Wintry Mix

26 - Burke is Back: Vermont Community Embraces Life After Q

Pro tip: when acquiring a ski area with a passionate community, storied history and key stakeholders including a nationally respected resort management college, mountain biking destination and olympic caliber ski academy, perhaps don't rename the mountain after yourself as a first order of business. Even if you saw it in a Hollywood movie. That oddity (and much more like it) is what transpired at the briefly named Q Burke Mountain in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom over the last few years. A side effect of the alleged EB5 scandal in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom is the ousting of the often combative Quiros family management at Burke Mountain, bringing a sigh of relief to skiers, stakeholders and staff as they rally around what they hope will be a more stable period of mountain operation and community cooperation. Not only is the Q gone from the name but a brand new hotel was built and finished right before the change of the guard. In this episode we'll chat with many community stakeholders as well as tour the brand new Burke Mountain Hotel. Season 2 of Wintry Mix is made possible by www.Inntopia.com. Additional support comes from www.Snowbird.com, www.SkiVermont.com, www.PeakResorts.com and www.LLBean.com.

25 - On The Spot: Resort Marketing Honchos Dish on Technology and Shampoo

A swath of international resort marketing brainiacs were in Stowe, Vermont back in May for an annual gathering produced by Wintry Mix supporter Inntopia. Seminars, data crunching, speakers, wining, dining, etc, all centered around the quest to get folks to book trips and increase tourism. Mostly digitally. For the sake of the podcast, I invited a few of these tech buffs to my studio (porch) in order to poke and prod them for your enjoyment. Season 2 of Wintry Mix is made possible by www.Inntopia.com. Additional support comes from www.Snowbird.com, www.SkiVermont.com, www.PeakResorts.com and www.LLBean.com.

24 - Northern Care: Practicing Medicine Across the Wilds of Labrador

Canada's northeastern lands are dotted with small, mostly indigenous, communities which operate far differently than those in the US and more populated areas of Canada. There are few roads, few people and limited economies. Also icebergs and polar bears.  In episode 24 we connect with Dr. Andrew Bresnahan, who was born in one of these communities and now practices medicine in the region.  Season 2 of Wintry Mix is made possible by www.Inntopia.com.  Additional support comes from www.Snowbird.com, www.SkiVermont.com, www.PeakResorts.com and www.LLBean.com.

23 - In Hindsight: Vermont Family Reflects on Dad's Mount Washington Mishap

Backcountry skier and father of three Jon Miller took a long and harrowing slide down Hillman's Highway near Tuckerman Ravine on New Hampshire's Mount Washington in March of 2016. Episode 23 welcomes the Miller family to the Vermont Public Radio studios to reflect on the experience and what it might mean for the future. More info and photos at www.WintryMixCast.com. Season 2 of Wintry Mix is made possible by www.Inntopia.com. Additional support comes from www.Snowbird.com, www.SkiVermont.com, www.PeakResorts.com and www.LLBean.com.

22 - The Meltdown: Listener's Guide to Wintry Mix Season 1

So that was fun. Enjoy some of the highlights from season 1 and find the episodes that you'd be most interested in. Let us know what topics or guests you think would be fun in Season 2 via twitter.com/wintrymixcast, instagram.com/wintrymixcast or fb.com/wintrymixcast. We're also working on a new website at www.wintrymixcast.com. It's there now as we work on it. Season 2 starts in June. Thanks to our season 1 sponsors: Mount Snow, Snocountry, Snowbird, Propeller Media Works and Ski Vermont.

21 - On Belay: Ice Climbing in Smugglers' Notch

A group of Norwich University students paired up with Adventure Spirit Mountain Guides for a day of ice climbing. This episode of Wintry Mix brings you along for the ride. Enjoy the library produced to date and give us a rating/review on iTunes. This is the conclusion of season 1. New episodes will arrive again in June. This episode of Wintry Mix is supported by Ski Vermont. Get to www.skivermont.com for the latest details on conditions and upcoming events at downhill and cross country ski centers across the Green Mountain State. And did you know you can win prizes just for hitting the slopes? Download the Trace Snow app to participate in Ski Vermont’s Check In To Win promotion. Skip the airline hassles. The month of March in Vermont combines historically strong snowfall with comfortable temperatures. Get to www.skivermont.com and start planning your winter adventure today.

