Skiing Mount Marcy circa 1986

When I first took up cross-country skiing nearly 30 years ago, in the early 1980s, it was on wooden skis (Edsbyns) that I bought new at Morsan’s Sporting Goods (now Campmor) in Paramus, New Jersey. Around that same time I became an avid hiker and an aspiring 46er. The natural intersection of those interests led me to try my skills – such as they were - on ski tours like Avalanche Pass, the Whiteface Toll Road and Mount Marcy.

Adirondack Sports & Fitness Winter Expo this weekend

The first snows have already whitened the higher elevations of the Adirondacks and - always the optomist - I'm convinced we're going to have a cold and snowy winter that will more than make up for last winter's dud. So, if you’re not outdoors enjoying what's left of the Fall, you may want to check out the 5th annual Adirondack Sports & Fitness Expo this weekend, October 27 and 28, at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

More than 100 exhibitors will showcase downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing, with some running, hiking and biking thrown in for good measure. As in past years, there will be demos, clinics, family activities, a climbing wall, and many sales on skis, gear, clothing and more. There are also $4,000 in prizes and giveaways for attendees.

Saturday’s hours are 10am – 5pm, Sunday is 10am – 4pm. Admission is FREE. More information is at www.AdkSports.com.

Northeast pre-season ski stoke, "best of" edition

Some of the best pre-season images from ski areas around the northeast over the past week or so:

Whiteface, October 12:

Climbing with kids: Wilmington Notch, 10/08/2012

We finished our hike up Mount Jo on Monday in the early afternoon, so we took advantage of already being in Lake Placid to head to one of my favorite beginner crags: the Notch Mountain Slabs in Wilmington Notch. In addition to a pyramid-shaped 80’ tall laid-back slab of clean rock, the slabs sport a spectacular setting high above the west branch of the Ausable River. Across the river rise Moss Cliff and Whiteface’s rocky summit. Even though the slabs are just a short hike from the trailhead, the climbing here feels remote and scenic.

Mount Jo: 10/08/2012

Somehow, even though it's at the top of just about everyone's list of best short hikes, we had never gotten around to hiking Mount Jo, the small (2,876') peak with a panoramic, close-up view of the High Peaks. With near-peak foliage and the season's first coating of snow, our hike on Monday lived up to Mount Jo's reputation.

"Lost Ski Areas" presentation Oct. 19 and screening of Warren Miller’s "Flow State" Nov. 3

The Alpine Sport Shop in Saratoga Springs recently announced a screening of Warren Miller’s new movie “Flow State,” showing Saturday November 3, 2012 at 7pm. Show location is at the Maple Avenue Middle School in Saratoga Springs, NY. The event will benefit the Saratoga Springs High School Ski Team and Double H Ranch Adaptive Winter Sports Program. Tickets are $12 each and are available at the Alpine Sport Shop, and from Ski Team members.