SPRING SKI & SHOE ADVENTURE

Join us for APRIL BACKCOUNTRY SNOWSHOEING AND SKIING

Saturday, April 9 on The Scaur Ridge Trail

and the North Slide

Whether you are a skier or a snowshoer, or both, this is an extraordinary day. One can ski or shoe up Livermore Road and Livermore Trail, which, after two hours, arrives at the Scaur Ridge trailhead. Another hour, hiking on a sun baked logging road, with a spectacular view of the North Slide, and the trail merges with the Pine Bend Brook trail, where one can see a magnificent view of Mount Washington. From there, skiers continue on the Mount Tripyramid trail, and snowshoers, after a leisurely lunch, can descend via the route of ascent; and, if they want, stop and watch the skiers, who eventually can be seen through the naked branches of the trees skiing down the North Slide. Skiers can be telemarkers skinning up the whole way, or snowshoers with alpine gear. The North Slide is very steep, a bit steeper than True Grit and Bobby's Run at Waterville Valley, but not as severe as Tuckerman Ravine. Due to the fact that the group will split, sufficient numbers in both parties will be necessary to ensure everyone's safety. Weather conditions will be even more of a factor than normal for the skiing portion of the day. If you are interested, or have any questions, email us at wvaiatrails@gmail.com.

1. We meet at the Town Square gazebo at 8AM
2. No charge for members, or guests [who might entertain the idea of becoming a member.]
3. Bring lunch and snacks and plenty of water. This is an all-day adventure.

SPRING SKIING ADVENTURES

Gema Gema

on the Kancamagus Brook Ski Trail

April 2, 2011

[click on photos to enlarge picture]

Gathering for a short break at the junction where the Kancamaus Brook ski trail diverges right off the Greeley Ponds Trail, a few skiers unpack their skins in preparation for the sustained ascent, others are peeling off a layer of clothing, despite the occasional snow shower, and one says a short prayer, looking skyward to the ski gods, then it's time to get going.

"Gema, gema," Lisa says, with a happy face. "Let's go!"

Despite some blow-downs early on, we make good progress. The brook is barely visible among the snow-laden trees. Although the way is ensconced in white, the trail is distinct, maintained as a cross-country ski trail by the US Forest Service, and marked by blue diamonds.
The thick wet snow that fell the night before makes the ascending easier than usual. After the switchback, the trail gets steeper and we gain elevation quickly, stopping for a rest and a peek through the trees at Painted Cliff on East Osceola. 

Painted Cliff

And soon, having reached the saddle between Flume Peak and North Mount Tripyramid, the daunting North Slide looms above the trees, beneath the unsettled skies.

The North Slide

After lunch at the junction with the Livermore Trail, we begin the descent, successfully negotiating a perilous brook crossing not far from the lunch spot, and then we're moving smoothly and sliding as we're kicking and gliding through the balsam fir trees that line the trail, as we pass near the site of the old Flume Brook logging camp, and then downhill, we don't stop, until we reach the civilized groomed slopes of Livermore Road, where we stop for a photograph, and then continue toward home.