John Sherwood

All articles by John:

Getting Fit for the Slopes: The Benefit of Strength Training for the Skier (February 13)
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)

Going Further Afield: The Canyons, February 4-8, 2006 (February 9, 2006)
John Sherwood just returned from a trip to The Canyons, an up-and-coming ski resort in Utah that offers over 3,500 acres of skiable terrain. John filed this Firsthand Report describing the pros and cons of the ski area.
(7 reader comments)

Almost Heaven Mountain Resort Update (January 21, 2006)
In 2003, John Sherwood published an article on DCSki describing tentative plans for Almost Heaven, a ski resort that, if built, would offer over 2,000 feet of vertical in Randolph County, West Virginia. John’s article in 2003 touched off a firestorm of commentary by DCSki readers, garnering over 120 comments. John provides an update on Almost Heaven.
(34 reader comments)

Spot Report: Timberline on New Year’s Day (January 2, 2006)
John Sherwood rang in the new year at West Virginia’s Timberline Resort. He provides this second spot report describing the conditions.
(19 reader comments)

Spot Report: Timberline on Christmas (December 26, 2005)
John Sherwood spent Christmas battling a cold and morning rain at Timberline Resort, but the day ended up offering some good skiing. He provides this Spot Report direct from Timberline’s lodge.
(15 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Timberline, Dec. 11, 2005 (December 11, 2005)
As snow falls on Sunday afternoon, John Sherwood filed this Firsthand Report direct from the lodge at Timberline Resort. (No one ever said ski reporting was easy!)
(7 reader comments)

From the Archives: How Resorts Make Snow (December 6, 2005)
With snowguns firing throughout the region, now seemed like a good time to dust off John Sherwood’s excellent introduction to snowmaking. In this story, John describes the art and science behind snowmaking.

What’s New for 2005: Blue Mountain (October 16, 2005)
Terrain park enhancements highlight some of the new features at Pennsylvania’s Blue Mountain Ski Area this winter.
(4 reader comments)

DCSki Interview: Joe Stevens, Outgoing Communications Director, Snowshoe Mountain Resort (October 14, 2005)
After leading the Communications Department of Snowshoe Mountain Resort for 15 years, Joe Stevens is opening a new chapter in his career. DCSki’s John Sherwood talked to Joe about Snowshoe, the local ski scene, and the future of snowsports in the region in this candid interview.
(8 reader comments)

Planning the Big Trip: Some Lessons Learned the Hard Way (September 17, 2005)
In early fall, the ritual begins. We inventory our equipment, comb through the equipment issue of Ski Magazine, and maybe watch a ski film or two to put us in the mood. And then our thoughts inevitably migrate towards dreams of the “big trip.” John Sherwood offers a wealth of advice for planning that one big trip of the season.
(9 reader comments)

Timberline General Manager discusses “Vision” for the Mountain (April 23, 2005)
In an April 22, 2005 interview with DCSki Columnist John Sherwood, Timberline General Manager Tom Blanzy outlined changes that are due to take place at the West Virginia resort during the next 1-3 years.
(60 reader comments)

Ski the World: Bad Gastein, Austria (February 27, 2005)
John Sherwood continues his series of Trip Reports from a recent European trip, describing the Bad Gastein area in this installment.
(5 reader comments)

Ski the World: Dachstein Tauern Ski Region, Austria (February 27, 2005)
Continuing his series of Firsthand Reports from his recent European trip, DCSki Columnist John Sherwood describes several Austrian resorts unfamiliar to most North American skiers.
(3 reader comments)

Ski the World: Biele Vody and Jasna, Slovakia (February 24, 2005)
Today, President Bush is in Slovakia to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. DCSki Columnist John Sherwood traveled to the country last week for a different purpose: record snowfall in the region. This is the first of three articles profiling various resorts he visited during his recent 12-day ski trip to Europe.
(3 reader comments)

Book Review: Time Out Skiing & Snowboarding in Europe 2005 (February 4, 2005)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood reviews the new Time Out Skiing & Snowboarding in Europe 2005 guide, finding that the first edition of the book has several shortcomings.