20 - Snowmaking Vs Kilowatts: Helping Vermont Resorts Tackle Energy Consumption

Efficiency Vermont has been teaming with ski resorts to reduce energy consumption for a decade with recent focus on snowmaking operations. In this episode, we chat with John McMurry, a lead engineer in this effort about the past, present and future of this initiative in Vermont and beyond. Image courtesy of Snow Logic Inc. This episode of Wintry Mix is supported by Ski Vermont. Get to www.skivermont.com for the latest details on conditions and upcoming events at downhill and cross country ski centers across the Green Mountain State. And did you know you can win prizes just for hitting the slopes? Download the Trace Snow app to participate in Ski Vermont’s Check In To Win promotion. Skip the airline hassles. The month of March in Vermont combines historically strong snowfall with comfortable temperatures. Get to www.skivermont.com and start planning your winter adventure today.

19 - Transylvania to New England: Alpine Olympian Mihaela Fera

Born and raised in Romania, Mihaela Fera represented the eastern European nation at three Olympic Games in all alpine skiing disciplines. She now resides in New Hampshire teaching the next generation of ski racers at Bretton Woods. In this episode we delve into representing a communist nation at an overseas Olympics, the ratio of bears to people, and the future of ski racing. This episode of Wintry Mix is supported by Ski Vermont. Get to www.skivermont.com for the latest details on conditions and upcoming events at downhill and cross country ski centers across the Green Mountain State. And did you know you can win prizes just for hitting the slopes? Download the Trace Snow app to participate in Ski Vermont’s Check In To Win promotion. Skip the airline hassles. The month of March in Vermont combines historically strong snowfall with comfortable temperatures. Get to www.skivermont.com and start planning your winter adventure today.

18 - On The Spot: Freeskier Magazine Edition

I recently swung by the offices of Storm Mountain Publishing outside of Boulder, Colorado to poach wifi and pick the brains of the editorial team at Freeskier Magazine. The result is the first run of a maybe recurring episode style I'm calling 'On The Spot'. You'll understand. Cameos by Chug. This episode of Wintry Mix is supported by Ski Vermont. Get to www.skivermont.com for the latest details on conditions and upcoming events at downhill and cross country ski centers across the Green Mountain State. And did you know you can win prizes just for hitting the slopes? Download the Trace Snow app to participate in Ski Vermont’s Check In To Win promotion. Skip the airline hassles. The month of March in Vermont combines historically strong snowfall with comfortable temperatures. Get to www.skivermont.com and start planning your winter adventure today.

17 - Wassail Waterbury: Singing at Strangers

The wassailing component of Waterbury Vermont's Winterfest brings out creative musical troops to entertain themselves and local patrons at the town's watering holes.

Episode 17 tries to keep up with this third annual event. Wassailing (verb): The house-visiting wassail is the practice of people going door-to-door, singing and offering a drink from the wassail bowl in exchange for gifts. This practice still exists, but has largely been displaced by caroling.

This episode of Wintry Mix is proudly supported by Propeller Media Works. Propeller provides custom web development and online marketing services to ski resorts, hospitality partners, and unique brands that aim to connect and convert more visitors into customers online. Custom web design; hand-crafted in Vermont. Check them out at www.propellermediaworks.com and catch their digital truth nuggets at facebook.com/propellermediaworks.

16 - Since 1984: Sarasota Snowbirds Serve Florida Skiers

Hank and Barbara Rhawn have been running Sarasota, Florida's Active Lifestyles ski shop for over 30 years. On top of that, as the organizers of the Sarasota Ski Club, they've taken trips to over 130 ski areas around the world. Their store was swiped by a tornado a few days before I spoke to them. This episode of Wintry Mix is proudly supported by Propeller Media Works. Propeller provides custom web development and online marketing services to ski resorts, hospitality partners, and unique brands that aim to connect and convert more visitors into customers online. Custom web design; hand-crafted in Vermont. Check them out at www.propellermediaworks.com and catch their digital truth nuggets at facebook.com/propellermediaworks.

