New England Ski Journal’s Basecamp

Mike and Keith discuss the fast transition from winter to spring skiing, their experiences skiing in both conditions, and the notable snow consistency this season. They are joined by Brian Norton, the General Manager of Loon Mountain, who provides an in-depth look into Loon's ongoing improvements and future projects. Highlights include the significant impact of the Timbertown beginner area, plans for a new pulse gondola to connect ...

Mike and Keith celebrate the exceptional skiing season and dive into discussions about lesser-known ski spots in New England. They welcome Josh Thompson, General Manager of Mt Abram in Maine, who shares insights about the mountain's community-oriented approach, its affordable skiing options, and its initiatives to engage local youth. The episode also highlights the benefits of smaller ski areas and the unique experiences they offer...

Mike and Keith discuss the current state and future plans for Tenney Mountain, New Hampshire, in the latest episode of the New England Ski Journal Base Camp Podcast. They highlight recent improvements such as snowmaking upgrades and trail expansions, along with the upcoming World Pro Ski Tour event. Guests include Steve Kelly, the new owner of Tenney Mountain, and Michael Van Eyck, the general manager, who talk about the logistical...

The guest is Greg Anthony of Ski Club Hochgebirge in Franconia, New Hampshire, a past president of the club, who shares fascinating stories about the club's origins, its evolution through the decades, and its role in the skiing community. From its founding by Harvard graduates in the 1930s to its transformation into a family-oriented club, listeners get an inside look at the personalities and events that have shaped one of the olde...

Mike & Keith discuss the success and impact of Ski Utah's Discover Winter program with Raelene Davis, VP of Marketing and Operations at Ski Utah. The program aims to introduce ethnically diverse adults to skiing and snowboarding by breaking down barriers such as cost and accessibility. Since its inception, it has seen an 87% retention rate with over 850 participants. Raelene shares insights on how this initiative could be scale...

Mike and Keith dive into skiing history with special guest Rick Moulton, an accomplished ski filmmaker. Moulton shares his journey of making ski films for over 50 years, his passion for historical documentaries, and his latest projects. The hosts discuss his notable works, including a deep dive into his films 'Legends of American Skiing' and 'Ski Sentinels.' They touch upon the importance of preserving the history of skiing, the ev...

Mike and Keith discuss the value and unmissable skiing opportunities at Pico, sharing insights on its historical significance, family-friendly atmosphere, top-quality snowmaking, and fantastic terrain, including glades and race trails. The episode features an interview with Amy Laramie, VP of Brand Marketing and Events at Pico Mountain, who details Pico's extensive history, current conditions, and community programs including the V...

Mike and Keith welcome Mount Sunapee's new General Manager, Sue Donnelly. The hosts express excitement about Sue's appointment and delve into her experiences and vision for the mountain. Sue, who has a rich background with Vail Resorts and previous stints at Okemo and Crotched Mountain, shares insights into her role and the guest experience at Sunapee. The conversation covers the unique community vibe, exceptional snowmaking, and g...

Mike and Keith discuss the latest ski season conditions and their experiences at various ski spots in New England. The hosts delve into the rich history and distinctive culture of Ski Butternut in the Berkshires, an independent and family-friendly ski resort. Guest Dillon Mahan, Director of Marketing at Ski Butternut, provides insights into the mountain's offerings, including its extensive snowmaking capabilities, varied terrain, a...

Mike and Keith discuss Plymouth State University's unique approach to ski industry education. They are joined by PSU President Donald Birx and Athletic Director Kim Bownes, who share insights into the school's innovative three-year degree programs in Adventure Education and Business Administration, with a focus on tourism, hospitality, and ski area management. They emphasize the importance of these programs in sustaining the ski in...

Mike and Keith engage in an energetic conversation with Nick Preston, the owner of Freestyle America and a pioneer in the sport. Preston shares captivating anecdotes from his career, detailing the development of freestyle skiing from its rebellious beginnings in the 60s and 70s to its current status as an Olympic sport. He recounts coaching future champions, the challenges of establishing freestyle in the skiing community, and memo...

Mike and Keith delve into a comprehensive discussion about the best of ski destinations in New England for 2024. They are joined by guest Chip Cook to analyze results from a reader survey on top ski locations across various categories including grooming, challenging slopes, overall experience, family skiing, glades, snowmaking, and more. The trio also shares personal anecdotes and insights on under-the-radar spots, the importance o...

Mike and Keith discuss the early ski season conditions and the upcoming winter with their guest, Heather Burke from FamilySkiTrips.com. They dive into Heather's background, her experience with skiing, and how she started her website to help families plan their ski trips. Heather shares insights on the best skiing destinations in New England, the benefits of mega passes, and tips for skiing out west. Heather and her husband, Greg, a...

Mike and Keith discuss the recent weather and ski events in New England. They present an in-depth interview with Olympic gold medalist and world champion freestyle skier Hannah Kearney. Hannah shares her experiences from growing up in Vermont, her career highlights, and her journey through three Olympic Games. The conversation covers her training regimen, the impact of mogul skiing on her life, and her upcoming induction into the U...

The guest is Andy Shepard, Director of Community Engagement at Black Mountain, New Hampshire. Shepard dives into the rich history of the mountain, its significance in the skiing community, and the newly adopted co-op ownership model aimed at preserving the mountain as a community-centric skiing destination. The discussion emphasizes the importance of affordability, maintaining historical ski areas, and engaging the local community....

The guest is Steve Wright, President and General Manager of Jay Peak Ski Resort in Vermont, for an in-depth conversation about the resort's unique features, including the abundant snowfall, the iconic tram, and its many amenities such as the indoor water park and hockey rink. Steve shares insights into Jay's snowmaking advancements, their strategic approach to handling Canadian visitors and day skiers, and the affordability measure...

Mike and Keith discuss the kickoff of the ski season with Thanksgiving approaching. They explore the importance of local 'feeder' ski areas around Boston, such as Ski Ward, Blue Hills, and others. The podcast features an in-depth interview with Geoff Homer, the new operator of Blue Hills, and Molly Gilleece, the general manager. They discuss the significant upgrades being made to Blue Hills, including doubled snowmaking capacity an...

Mike and Keith dive into the excitement of the coming ski season with discussions on early snowfall, mountain energy, and resort activities. They welcome Brian and Tyler Fairbank from the Fairbank Group, owners of Jiminy Peak, Bromley Mountain, and Cranmore Mountain. The Fairbanks discuss the unique features and family-oriented experiences offered by their resorts, their environmental initiatives such as wind and solar power, and t...

Mike and Keith record live from the Country Ski and Sport Expo in Hanover MA. They catch up with various ski resort representatives to discuss the upcoming ski season, highlighting special events, new developments, and exclusive deals available at the expo. Guests include Jay Stenson from Country Ski & Sport; and representatives from Saddleback, Maine; Smuggler's Notch, Sugarbush; Gunstock Mountain Resort; Waterville Valley; Lo...