Firsthand Report: Seven Springs, January 20-21, 2005 (January 24, 2005)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood had planned a trip to Okemo, but ditched those plans this past weekend and decided to head to Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs Resort instead. He describes why that was a good choice in this Firsthand Report.
(24 reader comments)

A Tale of Two Mountains: Canaan Valley and Timberline Resorts, December 24-27, 2004 (December 27, 2004)
John Sherwood spent his holiday weekend visiting West Virginia’s Timberline and Canaan Valley Resorts, and provides this Firsthand Report.
(66 reader comments)

Equipment Review: Volkl Supersport 6 Star All Mountain Expert Skis (December 19, 2004)
John Sherwood tried out a new pair of skis at West Virginia’s Timberline Resort this past weekend, and provides this Firsthand Report.
(18 reader comments)

Book Review: Ski Style: Sport and Culture in the Rockies (December 15, 2004)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood peels back the cover and reviews a new book by Annie Gilbert Coleman. Ski Style traces the history of skiing in the United States and tries to capture the essence of why Americans love the sport so much.
(2 reader comments)

Tory Mountain Purchased (June 11, 2004)
Marsh Mt. LLC, one of the partners at Wisp, recently purchased Tory Mountain outside of Harman, West Virginia. Current plans include roadway/access improvement, further topographical studies and a select-cut timber harvest. Future plans for recreation at Tory Mountain are uncertain.
(49 reader comments)

Home on the Slopes: A Spring, 2004 Look at Mid-Atlantic Ski Real Estate (May 23, 2004)
John Sherwood takes a look at the current real estate market at several Mid-Atlantic ski resorts, finding that property values have shot up with the rest of the housing market over the past year.
(7 reader comments)

The Perfect Storm: Timberline, April 3-4, 2004 (April 7, 2004)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood filed what he thought would be his last firsthand report of the season in mid-March, but a snowstorm this past weekend changed his mind, and he made one last trip to West Virginia’s Timberline Resort. He didn’t regret it; some late season snowstorms brought 26 inches of fresh snow to Timberline for its last weekend of the 2003-2004 ski season.
(12 reader comments)

Last Run: Timberline (March 15, 2004)
John Sherwood swung by West Virginia’s Timberline Resort this past Saturday for his last ski trip of the season. He provides this Firsthand Report.
(7 reader comments)

Going Further Afield: St. Moritz, Switzerland (February 17, 2004)
John Sherwood wraps up his recent trip to Europe in this third installment, describing the world-renowned St. Moritz region in Switzerland.
(2 reader comments)

Going Further Afield: Sölden, Austria (February 16, 2004)
In this second report, DCSki Columnist John Sherwood describes a recent trip to Austria’s Sölden region, an area known for wide, snow-sure slopes.
(2 reader comments)

Going Further Afield: Ischgl, Austria (February 11, 2004)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood just returned from a 13-day, 3-resort ski safari of Austria and Switzerland. This report, on Ischgl in Austria, is the first of three articles on this trip, describing his experience in Ischgl, Austria January 28-31, 2004.
(13 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Timberline, Dec. 25-28 (December 29, 2003)
John Sherwood spent the past several days skiing at West Virginia’s Timberline Resort. Fresh snow on Christmas Day helped provide excellent ski conditions, which made up for some lift difficulties. He describes the trip in this Firsthand Report.
(7 reader comments)

Going Further Afield: Killington, Vermont (December 28, 2003)
John Sherwood recently returned from a trip to Vermont’s Killington Resort, the largest resort on the East Coast. Does Killington have anything on Mid-Atlantic resorts? John provides a detailed report on the trip.
(4 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Timberline (Dec. 13) (December 15, 2003)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood visited West Virginia’s Timberline Resort on December 13, and provides this firsthand report.
(4 reader comments)

First Tracks: Seven Springs (December 9, 2003)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood made his first tracks of the season at Seven Springs Resort on Sunday. He filed this firsthand report.
(6 reader comments)

