,293 ft; 21.0 mph max; 14.4 mph avg]

Run 7: Jet Triple - Hotshot Derick - The Willard

[0.89 mi; 8:11; 1,286 ft; 14.1 mph max; 6.6 mph avg]

Run 8: Jet Triple - Montrealer - Angel's Wiggle - Taxi - Queen's Highway - Doe Woods - Chalet Meadows

[1.40 mi; 6:28; 1,247 ft; 28.6 mph max; 13.0 mph avg]

As the Bonnie brought me up the mountain I found myself just itching to hit all of my favorite trails, but I also acknowledged that it was the morning of day one, so I decided to take the easiest way down, and let me say it was an absolute delight. I felt good in my intermediate-level turns and I was actively thriving, having an absolute blast. From the bottom of Paradise Meadows, I turned right to head over to the Jet.

I initially thought I'd do the same bit from the Montrealer, but as I climbed up the Jet, I felt my confidence being strong, so I pivoted to my good old friend, Haynes. I got up to the headwall, said "damn," and off I went! My carving definitely isn't as strong on steeper slopes, as I partially revert back to making sharp, skidded turns, but I'm also not entire sure if that's wrong, especially when trying to control speed? To my dismay, there was somehow racing on Mont l'Entripede, so I had to hop on the powdery, flat Heaven's Road to get over to the Lower Jet to finish out my run. Feeling good!

To reward myself for doing a steep run, I took the Montrealer down to the full Northway, which had really soft snow and low-cover, to my favorite run, Sweetheart, which was an absolute treat. I felt strong and majestic on Sweetheart, making eyes with the Stateside Glade as I wiggled on down.

Time for another challenge! Run #7 brought me to another old friend, Derick. The first time I skied him there were big bumps, but I took it slow and had a good time. The second time I skied him, the big bumps were frozen with exposed rocks, and I bailed early on. This time, there were medium-sized soft bumps, and I was ready! I did not ski them gracefully, but I do feel like I did a better job that in the past (thank you, late season bumps from last year). Once the trail transitioned to The Willard, I felt much stronger with the lower-angle bumps, but I was sweating from this one! Good to know for cold days - all I have to do is hit some bumps to warm right up! There were some intense water bars on the Willard that I had to carefully navigate, but it was also fun! The only downside was the skate back to the Jet.

As another reward, for my final run in this group I followed the Montrealer to Taxi, all the way to Doe Woods for my innaugural tree run of the season, and it was DELIGHTFUL. By this point in the day, Emma and Sarah had finally arrived on-mountain and completed all of their patrol-related chores, so it was time to find them at the Bullwheel and start being silly (I was initially a little disappointed to start the season alone, but in hindsight I loved that time I had with myself to get my legs back and just experience some joy! Plus, I didn't share a single lift!). 

Runs 9-11

Run 9: Bonaventure Quad - Northway - Purgatory - Hell's Crossing - Paradise Meadows

[1.52 mi; 7:35; 1,440 ft; 28.6 mph max; 12.0 mph avg]

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

[1.58 mi; 6:35; 1,457 ft; 25.6 mph max; 14.4 mph avg]

Run 11: Bonaventure Quad - Northway - Lower Milk Run - Micky

[1.42 mi; 6:13; 1,499 ft; 29.0 mph max; 13.7 mph avg]

We threw on oversized bikini-print shirts, Emma put on her "I'M 30 BITCHES" sash, and we were off! Up the Bonnie, we had our first drinks of the day (including a failed attempt at "shotgun roulette") and sent it down Northway to Purgatory to Hell's Crossing and then Paradise Meadows. We were CRUISING and it felt so good - it also felt good to be skiing with Emma and Sarah again!

Next we made our way over to Taxi and ultimately to Doe Woods, where I found myself in the woods for too long, as usual, and got stuck on a water pipe... again. Still wonderful!

I asked for some easier bumps for Run #11 since my goal is to keep getting better at them, but nobody was ready for any of the black bump runs, so we agreed to hit Lower Milk Run and Micky, which was perfect. Emma and Sarah said the snow sucked, but I had a great time! Not knowing any better really has its benefits!

