When Donna Kaye Erwin watches her students ski at The Balsams, a northern New England resort, her mind makes a meticulous recording of the scene. It becomes a series of images she can play back at will and draw on in order to provide better individualized instruction. An instructor at the NH ski area since 1994, Erwin has a photographic memory. Read More
They do it on special occasions, flares in hand, slowly zigzagging down The Balsams’ middle trail. They are skiers, instructors, patrollers… usually about a dozen in number. They are the staff members of The Balsams Wilderness Ski Area, located near the New Hamsphire-Canada border, and they’re part of a series of celebrations that will occur near Valentine’s day at this beautiful northern NH vacation spot. Read More
The Balsams alpine instructor Phil Freudenberger in action
Phil Freudenberger was a New Hampshire second grader when he took his first ski lesson. Thirty years later, he still can’t get enough of the freezing powder. A ski instructor at The Balsams Wilderness Ski Resort since 1992, Phil quickly rose through the levels of teaching certification. The Professional Ski Instructors of America has, officially, a three tiered certification system, and Phil made it to “Level III” over a decade ago. But, after that, as Phil puts it, “There is still room to grow…if one wants to, one can pursue further and work for PSIA directly and become a trainer/examiner.” Read More
"Patient instructor" Lil Pearson poses near The Balsams Wilderness Learning Center
Lil Pearson may be something of a rarity among alpine instructors at The Balsams NH ski resort. She didn’t learn how to ski until she was an adult.
However she eventually got so good at teaching the skill, she earned SKI Magazine’s “Top 100″ award. Read More
Extreme and champion downhill skiers who have stayed at this New Hampshire vacation spot, home to The Balsams Wilderness Ski Area, include:
Dan Egan: Extreme skier, runs Egan Entertainment Network.
Cheryl & Charles Malfetti: The U.S. national ski dancing champs who also founded the International Ski Dancing Association. Read More
When Andy Pearson began his career at this New Hampshire vacation spot during the final years of the Cold War, it was a place where you could downhill almost by yourself. A quarter of a century later…it still is.
Today Pearson runs the entire alpine ski area and also serves as ski school director at the New Hampshire ski mecca. And in between that seasonal 1983 job and his current more lofty position, he’s had a lot of years to bask in “The Balsams Dichotomy.” Read More
Jonathon Dodge (right) preps to train a resort staffer near The Balsams hotel
When you wander into the winter wilderness at this NH ski resort, human contact may not be frequent. But the person you’re perhaps least unlikely to bump into out there is Jonathon Dodge.
As Nordic Ski Director for the New England resort, Jonathon is a former cross country racer with an education background. He understands the learning process so well…he even knows when *not* to teach! Read More
Well, the weather outside may be frightful indeed, but the atmosphere at this New England resort is as warm and inviting as being hearth-side at Grandma’s house after a chilly, wintry trip though the woods.
In addition to some great Alpine & Nordic skiing and other winter wonderland excitement, from January 15th through the 17th The Balsams will be welcoming new and returning guests to this year’s WinterFest Weekend, featuring many familiar (and several new) activities and events. With both indoor and outdoor activities to engage every interest, there will be no excuse for not getting involved – unless a good rest after the hectic pace of the holiday season is on your agenda, of course! Read More
From the original Deer Park Trail to the advanced Table Rock hike, The Balsams ski area at this NH vacation destination finds itself covered with snowshoe trails each winter…32 kilometers worth!
“They’re a beautiful opportunity to see the winter wonderland,” says Recreation Manager John Kennedy. Read More
Base Lodge at The Balsams Wilderness Ski Area is the place to be on Tuesday, December 29th. That’s where Winter Fest will take place. There will be live entertainment, special events and activities at this New England resort.
Starting in the early afternoon, Base Lodge will be filled with the sounds of live music and festive partygoers of all ages. Children will be treated to lots of fun, including a clown who shapes balloon animals, and Larry Frates, who will be drawing caricatures. Everyone will also have the chance to make fresh s’mores in the fireplace. Read More
Recent Comments