White Grass Touring Center to Open Saturday (November 29, 2003)
Thanks to an overnight snow storm, West Virginia’s White Grass Touring Center plans to open 5 kilometers of Nordic ski terrain on Saturday once winds die down and grooming can commence.
(2 reader comments)

How Resorts Make Snow (November 18, 2003)
If you’ve been reading DCSki lately, you know that snowmaking operations have already started in the Mid-Atlantic. But how do resorts turn water into snow? And is it “real” snow? In this DCSki classic article, John Sherwood explores the art and science of snowmaking, describing why the process is so crucial to Mid-Atlantic resorts.
(23 reader comments)

Country Roads: What Every Skier Should Know About Driving to West Virginia’s Slopes (October 24, 2003)
Over the years, DCSki readers have debated over the best route for reaching West Virginia ski resorts such as Snowshoe or Timberline. John Sherwood examines the options and offers his own suggestions, pointing out which routes have the least switchbacks or the best food, and noting how Corridor H might change the equation in the future.
(26 reader comments)

What’s New for 2003: Blue Mountain (October 18, 2003)
Blue Mountain will unveil Barney’s Bumps, a new expert mogul run, while adding a new snowmaking system to the Vista Trail. The resort has also added a new magic carpet lift on its learning hill.

Porte Crayon Ski Resort Considered (September 30, 2003)
The development of a new ski resort in West Virginia is being explored by the owner of Winterplace Resort. The new resort could potentially bring slopes with a vertical drop of 2,300 feet to the Mid-Atlantic region, but economic and environmental considerations make the development far from certain.
(133 reader comments)

What’s New for 2003: Timberline Resort (August 30, 2003)
Visitors to West Virginia’s Timberline Resort this winter will find upgraded lifts and snowmaking capacity, as well as a new slopeside grill.
(18 reader comments)

Places You May Never Ski: Slovakia (June 1, 2003)
There are a lot of places to ski in the world but, let’s face it, you probably won’t make it to all of them. John Sherwood kicks off a new series on DCSki that looks at places Mid-Atlantic skiers probably won’t have a chance to visit. In this first article, John takes a look at the ski areas of Slovakia.
(21 reader comments)

A Home on the Slopes: Mid-Atlantic Real Estate, Spring 2003 (May 6, 2003)
Purchasing real estate at a ski resort isn’t always a wise investment, but DCSki Columnist analyzes three hot resorts in the Mid-Atlantic where the value of homes has been appreciating rapidly.
(3 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Timberline (Mar. 8-9) (March 11, 2003)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood hit the slopes of West Virginia’s Timberline Resort this past weekend, and provides a firsthand report.
(3 reader comments)

Freeheeling It in the Alps: Nordic Skiing at Lech, Austria (March 1, 2003)
After 7 days of downhill skiing in the Alps, John Sherwood and his wife decided to try some cross country skiing in Lech, Austria. Read more about their experience in this firsthand account.
(2 reader comments)

Going Further Afield: Lech, Austria (March 1, 2003)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood’s ski adventure in Austria continues, with part 2 of his firsthand report focusing on Lech.
(9 reader comments)

Going Further Afield: St. Anton, Austria (February 23, 2003)
DCSki’s John Sherwood is back from an European ski trip, and has a lot of details to share. His first trip report describes his arrival in Europe and skiing at St. Anton, Austria, where he was pleased to discover tons of freshly-fallen snow.
(8 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Timberline (Jan. 17-20) (January 21, 2003)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood spent the weekend skiing at West Virginia’s Timberline Resort, and checks in with a firsthand report.
(10 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Timberline (Jan. 3-5) (January 7, 2003)
John Sherwood headed to West Virginia’s Timberline Resort with some apprehension this past weekend, following in the footsteps of recent snowstorms, but fresh snow throughout the weekend make the trip worth it. Find out more in his trip report.
(6 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: White Grass Touring Center (Dec. 29) (January 1, 2003)
Last weekend, DCSki Columnist John Sherwood decided to stray away from downhill skiing for a day to try out West Virginia’s White Grass Touring Center, a mecca for area cross-country skiers. He provides a complete firsthand report.
(9 reader comments)

Book Review: Where to Ski and Snowboard Worldwide (December 29, 2002)
John Sherwood provides a review of a guide book that covers 400 of the best ski resorts worldwide.

