Winter in Malone, NY

The chill in the air has been a bit… chillier than normal. But, the weather is bound to break and there is no greater area to enjoy winter than in the foothills of the Adirondacks! Are you looking to get out and breathe in some fresh air? Try some of the following winter activities to get your share of the winter fun!

1. Downhill Ski. With the Winter Olympics just around the corner, get your own taste of the downhill
   
   thrill! With two ski centers in the area, you’re bound to find something to suit you whether you’re a seasoned professional or just hitting the slopes for the first time! TitusMountain in Malone, NY is perfect for families and beginners. They have wonderful instructors ready to teach you everything from the basics to more advanced techniques and they have 47 trails to keep you busy practicing what you’ve learned. They are also the only ski center in the area with night skiing—so you can shred all day and night! Whiteface Mountain, roughly an hour drive from the heart of Malone, was host to two Olympics, so you know you are going to get some world-class vertical and trails. 
2.  Cross Country Ski. Looking for a little bit more scenery and a little less speed? There are many places to cross country ski in the area, including the Malone Fish & Game Club. They have over 20 groomed trails to get you going from a leisurely stroll to a more intense climb. These trails also border Titus Mountain, who have a program for interested patrons to come to the lodge for food and drink and head back out to the trails. [Trail Map Here]
3. Snowshoe. Less skiing and more natural movement, snowshoeing is a great pastime for those accustomed to hiking or walking in the summer months. You can snowshoe just about anywhere in the North Country! Try heading out to some of the hiking trails in the area for a more scenic jaunt, or head to the Malone Rec Park to get some exercise in. Snowshoeing is also available at the Malone Fish and Game Club as well.
4. Snowmobile. Looking for more adventure? Franklin County has great snowmobile trails! Grab a sled and you can jump to many restaurants such as Belly's or the Trailside, or event venues such as Titus Mountain. The snowmobile trails also connect to some of the best trails in the States heading out to Tug Hill and the surrounding areas. [NY Trail System Maps]
5. Tube. If you want to get some fresh air without having to worry about winter experience, than tubing is for you. All you need are some warm clothes and Titus Mountain will hook you up with the tube and the lift! If you're worried about the cold, there is a warming hut to make sure that everyone can stay toasty warm between runs!
6. Catch some entertainment. Just because summer is over doesn't mean that the fun has to stop. Local artists continually play at venues such as Titus Mountain, Fat Jake's, Mo's Pub & Grill and surrounding restaurants. With an open mic night at Titus every week and a party every weekend, you are all set to make sure that the fun doesn't stop!

The Titus Must-Dos

How many times have you hit the slopes this season? We’re on 63 days of skiing and riding and we’ve got lots more coming! But to keep things a bit interesting… no matter how many days you’ve got under your belt this year, how many activities can you check off the list for the Titus “Must-Dos?” Do you have any to add?

1. Take "Bridge Run" - “Long Way Home” at least once. Take the time to think about life.
2. Check out a Rail Jam, Big Air, or Best Trick competition. Participate in one if you can.
3. Watch a Titus Mountain Race. Participate in one if you can.
4. Ski or board the Upper Mountain.
5. Attend Mountain Madness. Try pond-skimming and watch the fireworks.
6. Hit the bar in tune to “Last Kiss” performed by Bruce Dewey.
7. Watch a Torch Light parade... or be in one!
8. Come to a Titus Event such as SnoCross, Oktoberfest, or a Mud Run!
9. Ski and board under the lights!!
10. Hit a feature (or all of them!) at the Terrain Parks. If they are still a bit intimidating ask about our terrain park education courses!
11. Do the Glades… you’ll get a little piece of the back country!
12. Grab some friends and head to the Snow Tubing Park!
13. Pull a chair up to the Firepit!
14. Relax in the sun!
15. Test out a board at Homewood Demo Day.
16. Try Snow Blades.
17. Pay homage to Moon Valley. How about grabbing a plate of food and a drink at Mo’s Moon Valley Grill… or taking home some sweetness from Moon Valley Maple!
18. Have some Poutine!
19. Test out the other side… if you are a skier take a lesson snowboarding and vice-versa!
20. Share a chair up the mountain & make a friend!
21. Thank a groomer, snow farmer, ski patroller, ticket agent, instructor, lift attendant, or server (or get ‘em all)!

Winter Vacation Planning Tips

It's that time of year again when the kids are off of school and you're looking for a mini vacation. While we would all like to go to Florida or Hawaii during this weather, sometimes this isn't an option. When that is the case, make the best of it by taking advantage of the snow. Here are a few tips for making the most of the snow and taking a vacation that doesn't include tropical weather.

"Shoop. Shoop. Shoop." Rachel Green's famous words about skiing say it all.  Ski vacations are a great way to get outside and enjoy the season, exercise while having fun, and spending some quality family time together in the lodge.

