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DCSki Columnists

The following volunteer DCSki Columnists contribute many informative (and often entertaining) articles throughout the ski season, sharing insight into local and far away ski areas. You may view past articles from your favorite columnists below.

 
Robbie Allen

Robbie Allen learned to ski on Whitetail’s opening day! Since then his travels have taken him to many a ski area from the smallest 150-foot hill to the Swiss Alps to Ski Dubai. His passion is for small local ski areas.

When not skiing Robbie can be found in melted snow, an All American swimmer in his youth he continues to swim today. He has raced in the waters around Manhattan and across the Chesapeake Bay. Also he has completed 4 Ironman triathlons - winning the swim portion in each. When not swimming he is found working on his other goal of running 50 marathons by age 50.

An aspiring writer Robbie he has written for Sprit magazine, Metro Sports, Xtri.com, Trip Advisor.com as well as others. In his day job he is a Project Manager and/or a Naval Reserve Officer. He is married with two kids (The Team) who all ski!

Robbie has written 30 stories for DCSki since 2008.

Recent articles by Robbie:

Going Further Afield: The Smallest Ski Hill in Colorado - Frisco Adventure Park (June 29, 2011)
While on a Colorado ski trip during the Spring of 2011, DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen swung by a local tubing/ski hill in Frisco, Colorado. He provides this Firsthand Report.

Going Further Afield: Beaver Creek - How Heaven became Hell (April 17, 2011)
Robbie Allen recently returned from his family’s annual spring ski trip to Colorado. While there, they visited Beaver Creek to experience its heaven-like skiing. A sudden and freak lightning storm turned the visit into an unexpected adventure.
(4 reader comments)

Going Further Afield: Ski Cooper - Old School Colorado (May 8, 2010)
Robbie Allen was able to squeeze another ski day out of the season with a late-season trip to Ski Cooper, Colorado. He describes the throwback ski area, which provided great skiing on Easter Day for his family at a very affordable price.
(4 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Heroes on the Hill at Massanutten (March 24, 2010)
The rain and time change didn’t stop a few folks from coming out for Massanutten’s Heroes on the Hill day on March 14, 2010. Robbie Allen provides this Firsthand Report.
(2 reader comments)

Going Further Afield: Skiing in Orlando? (May 23, 2009)
DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen travels the country looking for unique skiing experiences. And he recently found one in Orlando, Florida. Admittedly, the skiing was on water, but the source of locomotion might be strangely familiar to any snow skier. Robbie provides this Firsthand Report.
(1 reader comment)

View more articles by Robbie

Lou Botta

While actually born in the tropics (Cuba), Lou grew up in New England and went to College in Vermont, where he initially took up skiing. He then embarked on a twenty-two year Air Force piloting career that took him to over 50 countries. He has skied in Europe and America (both North and South). On his second career as a senior officer with the Federal Government, Lou’s vacation time is almost entirely devoted to skiing, whether at West Virginia’s Snowshoe, where he has a second home, or traveling and skiing throughout New England and the Rockies. Lou also takes a yearly ski trip to Europe, having been most recently to St. Moritz and Zermatt, Switzerland. He is also a pilot, scuba diver, long-distance cyclist, and marathon runner.

Lou has written 6 stories for DCSki since 2001.

Recent articles by Lou:

Firsthand Report: Snö Mountain (February 14, 2009)
DCSki Columnist Lou Botta recently went on a group trip to Pennsylvania’s Snö Mountain (formerly Montage Mountain Resort). Lou provides this detailed Firsthand Report, describing the expert terrain that is among the best in the East and the unusually excellent ski cafeteria food.
(4 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Blue Mountain, February 1, 2009 (February 7, 2009)
DCSki Columnist Lou Botta recently traveled to the Poconos to try out Blue Mountain Ski Area, which offers the highest vertical in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He discovered a lot to like and a lot of potential in the resort.
(5 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Hiking the Kalalau Trail (November 12, 2007)
Some people start running on a treadmill to get ready for the ski season. DCSki Columnist Lou Botta had another idea: he decided to hike the Kalalau Trail in Kawaii, one of the most strenuous hikes in the U.S. Lou provides this detailed Firsthand Report.
(5 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Whistler/Blackcomb (February 21, 2005)
DCSki Columnist Lou Botta recently returned from a trip to Canada’s Whistler/Blackcomb. He provides this detailed Firsthand Report.
(8 reader comments)

