Celebrating Our Own Olympics

Have you been glued to the games like we have? I realize that Olympians have rare talent and tenacity, yet it's fascinating for me when I think about the fact that these athletes are real people who grew up in little towns like the one we live in, and skied and trained at mountains that I've skied. The inspiration they spark in me every time I watch a skater glide across the ice or a snowboarder soar in inconceivable whirls and turns makes me wonder if we might be able to have our own Olympic moments on our next visit to Bretton Woods.

With Bridget's penchant for flying down the mountain, we'd obviously start our Olympic tour on Bode's Run. Bode Miller himself helped design this run from the top of Mount Rosebrook, and it's full of the variety you'd expect from the iconic skier, with a good little headwall at the top, and then some sweeping turns around clusters of maples for practicing those race turns.

Next, we may want to see how we'd fare against gold medal ski race winner Ted Ligety. Even 4-year-old Timmy can see how he would compare to Ted with a few runs down the NASTAR course.  Every time you race NASTAR you are racing against Ted and his Par Time. The handicap you earn is the percentage your time is behind Ted's time (e.g. 15 handicap = 15 percent behind Ted's time). NASTAR is the acronym for the NAtional STAndard Race and is the largest public grassroots ski race program in the world. Participants compete within their age and gender groups to win platinum, gold, silver and bronze medals. 

For some freestyle flair, we'll have to hit one of the kids' favorite runs, Coos Caper. My guys are too little to actually hit any of the features, but they love to ride up and over the big whales of snow carved out for the big kids to fly off. Safety note: we try to keep our forays into this playground to the times that the real freestylers aren't there, like early in the morning -we don't want a little ripper to be hidden behind one of the jumps and have someone land on them!

We've enjoyed the Bretton Woods Nordic Marathon in the past, and the 2014 event is coming up on March 8. It's a great place for even a casual cross-country skier to get the feel of participating in a big Nordic event. There have been some famous names in Nordic racing participate in this event in the past, like Olympians Justin Freeman and Dorcas Wonsavage, but hundreds of participants have enjoyed this race, entering the full, half, or untamed divisions. Participants get amazing goody bags, and the banquet at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel that follows is the kind you'd only expect from a grand hotel.

When sliding down a snowy run at thrilling speeds is our Olympic aspiration, we can imagine we're on a luge on the tubing hill near the Bretton Woods Nordic Center. From the base of the tubing hill, it's normal to hear uncontrollable giggles and shrieks of laughter as kids and adults alike careen down the slope.

Next, we might try some ice dancing in one of the most scenic spots you could think of: on the rooftop of the spa and convention center at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel.  With the Presidential Range in the background, I'm hoping the views will make up for the fact that we aren't the most graceful of skaters, and if we have to pick ourselves up a few times, well then there's always a warm mug of hot cocoa waiting for us inside at the Rosebrook Bar in the Hotel.

As history buffs know, the Gold Standard was set at Bretton Woods, and I know that going for the gold will be a ton for us too, even if it's only in our imaginations!

Bretton Woods Flurries Bring Us Back to the Business of Winter

Are you ready to get back to winter?  A short January thaw gave us some respite from New Year's

"polar vortex," but now its time to get back to business for the Winter Carnival Weekend coming up.

According to weatherman Matt Noyes, it looks like we are in for some of the famous Bretton Woods Flurries this weekend. "It may not be a "storm," but Northern New England mountains to see nearly half a foot of snow this weekend."  

You can take advantage of some of that new snow on the Nordic trails this weekend.  From 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Saturday night is the Nordic Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe Tour. Snow and a full moon accentuate the breathtaking beauty of Mount Washington Resort’s Nordic and snowshoe terrain. Join the Nordic Center staff on this hour-long excursion along the moonlit cross-country trails of the Resort. If the views and experience are not hot enough, hot chocolate and a roaring fire will warm you following the adventure. Complimentary for resort guests. Reservations are required. Please contact Nordic Center at (603) 278-3322.

On Monday morning, join in or cheer on one of the oldest citizens’ Nordic races in New England, the Geschmossel Classic Ski Race, from 8:00 am – 2:30 pm.This 15 km classical style ski race takes place on the Ammonoosuc trail network at Bretton Woods Nordic Center. The Outdoor Mom family had quite a day at the Geschmossel last year!

Après Ski Parties for adults and kids are planned for Saturday and Sunday.  For the kids, there's a Angry Birds Indoor Tournament on Saturday, with a life-size indoor version of Angry Birds where kids can roll or toss the ball and watch the walls come tumbling down, setting those little green pigs free.  On Sunday, kids can decorate their own fun winter cupcake create a pretzel creature. With fun indoor games and crafts as well, this event is sure to be a sweet treat for all!  Reservations are not required for this complimentary activity. The Kids' Apres Ski Parties start at 3:30 in the Mount Washington View Room upstairs in the base lodge and are appropriate for children ages 4-12 years old.

