Ski Big Tupper: The Summit

After inspecting the base area and touring the lower mountain with David Tomberlin, I finally connected with local legend Cliff Levers. Originally from Tupper Lake, Cliff has worked in oil fields, as an ironworker, and as an electrician. He came back to Tupper Lake in 2002, and has been there steadily since.

Cliff was understandably very focused on reaching the top of Lift 3 and the 3136-foot summit, as was I. Up we went. The road was steep and slick. At times, Cliff would stand up on the ATV. I assumed he was trying to get more weight on the front wheels, so, when ever he stood up — I threw all my weight forward into the space he'd vacated.

Free Senior Skiing at Belleayre?

Now that ORDA has instituted a $210 season-pass fee at Gore and Whiteface for senior skiers, Belleayre is currently the only state-owned mountain to offer free skiing for the 70-and-above set. New York State Senator Joseph Bonacic ― whose district covers Ulster, Delaware, and Sullivan counties in the Catskills ― has publicly requested that the DEC not rescind this privilege at Belleayre Mountain.

In a recent press release, Bonacic underscored the economic benefits of free senior passes to the region, "when families decide where to go, they price activities as a family. If grandparents can ski for free, that is one more reason why their children and grandchildren will stay and ski in New York, as opposed to going to Vermont." Ward Todd, President of the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce added, "We don't want to see those seniors simply ski at Belleayre, and instead of stopping for dinner, or spending the night, just leave our region and go home."

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Ski Big Tupper: Lower Mountain Tour

After getting the lowdown on ARISE and the Adirondack Club Resort from Jim LaValley, David Tomberlin offered to drive me over to the hill. The plan was to connect with Cliff Levers for a site tour. We chatted in the car on the way over.

View from Ski Big Tupper Lift 2

Harv: David, who are the key players at Big Tupper?

David: Last year, Jim functioned as Chairman of ARISE and the General Manager of Big Tupper. This year, Jim will continue to chair ARISE, but Zach White, who has worked at Titus and Whiteface, will step in as GM.

In addition to Zach, there will be three other paid employees on the hill. Bill Mozdzier will be our Mountain Manager. He's a bit of a grooming legend. Cliff Levers, whom you’ll meet today, is already acting as our Lift Manager, and Don Dew Jr. is our Administrator.

ARISE, Adirondack Club Resort and Big Tupper

When I connected with David Tomberlin about visiting Big Tupper, I fully intended to do a piece on the ski area. While I knew that the ski area, Adirondack Club Resort (ACR), and ARISE were linked together, I thought to myself, “I won’t let those real estate guys push the conversation too far away from skiing.”

But it’s just not possible to separate the three entities: Big Tupper, Adirondack Club Resort and ARISE. ARISE — which stands for Adirondack Residents Intent on Saving Their Economy — is the overarching organization. Based in Tupper Lake, the primary goal of ARISE is to promote private economic development like the Adirondack Club Resort. And actually, it seems that while the ARISE mission is to promote all private enterprise in northern New York, the ACR project is the flagship project: a test case for the group.

Sawyer Mountain, NY: 9/17/10

For our last full day of vacation, we were looking for another kid-friendly hike that we could pull off in half a day. A short drive, to a short walk, with 800 feet of vertical and a nice view — Sawyer Mountain fit the bill.

The DEC trailhead is on the west side of Route 28/30 about 4.5 miles north of Indian Lake. The hiking starts out with a gradual pitch and never really gets steep over the mile or so to the top.

Watch Hill, NY: 9/16/10

With a week of vacation in the Adirondacks and a four-year old who's ready to start hiking, we've been keeping our eye out for kid friendly destinations. We took a tip from an experienced outdoors mom and decided to check out Watch Hill on the western shore of Indian Lake.

La Niña Winter Forecast

NOAA and many other forecasters are calling for a La Niña winter. The map below isn't a forecast for this winter as much as it's an overview of weather conditions of the La Niña winters from 1971-2000.

El Nino winters, like last year, seem to be more boom or bust for Eastern skiers. La Niña seems less likely to be extreme in either direction. From a seasonal snow total perspective an average year would be a major improvement in the Adirondacks. For the Catskills, last year is going to be hard to beat.

This map matches the winter forecast by Joe Bastardi posted in August.

Upper Hudson Railroad

With a rainy day on tap (and more in the forecast to follow), we decided to give the Upper Hudson Railway from North Creek to Riparius a try.

We started our day at the North Creek Farmer's Market Brunch with a stellar meal accompanied by the music of Tony Jenkins Jazz Trip.

Then we headed over to the depot to buy our tickets and climb aboard. The grand old lady sounds like a bit of a grinder and she sits idling at the station. And with more than two hours allotted for the 16 mile trip to Riverside station and back, don't expect modern efficient transport.

Belleayre, Gore and Whiteface: Perfect Together?

If you spent time in New York this year, it was impossible to escape talk of the state budget crisis, extender bills, furloughs and park closures.

New York's Ski Areas - Circa 1973 • image courtesy mattchuck2

Finding ways to streamline state government should be a top priority of our officials. One way might be to combine Belleayre with Whiteface and Gore under the ORDA umbrella. Read more >>

Whiteface Olympic Runs

Friday Fantasy Photo #14

Chatiemac Glade • Gore Mountain, NY • Dec 20, 2008

"Conservatively we got at least 14" overnight and another inch today. The snow that fell after midnight last night...and the last 5 inches was total blower. It snowed lightly all day, even when the sun was out..."

North Creek Farmers Market

North Creek Farmer's Market • North Creek, NY

2009 was the inaugural season of the North Creek Farmer's Market. It runs from June through early October — on Thursdays from 3 pm to 6pm. It's located on the banks of the Hudson River by the Upper Hudson River Railroad Station.

The NCFM sells seasonal vegetables, a variety of cheeses, beef/pork/chicken, eggs, maple syrup, perennials and annual cut flowers, herbs, dip mixes, chocolates, baked goods, Adirondack furniture, hand knit/sewn items, jams, fruits and soaps.

There's almost always a market table set up with market manager, Barbara Thomas, who hands out info and sells market bags.

Check it out while it lasts. For more information contact Deb Morris: dmorris@barkeaterchocolates.com

Gore Mountain Action (1984)

Gore Mountain Brochure • Circa 1984 • courtesy 70s Gore Kid

(click image to enlarge)