Snowshoe Weekend - More of the White Stuff (January 18, 2003)
DCSki Columnist Lou Botta recently spent a weekend at Snowshoe, and describes the conditions, along with some tips for getting to the slopes.
(3 reader comments)

View more articles by Lou

James Chen

James “Jim” Chen is a member of the National Ski Patrol and a volunteer patroller at Liberty Mountain ski area in Carroll Valley, Pennsylvania. Jim has been a member of the Liberty Patrol since the 1995-1996 season. Off the slopes, Jim is the Director and Associate General Counsel for the Washington, D.C. office of Tesla Motors, Inc., a California-based company that specializes in the manufacture and sale of high performance, all electric cars. During the off-season, Jim usually can be found on the Potomac River trying his luck with the local fish population.

Jim has written 23 stories for DCSki since 1999.

Recent articles by Jim:

Firsthand Report: Surprise Weekend Getaway at Northstar-at-Tahoe (January 30, 2011)
An unexpected trip to the west coast gave DCSki Columnist Jim Chen a chance to ski someplace he had never skied before: Northstar-at-Tahoe. Jim provides this Firsthand Report.
(5 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Wonderful Weekend at Liberty (December 21, 2009)
As a patroller at Liberty Mountain Resort, DCSki Columnist Jim Chen had to work over the weekend. But don’t feel too sorry for him; Liberty received 20 inches of fresh powder in the recent storm, and Jim was one of the first to make runs down powder slopes. Jim provides this Firsthand Report from a weekend that can only be described as “epic.”
(8 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Spring Skiing in February at Liberty, February 8, 2009 (February 14, 2009)
With temperatures approaching 70 last week, DCSki Columnist Jim Chen headed to the mountains for a day mid-winter “spring skiing”at Liberty Mountain Resort on Sunday, February 8. Jim provides this Firsthand Report.
(2 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Powder on Super Tuesday Weekend at WIsp (January 24, 2009)
DCSki Columnist Jim Chen spent the Inaugural Weekend on the slopes of Maryland’s Wisp Resort, with a crew consisting of a snowboarder, a telemark skier, two alpiners and a seven year old sold determined to make it down the mountain with turning. Jim provides this Firsthand Report.

Liberty Mountain Patrol Gears Up for Ski Season (November 18, 2008)
With the ski season rapidly approaching, DCSki Columnist (and volunteer ski patroller) Jim Chen provides a look at the preparations Liberty Mountain ski patrollers go through before the lifts start running. This past weekend, Liberty patrollers met for their annual “On-The-Hill” refresher, the first of many training sessions designed to ready patrollers for any emergency that might arise on the slopes. Jim also reports that Liberty was recently awarded with a prestigious award for their “National Safety Week Program.”
(1 reader comment)

View more articles by Jim

Matthew Graham

Matthew Graham is a skier as well as a hang glider and paraglider pilot, SCUBA diver, cavern diver, equestrian, polo player, sailor, hiker, biker, rock climber, paddler, and skater. He’s also dabbled in just about every other sport, even bull riding! He writes for the Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine, USA Weekend Magazine, Hooked on the Outdoors, Richmond Magazine, Chesapeake Life Magazine, Metro Sports, Blue Ridge Outdoors, Recreation News and numerous other outdoor and travel publications. His wife, Karen Carra, is a freelance photographer, dancer, skier and extreme sports athlete.

Matthew has written 23 stories for DCSki since 2002.