Runs 12-15

Run 12: Jet Triple - The Jet

[0.70 mi; 2:53; 1,276 ft; 28.2 mph max; 14.6 mph avg]

Run 13: Jet Triple - Kitzbuehel - Stateside Glade - Lower Jet

[0.86 mi; 7:42; 1,286 ft; 30.3 mph max; 6.7 mph avg]

Run 14: Jet Triple - Montrealer - Catwalk - Northway - Angel's Wiggle - Taxi - Micky - Kangaroo Trail

[1.34 mi; 6:56; 1,273 ft; 32.1 mph max; 11.6 mph avg]

Run 15: Jet Triple - Montrealer - Angel's Wiggle - Paradise Meadows

[1.27 mi; 4:57; 1,250 ft; 32.2 mph max; 15.3 mph avg]

Some other members of the crew for the day were to be arriving soon, so we all planned to rendez-vous at The Jet. Sarah, Emma, and I all rode the triple up and stopped in the patrol hut to see who was on sit before getting in my daily Jet run, which was... fine. The Lower Jet was fun! The upper Jet was... normal. Chunky and scratchy, but I'm definitely coming into the steeper groomed runs with much more confidence this year!

We met up with Team Snowboard for the next run, and Sarah managed to talk me into tackling Kitzbuehel - a new run for me! The eternal low-tide sign had me too worried to ever tackle it alone, but when the patrollers said it was basically the same as Derick, but narrower and without bail-out points, but considering I did Derick fine and did not need to bail, I was in! Emma reminded me to keep my shoulders downhill and to do my best to use my full lower body, not just my ankles to turn around the bumps. I was averaging 2-3 turns at a time, which is still an improvement! We took the little jughandle on skier's right, which Sarah said made the run much easier (thank you), before making our way down. The run really wasn't too bad after all! From there, we went into Stateside Glade, which was a DELIGHT. It's a really nice next step after hitting all of the blue glades, just tricky to get to for the full glade (you can hit it from Sweetheart, but the main entrance is near the bottom of Kitz and the Lower Jet. This spat me out onto the Lower Jet, and I got cheers from Emma and Team Snowboard, who were already on the chair. Sarah was waiting for me back at the loading zone, and we were up for another lap!

Before Run #14, the full crew came together, which included me, The Patrollers, Team Snowboard, and a new batch, who we'll call Team Rhode Island (Emma's brother, sister in-law, childhood friend, sailing friend, and a man who she barely knew existed). We got a few group photos before heading down Montrealer towards Bonaventure Woods. I was not feeling the risk of a more advanced glade (in my terms), so I went down Micky, but not before almost getting leveled by an out-of-control skier FLYING down Taxi. Thankfully, I was unscathed (miraculously). Micky was bumpy and good for me. Run #15 was a nice and easy classic run down the Wiggle per Emma's request, and then Emma and Team Rhode Island went in to warm up while Team Snowboard, Sarah, and I kept the momentum going!

Runs 16-20

Run 16: Bonaventure Quad - Northway - Taxi - Queen's Highway - Doe Woods - Chalet Meadows

[1.36 mi; 5:13; 1,437 ft; 29.0 mph max; 15.6 mph avg]

Run 17: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway - Doe Woods - Chalet Meadows

[0.40 mi; 1:52; 358 ft; 26.5 mph max; 12.8 mph avg]

Run 18: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway - Doe Woods - Chalet Meadows

[0.44 mi; 2:09; 348 ft; 23.9 mph max; 12.3 mph avg]

Run 19: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway - Doe Woods - Chalet Meadows

[0.41 mi; 2:04; 348 ft; 24.3 mph max; 11.9 mph avg]

Run 20: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway - Doe Woods - Chalet Meadows

[0.42 mi; 2:39; 358 ft; 25.0 mph max; 9.6 mph avg]

We all rode up the Bonnie for Run #16 which brought us back to the beloved Doe Woods. For Run #17, Team Snowboard went back up the Bonnie, but we were COLD at this point, so Sarah and I got a few more laps off the Taxi and Doe Woods. I originally thought I'd call it at 17, but then Sarah wanted to hit it again, and at that point, I simply had to get my 20 runs in, so we did four laps total through Doe Woods, and it was truly such a perfect way to wrap up my first day back on the mountain!

We apres'd in the Bullwheel, took a bunch of birthday photos, and then got into our room at the Stateside Hotel to change for dinner at the Belfry (my first time!), which was wonderful! We ended the night with drinks in the room, Stevens eventually arrived, we popped the air mattress (in fairness, it apparently arrived popped), and we got to sleep. Emma and Sarah had patrol training all day the next day, so I was going to be Stevens' subsitute teacher for the day!

Map of Jay Peak