15 - The Big Apple: Four Months of Winter Pruning

Blake Harrison spends his winters exposed to the elements, pruning the Kent Ridge Orchard just west of Middlebury, Vermont. Hardy and skilled folks like Blake are a primary cog in the annual harvest process for the entire apple industry. This episode of Wintry Mix is proudly supported by Snowbird. Located 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, Snowbird is stacking foot upon foot of natural snow to kick off the 15/16 season. Take a break from east coast conditions and get yourself first tram as early as tomorrow while enjoying $35 million dollars in resort upgrades including remodeled slopeside rooms at The Cliff Lodge and RFID lift tickets that never have to leave your pocket. Give yourself The Bird this season and find out how you can get your 5th night free at Snowbird.com.

14 - Meet The Challenge: Two Backcountry Events in the Green Mountains

The month of March features two formidable backcountry ski events in the Green Mountains, both of which raise funds for worthy causes. In episode 14 you'll meet Yurij Bihun from the Camel's Hump Challenge and RJ Thompson who is organizing the 24 Hours of Bolton. The Camel's Hump Challenge is a 13 mile circumnavigation of the iconic, undeveloped peak raising money for the VT Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. http://camelshumpchallenge.com The 24 Hours of Bolton is a new event which challenges participants to achieve maximum laps going up and down the backcountry and resort terrain at Bolton Valley. http://www.nativeendurance.com/bolton24.html This episode of Wintry Mix is proudly supported by Snowbird. Located 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, Snowbird is stacking foot upon foot of natural snow to kick off the 15/16 season. Take a break from east coast conditions and get yourself first tram as early as tomorrow while enjoying $35 million dollars in resort upgrades including remodeled slopeside rooms at The Cliff Lodge and RFID lift tickets that never have to leave your pocket. Give yourself The Bird this season and find out how you can get your 5th night free at Snowbird.com.

13 - An Olympic Journey: Hannah Kearney

Every Olympian reaches the conclusion of their pursuit eventually. Very few come away with a gold medal. Vermont's Hannah Kearney, three time Olympic mogul skier and two time medalist (gold and bronze) offers Wintry Mix listeners a window into her Olympic experience as she embarks upon life after competitive skiing. This episode of Wintry Mix is proudly supported by Snowbird. Located 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, Snowbird is stacking foot upon foot of natural snow to kick off the 15/16 season. Take a break from east coast conditions and get yourself first tram as early as tomorrow while enjoying $35 million dollars in resort upgrades including remodeled slopeside rooms at The Cliff Lodge and RFID lift tickets that never have to leave your pocket. Give yourself The Bird this season and find out how you can get your 5th night free at Snowbird.com.

12 - Holiday Special: Year In Review

We thank you for tuning in to Wintry Mix in 2015 and invite you to explore the wide variety of episodes released to date. Here's to more characters, stories and laughter in 2016. Cheers! Episodes 11-13 are supported by Snowbird. 

11 - The Forecasters: Inside The National Weather Service Burlington VT

In this episode, Alex joins Paul Sisson, telemark skier and the Science and Operations officer of the Burlington, Vermont (BTV) NWS office for a tour of their facility to chat local, regional, and national weather and climate topics. As the backbone of America's weather forecasting and record keeping systems, the National Weather Service and their 122 Forecast Offices inform the daily lives of every citizen on US soil. This episode of Wintry Mix is proudly supported by Snowbird. Located 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, Snowbird is stacking foot upon foot of natural snow to kick off the 15/16 season. Take a break from east coast conditions and get yourself first tram as early as tomorrow while enjoying $35 million dollars in resort upgrades including remodeled slopeside rooms at The Cliff Lodge and RFID lift tickets that never have to leave your pocket. Give yourself The Bird this season and find out how you can get your 5th night free at http://Snowbird.com.

10 - Ski Newfoundland: Ferries and Screech

Chatting with Cole Fawcett and Kristyn Titford of Marble Mountain Ski Area about life on the island of Newfoundland running the largest ski area in Atlantic Canada. As the easternmost point in North America, Newfoundland is an island about the size of Virginia which represents the southern section of the Canadian province Newfoundland and Labrador. This episode of Wintry Mix is supported by http://snocountry.com/mix where you can sign up to win four pairs of lift tickets every week. http://skimarble.com

9 - Talking Puck: Ice Haus Brings New Visitors to Jay Peak

The Jay Peak Resort Ice Haus opened in 2010 as an additional amenity for skiers and summer guests to enjoy. Since then it's become an integral piece of the four season operation in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, attracting hockey teams and players from great distances to spend time and tourism dollars. Episode 9 sits down with Dennis Himes (yes I say Hines one time), General Manager of the Ice Haus, to find out about the sport of youth hockey, ice rink operations, and how the ski resort integrated the offering. You'll also hear from AK's kids as he tries to cram an episode into his Thanksgiving Day activities. Episode 9 is supported by SnoCountry.com. Visit http://Snocountry.com/mix to enter to win free lift tickets in their weekly drawings.

