Cleveland Winter-Part III

OK, winter has rebooted again. Ski conditions at all the local haunts are coming around to decent conditions again as the current front pours Lake Effect snow on us again after last week's melt. I was wondering if anyone else has out-of-the-way spots they ski on when desperate for a quick workout. Over here in WestSide Land, occasionally I go to French Creek in the Lorain Metroparks system where there is a nice valley trail and a 2 mile loop trail. after a weekend, it is hiker packed and is often skate-able too. Another place I classic ski is Mastick golf course and the horse trail which passes it into a hilly keyhole loop of about 2 miles length. Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?

Ohio Represents at Vasa Festival of races

A whole bunch of Ohioans braved nasty driving conditions to compete in the Vasa races at Traverse City, MI despite having fewer than 2 weeks of on-snow training.  Highlights included Mike Schaeffer winning his AG in the 28km, the Apte boys all skiing well (including Suneel), and Jim Samuels winning his AG in the 50km, making him an actual Masters National Champion. I know he's not from Ohio, but we see him a lot, so there it is. The overall turnout was down from what organizers were hoping for, but race conditions were pretty good, considering this crazy winter.

2012 Nordic Flurry a Success!

Kudos to the Two Brians of Lake Metroparks for pulling off the unlikely- hosting the Nordic Flurry races under such borderline conditions. Masterful grooming turned 4" of snow into a raceable surface with nary a rock showing (although the Parcourse loop was filleted out). A sizable pack of Wilderness Widcats and Wildkittens made all divisions competitive, and the Blue wax conditions were a delight. Coach Tom Cook and the Hilltoppers crew represented extremely well,  as usual. Let's hope this is the beginning of a real winter. -M. Foley

Winter's Swan Song?

Skiing at Chapin was pretty darn good today! They groomed and groomed yesterday to make it so, so get out there before it's done...

Congrats to Tom and all the coaches (and Hilltoppers) for a great season!

Skiing last weekend - PA

We had another great day at Wilderness on Sunday, as Mike said in his post their base is still good. We went out and skied to their hotdog roast - had a couple of beers also ;-). A little soft as it was warm but plenty of snow

On the photo you can see the Hilltopper jackets as the kids get some food.

The Lodge's facebook page is much more current than the website and has new photos from yesterday.

Weather forecast is for snow for zip code 16442 (the Lodge) again - we are going Sat/Sunday

Chapin Parkway, (306 side) still skiable

According to Mike Schaeffer who skied there today. Wilderness Lodge is also going to be skiable, since they had a 2' base. But check the website before making the drive. My brother Gene had a "snow day" at Ole's (Warren VT) and could not open because employees could not get there. He had about 3' in his driveway and was "stuck fer sure..."

Winter Biathlon

Congrats to "The Brians" of Lake Metroparks for running a really fun Winter Biathlon on Saturday. Thanks to all the volunteers and crew. A good time was had by all. And, it wasn't 18° Below Zero at the start!

Also congrats to Hilltopper Chad Kozan and Craig "Cover Boy" Hannibal for their pictures in the Plain Dealer today as part of Zach Lewis' article about the Winter Biathlon.