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Jim Kenney

Husband, father and retired 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 136 stories for DCSki since 2000.

Reflections on a 25-Year DCSki Journey

Jim Kenney first discovered DCSki.com 25 years ago, which quickly became not only a web site for him but also a community, leading to inspiration, camaraderie, and friendship with other skiing enthusiasts. In this story, Jim reflects on his 25-year journey with DCSki, describing family trips and retired adventures he's notched along the way.

By Jim Kenney | November 13, 2024 4 Feature Story

Firsthand Report: Weathering Utah's Record Winter of 2023

Over 900" of snow in one season. That was the record set by some Utah ski areas during the epic 2022-2023 winter season, and DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney was there to experience it, logging 62 ski days in the state at areas including Snowbird, Alta, Brighton, Solitude, and Sundance. Jim recaps his season as he personally researched Utah's claim to the greatest snow on Earth.

By Jim Kenney | November 14, 2023 4 Firsthand Report

The Snowbound Snowbird

Some retirees head to warmer climes for the winter. DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney is not one of those retirees. In this story, he reflects on his experiences spending summers in the Mid-Atlantic and winters skiing in the Rockies.

By Jim Kenney | October 5, 2022 1 Feature Story

Firsthand Report: Preview Weekend at Timberline Mountain, WV

Jim Kenney had a chance to swing by West Virginia's Timberline Mountain for its preview weekend on November 28, 2021.

By Jim Kenney | November 30, 2021 3 News

Jim Kenney's Top 20 Ski Areas

There are many lists of "top ski areas,", but there is only one "Jim Kenney's top ski areas" list. Reflecting on 50+ years of skiing, Jim picks his favorite ski areas that resonated personally with him.

By Jim Kenney | November 27, 2021 Feature Story

Reflections on the Freedom of Skiing

Recent events have caused DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney to ponder the meaning of personal freedom. Throughout his life, he has found freedom in skiing. In this story, Jim reflects on over 50 years of skiing and shares some of his favorite memories.

By Jim Kenney | August 4, 2020 2 News

Firsthand Report: Finding My Ski Legs at Whitetail

Despite unusually warm January weather, Jim Kenney recently swung by Pennsylvania's Whitetail Resort for his first ski day of the season. He provides this Firsthand Report.

By Jim Kenney | January 12, 2020 Firsthand Report

Firsthand Report: Discovering Crested Butte

DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney skied many places last winter, but there was one place he skied at for the first time that delighted him so much he re-visited again before the season was up. In this story, he describes two trips to Colorado's Crested Butte Resort, in February and April, 2019.

By Jim Kenney | September 26, 2019 4

Firsthand Report: Laurel Mountain, the Country Club of Pennsylvania Skiing

Jim Kenney hit the trifecta of fine ski conditions last weekend at Pennsylvania's Laurel Mountain Resort, experiencing a powder Friday, bluebird Saturday, and spring skiing Sunday. The icing on the cake? Spending the weekend in person with a couple dozen friends met through on-line communities such as DCSki. Jim provides this Firsthand Report of the unspoiled Laurel Mountain.

By Jim Kenney | February 9, 2019

Firsthand Report: The 7,000-mile Ski Road Trip

Last winter, DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney hit the open road and drove over 7,000 miles, starting in Virginia and navigating through states such as Utah, Wyoming, and Western Canada in search of snow and skiing. He provides this detailed Firsthand Report.

By Jim Kenney | November 24, 2018

Firsthand Report: President's Weekend: Many Friends and Few Crowds

Back in February, DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney came up with a strategy to avoid President's Weekend crowds, jumping between Canaan Valley Resort, Laurel Mountain, and Seven Springs Resort. In this Firsthand Report, he describes how he avoided crowds and mostly avoided rain.

By Jim Kenney | March 27, 2018

Firsthand Report: Canaan Valley Resort - Shelter from the Storm

DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney recently returned from a trip to West Virginia's Canaan Valley Resort. He describes how the resort is firing on all its cylinders, offering a mix of low crowds, low prices, and low drama.

By Jim Kenney | January 27, 2018

Firsthand Report: My Snowiest Week (in Utah)

This past January, Jim Kenney was treated to an epic 81 inches of fresh snow during a trip to Utah ski resorts - not a bad way to celebrate his 50th season skiing. He provides this Firsthand report.

By Jim Kenney | December 21, 2017

Firsthand Report: White Whistler Immersion

In March, 2017, DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney made his first ever visit to British Columbia's Whistler-Blackcomb. He provides this Firsthand Report.

By Jim Kenney | November 26, 2017 2

Firsthand Report: Laurel Mountain - The Legend Returns

On February 10, 2017, DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney visited the slopes of the newly-reopened Laurel Mountain for the first time. That kicked off a great weekend of skiing which included a stop at the classic resort as well as nearby Seven Springs. Jim provides this Firsthand Report.

