Liberty and its sister areas definitely saved the best for last. How could this happen to snow lovers? Absolutely the best snow fall of the season blanketed many of our local areas. When we skied on Sunday, March 18, 2007, there were 8 inches of new snow. My husband Charles said he could really feel the difference between natural and machine made, but I cannot. To me, any of the white stuff is wonderful, if it is not too icy or mushy.

All 16 trails were open, and they were in perfect condition. The biggest bumps were on the Upper double diamonds, but I just picked them up further down on Lower Eastwind. We have a big trip to Colorado coming up, and I get very cautious about any injuries before heading West. But, I fully enjoyed the bumps on the lower trails. On the flatter ones, the cruising was superb, especially on Whitney’s Way, Sidewinder, Blue Streak and White Lightning.

“Snow Tiger” enjoys some fresh, late-season snow. Photo provided by Charles Sneiderman.

Let’s not forget to put in a word for the terrain parks, the Half Pipe, and Vertigo Park. I never tire of watching the expert skiers and boarders perform their stunts. How does our country produce so many athletes? Alas, my time has passed to learn such tricks, but I can certainly admire the younger set as they go through their paces. Amazingly, I see very few accidents in the terrain parks, although I am certain they occur.

We sadly left Liberty at the end of the day, but were delighted it would stay open as long as the snow and the guests want to come. The snow was perfect, and the special lift prices were in effect for college students and others. The slopes and surrounding countryside glowed with white snow, the sun was setting, and the lights illumined the mountain.

I was genuinely sad to say goodbye to dear friends, Eric and Anne in management, Leslie, Trippie, Janet, Otto, and the other instructors, and the great ladies in Customer Service. Each year, Liberty feels more like home, but with mountains.

I still wish we had easy shuttle bus service from the metro areas to the slopes - I could not make it without my husband Charles doing the driving and taking the photos (not at the same time). This time, we are experimenting with a new camera and video combination. Hope it works and I don’t smash it on the driveway, as I did the older one!

Liberty, Whitetail, and Roundtop recouped from the terrible start of the season. But, they managed to salvage nearly 80 days, and that is pretty good. Hopefully, the summer will pass quickly, and the winter gods will be better to us next year. Until then, there is still the West, and then New Zealand!