Recent articles by Matthew:

Firsthand Report: A Bumpy Day at Elk (January 22, 2011)
DCSki Columnist Matthew Graham made a trip up to Elk Mountain over Martin Luther King Weekend, where he decided to battle moguls. Find out who won in this Firsthand Report.
(2 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Massanutten Weekend (February 28, 2010)
DCSki Columnist Matthew Graham found ample opportunities for fun during a weekend visit to Massanutten February 20-21, 2010. He found fun on the Virginia resort’s popular snow tubing hills, in the indoor water park, on the ski slopes, and listening to live entertainment at night. OK, there might have been one face plant that resulted in a trip to the first aid office, and that probably wasn’t fun. But the rest of the weekend was “plain stupid fun.”
(2 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Return to Seven Springs (March 9, 2009)
After a ten year absence, Matthew Graham returned to Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs Resort and discovered a lot has changed. To put Seven Springs through its paces, Matthew and his wife Karen Carra tried out a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) ride, a horse-drawn sleigh ride, snowshoeing, a massage, some fine dining, and — oh yeah, even a few turns on the ski slopes. Matthew provides this Firsthand Report.
(4 reader comments)

Tips for Avoiding Crowds on Weekends (February 18, 2008)
DCSki’s best tip is to ski on weekdays: crowds are often nonexistent, and it’s usually less expensive, too. But what if your schedule only allows you to ski on weekends? No worries. DCSki Columnist Matthew Graham provides his “top ten” tips for avoiding weekend crowds at Mid-Atlantic ski areas.
(6 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Viva Vail (February 12, 2008)
Last season, DCSki Columnist Matthew Graham visited Colorado’s Vail Resort. Even though a friend broke her arm on the trip, Matthew describes the trip as one of his best ski trips ever.
(1 reader comment)

View more articles by Matthew

Jim Kenney

Husband, father and civilian employee of the Department of Navy, Jim Kenney is a D.C. area native and has been skiing recreationally since 1967. Jim’s ski reporting garnered the 2009 West Virginia Division of Tourism’s Stars of the Industry Award for Best Web/Internet/E-Magazine Article.

Jim has written 88 stories for DCSki since 2000.

Recent articles by Jim:

Firsthand Report: Bombproof Family Ski Vacation at Steamboat (January 29)
DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney and his family visited Colorado’s Steamboat in early January, 2012. While they spent plenty of times on the slopes, they also sampled other activities at Steamboat such as snowshoeing and a star-lit sleigh ride. Jim provides this Firsthand Report.
(3 reader comments)

In Praise of the Anti-Resorts (November 13, 2011)
There’s a special place in Jim Kenney’s heart for the “anti-resorts”: those standalone ski areas with no slopeside lodging and few, if any, resort trappings. In place of glitz, they unapologetically offer one common attribute: top-notch skiing. Jim Kenney takes a tour through some of his favorite anti-resorts.
(8 reader comments)

An Evening of Heli-Ski Stokage from Canadian Mountain Holidays (October 18, 2011)
In early October, DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney attended a reception to learn more about Canadian heli-skiing. He provides this Firsthand Report.

Firsthand Report: Great Allegheny Passage Bike Trail (September 4, 2011)
In mid-August, Jim and Vince Kenney went on a 70-mile bike trip along the Great Allegheny Passage Rail/Trail. Jim provides this Firsthand Report.
(1 reader comment)

Firsthand Report: Annual DCSki Gathering at Blue Knob (March 20, 2011)
Members of the DCSki.com and Epicski.com forums converged on Pennsylvania’s Blue Knob Resort in late February, enjoying the company of each other and snow-covered slopes. Jim Kenney provides this Firsthand Report and pictorial.

View more articles by Jim

Connie Lawn

Connie Lawn calls herself “The Skiing White House Reporter.” She has been covering the White House as a correspondent since 1968, and heads her own news bureau. But, as the years roll by, the passion for skiing and the mountains has become more intense. Connie now does her snow reports for DCSki. She also circulates her feature reports on radio, and is looking into television and a book about humorous ski experiences. Some of Connie’s funny ones (in Czechoslovakia in 1968) can be read in her book, You Wake Me Each Morning (iuniverse.com). Connie skis the local areas and, when possible the West, New England, New Zealand, and Europe. The industry keeps growing and Connie believe this is a good time for as many people to be involved as possible.