1. Pick the right mountain. If you are opting for a family vacation, make sure you choose a family mountain. Sometimes black diamond mountains are nice... but sometimes you also don't want to have to worry about letting your kids explore the terrain on their own. Places like Titus Mountain Family Ski Center offers a much different experience than places like Whiteface. Think about what you want from your vacation.
2. Think about your lodging. If your resort doesn't offer night skiing, it's important to think about the place where you will be spending the other half of your time. What types of amenities would add to your experience? A nice soak in a hot tub after a day on the slopes or a dip in the pool for the kids is always an added bonus. Do you want breakfast included so it's one less thing to worry about? Internet? Large rooms? Proximity to the mountain or proximity to other après ski destinations?
3. Ask about ski packages. Bundling your skiing and accommodations can save you time, money, and frustration. Many times booking a ski package will reduce your room rate as well as lift ticket costs. Also, some ski packages offer more value such as ski lockers, meal vouchers, or rate reductions.
4. Remember, skiing can be weather dependent. So pack accordingly--make sure you have enough warm clothes if weather becomes bitter but also pack some playing cards if the weather isn't conducive to skiing.
5. If you or your loved ones aren't big skiers, there are still lots of other things to do!  And the tips above still work!
1. Tubing! Some ski resorts have tubing as well. All you need are some warm clothes and your set.
2. Outdoor excursions, such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling are also available in package form at many hotels.
3. Go shopping... who doesn't love retail therapy?
4. Take advantage of indoor entertainment such as a casino or indoor golf facility.
5. Pamper yourself with a spa retreat.

New Year's Resolutions

Out with the old and in with the new; the mark of a new year inevitably brings new resolutions to better one’s life. The obvious resolutions, such as losing weight and staying healthy, spending less and saving more, and organizing your life are always bound to show up on resolution lists (top ten resolutions here). But how about some other interesting resolutions? Here is a list of our top ten things to get accomplished this year (with, of course, some of the most famous ones still on the list!).

1. Travel More. Getting out of the house can always be a refreshing experience. Travelling doesn’t always mean vacationing. Refresh yourself and cross this nugget off of your resolution list by taking overnight road trips or long weekends (some great destinations just outside of Malone include Syracuse, Lake Placid, Albany, Montreal and Ottawa). Sometimes a staycation can even settle your travel bug until you get some time to really get out. So don’t limit yourself by only thinking of travelling in week-long segments to far-away places.
2. Learn to Ski or Snowboard. Most resolution lists include some category of learning something new. Why not try out snow sports? Titus Mountain is a wonderful family resort for those who want to learn the sport. Titus has a snow sports school and rentals available at the mountain for you to try it out—and their lift tickets are an exceptional value, especially going on weekends when there is night skiing. But a disclaimer: you might just get addicted. And if you are already a skier or rider, but want to try something more advanced, check out our information on learning about Terrain Parks. Or if you are a lady giving it a go for the first time, check out our "Ladies Learn to Ski" program.
3. Eat Healthier. Whether you want to eat healthier to lose weight, maintain weight, or just feel better, there are many opportunities to do so. When ordering your coffee, get it with non-fat milk instead of whole (you could save up to 10 pounds a year!) Get water with dinner instead of soda (15 pounds a year). Order a salad for an appetizer instead of the mozzarella sticks (Mo’s has some delicious salads). And ask your waiter or waitress how to make your meal healthier—normally they can tell you the ingredients to cut out.
4. Help Others. There are many opportunities to help others inside or outside of your community. If you are having trouble finding a place to state, try checking out your local Chamber of Commerce (Malone’s Website). Or check out http://www.volunteermatch.org to find out what is available (you can also post here if you are an organization). If you don’t have spare time, monetary donations are always welcome to a plethora of organizations.
5. Get Organized. Whether you have papers overflowing on your desk or your calendar looks like a chimpanzee scribbled through it; don’t fret because you aren’t alone. There are many ways to get organized whether you are planning for an event or just trying to keep track of your life. The first step is to find out what you need help organizing; if the papers overflowing on your desk are only from trying to plan a family reunion or wedding, there is no need to uproot your bill paying system. Stay on track. And sometimes it helps to have people on your side. There are many paid services such as organizing and cleaning professionals and wedding planners, but there are also many services available at no additional cost—always ask if there is anything else that is offered by your hotel, event venue, or service company (such as automatic withdrawal or email reminders).
6. Exercise More. Again, another resolution that always makes the top ten list, though it is the most joked about because it is never followed through. Make sure that when you are making your resolution to exercise more, you are making it an attainable goal. If you travel often, fit that into your regimen (Healthy Travel Tips). If the thought of running makes you gag, try a different form of cardio such as Zumba. Just doing something active fits into this plan—think skiing, golfing, walking, biking, playing softball—activities that you enjoy are much more likely to become a lasting resolution than something that you dread.
7. Learn to Play Golf. The Malone Golf Club is a world-renowned course. What better way to learn to golf on the best course available in the area? They also offer a program, Get Golf Ready, which is available to help learn the game of golf itself as well as etiquette and rules. And you might even get the chance to get a short clinic from the Vice President of the PGA, Derek Sprague (20 Minutes with DerekSprague). How cool is that?
8. Enjoy the Small Things. Bigger isn’t always better. And farther isn’t always nicer. Take some time to enjoy small things that your community offers. Have you been to the AlmanzoWilder Homestead? Hiked Elephant’s Head? Had dinner overlooking the Malone Golf Club or the Titus Mountain slopes? Have you walked the Malone Rec Park to see the gathering of snow geese? Taken a few minutes to yourself to watch a Malone Sunset?
9. Get your Finances in Order. This is always a tricky one. The obvious is to spend less and save more, and since spending is different for everyone, why not take a look at how to save more? There are the obvious tactics, such as getting things on sale and clipping coupons. But what about the not-so-obvious savings? Use your reward cards. Whether you are a member at a grocery store, retail store, hotel chain (info on Priority Club here), or Milk Club… dollars and points add up. Why waste the money that you are already spending?
10. Spend More Time with Family. Read number 1, 2, 4, 7, and 8 and just remember: have fun.

