The Forum

Gill asks where to stay for a late-December Timberline trip, and members compare early-opening slopeside lodging before Gill books Northface #43 near Salamander.

msprings weighs a New Year’s ski trip to Telluride and Aspen or Jackson Hole and Big Sky, while readers compare logistics, nearby options, snow conditions, and timing.

AndyGene asks whether West Virginia’s proposed ski areas are still viable, prompting updates on their status and accounts of challenging backcountry skiing on Mount Porte Crayon.

Denis reflects on a poignant return to Mt. Washington before moving to California, while friends encourage him to keep pursuing mountain adventures in the West.

The Colonel asks about Corridor H’s progress toward Davis and Canaan Valley, while kwillg6 reports on construction and the possibility of two-way traffic before the 2014-15 ski season.

Bob points out that an unusually large amount of snow remains at Keystone’s tubing hill and snow fort in late August, sharing webcam views as evidence.

bob shares news of the season’s first snow at Montana’s Glacier National Park, prompting a brief reminder that winter is approaching.

JimK organizes a summer DCSki happy hour at Rock Bottom Brewery in Arlington, where five skiers gather for drinks, conversation, and playful ski-area banter.

PA Freestyle announces registration for its 2014-15 youth freestyle and freeride program at Seven Springs, offering weekend training and competition for young skiers and snowboarders.

scottyb mourns Robin Williams, while later replies celebrate his comedy and share a story about encountering the actor telemark skiing at Alpine Meadows.

wgo shares news of a Slovakian ski resort devastated by flooding and a rockslide, prompting discussion of the damage, its rebuilding prospects, and an unusual sideways chairlift.

David questions Snowshoe’s improbable summer snow forecast, while later replies report freezing rain and share memories of unusual high-elevation snow and cool mountain weather.