Connie has written 149 stories for DCSki since 2003.

Recent articles by Connie:

Firsthand Report: New Ski Technology for Whitetail Rentals (January 28)
Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman visited Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort this past week, where they tried out new ski technology available across Whitetail’s rental fleet.
(2 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Wintergreen Wounded Warrior Weekend (January 22)
Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman filed this Firsthand Report from Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort, which is hosting its Eighth Annual Wounded Warrior Weekend.
(1 reader comment)

Firsthand Report from Liberty Mountain: Skiing is Therapeutic! (January 8)
Connie Lawn provides a Firsthand Report from the slopes of Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain.
(3 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Ski Club of Washington DC 75th Anniversary (November 13, 2011)
The Ski Club of Washington DC celebrated its 75th anniversary on Saturday night by hosting its annual Fall Fashion Show. Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman were on hand, and filed this Firsthand Report.

Firsthand Report: Whitetail Great Outdoors Festival (October 23, 2011)
Connie Lawn filed this report from the first day of Whitetail’s 11th Annual Great Outdoors Festival.

View more articles by Connie

J.R. Patten

J.R. Patten is an outdoor nut and would probably still live in the middle of the woods if the animals hadn’t kicked him out for being uncivilized. He does anything and everything that gets him outside, and a lot more other stuff than he has time for. Among other seemingly unrelated things, he enjoys playing banjo, running ultramarathons, doing freelance web development, backpacking, camping, kayaking, reading, writing, and spending what little money he has traveling places. He also manages to get to class at Georgia Tech from time to time, where he is majoring in Computer Science.

If he’s not at the computer or in class, you can find him in the mountains of north Georgia, the Smokies, or his new favorite place east of the Mississippi: Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. However, more and more frequently you’ll find him in the mountains west of the Mississippi. If and when he ever gets out of school, he plans on moving out west, starting a company, and doing fun stuff all day long.

J.R. has written 3 stories for DCSki since 2008.

Recent articles by J.R.:

Vail: Getting There is Half the Fun (or: It’s the Misadventures) (January 6, 2009)
Vail has been the subject of many DCSki Firsthand Reports: The Colorado ski area offers a setting and conditions that are unparalleled. But sometimes, the adventure — or misadventure — starts before you arrive at the slopes. DCSki Columnist J.R. Patten provides an engaging story in this unconventional Firsthand Report.
(7 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: The Canyons (December 26, 2008)
Timing can be everything: A lack of early December snow meant that The Canyons had little of the “Greatest Snow on Earth” to offer DCSki Columnist J.R. Patten on a recent visit. But this didn’t stop J.R. from checking out the Utah resort and filing this Firsthand Report.
(7 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: The Canyons, Utah (August 6, 2008)
DCSki’s newest Columnist, J.R. Patten, just returned from a trip to The Canyons Resort. While most visit the Utah resort in the winter to take advantage of its deep powder and 3,700 acres of skiable terrain, J.R. discovered there’s more than one reason to visit during the “off season.”
(10 reader comments)

View more articles by J.R.

John Sherwood

John Sherwood hails from Bedford, Massachusetts - the snow belt of Boston’s western suburbs. He first experienced the joys of skiing on the 240-foot vertical slopes of Nashoba Valley in Littleton, Massachusetts. As a teenager, he enjoyed skiing at Gunstock, Waterville Valley, and Stowe. He moved to DC in 1991 but a combination of graduate school poverty and a false belief that “local skiing just can’t be any good” kept him away from the slopes for 9 long and miserable years.

John finally received his Ph.D. in history, got a real job as a Navy historian, and officially ended his skiing hiatus. To celebrate, he took his wife, a native of Slovakia who grew up skiing to school, to Stowe for a week in February 2000. Hooked again, John decided to explore local skiing during the 2000-2001 season and visited Whitetail, Seven Springs, Timberline, and Blue Mountain. He also took another trip to Stowe. When he returned from Vermont, he concluded that local skiing really is not that bad; in fact, it can be great when the conditions are right. Arguably, Timberline at the end of March had better snow conditions than Stowe in early February.

