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  • Live from Country Ski and Sport Expo
    2024/11/07

    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; Loon Mountain; and Cannon Mountain, each sharing their unique updates and promotions. The episode is filled with enthusiasm for the winter season and invaluable information for ski enthusiasts gearing up for their favorite sport.

    The Expo:

    Veterans Day Weekend, November 7-10, 2024

    Thursday, November 7th: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday, November 8th: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Saturday, November 9th: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Sunday, November 10th: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

    389 Columbia Rd. (Route 53) Hanover, MA 02339

    https://www.countryski.com/

    Topics

    00:41 Interview with Jay Stenson from Country Ski and Sport

    06:23 Saddleback, Maine: A Rising Star in the East

    11:46 Smuggler's Notch: The Family Mountain

    16:40 Sugarbush: Exciting Upgrades and Community Engagement

    19:53 Snowfall at Sugarbush

    20:42 Exclusive Deals at Sugarbush

    22:02 Gunstock Mountain Resort Updates

    25:41 Waterville Valley Highlights

    29:34 Loon Mountain Excitement

    32:35 Cannon Mountain's Big Plans

    37:30 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

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    39 分
  • Mountain Sports Club’s John Siewierski
    2024/11/01

    In this episode of the New England Ski Journal Base Camp Podcast, Mike and Keith discuss a variety of skiing topics and delve into the importance of affordable skiing options. They highlight the early season snowfalls in New England and discuss the significance of early snowmaking operations. The hosts engage with guest John Siewierski, founder of the Mountain Sports Club, who explains the services his club offers to make skiing more affordable, including discounts on lift tickets, lodging, and equipment rentals. John shares his extensive experience in the ski industry, the impact of mega passes and COVID-19 on skiing habits, and the growing significance of cross-country and backcountry skiing. The episode also touches on the challenges and opportunities for the ski industry, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and affordability for new and returning skiers. The podcast wraps up with a discussion on Killington's operations and future, emphasizing the need for transparency and community engagement in the ski industry.

    Topics

    01:01 Early October Snowfall and Skiing Excitement

    03:40 Ski Ward's Early Opening and Deals Discussion

    08:59 Introducing John Siewierski of Mountain Sports Club

    09:56 Exploring Mountain Sports Club's Offerings

    21:21 Ski Pass Usage and Market Trends

    23:15 Challenges in the Ski Industry

    24:36 Reviving Interest in Skiing

    26:21 Skiing Demographics and Financial Barriers

    32:41 Exploring Alternative Winter Sports

    35:01 Mountain Sports Club Membership

    36:02 The Future of Ski Resorts

    40:04 Killington's Impact on New England Skiing

    46:00 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

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    47 分
  • Killington CEO Mike Solimano
    2024/10/18

    In this episode of New England Ski Journal's Base Camp podcast, hosts Mike and Keith discuss the exciting transition of Killington Resort's ownership to independence, led by local investors Phil Gross and Michael Ferry. With the new CEO Mike Solimano on board, the conversation dives into the operational and financial strategies of running a major ski resort, emphasizing the shift from strict financial management to a community-focused approach. Key topics include the importance of local ownership, the impact on community engagement, insights on infrastructure upgrades, and innovative developments like the installation of a six-pack lift and a new village partnership with Great Gulf. The episode wraps up with reflections on the benefits of independence, the resort's contributions to the New England ski scene, and future plans to enhance the skiing experience at Killington.

    Topics

    00:34 Hosts' Excitement for Ski Season

    01:04 Natural Snow vs. Snow Guns

    04:28 Unexpected Changes in the Ski Industry

    05:25 Killington's New Independence

    08:06 Interview with Mike Solimano

    09:43 Killington's Future Plans

    24:45 Spring Skiing Challenges and Lift Logistics

    25:30 World Cup and Community Engagement

    29:25 Future Plans for Killington Resort

    31:18 The New Village Development

    35:01 Impact on Icon Pass and Ski Industry Trends

    37:22 Killington's Independence and Future Outlook

    41:57 Conclusion and Reflections

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    49 分
  • Innovations in Ski Boots: Zay's Approach
    2024/10/04

    This episode of the New England Ski Journal Base Camp Podcast, Mike and Keith explore the anticipation for the upcoming ski season and recent announcements from the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. They discuss the induction of impactful figures like Sarah Bill Meyer, Hannah Kearney, and Chuck and Jan Perkins. The episode features an interview with Rex and Karen Rex Deitesfeld, founders of Zay Boots, who share their journey of developing an innovative, American-made ski boot with a unique radial closure system offering dynamic foot stability and comfort during turns. This episode delves into the technical aspects of ski boot manufacturing, including the challenges of creating a boot suitable for various skill levels and the importance of made-in-America production.

    Topics

    00:22 Signs of the Upcoming Ski Season

    00:52 U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame Inductees

    03:16 The Importance of Ski Boots

    04:06 The Legacy of Hanson Boots

    06:36 Challenges in Ski Boot Manufacturing

    08:51 Introducing Zay Ski Boots

    10:25 Interview with Zay Ski Boots Founders

    17:36 The Radial Closure System Explained

    22:13 Comparing Zay Boots to Other Ski Boots

    24:46 The Zay Ski Boot Advantage

    25:24 Target Audience for Zay Boots

    26:30 Innovative Boot Design and Feedback

    29:03 Fit and Volume Considerations

    31:06 Boot Board and Flex Technology

    33:41 Material Choices and Manufacturing

    40:16 Liner Design and Comfort

    43:10 Market Distribution and Pricing

    45:34 Conclusion and Future Prospects

    47:20 Post-Interview Reflections

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    53 分
  • Winter Insights with Weather Guru Tim Kelley
    2024/09/20

    The guest is renowned meteorologist Tim Kelley. The episode delves into the unique weather dynamics of New England, from early snowfall and weather streaks through fall to the intricacies of the Jay Peak snow machine. Tim, known for his expertise since leaving television, shares insights on past and upcoming winter conditions, the impacts of global phenomena like the Hunga Tonga eruption, and the advancements in meteorological modeling. Kelley also provides a forecast for the upcoming winter, expressing optimism despite climate variability, and touches upon personal anecdotes from his lifelong passion for weather and skiing. Expect an in-depth discussion filled with enthusiasm, expertise, and a love for New England's dynamic weather challenges.

