Late February snow, Kalamazoo area skiing.

The Kalamazoo area has a number of very nice, though diminutive, hills to ski when the conditions are right. Some of these are even maintained stump free and essentially stick free which makes them available even in low snow conditions.  The snow storm that came through dropped a fair amount of very heavy snow. The ground has been warmed for days...i mean we had crocuses coming up for pitty sake.

I was encouraged to not be a snow snob by my honey and got out even on a 37degree mile and a half kick and glide. I had a great time.

Pics are from the tour and turns. Locations give out to those who ask.

Slacking the gap

This Road Gap is about 7 feet high, so it isn't a high line walk..but the height did add an element of challenge and fear.  Turn the volume up and hear the Cardinals and wind. Today was 40 degrees or something- completely absurd. 

Lake Michigan: Feb Surf conditions

Surf conditions at Van Buren State Park. Feb. 11, 2012
Some frozen sand climbing up the back side of the dunes and down to Lake Michigan.

open letter to Off Piste Magazine

  Off Piste is a really great ski mag.  While I could never ski much of the stuff discussed in here, and generally speaking the gear reviewed is more than I need...its spirit is great. These guys love to putz around on snow and every one writing or reading this magazine has a love affair with the woods, the mountains and the hillocks in snow.  While they certainly have a Pacfic North West bent, I think that the midwestern off piste skier would enjoy this magazine.  I heartily encourage you to subscribe to this magazine.

I am not sure exactly why i feel possessed to write letters to ski magazines obviously focused elsewhere, but there you have it. Call it a vice if you like.

http://offpistemag.com/

see them for more great ski stuff.