A proud Timberline season pass holder since 2002, John generally skis over 20 days a year at that resort. He also enjoys skiing in Europe, the West, and New England. The West Virginia Division of Tourism awarded John “Stars of the Industry” awards in both 2003 and 2004 for articles on skiing in West Virginia.

In addition to DCSki, John has published winter sports related articles in the The Slovak Spectator, Financial Times, Ski Racing Magazine, and the SkiEurope Report. He is also the author of four books in military history. His latest, Black Sailor, White Navy: Racial Unrest in the Fleet, was published in November, 2007 by New York University Press.

John has written 83 stories for DCSki since 2001.

Recent articles by John:

Getting Fit for the Slopes: The Benefit of Strength Training for the Skier (February 13, 2010)
We often perceive skiing more as a pastime than a sport, especially in this region where the slopes are short and almost always groomed to perfection. Skiing, though, involves many muscle groups, some of which never get properly exercised under normal circumstances. DCSki Columnist John Sherwood describes the benefits of strength training for on- and off-slope activities, using his own experiences as a guide.
(3 reader comments)

Springtime Snapshots: The Canaan Valley Region in Late Spring (June 25, 2008)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood recently made a trip to the Canaan Valley region of West Virginia, where he visited Dolly Sods, Roaring Plains (South Prong Trail), and the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. He provides some photos from his visit.
(2 reader comments)

The Transplanted: A DC Skier Heads West (December 1, 2007)
Many DCSki readers know Tim Romano and his wife Madeline. They’re regular attendees at DCSki slope-side gatherings. After spending 28 years in the DC area, Tim recently packed up and moved to Logan, Utah. DCSki Columnist John Sherwood interviews Tim to learn about the differences in skiing and lifestyle between the Mid-Atlantic region and a state that includes the word “Ski” on its license plate.
(4 reader comments)

Spot Report: Timberline Four Seasons Resort, January 21, 2007 (January 23, 2007)
John Sherwood skied at West Virginia’s Timberline Resort on Sunday, and provides this Firsthand Report.
(8 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Timberline, December 30-31, 2006 (January 1, 2007)
Despite less than ideal conditions, John Sherwood made his first run of the season at Timberline Resort this past weekend. He filed this Firsthand Report.
(4 reader comments)

View more articles by John

M. Scott Smith

Scott is Editor and founder of DCSki. He writes the articles, takes the photographs, designs the pages, programs the site, pays the bills, and occasionally catches a wink of sleep. In addition to DCSki, Scott works full time as a researcher and computer scientist.

Scott loves outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, travel, skiing, kayaking, and mountain biking. He is an avid photographer and writer, and also plays keyboards and drums. Scott grew up in Colorado and currently resides in Maryland. (That’s right - he went from Colorado to Maryland - what was he thinking?!) Scott maintains a personal weblog at www.mscottsmith.org.

Scott is a member of the Eastern Ski Writers Association and the North American Snowsports Journalists Association.

Scott has written 728 stories for DCSki since 1997.

Recent articles by Scott:

Whitetail’s Buddy Hauk Passes Away (January 17)
On Sunday, January 15, 2012, long-time Whitetail Ski Resort mountain host Buddy Hauk passed away. Buddy was 63.
(1 reader comment)

AT&T Expands Cell Service at Whitetail Resort (January 14)
A recent tower upgrade at Whitetail should deliver solid 3G cell coverage to AT&T cell phone subscribers visiting the Pennsylvania resort.

Sense of Déjà Vu as Winter Returns (January 14)
Mid-Atlantic skiers and snowboarders can be forgiven if they can’t quite figure out what season it is. Thankfully, colder temperatures have returned, paving the way for great conditions over the holiday weekend.

