As we wrap up January and move into the first weekend in February, now is the time for a little reflection. New Year’s Resolutions are long gone and probably forgotten, but don’t let the same be said for winter. True, the Southeast and mid-Atlantic did see an unseasonably warm week with temperatures in the 50s and pushing 60 in some parts, but this is not atypical for the first month of the year. This is a time for reflection because we are at the turning point. You can either pack up the ski equipment and start getting the spring wardrobe out of the attic, or you can double down on winter and hit the slopes this weekend. I vote for the latter, as Punxsutawney Phil will be making his annual climate prediction on Saturday, Groundhog Day, and anything could happen: he could see his shadow, not see his shadow, bite the mayor’s nose off, hold out for a better contract, relive the same day over and over, relive the same day over and over, etc. Better get your turns in now, while you still have your sanity.
Timberline Ski Mountain outside Davis, West Virginia is preparing for a return of winter proper as a low pressure system swinging in from the West will collide with the warm air pumping in from the South to hopefully drop the temperatures and some snow this weekend. Look for fresh tracks, but also to try something new as on Saturday, they will be hosting a telemark ski workshop. There will be clinics, lectures, discounted lift tickets for those participating and a limited amount of rental Nordic gear available so show up early and try your hand at something new, and definitely different.
