THE FIRST (SKI) DAY OF 2026
Today I headed to Mount Pisgah in Saranac Lake, New York, for some New Year’s Day turns. I skied with my friend Chris. It was his first time skiing Mount Pisgah, and it was also his first time riding a T-Bar in years. This was my second year in a row skiing at Mount Pisgah on New Year’s Day. I guess if it happens again in 2027 then it’s officially a tradition.
Looking up at the ski area from the base.
For those unfamiliar with Mount Pisgah, this ski area is owned and operated by the community. They’ve got a T-Bar servicing 329 ft. of vertical, with about 15 acres of terrain. I had to work this morning, so we got to the mountain in the afternoon to lap the T-Bar. It wasn’t a terribly busy day on the hill, but it was busy enough that Chris and I rode the T-Bar together most times.
Map of the ski area.
Looking down White Stag.
Looking down Buttermilk.
Snow conditions were overall pretty good. The run White Stag, which is to skiers right of the T-Bar, had been groomed, and it was all packed power. You could get some real nice carves on it. Part of the run Buttermilk, which is to skiers left of the T-Bar, was powder, while the rest was groomed, and packed powder. They were also making snow on it. The trees and runs to skiers left of Buttermilk were open. Coverage was decent, although you did have to watch out for a rock here and there.
To the Max.
To the Max.
Trees off White Stag.
Today was the last day of the holiday blackout period on my Whiteface pass, which means I’ll be skiing there after work going forward on most days. It’s been nearly two weeks since I’ve skied there, so I’m looking forward to returning to the mountain tomorrow afternoon.
Never Quit Skiing,
Lincoln