Kids and Competition at the Nordic Marathon

Kids and racing... do they mix?  In a household where bike racing is part of our lifestyle it's hard for me to imagine not participating in some kind of competitive sport.  Outdoor Dad and I often look forward to the challenge of a good competition to spur us on.  Having a goal, like competing in a race, helps me focus on training and technique.  We've made a lot of friends in our bike racing community.  But for kids, I'm learning, it can be hard to see the fun in just participating.  I'm working on helping them understand that there's intrinsic joy in being part of something, whether you reach the finish line first or not.

Bridget and Timmy raced in Bretton Woods' Bill Koch League race of the Nordic Marathon last weekend.  They were excited to get racing bibs like the grownups and Bridget wore hers around the house all morning before the race.  While Dad was out on the 42 kilometer course, Bridget and Timmy were going to do the "Lollipop Race," a special .5 kilometer race for 5-7 year-olds.  Older kids could participate in the BKL races that were 1.5 or 3 kilometers in length.  

After what seemed like weeks of dreary weather, the bluebird skies and warm temperatures would have drawn anyone outdoors.  

As we watched the skiers from the 21k race cross the finish line near the Swix waxing tent, I was inspired to see the great range of athletes that had come to participate in this event that raised funds for The New England Ski Museum- from pros barreling through the 42 kilometers to avid skiers who were taking part in the untimed race.

In the spirit of camaraderie and fun competition, our Bretton Woods Bill Koch League directors had arranged for some of the older kids to help lead the younger racers along the course, to cheer them on and keep them headed toward the finish line.  

I had really tried to emphasize to my kids that the race was for fun - they got to wear colorful beads they recieved in the race goody bags and there would be prizes for everyone at the finish.  I explained (in kid terms) that like when Mom and Dad race, there are age and gender categories, so you don't feel like you have to compete against someone who might be older than you.  Bridget was excited to race alongside the big kids and lined right up in the track and took off with a smile on her face when they said, "go!"

Unfortunately, I think I may have asked too much of my three-year old when I put him in the race.  Although I had thought he'd have felt left out if he didn't race, I'm questioning that decision now.   From the moment the kids lined up until a good 45 minutes after the race (that took all of about three minutes), Timmy cried inconsolably because he didn't want his sister to beat him.

I tried telling him that he was the first three-year old boy.  The race organizers offer him a medal and a lollipop prize.  Passers-by offered him cookies and other treats.  Nothing would stop the crying.  

Luckily, Bridget remained confident and pleased with her race, and was overjoyed to see the supersize lollipop she earned.

Timmy's tears finally abated when we made our way to The Omni Mount Washington Hotel for the awards banquet.  There, the Bill Koch League kids all sat together and celebrated their accomplishments after a great ski season together.  There were even MORE ribbons and prizes from the tireless BKL organizers.

Many thanks to Rose Ellms and Audrey Crowe, who led our kids this year with so much enthusiasm and joy.  And to our friend Peter Smith, Nordic Center Director, who gave invaluable support to the club.

After a break from Nordic racing, I believe we'll continue to teach our kids about what it means to compete.  Timmy might be still to young to understand, but we'll keep working on showing him how teamwork and fun go hand in hand, and how great it feels just to be part of the event.  And in the meantime, if he just wants to ski on his own for fun, then that's just fine, too.

Sliding on Bacon

Preparing for Bretton Woods' 40th Annual Geschmossel Classic Ski Race seemed to take a lot longer than the actual racing itself.  As any ski mom or dad knows, whether downhill or cross-country skiing, getting the gang ready for a ski day can be quite a production.  There are lunches to pack, mittens to find, and skis to load into the car.  And if you're headed to a Nordic race, you've got to wax your skis as well.

I must confess that I only know the very basics of cross-country ski waxing; I rely on Outdoor Dad to tackle most of our waxing.  There's a lot of science and technique involved, and the pros have "wax technicians" that just take care of this aspect of racing.  The general idea is that wax on the bottom of your skis helps you kick and glide on the snow, but you've got to match up the temperature and consistency of the snow with the right wax for your skis.

Bridget "waxing" her skis back in 2010

So on the morning of the race, as I gathered snacks and gear, Matt worked on waxing up his skis.  As he prepped his skis, Timmy was "helping."  To distract Timmy so that Matt could keep working,  I offered Timmy a piece of bacon to munch on.  Matt encouraged him by telling him, "bacon makes you fast."  Timmy marched over, took the piece of bacon, and then proceeded to rub it on the bottom of his skis.  Later, when Matt retold this story on Facebook, he said, "So if I win today, you know why... fast skis."

This, of course, made us all laugh, including our friend Sean, who always has our best interests at heart: he warned Matt that he was giving his waxing secrets away and that now everyone is going to be "'sliding on bacon'...as we call it in the race management business.  Just don't tell them about the pancake klister." (Klister is a type of very sticky wax.)

Previously, I wasn't so sure if Timmy was even interested in taking part in the kids' race, but it seems that he wanted in on the action with the rest of us.  Confirming this later, he said, "Mommy, I want to win."  (I've come to understand that I sometimes have to orchestrate a "win" for my son by crowning him "first of the three-year-olds").  I expected big sister to reply with a retort about how small he is, but instead she said, "Timmy, I'm bigger and faster than you are, but if I win, you can have my medal."  I was reassured that moment in her capability for compassion.  I also realized that as much as we stress that the racing is just for fun, they can take it quite seriously.

