Short Swings!

We’re about to switch from publishing weekly, as we have since October, to our once-a-month off-season schedule. Many of you are back on the golf course or in your boats. The next time you’ll see SeniorsSkiing.com in your in box will be May 31.

 SeniorsSkiing.com had a record season. In November we celebrated our 5^thyear of publication with a party in New York City. The attendees had a great time; many walked away with terrific prizes.

We also added a lot of new subscribers. After clearing up a vexing technical glitch, new subscribers clocked in at about 1,000 a month. The increase in readers was reflected in the increase in registered page views: almost 300,000 from October through April. 

Your response to our second fund-raiser was encouraging and helpful:

• Encouraging, because it validated the time and effort that goes into publishing SeniorsSkiing.com;
• Helpful, because it reduces the cost of publishing this free magazine. As readership increases, so do expenses.

Around 200 articles were published since October (almost 1100 since we started). The volume of comments this season accounted for almost one-third of all comments since we started publishing; a reflection on reader growth and engagement.

You’ll be receiving a reader survey from us in the next few weeks. Your responses will help inform what we do for the coming season. The survey also is the opportunity for Trail Masters (the # of days you skied/boarded this season = the # of years in your age) can register to receive the 2018-19 Trail Masters embroidered patch.

Thank you for reading and supporting SeniorsSkiing.com!

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Electricity From Falling Snow

UCLA researchers and colleagues designed a first of its kind device that creates electricity from falling snow. The inexpensive, small, thin and flexible device generates charge through static electricity which occurs when falling snow contacts its silicone surface. According to the researchers, it has potential for monitoring winter sports.

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Boston and Denver Ski and Snowboard Expo Dates

The Colorado Ski and Snowboard Expo at Denver’s Colorado Convention Center will be earlier this year; October 25-27. The Boston Ski and Snowboard Expo will be Nov 14-17 at the Seaport World Trade Center. 

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Lifts Still Running

These North American areas are still skiing. Each is followed by its expected closing date. Call or check websites for updates.

• Alpental, WA – 5/5 (weekends only)
• Arapahoe Basin, CO – early June
• Arizona Snowbowl, AZ – 4/28
• Aspen Highlands, CO –  4/28 (weekends only)
• Boyne, MI – 4/28 (weekends only)
• Breckenridge, CO – 5/27
• Grouse Mountain, BC – 5/5
• Heavenly, CA – 4/28 (+ May 3-5)
• Jay Peak, VT – 5/5
• Killington, VT – 6/2
• Lake Louise, AB – 5/5
• Loveland, CO – 5/5
• Lutsen, MN – 5/5 (weekends only)
• Mammoth, CA – 7/4
• Marmot Basin, AB – 5/5
• Mary Jane at Winter Park, CO – 5/12
• Mission Ridge, WA – 4/28 (weekends only)
• Mt. Bachelor, OR – 5/26
• Mt. Hood Meadows, OR – 5/4 (weekends only)
• Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe, NV – 4/28
• Nakiska, AB – 4/28
• Purgatory, CO – (weekends only)
• Silver Mountain, ID – 4/28 (weekends only)
• Ski Brule, MI – 4/29 (weekends only)
• Snowbird, UT – TBD
• Squaw Valley-Alpine Meadows, CA – 7/7 – 5/19 (weekends only)
• Sugarbush, VT – 5/5
• Sugarloaf, ME – 5/5
• Sunday River, ME – 5/1 (weekends only)
• Sunshine Village, AB – 5/13
• The Summit at Snoqualmie, WA – 4/28 (weekends only)
• Timberline Lodge, OR – 8/31
• Whistler Blackcomb, BC – 5/27
• White Pass, WA – 4/28 (weekends only)

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Interesting Short Video

This skier in Switzerland accidentally sets off an avalanche; then outruns it. About 15 seconds. Click here to view.

Don’t Try This at Home Video

Skiing “Switch” is terrain park lingo for skiing backward. In this video, French skier Quentin Ladame sets the Switch Skiing World Record (86 mph). About 2½ minutes. Click here to view.