Terrain Park Etiquette

Titus Mountain is proud to sport 2 terrain parks this year, the Novice park near Chocolate Chip and the Advanced park located on Ridge Run.

Our Terrain Parks feature a variety of obstacles from jumps and jibs to boxes and rails. And with both parks open with brand new features, we want to take the time to educate our skiers on riders on proper etiquette and safety so that we can keep making our parks the place to be.

Check out the video below for the dangers of those who aren't aware of the most basic rules of terrain parks.



Take the time to familiarize yourself with the four basic points of Smart and Safe Terrain Park Etiquette.

MAKE A PLAN

• Every time you use Freestyle Terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use.
• Your speed, approach and takeoff will directly affect your maneuver and landing.

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP

• Before getting into freestyle terrain observe all signage and warnings.
• Scope around the jumps first, not over them.
• Use your first run as a warm up run and to familiarize yourself with the terrain.
• Be aware that the features change constantly due to weather, usage, grooming and time of day.
• Do not jump blindly and use a spotter when necessary.
• Know your landings.

EASY STYLE IT

• Know your limits and ski/ride within your ability level.
• Look for small progression parks or features to begin with and work your way up.
• Freestyle skills require maintaining control on the ground and in the air.
• Do not attempt any features unless you have sufficient ability and experience to do so safely.
• Inverted aerials increase your risk of injury and are not recommended.

RESPECT GETS RESPECT

• Respect the terrain and others. (This is both in and outside the terrain park!)
• One person on a feature at a time.
• Wait your turn and call your start.
• Always clear the landing area quickly.
• Respect all signs and stay off closed terrain and features

IT'S COOL TO BE SAFE
We all know the feeling we get after a great day on the mountain and in the park, and it's great. But you should stay safe while doing it because if you don't follow the rules and know your own limits, you could end up feeling more sore and less accomplished, or even worse. So use your noggin and we'll see you tomorrow having a blast in the park.

Grab some more information on Terrain Park Safety at TerrainParkSafety.org.

TITUS MOUNTAIN TERRAIN PARK EDUCATION PROGRAM
If you want to learn more or get first hand experience, Titus Mountain is proud to announce our first-ever, freestyle-specific, Terrain Park Education Program!  Over 4 consecutive Saturdays, you’ll learn vital jump and rail safety, skills and park etiquette . . . all while having a blast riding with some of the best park negotiators on our mountain!  Download the registration form here.

Saturday, January 5th

9:30-10am meeting and goal setting 

10-10:30am introduction to feature use, safety and park etiquette

10:30-12:30 basic rail tricks and terminology education, proper switch riding technique,   basic jump skills (straight air, straight air with a grab), grab and jump trick terms & information.

Saturday, January 12th

9:30-10am review of week one, warmup, safety and etiquette

10-12:30 beginner- intermediate rail tricks (ski slide to regular, ski slide 270 out) and terms, switch riding practice, jump practice and introduction to spins (180s and grabbed 180s)

Saturday, January 19th

9:30-10am review of week two and warmup

10-12:30 beginner- intermediate rail tricks (switch on, switch on 270 out) terminology, switch riding practice (switch 180, grabbed switch 180)

Saturday, January 26th

9:30-10am review of week three and warmup

10-12:30 beginner- intermediate rail tricks (front up switch out, backside 270 out), switch riding practice, jump practice (360, 360 with a grab)

Download the registration form here.

My Favorite Ski Things

Winter is finally here... so to appease the ski gods we penned a poem! It helps if you sing to the tune of "My Favorite Things" From The Sound of Music.

 "My Favorite Ski Things"

Powder on trails and goggles on faces

Cold winter blizzards and warm fire places

Nor’easters and the dumpings they bring

These are a few of my favorite things

High speed gondolas and single old T-Bars

Double black diamonds that reach for the stars

With wind at my back just like I’m a King

These are a few of my favorite things.

Terrain park features with jumps and C-Rails

Bindings that pop for last minute fails

Air with a nip so sometimes it stings

These are a few of my favorite things

When I bite it

When the chair stops

When I’m feeling sad

I simply remember my favorite things

And then I don’t feel so bad! 

Snowcats that hum while grooming great trails...