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Tag Archives: Vermont
Après Ski: Cute Boots
The Leland Bootie by Tory Burch. For a non-snow fashion brand, traditional nordic influences and materials have come together in an inspired style that looks at home in the mountains.
Sarah discovered these lovelies at the beginning of winter 2013-2014 and they have been enjoying a full season of après outings. Shown here in the Bear Den Lounge at Burke Mountain, Vermont. Currently, these very boots can be found exploring Sun Valley where they undoubtedly have more like company than in the Northeast Kingdom.
The season is winding down and if you are lucky enough to find your size, you will probably be lucky enough to find them on sale!
The Leland reminds me of boots I came across while shopping Zurich, Switzerland a few years ago and have been dreaming about since. Penelope Chilvers designs the Impossible Boot with a Lapland-inspired upturned toe. . .
. . . and the equally charming Incredible Boot. These boots are as functional as they are stylish with water-repellant pony upper, non-slip rubber soles and super-cozy sheepskin shearling lining.
Posted in Fashion, Footwear, Lifestyle, Ski, Snowboard, Style
Tagged Burke, Penelope Chilvers, Switzerland, Tory Burch, Vermont, Zürich
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Golden Girl: Mikaela Shiffrin
She did it!
Front page of the February 22, 2014 Caledonian-Record, Vermont newspaper local to Mikaela’s alma mater: Burke Mountain Academy Alumna Mikaela Shiffrin Becomes Youngest Slalom Champion in Olympic History
Posted in Ski, Ski Racing
Tagged Atomic, BMA, Burke, Mikaela Shiffrin, Olympics, Sochi 2014, Vermont
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Yellow: Darling Hill Road
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It’s always sunny on Darling Hill Road thanks to the lovely yellow of Burklyn Hall mansion, Burklyn Concert Barn and horse barn. This is no small achievement and a gift to behold considering the intensely gray and dreary moments Vermont weather reliably delivers. Accordingly, these structures shine on glorious bluebird snow days and radiate against the lush saturated green of summer. The yellow hue varies with the weather, from lemon on a sunny day to goldenrod when overcast. In any light, these elegant and glorious structures are icons of a country road that can feel like its own wonderful little world.
Darling Hill Road runs northeast from Lyndonville to East Burke, Vermont. This ridgetop route offers views of Lake Willoughby Gap to the northwest and Burke Mountain to the east. If this weren’t spectacular enough, the heart of the road is anchored by the gorgeous properties of Burklyn Mansion to the south and the Darling Farm (now The Inn at Mountain View Farm) to the north with the Burklyn Concert and horse barns in between. The farm was established around 1883 and mansion completed in 1908 by Elmer A. Darling – an East Burke native educated at MIT who went on to make his fortune in the hotel business of New York City.
Heading south, an arcade of stately trees provides a welcoming canopy to The Wildflower Inn and Vermont Children’s Theater. The serene Stepping Stone offers spa services and bed and breakfast lodging. From high on a knoll, The Chapel of the Holy Family watches over the road. Much of the acclaimed Kingdom Trails mountain bike and nordic ski network is located on Darling Hill, running on either side of this treasured road.
Posted in Bike, Lifestyle, Ski, Travel
Tagged Burke, Kingdom Trails, Vermont, Yellow
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UVM Outing Club: 100 Years
If you are one of those people who love the great out-of-doors; if you like to get away now and then from the gods of the valleys and come in touch with the gods of the hills; if you like to feel the freedom that comes when canoe cuts the waters of lake and river; if you enjoy the keen exhilarating pleasure that is born of the ski and snow-shoe trail, you will begin to understand the motives which lie behind the Out-O’-Doors Club of the University of Vermont. – Roderic Marble Olzendam, founder of the UVM Outing Club
The University of Vermont is my alma mater. Proximity to skiing played a disproportionate role in why I chose to attend the school. And I did take advantage of the scenario, skiing Sugarbush early on and then switching to Stowe, with a bit of night racing at Bolton Valley. A love of the outdoors, the associated culture and sub-cultures unite the university more than any other measure, I dare say.
After collecting months’ worth of random mail that still accumulates at my parents’ address, I flipped through the Fall 2013 issue of Vermont Quarterly to find a feature about the centennial anniversary of the UVM Outing Club. I love the illustrations by Ross MacDonald and certainly the ardent quote by the man who founded the club in 1913, Roderic Marble Olzendam. “Out into the free open country. . . “ written by Madison Gilmore can be read by clicking here.
Kingdom Trails: XC Ski
Approaching The Inn at Mountain View Farm.
Burke Mountain Resort in the distance.
Beautiful, bare deciduous trees in winter always remind me of Sabra Field’s woodblock art.
Heading home.
My husband and I feel fortunate to spend our winter weekends, vacations and any other time we can steal on Darling Hill in East Burke, Vermont. The Kingdom Trails we love to mountain bike in summer and autumn are transformed with snow to a serene network of cross-country ski trails in winter.
We are very alpine-oriented and downhill skiing at the resort has always been our first order of business, leaving us little time for much else. However, with lean snow and the ski resort in upheaval – we are re-evaluating how we spend our time. This winter will see us taking better advantage of the trails just feet outside our door and growing our interest in nordic skills, fitness and a calmer, quieter and perhaps (this winter anyway) more satisfying way to play in the snow.
As with mountain biking, Kingdom Trails provides an excellent winter product and experience. The Nordic Adventure Center is now located across from the Wildflower Inn on Darling Hill Road and serves as the hub for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking trails.