8 - The Plow Guy: Vermont AOT's Shawn Lafountain

Shawn Lafountain is the Maintenance Supervisor for the Colchester Fort Garage within the Vermont Agency of Transportation. He has plowed a lot of snow. These crews make it possible for skiers, riders, the general public and emergency crews to get where they need to go through all kinds of harsh weather. All while a steady stream of motorists make questionable decisions in their midst. Often a thankless job with long hours, these committed individuals keep their states open for business when Mother Nature tries to shut things down. Episode 8 is supported by Snocountry.com. Visit http://www.snocountry.com/mix to enter your name for their weekly lift ticket drawings.

7 - Selling Winter: Live From Boston Ski and Snowboard Expo

The Boston.com Ski and Snowboard Expo is a behemoth of buying and selling over the course of 4 days. Your host AK headed south to hock Ski The East gear at the masses and figure out ways to make all these damn sales pitches quasi-listenable as a podcast. Episode 7 is supported by SnoCountry.com. Sign up for their weekly lift ticket drawings at www.snocountry.com/mix.

6 - Enjoy The Ride: Live From Vermont Backcountry Forum

Your host AK rides shotgun in the Ski The East Subaru Outback subjecting local pals/skiers Grant, Adam and Hillary to his overly modest backcountry skiing goals. This episode is a ride to, from and at the Vermont Backcountry Forum presented by the Rochester Sports Trails Alliance, Catamount Trail Association and VT Backcountry Alliance. Episode 6 is supported by SnoCountry.com. Sign up for their weekly lift ticket drawings at http://www.snocountry.com/mix. Event speakers included: Brian Mohr (emcee) - co-founder of VT Backcountry Alliance (VTBC) Angus McCusker - co-founder of Rochester Areas Sports Trails Alliance (RASTA) Zac Freeman - Glading Chief for Braintree Mtn Forest project/RASTA Holly Knox - Green Mountain National Forest - Rochester Office David Goodman - backcountry skiing guidebook author http://www.rastavt.org http://catamounttrail.org http://catamounttrail.org/programs/vtbc/about/

5 - Glaciers and Gear: Jen Gurecki of Coalition Snow

Women's specific ski and snowboard brand Coalition Snow may only be two years old, but their CEO Jen Gurecki brings a global perspective and laser focus on the needs of advanced female skiers and riders. Interview conducted between Vermont and Kenya. This episode supported by Mount Snow. Hiring for a number of positions in the fall of 2015 including the marketing department. Visit http://www.mountsnow.com. Explicit language does exist.

4 - October Snowmaking with Wildcat's Brian Heon

Only a few eastern ski areas elected to fire up their snowmaking systems during the mid-October cold snap. While those in Maine and Vermont might have gotten most of the headlines, New Hampshire's Wildcat Ski Area adjacent to Mount Washington took the opportunity to stockpile snow and get a head start on their base building efforts. We caught up with GM Brian Heon to get the scoop on their snowmaking strategy, his favorite sports teams and how to get a job in this business.

3 - Jeff Alexander Brings Philly Fun to Killington (Beta)

The guest in this episode is Jeff Alexander, Events and Sponsorships Manager at Killington Resort & Pico Mountain.

2 - Tyler Fairbank Combines Resorts and Solar Energy Development (Beta)

The guest is Tyler Fairbank of the Fairbank Group, owner/operators of Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, Cranmore Mountain Resort and Bromley Mountain as well as a green energy portfolio.

1 - Jon Steltzer Explains Snowflex and Park Skiing (Beta)

The guest in the first episode is Jon Steltzer, pro park skier based out of the Liberty Snowflex Centre in Lynchburg, Va.