THE LAST (SKI) DAY OF 2025
In just a few hours, the clock will strike midnight, and a new year will begin. 2025 was an interesting year for me. On New Year’s Day, I broke a crown in my mouth. I didn’t know it then, but it was a sign of what was to come. From breaking six ribs, and living in a recliner for a month as a result, to many other issues I could go on and on about, this was a challenging year that constantly tested me from day 1. But, I made it through, and I’m ready to turn the page. To celebrate the dawning of a new year, I decided to head back to Beartown Ski Area in Clinton County, New York, for a second day in a row. Indeed, this New Year’s Eve was a T-Bar Wednesday.
My broken crown on Jan. 1, 2025.
Lying in a sled at Sugarbush with six broken ribs on Feb. 2, 2025. Photo credit: Wild Bill.
I’ll keep this report short and simple since it’s New Year’s Eve, and I was just at Beartown yesterday. For those unfamiliar with Beartown Ski Area, it’s a nonprofit hill with 150 ft. of vertical, a Poma, a T-Bar, a handful of downhill ski trails, and a couple of miles of cross-country ski trails. They were only spinning the T-Bar today, which provided access to the runs Main Slope and North Slope.
My lift ticket.
Riding the T-Bar.
Main Slope.
North Slope.
The hill was a little more busy than it was yesterday. I think this may have been because it was a bit warmer, with temperatures in the 20s. It was actually really nice skiing weather. The snow surface was pretty good on both open trails, and you could hold an edge everywhere. North Slope was probably the better run today, as they were making snow on it, and that snow was pretty nice to carve through.
Two of the Whiteface Mountain gondola cabins at the base.
Inside one of the old Whiteface Mountain gondola cabins.
Inside one of the old Whiteface Mountain gondola cabins.
Beartown has three old Whiteface Mountain gondola cabins at the base. Before leaving the hill today, I hopped in one. There’s a table, and a space heater. It’s a pretty neat spot to sit and watch the slopes.
Happy New Year!
Lincoln