Saturday it snowed at Liberty Mountain! On February 4, 2012, the Groundhog was correct. Winter returned, with big, wet, blinding torrents of snow. For brief moments it even caused a whiteout! The trails were good before that - well groomed and packed. But the soft snow added to their cover. I actually found it harder to ski on the natural powder - I like Eastern hard pack! 90% of the trails were open, and the resort was well attended. It proves many snow lovers braved the rain and fog of the flat land, and bet wisely the moisture would be snow in the mountains.

Snow squall at Liberty on Saturday, February 4, 2012. Photo provided by Charles Sneiderman.

Charles and I arrived early, before the snow. We did our best to assist the hard working instructors, who were giving lessons to children who suffered from a variety of ailments. The programs are sponsored by the Blue Ridge Adaptive Snow Sports or BRASS. This week they invited students from Easter Seals Programs. There were about 20 students on Saturday and 13 expected on Sunday. Each student had several instructors and volunteers helping them.

Leslie and Dick White are co-directors of Blue Ridge Adaptive Snowsports (BRASS). This past weekend BRASS provided lessons for child and adult clients of Easter Seals of Central Pennsylvania. Photo provided by Charles Sneiderman.

Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, we had a change of pace and re-visited Whitetail. Again, the conditions on the slopes were great. All trails but one were open, and Charles skied each one several times. I stayed with instructors. I am still having problems with my confidence and balance since I broke a hip in March. (I broke it while I was standing - I was not in motion at the time!) Weekday skiing or riding is the best, if you can manage it. So, try to ignore the brown woods and fields, and take a chance the slopes will have enough white to play on for awhile!