Great skiing at Wachusett Mountain

Even though the folks at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, Mass. have been making snow for a month, there's nothing like a natural snow drop (of around two feet) to encourage Rhode Islanders to make the one-hour drive northwest to ski there. I headed up on Friday, just ahead of the busy Martin Luther King weekend hordes, and enjoyed a great day on the slopes -- my first of the season.

The whole mountain was open, with some deep powder pockets on the steeper west side and smoother going on the east side. As always, Wachusett does a great job of managing people: Even though there were lines of maybe 40 people at each of the two lifts, I never waited more than 5 minutes to get on. And miraculously, the slopes themselves were wide open. I never felt crowded going down.


Everyone I met just seemed delighted to be skiing on such a fine day. Good options if it's your first time this year: Ralph's Run and Challenger, then Conifer and Balance Rock to work your way up to Smith Walton and 10th Mountain. By the end of the day, you'll have it down cold. But don't wait too long to leave. Around 2:30 p.m., the big buses roll into the parking lot, disgorging hundreds of school kids and weekenders. Time to call it a day and head home.

Next time: NEW HAMPSHIRE

Winter sunset

Who couldn't love a winter day like this one? This great oak stands guard over Haines State Park in Barrington -- a great place to snowshoe.

Yes, there was some damage from the storm of Jan. 12, but isn't the snow worth it?

Ski trails are tracked at Pulaski!

When Rhode Island gets snow like we got yesterday, there's no better place to be the next day than Pulaski State Park in the state's northwest corner. I got out there this morning around 11, and all the trails had been groomed and tracked. The longest trail is 4.25 miles (yellow), but you can take smaller loops by following the green, yellow or pink arrows. The park's website has a link to download a trail map.
A few things to remember: First, how to get there. Take Route 44 all the way west, past Chepachet. First you'll see a sign on the right for the George Washington Management Area. Next you'll see a sign for snowmobile trails. KEEP GOING. Look for a small blue sign that says Cross Country Ski Trails, and turn there. Follow the park road into the parking lot. All of the trail loops begin and end there. There is a restroom. Technically, skiers are supposed to wear orange vests, because part of the park is in a bow-hunting area. If you didn't remember to bring your own, there is a wooden box with vests to borrow for the day (to be returned by 3:15 p.m.)
Don't miss this chance to ski this close to home! The trails are "like butta."