2022 New England Gathering, Killington Edition. April 1st through 3rd

[newboots]

And besides, half the time spring is still winter.

I like winter skiing!

Maybe if you're a better skier, spring skiing is more fun? If you can carve, do you speed through the slush without it grabbing your skis? That would be more fun.

 

[Tony S]

I like winter skiing!

Maybe if you're a better skier, spring skiing is more fun? If you can carve, do you speed through the slush without it grabbing your skis?

No. Well, maybe. But that's beside the point. The point is that you ski steeper and bumpier stuff than normal because speed control is a deliciously spreadable non-issue.

 

[newboots]

No. Well, maybe. But that's beside the point. The point is that you ski steeper and bumpier stuff than normal because speed control is a deliciously spreadable non-issue.

I'd better get some instruction on bumps before April. But I've been concentrating on carving. . .

 

[James]

SKITALKERS ASSEMBLE!!!

You think that’s going to work, huh?
“Squirrel!!” and they’re gone.
( Tell your boy the Wailer 112 is a tad wide for Killington.)

 

[KingGrump]

I like winter skiing!

Maybe if you're a better skier, spring skiing is more fun? If you can carve, do you speed through the slush without it grabbing your skis? That would be more fun.

Spring skiing is one of the reasons I ski the entire winter so I can be in decent shape to enjoy the slush.

I'd better get some instruction on bumps before April. But I've been concentrating on carving. . .

Come to Taos gathering and you learn bumps are your friends. Good friends.

 

[newboots]

Come to Taos gathering and you learn bumps are your friends. Good friends.

I wish I could!

 

[KingGrump]

I wish I could!

If schedule does not permit this season. Start planning for next season.

 

[newboots]

Schedule includes new grandbaby this year. Next year depends, in part, on what my pulmonologist thinks about me + altitude.

 

[KingGrump]

Schedule includes new grandbaby this year. Next year depends, in part, on what my pulmonologist thinks about me + altitude.

Breathing is so over rated.

 

[Guy in Shorts]

I like winter skiing!

Maybe if you're a better skier, spring skiing is more fun? If you can carve, do you speed through the slush without it grabbing your skis? That would be more fun.

Most skiers prefer a 2D groomed surface. Learning to manage skis in 3D winter snow with allow you to do the same in the Spring soft. Building endurance in your ski muscles during the season pays dividends.

 

[Michael V]

If schedule does not permit this season. Start planning for next season.

You'll just be one year older when you do.

 

[LiquidFeet]

I'd better get some instruction on bumps before April. But I've been concentrating on carving. . .

Carving: tip 'em ... drill: railroad tracks
Bumps: rotate 'em ... drill: pivot slips
Those two skills are opposites.
Versatility: learn to blend and alternate those two at will.

 

[PinnacleJim]

It's New England. I have had 70 degrees and thunder in February and powder days in April. In the very beginning of April at Killington's elevation, surfaces are more likely to be typical for winter than heavy slush. Just be prepared for anything. And expect big differences depending on exposure. Think firm and fast on the Superstar trails and heavy and soft at the bottom of Bear.

 

[newboots]

I skied Killington last year in that April big, big storm. While it was wet, it was the closest I had come to skiing powder.

 

[KevinF]

Slush and other highly variable conditions are one of those conditions that are infuriating until you "get it"... and then when you do, slush suddenly transitions into one of the most forgiving snow conditions imaginable.

As Bob Barnes liked to say -- "keep your skis going in the direction they're pointed, and if that doesn't work, point them in the direction they're going".

I don't know that we've ever had a "real" spring skiing day at the NEG. I'm hoping that a week later in the calendar along with being a bit more south will bring us luck.

 

[James]

I don't know that we've ever had a "real" spring skiing day at the NEG.

Well it rained at Stowe last time? Followed by deep freeze and pow. Oh, right, that could happen anytime.

There was some spring like snow at Sugarbush last time. After the fog and frozen.

Sugarbush, @mdf coming out of the fog attempting to recover. Can’t see the dirt ahead. Don’t remember how that time turned out.


After the rain at Stowe, pow hiding frozen bumps. @Josh Matta on Nosedive.

 

[PinnacleJim]

Here's a pic of Superstar (where the World Cup was just held) taken in April 2007. I was on one of the first chairs up and the first down the upper SS headwall. Only time I have ever been able to take a pic of my tracks in untracked snow. This was on Fischer RX8s with a sub 70mm waist FWIW.

 

[newboots]

You'll just be one year older when you do.

See #109 above.

 

[Tricia]

There have been a few posts about what "gatherings" entail, etc. At its essence is "get yourself to Killington and meet up with fellow SkiTalkers for a morning, a day, a weekend, etc." It's a chance to put faces to names.

As for who is welcome -- as Gathermeister, my rule has always been the same. If you are capable of skiing a blue groomer without making those around you fearful, you are welcome to attend and you'll have ski buddies. That said, a willingness to push your limits a bit -- ungroomed terrain, mild bumps, etc. -- will probably help your enjoyment. This is New England and as others have said above -- who knows what you'll find from day-to-day. We've had powder days where everything is a bump run, and we've had icy days where everything's been a groomer.

We've had numerous people volunteer to be guides who can provide sufficient notification of "this is about to get steep / bumpy / narrow; bail here if you're uncomfortable", etc., we'll meet you back at X lift. If you're struggling on a slope, somebody will probably dispense a few tips; regardless, we'll wait for you.

Gatherings are about people first, skiing second. If you come hoping to ski every slope at Killington over a three day weekend -- you'll probably be disappointed. If you come hoping to meet two dozen new friends and share countless laughs over a three day weekend -- you'll have a great time.

Hope to see you there!

You pretty much nailed it.

 

[Olesya C]

I may be able to come out for this for the weekend. I would like to meet more of the wonderful ski talk members in person.