Firsthand Report: Timberline (Dec. 14 & 15) (December 16, 2002)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood and his wife headed west to Timberline Resort Friday night, a little apprehensive with rain falling in the D.C. region. They needn’t worry; as John describes in his firsthand report, the rain turned to snow by Saturday at the West Virginia resort.
(2 reader comments)

Going Further Afield: Sunday River, Maine (December 12, 2002)
John Sherwood recently returned from a trip to Sunday River, Maine, and provides a detailed firsthand report. Find out how Maine skiing compares to Mid-Atlantic skiing.
(6 reader comments)

Book Review: Why the Corporate Ski Industry is Bad for Skiing (November 25, 2002)
In a controversial new book, Hal Clifford paints a grim picture of the recent trend towards consolidation and aggressive real estate development at North American resorts. DCSki Columnist John Sherwood dissects the book in a review, adding his own thoughts on the issue with a focus on the Mid-Atlantic. After reading John’s review, feel free to add your own comments.
(2 reader comments)

Destination Skiing: The European Option (November 11, 2002)
A strong dollar continues to make a European ski trip surprisingly affordable. Does it make sense to head east, across the “pond,” for a ski trip this winter? DCSki Columnist John Sherwood shares the results of his research.
(3 reader comments)

Staying in Shape for the Slopes: Bike Commuting (October 19, 2002)
Each morning, DCSki Columnist John Sherwood hops on his bike for a 8.5-mile commute to work. In this article, John explores the many benefits of bike commuting and what it’s like to commute by two wheels into Washington D.C.
(7 reader comments)

What’s New for 2002: Timberline Resort (September 3, 2002)
West Virginia’s Timberline Resort will be augmenting its snowmaking capacity by 15 percent this season.
(28 reader comments)

Gearing Up for Next Season: An Exclusive Interview with Timberline/Canaan Race Coach Mark Fiorini (July 16, 2002)
Timberline / Canaan race coach Mark Fiorini recently returned from the prestigious National Alpine Coaches Academy at Mount Bachelor, Oregon. In an interview with DCSki columnist John Sherwood, Fiorini shares some of the new skiing techniques he learned from the U.S., Austrian, and Slovenian national coaches who taught at the academy in May 2002.
(3 reader comments)

Potomac Highlands, West Virginia: Biking and Hiking Report (July 2, 2002)
On the weekend of June 20, John Sherwood and his wife spent time hiking and biking various trails in the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia. John checks in with a firsthand report.
(3 reader comments)

A Home on the Slopes: Ski Real Estate in the Mid-Atlantic (May 13, 2002)
John Sherwood explores the pros and cons of owning your own home at a ski resort, and provides a glimpse at several resorts in the region offering real estate.
(7 reader comments)

Firsthand Bike Report: Canyon Rim Trail and West Fork Trail, WV (May 13, 2002)
DCSKi Columnist John Sherwood recently tried out two mountain biking trails in West Virginia, and provides a firsthand report.
(3 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Snowshoe (April 6) (April 14, 2002)
John Sherwood couldn’t resist one last chance to ski this season, and took Snowshoe up on their offer of free skiing for their closing weekend. Several inches of snow greeted skiers and boarders at Snowshoe on its last weekend, April 6-7. Find out more in John’s firsthand report.

Last Run: Timberline (Mar. 23 and 24) (March 26, 2002)
John Sherwood closed out his ski season this past weekend with a trip to West Virginia’s Timberline Resort. He provides a trip report as well as some of his reflections on the 2001-2002 winter ski season.
(4 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Sugar Mountain (Mar. 7) (March 12, 2002)
You wouldn’t normally think of going south for good skiing, but John Sherwood discovers Snowshoe isn’t the only place south of D.C. to offer great skiing. John recently visited North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain Resort and found a resort that offers a 1,200 foot vertical. John checks in with a firsthand report.
(9 reader comments)

