How long have you worked at the Skiway and what does your role entail?
I started as a ski and snowboard instructor on my college break in 2008 and became the director in 2015. My primary mission is to manage our school so we can offer safe, fun, and high-quality ski and snowboard lessons.
Who takes lessons?
Mostly local kids, but we also have lots of Dartmouth students. Around 20 of our 55 instructors are Dartmouth students—a mixture of undergrad and grad students—and we see lots of improvement. Many guests who have never skied at the beginning of the season go on to ski black diamonds by the end of the season.
What makes the Skiway special?
We have lots of different terrain to explore over two separate peaks. It’s a nice mixture of classic narrow New England trails and some wide, steep runs. The history is what makes the Skiway, as we have had lots of Olympians who skied here with the Dartmouth ski team since we opened in 1956. Last season we hosted the NCAA championships.
When did you start skiing?
I learned how to ski when I was 2. I was on the race team in high school at Thetford Academy, and after that I enjoyed free skiing more than racing.
What’s the best age for a kid to start?
Age 3 or 4. Our “Bobcat” program grows every year. Our largest age group is our “Mountain Lion” program, ages 6 and 7. On a weekend we have more than 60 kids a day enrolled in that class alone.
Is snowboarding still as popular as skiing among kids and teens?
Skiing is more popular nowadays. This is a huge ski racing community. Before the invention of twin-tip and free-ride skis, kids who wanted to get into tricks would switch to snowboarding. Most of the lessons we give are ski lessons.
What’s your favorite trail to ski here?
Lower Lift Line on the Holts side—a tight, steep run that has a fun berm on the left.
Of the eight black diamond runs at the Skiway, which is the most popular?
Worden’s Schuss, by far. When you come over the headwall you feel like you are skiing over a cliff. It has a beautiful view of Winslow Mountain the whole way down the trail. It’s our giant slalom run.