Jay Peak, Stateside Lodge: Then & Now
Jay Peak, Jay State Forest, View from Chalet, 1963 Photo: Roger Maconi
The new Stateside Hotel & Baselodge, open for the 2013-14 ski season, dwarfs the footprint of the original 50-year old chalet.
Stateside houses the Cafeteria, Howie’s Diner, Bullwheel Bar, The Gear Shop, Rental, Repair, Demo Center, Adult Ski School and an 85-room hotel.
From Stateside, easy access to the Jet Triple Chair, Bonaventure Quad, Taxi Quad and a moving carpet.
One of many excellent vintage Jay Peak signs used in the lively décor of the Bullwheel Bar.
AlpineStyle56 on Instagram
Instagram is visual, inspiring, fast and fun! The simplicity and ease of Instagram allows me to publish new images every day. And being a mobile app, it is easy to post on-the-go. I am excited to have a means to post quickly and more frequently to supplement the AlpineStyle56 blog with additional relevant content.
Follow AlpineStyle56 on Instagram via user name alpinestyle56. From the alpinestyle56.com blog home page, monitor the feed in the right side column, click to enlarge any photo; or press the Instagram icon under Follow to view in desktop version. Thanks for following!
Posted in Art & Graphics, Bike, Ski, Ski Areas, Travel, Treasure Hunting
Tagged Aspen, Austria, Bad Gastein, Burke, Colorado, Connecticut, Deer Valley, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, Mikaela Shiffrin, Mountain Bike, Rossignol, Schladming 2013, Ski Lift, Subaru, Switzerland, Ted Ligety, Utah, Vermont, Zürich
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Transitions: Seasons, Sports, Circumburke, Burke
For me, mountain bike season is over. It was fun – a new bike, a few events and a good amount of miles – but I am ready to ski. This year I am realizing how much I value a transition in between seasons and sports. It has been really nice to have a few weeks of down time – time to put away one thing before launching into the next. As part of that housekeeping, I am finally getting around to posting a few photos from the end of the bike season.
As always, my husband, friends and I logged some very pleasant miles at Kingdom Trails. We appreciate all of the work that goes into maintaining such a large, varied and well-ridden network. Thank you KTA and landowners!
The 2013 Circumburke was my first ride around the mountain – it was a great event! At 25 miles, it was long enough to feel like an accomplishment but not too long to turn unpleasant. The biggest challenge came right at the start with the initial climb, the Victory single track was more extensive and fun than I had anticipated, then a long haul out on the “Gold Trail” before hooking back into the familiar Kingdom Trails network. Spots of rain, sleet and snow kept it interesting but totally manageable. I tried my best to look around and enjoy the new terrain and surroundings. Thank you to all who cut, raked, marked and otherwise worked on trails and to everyone else involved who made this very cool day possible!
After passing on this event in years prior because we weren’t really sure what to expect for the course, weather, conditions – I functioned this year as a scout for spouse and friends. I can now give a whole-hearted, enthusiastic recommendation of Circumburke to anyone looking for a longer but low-key (think challenge, not race) end of the season ride.
The mass start up on Kirby Road at the Belmont Stock Farm: bikers, runners, supportive spectators and cows.
Me, pre-ride, looking tired, cold and a little crazy. I can’t say enough about Shredly shorts – the DH Knickers are a bit longer and perfect for late season riding. Photo by Herb Swanson
Mark Tucker rode his Salsa Mukluk, one of a small contingent of fat bikes. He also covered this event much more extensively on his engaging blog – check Single-Speed Slogging for Circumburke recap and photos.
As for Burke this winter, it remains to be seen. Lots of changes with the ski area ownership and nothing much encouraging coming from official communications nor scuttlebutt we hear. So we will wait another couple weeks until we can finally get on snow and see how it plays out. Certainly, we will hope for the best and as always. . . lots of snow!
Posted in Bike, Ski, Ski Areas, Snowboard
Tagged Burke, Kingdom Trails, Mountain Bike, Vermont
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Winter Ritual: Snow Tires
No need for chains with studded Hakkapeliittas – snow tires are on! My Subaru now drives like a little tank. Overkill perhaps, but it is habit and peace of mind for the thousands of miles logged up to and around Vermont all winter long.
My dad has always told me, “Good tires are cheap insurance.” I have taken that to heart and think I get as excited about a fresh pair of Nokian Tyres as a new pair of skis! Safe driving to everyone this winter. . .
Posted in Equipment, Lifestyle, Ski, Snow Machines, Snowboard, Vintage Style
Tagged Subaru, Vermont, Vintage Photo
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Slope Style: Coming Soon. . .
Cheery colorblocking seen in the park at Planai – Schladming, Austria.
MJ in her Kjus Nahla Down Jacket. The trademark contrast zipper around the hood perimeter is brilliant!
Lots of POC color popping against black and the blue sky.
A rare sighting in the Northeast Kingdom – luxury ski wear. Bogner jacket and Jet Set pants.
Skiers like classic Burton, too.
Steve Mahon, Burke Terrain Park Manager and founder of FACE facemasks, looks good and at ease in Husqvarna protective chaps.
Elho Freestyle suit, a 1980s gem in all its neon glory.
Ski season has arrived in the Northeast and Thanksgiving should be a pretty good day on the slopes! I am looking forward to another winter of seeing what apparel and accessories people are wearing and more interestingly – the style element of how they put it together and carry it off. New, original style photos are coming soon. . . until then, here are a few shots from last winter. Enjoy the holiday!