Going Further Afield: Ski Arlberg, Austria (March 5, 2002)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood recently took a break from Mid-Atlantic skiing to try skiing in an entirely different continent. Read about his trip to Ski Arlberg, Austria.
(3 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Timberline (March 3, 2002)
John Sherwood spent the weekend of Feb. 23-24 skiing at West Virginia’s Timberline Resort, and provides a firsthand report.
(9 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Snowshoe (January 22, 2002)
John Sherwood spent Sunday skiing the slopes of Snowshoe, and files this firsthand report.
(2 reader comments)

NASCAR on Skis: A Report on Youth Ski Racing in the Southeast (January 21, 2002)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood provides a glimpse into youth ski racing at resorts such as West Virginia’s Timberline. Will the next Picabo Street come from the Mid-Atlantic?
(1 reader comment)

Firsthand Report: Canaan Valley and Timberline (January 6, 2002)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood was in West Virginia over the weekend, and provides a detailed trip report from Canaan Valley and Timberline resorts.
(6 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Timberline (December 30, 2001)
DCSki’s John Sherwood is at West Virginia’s Timberline Resort, and took a break from skiing to file this firsthand trip report.
(2 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Snowshoe (December 25, 2001)
DCSki’s John Sherwood was at Snowshoe for opening day, and checks in with a detailed firsthand report and some photos.
(4 reader comments)

Intrawest Discusses Snowshoe in Conference Call (December 20, 2001)
Intrawest, parent corporation of West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort, recently hosted a conference call describing Snowshoe and how resorts are being affected by the slow season start. DCSki Columnist John Sherwood participated in the call and provides this report.

Dreaming of a White Christmas: Opening Day Status for Snowshoe (December 10, 2001)
West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort resumed snowmaking operations this past weekend, but has delayed its opening date to December 17, conditions permitting. Find out how the resort is fighting unfavorable weather, and what the weather forecast looks like going into the weekend.
(11 reader comments)

Snow Fever (December 2, 2001)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood has come down with “snow fever” - an ailment caused by continuing tropical temperatures in what should be the start of the ski season. Find out the latest on how the warm weather is affecting opening dates.
(14 reader comments)

The Race is On: Seven Springs Looks Towards Opening Date (November 16, 2001)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood recently spoke about snowmaking and opening dates with Bob Duppstadt of Seven Springs. Find out more about opening date plans for the Pennsylvania resort.

Early Bird Bargains for Ski Vacations in Europe (October 28, 2001)
Wanted to ski Europe in the past but found the price too high? Numerous bargains this winter have increased the affordability of European ski trips.
(4 reader comments)

What’s New for 2001: Wisp Resort (October 5, 2001)
The most extensive changes to the ski slopes of Wisp in 12 years are currently in progress. Lifts are being rearranged and a new tubing park is being constructed. Find out more about changes underway at Wisp in this article.
(1 reader comment)

What’s New for 2001: Elk Mountain (October 1, 2001)
Elk Mountain has added 500 pairs of skis and 200 snowboards to its rental fleet for the upcoming season, as well as planting 700 Norway spruce trees.

What’s New for 2001: Bryce Resort (September 25, 2001)
Virginia’s Bryce Resort has beefed up snowmaking and added more shaped skis and snowboards to its rental inventory.

What’s New for 2001: Liberty Mountain Resort (September 18, 2001)
Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort is putting the finishing touches on a new fixed-grip quad and making other improvements in preparation for the upcoming season.

What’s New for 2001: Whitetail Resort (September 18, 2001)
Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort continues to enhance snowmaking for the upcoming season.

The Season Pass Dilemma (September 9, 2001)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood explores the annual “season pass dilemma”: is it better to buy a season pass, or to “pay as you play”?
(6 reader comments)

Book Review: Ski Europe, 12th Edition (September 3, 2001)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood reviews Charles Leocha’s Ski Europe, 12th Edition, a guide to skiing in Europe.

Beyond the Towpath: The Great Allegheny Passage (July 21, 2001)
John Sherwood provides a trip report detailing an alternative to the C&O Canal for biking and hiking trips.
(4 reader comments)