By Jim Kenney | February 15, 2017 2

Firsthand Report: Defying Gravity at Canaan Valley Resort, WV

In early January, DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney returned to Canaan Valley Resort. He describes his visit in this Firsthand Report, concluding that the West Virginia ski area continues to up its game, offering a great experience and bargain pricing.

By Jim Kenney | January 15, 2017

Firsthand Report: Deer Valley Utah, a Thing of Beauty

DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney has skied almost every major ski area in the U.S., but he hadn't yet been to Utah's Deer Valley. So he fixed that in March of 2016, visiting the area that is known around the world for its service. He filed this Firsthand Report.

By Jim Kenney | December 4, 2016 1

Firsthand Report: Aspen Supreme

In February, 2016, Jim Kenney had his best experience ever at Colorado's Aspen, thanks to a recent dump of 40 inches of snow. Jim provides this Firsthand Report.

By Jim Kenney | November 20, 2016

Firsthand Report: Skier's Jackpot at Canaan Valley, WV

Remember Winter Storm Jonas last winter? DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney had the good fortune of being on site at West Virginia's Canaan Valley Resort as the monster snow storm hit. Jim provides this Firsthand Report from his trip in January, 2016.

By Jim Kenney | October 1, 2016

Firsthand Report: Bryce Nice at a Good Price

On Friday, January 15, Jim Kenney stopped by for a few hours of skiing at Virginia's Bryce Resort. He provides this Firsthand Report.

By Jim Kenney | January 16, 2016

Firsthand Report: Jackson Hole, Wyoming

If there is one word in the American ski lexicon that is guaranteed to fire the imagination of expert snowriders it is Jackson. DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney made his inaugural visit to the famed Wyoming resort this past February. He provides this Firsthand Report.

By Jim Kenney | December 4, 2015

2015 Geezer Ski Bum Tour - Family and Friends in Colorado

DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney used to work to ski. Recently retired, he can now focus exclusively on skiing. He's in the midst of a two-month journey to discover his inner ski bum, and is checking in with updates on the DCSki Forums. In his fifth update, he describes a recent rendezvous with family and friends at various resorts throughout Colorado.

By Jim Kenney | March 22, 2015

2015 Geezer Ski Bum Tour - Jackson Hole

DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney used to work to ski. Recently retired, he can now focus exclusively on skiing. He's in the midst of a two-month journey to discover his inner ski bum, and is checking in with updates on the DCSki Forums. In his fourth update, he hits the slopes of Wyoming's Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

By Jim Kenney | March 6, 2015

2015 Geezer Ski Bum Tour - Westward Ho

DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney used to work to ski. Recently retired, he can now focus exclusively on skiing. He's in the midst of a two-month journey to discover his inner ski bum, and is checking in with updates on the DCSki Forums. In his third update, he departs Colorado and heads to Park City and South Lake Tahoe.

By Jim Kenney | February 26, 2015

2015 Geezer Ski Bum Tour - Colorado Recap

DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney used to work to ski. Recently retired, he can now focus exclusively on skiing. He's in the midst of a two-month journey to discover his inner ski bum, and is checking in with updates on the DCSki Forums. His second update provides a recap so far of some of his Colorado experiences.

By Jim Kenney | February 19, 2015

2015 Geezer Ski Bum Tour - Vail/Beaver Creek

DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney used to work to ski. Recently retired, he can now focus exclusively on skiing. He's in the midst of a two-month journey to discover his inner ski bum, and is checking in with updates on the DCSki Forums. His first update describes his plans and early experiences in Colorado.

By Jim Kenney | February 9, 2015

Firsthand Report: Endless Winter at Sugarloaf, Maine

In late March, 2014, Jim Kenney packed up the car and made the 12-hour drive to Sugarloaf, Maine. A late-season snowstorm dumped a foot of snow on the massive mountain, which offers the most skiable acreage on the East Coast. Jim provides this Firsthand Report.

By Jim Kenney | November 30, 2014

Firsthand Report: Turning Back Time at Whiteface, NY

Jim Kenney provides this Firsthand Report from a late March, 2014 visit to Lake Placid, New York's Whiteface Mountain - site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics.

By Jim Kenney | November 25, 2014

Firsthand Report: Taking Care of Business at Hunter Mountain, NY

In late March, 2014, DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney and his son, Vince, headed north to New York's Hunter Mountain for some skiing and a two-day PSIA Level III skiing exam for Vince. Jim provides this Firsthand Report.

By Jim Kenney | November 9, 2014 1

Firsthand Report: A Friendly Gathering at Timberline and Canaan Valley

In late February, 2014, Jim Kenney took part in a gathering of about 25 on-line friends for a long weekend at Timberline and Canaan Valley ski areas. Jim provides this Firsthand Report.

By Jim Kenney | October 26, 2014

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