Keith Pearson and Mike Specian bring the high country to life with their authoritative coverage of the New England ski scene. News, gear, tips, analysis and more from across the active ski industry.
Mike and Keith shift to spring skiing and outdoor activities beyond traditional resorts, such as white water rafting and mountain biking. The hosts introduce Andrew Drummond, owner of the White Mountain Ski Company in Jackson, New Hampshire. Drummond discusses the shift from resort skiing to backcountry skiing, detailing the gear and techniques required for alpine touring, telemark skiing, and splitboarding. He emphasizes the importance of community, safety, and preparation when venturing into backcountry regions like Tuckerman's Ravine. Drummond also introduces events like the 'Last Skier Standing' and highlights the role of Granite Backcountry Alliance in maintaining skiable terrains. The discussion concludes with practical advice for safely enjoying backcountry skiing, geared towards both beginners and seasoned adventurers.
Topics
00:00 Introduction and Spring Skiing Vibes
02:45 The Allure of Tuckerman's Ravine
06:45 Introducing Andrew Drummond and White Mountain Ski Company
11:49 The Evolution of Backcountry Skiing
19:01 Telemark and Splitboarding Explained
23:55 Community and Backcountry Organizations
28:27 Introduction to Safe Skiing
29:05 The Concept of Last Skier Standing
29:44 The Birth of Last Skier Standing
31:17 Event Details and Participant Experience
33:09 Expanding to Nordic Skiing
34:00 Tuckerman's Season and Traffic
36:02 Safety Tips for Backcountry Skiing
39:57 Monitoring Conditions and Avalanche Reports
45:45 Community and the Joy of Backcountry Skiing
52:22 Final Thoughts and Farewell
28 Mar 2025
Loon Mountain's Transformation & Future
Mike and Keith discuss the fast transition from winter to spring skiing, their experiences skiing in both conditions, and the notable snow consistency this season. They are joined by Brian Norton, the General Manager of Loon Mountain, who provides an in-depth look into Loon's ongoing improvements and future projects. Highlights include the significant impact of the Timbertown beginner area, plans for a new pulse gondola to connect the town of Lincoln directly to Loon's trail system, and improvements in snowmaking capabilities. Norton shares insights on the mountain's history, its relationship with the town of Lincoln, and the challenges of managing a ski resort. Future developments discussed include expanding parking, improving skier services, and enhancing the overall guest experience as part of Loon's Flight Path 2030 plan.
Topics
00:53 Weather Challenges and Ski Conditions
04:12 Ski Events and Competitions
07:52 Loon Mountain Overview
13:15 Loon's Development and Future Plans
24:48 Introduction to the Riverwalk Gondola
25:53 Benefits of the Riverwalk Gondola
29:20 Challenges and Delays in Construction
30:50 Working with the Town and Forest Service
33:41 Future Plans for Loon Mountain
40:17 Personal Reflections and Accomplishments
43:23 Closing Remarks and Future Prospects
14 Mar 2025
Josh Thompson of Mt Abram
Mike and Keith celebrate the exceptional skiing season and dive into discussions about lesser-known ski spots in New England. They welcome Josh Thompson, General Manager of Mt Abram in Maine, who shares insights about the mountain's community-oriented approach, its affordable skiing options, and its initiatives to engage local youth. The episode also highlights the benefits of smaller ski areas and the unique experiences they offer, encouraging listeners to explore alternative ski destinations beyond the popular resorts.
Topics
00:17 Reflecting on an Incredible Ski Season
03:13 Ski Areas You Drive By But Never Visit
07:27 Spotlight on Mt Abram
13:18 Interview with Josh Thompson, General Manager
17:03 The Unique Vibe of Mount Abram
23:06 Embracing the Uphill Skiing Community
25:51 Supporting Local Youth Skiing
27:18 Local Skiing Trends and Challenges
27:51 Weather and Climate Impact on Skiing
30:02 Future Plans and Priorities
30:58 Kids Programs and Community Engagement
36:55 Mountain Biking and Year-Round Activities
41:38 Adapting to New Roles and Risk Management
44:05 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.6 / 5
25 ratings
Spotify
4.9 / 5
11 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 22 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
10
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
85
Contact New England Ski Journal’s Basecamp
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of New England Ski Journal’s Basecamp?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