Snow and Cold Push Opening Dates within Reach (December 7, 2011)
Mother Nature has been keeping the cold to herself so far this winter, but the arrival of snow on Wednesday has many local resorts pushing to open for the season in the next week or two.
(1 reader comment)

What’s New for 2011: Seven Springs Resort (November 20, 2011)
Freestyle skiers and snowboarders will find reason to celebrate this winter at Seven Springs, as the Pennsylvania resort unveils the first-ever urban terrain park and expands its halfpipe to Olympic proportions. Retrofitted chairlifts will reduce travel time to the top of the mountain, and a new beginner area will welcome new skiers and boarders looking to transition to greens.

View more articles by Scott

DCSki is sponsored in part by the following companies:


Canaan Valley Resort: Canaan Valley Resort, located outside Davis, West Virginia features 39 slopes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced West Virginia skiing. With a vertical drop of 850 feet and the longest run at 6,000 feet, the experience is as challenging as you want it to be. Night skiing is also offered during holiday and prime ski weekends. The resort features a 150 room lodge and 23 cabins/cottages for your convenience. Additional winter sports include XC skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, airboarding and ice skating. An indoor swimming pool, fitness center, whirlpool and saunas are also available after a day on the slopes.

Liberty Mountain Resort: Located about an hour from both the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas, Liberty Mountain Resort is the perfect place for a mountain getaway! Whether you are searching for adventure or relaxation, our mountainside amenities are sure to treat you. Our mountain boasts over 100 acres of skiable terrain, including 16 trails, 3 terrain parks, and a large tubing hill. Our Ski and Snowboard Schools offer a wide variety of lessons for both beginners and advanced. Boulder Ridge Snow Tubing features 15 tubing lanes, party rooms, and food and beverage, creating a fun atmosphere for everyone. Take a "snowcation" by lodging in the slopeside Liberty Hotel and dining in one of many eateries, including the popular McKee's Tavern.

Ridge Run: Ridge Run at Wisp is an intimate enclave of luxurious, four-bedroom mountain Villas and Chalets within a exclusive Private Residence Club. Nestled between two ski runs at Wisp Resort above beautiful Deep Creek Lake, ownership at Ridge Run offers the ultimate mountain escape at a fraction of the price. Ownership at Ridge Run combines the advantages of vacation home ownership with all the outdoor amenities of Wisp including private golf membership and the services you would enjoy at a boutique hotel.

Seven Springs Resort: Seven Springs Mountain Resort is the perfect place to escape with your family this winter and reconnect! At Seven Springs, you'll find a mountain of fun - skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, snowmobiling, snowshoe tours, a luxurious spa, sporting clays, delicious dining, nightlife and more. Enjoy a mountain of fun on 285 acres of slopes and trails including beginner trails, black diamond slopes, mogul runs and five terrain parks. Come up to Seven Springs this winter and make a new memory. What are you waiting for? You really should be here!

Whitetail Resort: Head to Whitetail for some of the best skiing and riding in the mid Atlantic Region! Enjoy nearly 1,000 feet of vertical and the Region's only High Speed Quad Chairlift. Spend less time on the road and more time carving down some expert terrain like Bold Decision or intermediate favorites Limelight and Snow Dancer! Don't worry, there is plenty of fun to be had for all ability levels, and for freestylers be sure to check out Jib Junction Terrain Park (not for the faint of heart)! We even have Park Place 101 for the beginner freestyler! Don't forget about Whitetail Adventure Tubing, fun for all ages!

Wintergreen Resort: Wintergreen Resort is an 11,000-acre, four-season resort located in the Blue Ridge Mountains three hours from Washington, D.C. With accommodations ranging in size from studio condominiums to 9-bedroom homes, your winter escape has all the comforts of home. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding on 26 slopes and snowtubing in Virginia's largest park; Ridgely's Fun Park for young children; ice skating, a zipline; indoor tennis; a spa with indoor pool and hot tubs; and a variety of enticing dining options. Overnight packages offer great value and savings, call 800-266-2444 or book online - www.wintergreenresort.com. For more information, call (434) 325-2200.

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