    Topics

    00:40 Hosts' Weather Chat

    03:43 Ski Area Preparations and Wildfires

    05:45 Introducing Tim Kelley

    07:12 Tim Kelly's Weather Insights

    14:16 Jay Peak Weather Phenomenon

    18:52 Global Warming and Snow Trends

    24:49 Changes in Weather Forecasting

    26:30 Model Forecasting Challenges

    27:32 Television Career Reflections

    28:35 Weather Reporting Evolution

    33:33 YouTube Forecasting and Models

    35:49 Winter Predictions and Farmer's Almanac

    41:04 New England's Unique Weather

    42:10 Excitement for the Upcoming Season

    45:13 Podcast Conclusion and Optimism

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    50 分
  • Justin Koski of the Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame
    2024/09/06

    In this episode of the New England Ski Journal Base Camp Podcast, hosts Mike Specian and Keith Pearson dive into the world of winter sports history with Justin Koski, Executive Director of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. The episode covers the Hall of Fame's mission to honor and preserve the legacies of influential athletes and sport builders in skiing and snowboarding. Koski discusses the selection process for inductees, the history and significance of the Hall located in Ishpeming, Michigan, and upcoming events, including the 2024 induction ceremony in Lake Placid. The conversation also touches on the importance of preserving the sport's heritage for future generations.

    Topics

    00:21 Reflecting on Past Winters and Hopes for Consistency

    02:46 Nostalgia for Ski Magazines and Early Signs of Winter

    05:21 Predicting the First Ski Resort to Open

    07:11 Exploring the UP of Michigan and Its Ski Culture

    08:26 Introduction to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame

    10:14 Interview with Justin Koski, Executive Director of the Hall of Fame

    21:13 Introduction to the Hall of Fame Induction Process

    22:23 Criteria for Induction into the Hall of Fame

    23:57 Upcoming Induction Events and Locations

    26:14 The Selection Process Explained

    27:28 Nomination and Voting Details

    29:49 Heritage Category and Induction Caps

    31:57 Sneak Peek at the 2024 Ballot

    36:49 How to Get Involved and Support the Hall of Fame

    38:33 Closing Remarks and Reflections

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    43 分
  • Northland Skis with Peter Daley
    2024/08/23

    In this episode of the New England Ski Journal Base Camp Podcast, hosts Mike Specian and Keith Pearson welcome Peter Daley Sr. and Peter Daley Jr. from Northland Skis. They delve into the rich history of Northland, its resurrection, and the unique design and performance features of the skis. The discussion highlights the ski's historic connection to the 10th Mountain Division, the Dartmouth Outing Club, and modern innovations. The episode also includes personal anecdotes and insights on the broader ski industry, making it a must-listen for ski enthusiasts seeking both nostalgia and cutting-edge performance.

    Topics

    00:25 Introducing the New Co-Host: Keith Pearson

    01:26 Sponsorship News and Future Plans

    02:53 The Importance of Ski History

    04:23 Northland: An Iconic Ski Brand

    06:30 Interview with Northland Skis' Peter Daley Sr. and Jr.

    08:04 Resurrecting the Northland Brand

    11:30 The History and Heritage of Northland Skis

    17:34 Innovations and Manufacturing of Northland Skis

    23:29 The Evolution of Ski Design

    24:27 Personal Skiing Experiences

    25:58 The Versatility of Northland Skis

    27:40 Ski Industry Skepticism and Acceptance

    27:54 Future Goals for Northland Skis

    29:16 Customer Reactions to Northland Skis

    35:24 The Science Behind Ski Efficiency

    41:02 The Heritage and Future of Northland Skis

    41:53 Podcast Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

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    48 分
  • Exploring Portillo Chile
    2024/08/10

    In this episode of the New England Ski Journal Base Camp podcast, Mike and Chip delve into the world of skiing with a focus on Portillo, Chile. The discussion covers the unique skiing conditions, the culture, and the family-friendly amenities of this iconic resort. They highlight the current exceptional snow conditions in Portillo, discuss the logistical ease of traveling there, and explore the various activities and dining experiences available. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of why Portillo should be on every skier's bucket list, especially during the Southern Hemisphere's winter season.

    Topics

    00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

    00:32 Reflecting on Past Episodes and Co-Hosts

    01:02 Discussing Skiing and Outdoor Activities

    01:51 Weather Patterns and Snow Predictions

    04:22 Southern Hemisphere Skiing Highlights

    08:18 Interview with Portillo Chili Representatives

    12:27 Portillo Chili: Resort Details and Experience

    24:35 Snow Conditions and Elevation in New England

    25:05 Unique Snow Characteristics of Chile

    26:17 Diverse Skiing Experiences in Chile

    27:18 Family Ski Vacation in Portillo

    30:09 Food and Drink at Portillo

    32:36 Traveling to Chile: Tips and Logistics

    38:09 Heli-Skiing and Sightseeing in the Andes

    40:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    47 分