Top Five Fridays: April 12, 2024
#1: Eclipse Skiing Enthralls NY, VT, NH, and ME
Image: Snowbrains
While there are more pictures and videos than articles pertaining to the latest celestial fireworks show this past week, it’s nonetheless highly worth noting that the total solar eclipse that we experienced this past week was nothing short of breathtaking. No words, pictures, or descriptions that we had been privy to over recent memory could even come close to the actuality and reality of totality. Ski areas that were directly in the path of 100% totality fared the best, and in Vermont, at least, we were treated to stellar blue skies (which is apparently highly rare in April) and an absolutely phenomenal show. Tickets to the top of areas like Stowe and Jay Peak were in high demand, but anyone who made it to the summits benefitted from the rare views of a 360-degree sunset (or sunrise, depending on how you look at it). We’ll include some articles with their associated pictures and media for this rare event, but please note that they don’t even begin to re-create the awesomeness of the actual event. We feel extraordinarily fortunate that we were able to have front row seats for this amazing experience.
A view of the eclipse from the top of Jay Peak. Snowbrains put together a lovely collection of eclipse photos. Powder has a similar selection of eclipse videos for your enjoyment.#2: Ruka, Finland Leads the Charge in Snow Saving Techniques
Image: BBC
Despite landing way up north at nearly the 66th parallel in latitude, Ruka Finland still needs some help saving snow for longer and earlier ski seasons. While the town and ski area are obviously pretty darn close to the Arctic Circle, Ruka Ski Resort still only sits at about 1650 feet of elevation. When the snow recedes at this time of year, the snow savers spring into action. By piling up snow and covering the piles with specific polystyrene blankets, they’re able to retain almost 90% of their snow mounds through the summer. When the temperatures start to drop again in October, they use this stored snow to create and bolster a few starter trails and a park. Unlike 10 years ago when they didn’t do this practice, their season ran from December until April. Now, with the farming and storage techniques, they can operate from October to May, boosting their season, and ultimately their bottom line.
#3: Fastest couple on Earth decides to get hitched. Super-fast babies incoming?
Skiing's fastest couple to tie the knot. Image: AP News
While this article leans more to the tabloid side of the spectrum, it’s tough to ignore that skiing’s power couple has decided to take the next step in their relationship. Mikaela Shiffrin and Alexander Aamodt-Kilde got engaged last week, much to the delight of ski racing fans all over the world. Perhaps it was their injury time spent together that led them to this place? Maybe other forces like the aforementioned eclipse spurred their love to the next level? Either way you look at it, congratulations are due to these two phenomenal athletes, and we can only speculate as to the potential future of this ski racing family.
#4: This was sadder than I thought it was going to be: Retiring Ski Racers Share Their Thoughts
FIS Ski Racers reflect on their retirement and careers. Image: FIS
Fis-ski.com has done a great job compiling this year’s crop of retiring athletes, and it’s mostly sad. While some names are bigger than others, the main connector here among this group is that time has simply run out. Whether nagging injuries, old age, lack of support, or just sheer fatigue have finally caused these athletes to call it quits, it all boils down to a lack of time. Ragnhild Mowinckel of Norway, a four-time World Cup winner and two-time Olympic medalist is the biggest name here, with German racers Thomes Dressen and Josef Ferstl represent the men’s side as the biggest retirements on tour. The list goes on, with a lot of athletes sharing their thoughts and thanks in both press release and social media formats. Some include pictures of them in their youth, showing the journey that they’ve been on, highlighting just how far they’ve come. This is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, as you can palpably feel the athletes’ trepidation and sadness. They know they’ve had a good run, but they’re also very remorseful to see it go.