Confessions of a jaded Bostonian

[truepatriot09]

So while I've been waiting in vain for the Fells to fill up with snow for touring fun less than a mile from my house, and complaining bitterly about the lack of snow, I should have been trolling on the board to learn that the conditions are looking horrible (wink) up north.

Looking to get out there and get in a nice long tour. I'm skiing on 10th mtns, free heel only so nothing horribly steep.

Please take pity on this misguided soul...any suggestions? I may wait til next weekend to see how this upcoming storm pans out...

Thanks everyone...

Cheers,
-ct

[RR]

Take those boards to the Greeley Ponds Trail and do some 'splorin!

Take I-93 and get off for Waterville Valley on NH 49. Do not speed on NH49, at all! At the very least avoid being the fastest car! Leading a parade over the limit is bad too! The patrols on that road between I-93 and WV are very watchful!

Pass by the Waterville Valley Alpine Ski Area access road, look for the Waterville Valley Nordic Center on NH49 and go right on by, take the next right and the next Left on Stone Tower Ln. Take it easy on the descent, there's a one lane bridge at the bottom.

After the bridge, the road becomes West Branch Road. Follow that for a quarter mile or so, taking the 6th or 7th rigtht into an obvious parking area. That's the Depot Camp/Livermore Road parking lot. It is a WMNFS trailhead parking area and there is a day use fee to park. Bring some dollar bills to pay the fee and a pencil to fill out the fee envelope. See the instructions at the kiosk.

There is usually a Waterville Valley Nordic Center employee or volunteer charging folks for a WVNC day pass. Because you are a BC skier, going on the backcountry trails you won't have to get a day pass for the groomed trails. The Greeley Ponds Ski Trail (GPST) is about 350-400 yards along the Livermore Road, at left, just after the first bridge.

It's a moderate trail but offers good access into a National Scenic Area with the veiws at the North Greeley Pond being extra spectacular. If you are going all the way to the Kancamaugus Highway and back, count on at least 6 hours unless you are extra fit. That estimate includes time for breaks for lunch, snacks and photos...not to mention chit chat with the other nice folks and dogs on the trail.

There's a cool trail or two on the right off the GPST and the Goodrich Boulder Trail is a real corker! That one is off to the left as you head North. Getting a few turns is easy, just go up those trails a bit and then head back down to the GPST.

Happy Trails.

PS:

The Nordic Center is packed with awesome xc trails including my fave: The White Mountain Criterion, a real no-snoozing beastie for the skinny- skis.

[truepatriot09]

Greeley Ponds! Excellent idea. I haven't been back in that area since I bagged Osceola on foot a few winters back. I've heard good things about that spot.

There's a chance that next week I'll be on the eastern side of the state. Any recommendations for someone heading up 16?

Thanks again!

[neufox47]

I've been waiting on the Fells too... I live about a mile from them and have been very disapointed with the Boston Winter, and the NE Winter, so far. I have had good luck skiing almost any of the intermediate hiking trails around Franconia Notch. Try the area around Zealand Falls too.

[drewvw]

The Boston winter has definitely been a little helter skelter, but I've had several nice days at some local spots right after the storms. The biggest issue with the fells is that its pretty rocky.

Start keeping your eyes peeled for other hills around us that are more dirt/forest floor/leaves and less rock. Then when 6-7" of dense snow comes our way (like last week) you can have yourself a nice quick tour on that setup without bashing up your bases. My guides have been working great for that, the options are around...

Don't front on some of the options in the Goodman book for those 10th mountains either...you can pull it off. :)

[bristlecone]

Yeah, the fells hasn't really happened this year. We had a high point a season or two ago when I skied the entire skyline loop plus fun little side shots and hit almost no rocks - a rare treat.

Follow drew's advice, make mental notes when hiking/biking/running in local parks / conservation land of rock-free slopes here and there - then with a bit of snow, get it quick.

Eastern mass snow woes (that leave me jaded too) have a solution: a car, some highways, cheap and free-flowing gasoline.

btw- windblown had 18" and counting as of last night. == other fun options in the wapack neighborhood.

[truepatriot09]

So after this weird storm I rain the NEMBA loop at the Fells on Saturday and aside from the mud and some frost heaves it was brilliant! Never will you find trails that wet over there without a ton of bugs.

Still need to get up north to do some skiing though....