At registration, The kids received a glorious goody bag along with their racing bibs.  Candy, gummies, and various patriotic treats like red, white and blue star necklaces, flag pencils and "I heart USA" tattoos, all which looked suspiciously like leftover goodies from a Independence Day celebration.  The kids were oblivious to the seasonality and overjoyed to have some bling to sport during the race.

Despite the bitter cold, Matt joined 100 other racers at the start line for the Geschmossel, one of New England's oldest citizens' races.

Meanwhile, I got the kids geared up for their race which followed.

They were very excited to have number bibs to wear.

They were full of smiles as they warmed up before their start, eager to get things going.

And then the meltdown happened.  As all the kids lined up, Bridget started to whine about her hands being cold.  It was, in fact, only about 15 degrees out and windy.  Matt ran to the car and got her some hand warmers (little packets that heat up when you open them), but this didn't calm her down.  As the race started, so did the tears.  Matt skied along next to Timmy while I tried to encourage Bridget to follow the other racers.  She started down the trail, sobbing about how cold her hands were.  Historically, she tends to heat right up when she cross-country skis, but I knew that this wasn't going well, and despite all the preparation that morning, I knew what I had to do.  I told her she didn't have to race if she wasn't having fun, and we headed back to the car to warm up.  In truth, I think the meltdown was due more to panic than cold hands, but either way, I was only interested in this process being a positive one, and we talked about how sometimes a race just doesn't work out.

Meanwhile, Matt and Timmy were doing a short loop of the race course, and we watched Timmy come  across the finish line with his hands over his head.  And then he wanted to know, "Can I have my candy now?"

The prospect of candy soon trumped Bridget's memory of the race, too.  There seems to be a pattern here!

Many thanks to the Bretton Woods Nordic Center staff for putting on a great race for both kids and adults.  We're looking forward to the Bretton Woods Nordic Marathon and the Mount Washington Cup in March!

Snow is Beautiful at Bretton Woods

I fear that a lack of snow in everyone's backyard may be keeping some people away from enjoying Winter in Bretton Woods. But I'm here to let everyone know that the Snow is Beautiful in Bretton Woods.

I got a call from my friend Keith the Snowmaker (a.k.a. The Snow Miser) on Monday afternoon. He wanted to let me know that they'd gotten nearly a foot of snow and that Tuesday was going to be one of the best days of the year.

Indeed it was. My favorite trail that day was the top of Fabyan's Express, where the groomers had left the headwall untouched and I finally got to put my new fat tele skis to use, my heart racing as I powered through soft bumps of boot-high wind-driven powder. Strong winds had come from the West in the last storm, so the skier's right side of trails like Agassiz and Dave's Drop were loaded with the snow that had accumulated there.

Last Sunday I got to take our 5- month old Labrador Retriever on her inaugural cross-country ski on the Bretton Woods Nordic dog trails. Sebosis was named after one of our favorite cross-country trails at Bretton Woods. A friend was visiting with her Lab as well, and Sebosis followed her lead, ecstatic to run full tilt over the snow. But, like
I do when I take the kids out for a ski, I didn't want to overdo it on her first day. So after a run up Lower Honeymoon and back with the dogs, we dropped them off in the car and headed back out.

My husband had suggested we try another of my favorite trails, Nancy Barton. My friend Nicole was visiting from central Vermont, and she was amazed at Bretton Wood's snow cover. She commented, "The trails are so nicely groomed and wide here." And cruising along the river among the snow-frosted evergreens, I was once again reminded how lucky I am to have this playground in my backyard.

I'm sorry to say that for the first time since it's inception, my husband won't be racing the Bretton Woods Nordic Marathon. http://brettonwoods.com/activities/event/detail/434
I had hoped to participate this year as well- they offer a half-marathon option for those of us who might want a shorter distance, but plans will take us away for the weekend. I do urge any of you out there who are looking for a great Nordic challenge to give it a try. Proceeds from the event go to the New England Ski Museum, and as my husband reminded me, it's really the best deal around for your race entry fee. You get a custom Swix ski hat with the race logo, a bounty of amazing food served for lunch at the Omni Mount Wasington Hotel, and a swag bag of all kinds of really great goodies that you'll actually use. And of course there's the Swix Sale going on all weekend at the Nordic Center, where I found absolute steals on these clothing and gear. Who doesn't love Swix hats?! And if you prefer skating over classic-style skiing, why not try the Mount Washington Cup race this Sunday?

In the meantime, I've chosen another fun goal for racing at Bretton Woods: the WinterWild Championship on March 17. WinterWild is a series held a different mountains, where racers start at the base of the mountain, ski or run to the summit and then back down. You can use trail running shoes, alpine, telemark, or Nordic skis, or even a snowboard.

So whether you're up for a little racing challenge or you just want to enjoy some cruising on Beautiful Snow at Bretton Woods, I urge you to remember that it is full-on Winter in Bretton Woods. Come enjoy it while you can.