LYRA MAG.

Part 2 The perfect counterbalance to arguably the greatest city -is the largest pristine wilderness preserved area in the lower 48-in the same state...and that would be the 6 million acre" sized,  easily accessed Adirondacks area...home to majestic mountains/lakes and recreational facilities that are Olympic worthy and tailored to thrill seeking kids of all ages/sizes... and challenging for dedicated backpackers-as well as more leisurely pursuits for those looking to relax and calmly experience the outdoors. Where to stay? Roughing it - camping out spots are numerous- or indulge in the luxurious plush accommodations at the acclaimed mega star  log cabin cozy The Point - Saranac Point. In between---loads of options from hotel chains to quaint B+Bs. Tip: Book ahead for the popular Whiteface Inn -in Lake Placid-minutes from the Whiteface Mountain slopes (that can challenge top skiers with the "the Slides"off piste terrain- as well as providing FUN for those looking...

Sure, the hometown Big Apple gets most of the glory- in a way -but massive New York State offers up loads of winter fare ...from fun-active outdoor activities in this country's largest protected area in the lower 48- the majestic Adirondacks , to stimulating and/or plush-to-basic indoor options, culinary treats from the exotic to simple homemade deliciousness-and literally hundreds of 24/7 travel options for all kinds of budgets. Part One: Hudson Valley via GIPHY source blingee.com Hudson Valley: Blue Skies-easy to reach-Thunder Ridge Ski Area-with kid friendly Terrain Park For do it in a day (from NYC) outdoor fun-kid friendly Mt. Peter or Thunder Ridge Ski Area - and spa worshiper 'must' destination-AND nature- hiker's paradise, the stately Victorian 'castle' Mohonk Mountain House are easily reached via Getaway Packages from  public train transport Metro-North-including pick up/drop arrangements, lift tickets/Learn to Ski/Snowboard deals/Tub...

Part 2 Besides boasting of a Senator who can still hit a jump (sorta) shot via GIPHY source bostonmagazine.com -the beautiful green state of Vermont offers up outdoor destinations for all budgets and desired experiences (alpine -nordic skiing, ice skating, snow shoe adventures, antiquing,  shopping, reviving spa treatments)  ..and tasty culinary choices too. For going with a crowd of party hearty friends ( Killington Resort ,   Mad River Glen ),  active kids ( Okemo , Sugarbush , Bromley , Smugglers Notch ), independent minded teens ( Mt. Snow , Stratton , Magic Mountain ), going solo-or with a special someone-( Stowe Mountain Resort, The Hermitage Club  Suicide Six Ski Area/ Woodstock Inn )...the variety of mountain resorts packed with serious snow making trails, plus daring or relaxing off trail fun...beckon all- with sweetened up enticements of mid week bargains, learn to ski/ride options, and night-time on slopes activities. Some ideas: ...

WHAT: A press event that introduced (and reaffirmed) the wonders of the great state of Vermont...that serves up a lot of beautifully scenic, fun outdoors, user friendly destinations for snow pursuits, gourmet dining and laid back good times...! From the northern Jay Peak Ski Resort -near the Canadian border-to the more southerly-   Hermitage Club at Haystack Mountain -a private forested-mountain oasis with a 90,000 sq foot slope side lodge with numerous facilities-and easy to get to from NYC and Boston,   Mt. Snow.  home to the largest freestyle terrain east of the Rockies...there was plenty of new exciting ventures planned for the upcoming 2016-2017 season-year round. Kudos to Killington's score of the  first WORLD CUP races to touch down on the east coast-Thanksgiving weekend. Very cool. Other top spots that beckon... Stratton,  (major thanks for our 2 bedroom condo+lift tickets-raffle win-CANNOT WAIT)  Okemo  (top rated snowmaking covering...

Athletic people never stop doing something that gets heart beats going-whether indoors or most likely outdoors-as thrill seekers and endurance athletes put up with the cold. …BECAUSE-it is too much effort to get into that kind of fitness shape…so it's not worth it to totally lose that low level of body fat. Plus-FUN. Pretty easy to please these individuals----always needing something or losing something-and there's  always an "upgrade" available. Nowadays-retailers off and online are offering a wide assortment of helmets, gloves, and eyewear- for all budgets. we have quite a few only right hand gloves-it's like socks-where do the pairs go??? From REI an assortment of warm mittens and gloves…keeping digits toasty with synthetic polyfill  insulation and wrist straps/ gaiters keep cold/snow out…reflective pops on moisture wicking gloves for runners,. Lobster mittens (far right $49.50)-stretchy nylon shell w/ waterproof inserts, goat skin leather palms ...

APEX Skiboots, HEAD Skiboots, Ramp Sports, Dupraz, Soul Poles-First Descents,  Looking back on winter apparel and boots of 'yore-it amazes that anyone lasted even an active hour outdoors-when pre- DWR treated/seam sealed fabrics barely kept wet stuff out but kept the sweat in …and warm layers consisted of thermal cotton basics from the ArmyNavy store... or scratchy scratchy polypropylene that caused minor skin irritations, underneath itchier heavy wool sweaters. Wearing ski boots---meant pain and suffering -a given, as part of the sport…until snowboarding …delivered comfortable footwear  = insta YES reason to switch! ML1-All Mountain-W $795 NOW : ski shapes and materials underwent evolutionary design changes that practically re-invented that sport…AND ski boots designs are inevitable advancing too. Proof: the now available primo made (and priced) APEX ski boots -seen at a SIA media event a few months back. Available in- shops and online with a guara...

US SKI TEAM benefit…funding USA's Alpine, Freestyle, Nordic and Snowboarding teams October 29th, 2014-NYC Sponsors- Snow Magazine -and   Bogner Apparel, Leisure Society Sunglasses A fab penthouse Fifth Ave. locale-hosted a silent and lively live auction-with proceeds funding the US SKI TEAM … USA Olympian US SKI team skier Tommy Moe, Scenario Photography's rep and Ski Legend, World Cup champ and also an Olympian Marc Giradelli-AND brand ambassador for Bomber Ski. Supporters were more than happy to document the occasion-generating a whole lot of self expression... Beyond fun…sponsor PATRON Tequila did more than just serve up libations-they sponsored the Scenario Photography winter wonderland -set-up that gave attendees a chance to creatively make their own snow angels, pics taken overhead by a camera, ably directed-props appropriate! INCLUDED-a personal touch by humans- hair dryer finishes to rid all of those flakes. BOMBER SKI s-the official...