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skiing

Hickory is wood, Tweed is wool

February 18, 2021 by Jennifer Drubin Clark

Catching up with Sports Enthusiast Skip Beitzel, the Iconic owner of Hickory & Tweed

Photo by Carolyn Simpson

Skip shared with me his love for Armonk and feels blessed to be a staple in our community.

The architectural touches, colors, and Stowe-like feel of their building is true and will remain everlasting as his family-run business will one day be passed down to future generations.  

Skiing is the new biking. 

Do you remember when bicycles were spinning off the shelves like hand sanitizer back in April/ May of last year? When inventory was low, factories were shutting down, trying to find a spare part was impossible, and asking someone if they had a bike rack for sale was a laughable offense? Well, reservations and bookings showed that the 2020-2021 ski season was going to demand the same. There was no break for employees or suppliers between the seasons as the bikes were still out while the snow started to fall. Skip was heavily focused on “getting through the winter.” Skiing was top of mind. 

In charge of buying and merchandising, Geri Moore, Debbie Coldwell, and Skip’s wife Michaela hustle to refresh and restock their downstairs inventory, while listening to the sound of boots banging on the floor above as skiers and boarders rush the store for fittings. 

Hickory and Tweed has a narrow and deep product philosophy, “carry what we love, know why we love it, and our customers will trust us.” The store has been carrying the Patagonia brand for 35 years, and Bogner is going on 60 years. “Hold tight, Jennifer we’re just jamming here,” he insists in a genuine soft-spoken mixture of tones, Skip’s phones were ringing off the hook. And they were not going to stop anytime soon…

It wouldn’t be long before it was bike season again. “We have a lot of dedicated bikers here,” Skip explains to me. As an avid user of his electric bike, Skip sometimes uses it to get back and forth to work. With pedal-assist, he can crush the massive hills and arrive at the shop sweat-free. These too were and still are in high demand. Waiting for suppliers to get restocked after last year, I learned it has been a slow build of inventory but it will in fact be ready and available for you and your family.

Skip is active.

When he’s not praying for snow in Armonk, he is praying for waves in Ocean City, NJ. Skip has been a surfer for over half of a century. He CAN snowboard, but prefers his two legs to work independently (via skis). He also skateboards. In fact, back in 1977 Skip built the first skateboard park in the northeast, it was called Wonderwave. Any 1970s skaters out there?? You knew this place. 

Wait, I’m not done… in his free time, Skip goes on an annual, consecutive trip to Alta with the same group of friends every year since 1968; that is 51 years of awesome with, believe it or not, the employees he met when he first started working at Hickory and Tweed (lift jaw now).  

Today, Skip celebrates his 36th successful year of ownership.

Feeling inspired? 

In Skip, We Trust.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: biking, Hickory and Tweed, Iconic, skiing, Skip Beitzel, snow

The Joy of Skiing: Three Options Close to Home

February 18, 2021 by Anna Young

For northern Westchester resident Lys Varcasia, grabbing her snowboard and heading up a snowy mountain only to come down at full speed with the wind blowing in her hair is an oasis like no other. 

With the current health crisis bringing stress and turmoil to so many over the last year, it’s only natural to desire an escape. And a classic day of letting loose in the snow, whether it be hitting the slopes for some cross-country skiing or snow tubing down a steep hill, might be just what the doctor ordered. 

And there’s no doubt it’s where you’ll find Varcasia on a weekend with her family. “My favorite thing is going down the mountain and just being free and not thinking about anything else,” she said. “Being in the mountains, the views are beautiful. And when you get off the jump, you’re not thinking about anything but the wind and picking up speed. It’s exhilarating.”

Ensuring Safety

Whether you’re an avid skier/snowboarder, want to glide down a mountain in snow tube, go shopping or just need a weekend getaway in front of cozy fireplace, ski destinations across the state have something for everyone, and have also implemented health protocols to ensure safety for all. 

Despite the distribution of the COVID vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still advise those to wear a mask and social distance by avoiding large gatherings and keeping a six-foot distance. 

Health officials further warn to wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, avoiding sick people, and staying inside if exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus. 

Here are some places you can enjoy safely with your family or friends. 

Hunter Mountain

While a roughly two-hour trek from Westchester County, Hunter Mountain is taking reservations for some fun in the… snow.

Whether skiing, boarding, tubing, shopping, dining out or just enjoying the scenery, Hunter Mountain has everything you need for a quick family getaway. The destination offers four separate mountains with a wide variety of terrain to cater to all ability levels. 

Pass holders are required to make a reservation to access the mountains and lift tickets must be purchases prior to arriving at the resort. Seasonal passes are no longer available for purchase. 

Due to health restrictions, reservations will be needed every day to access any mountain so riders can enjoy the outdoors with proper distancing between parties. Face masks or coverings are mandatory to access all mountains, according to its website. 

Additionally, all transactions at hotels, restaurants, ski and ride school, activities, and all other points of sale this season will be cashless, the website states, advising travelers to book online in advance via the resort website.  

Hunter Mountain is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thunder Ridge Ski Area

Want something a little closer to home? With 22 trails, three chairlifts and four magic carpets, Thunder Ridge Ski Area is the perfect spot to spend the day. Located in Patterson in Putnam County, the destination offers slow and gentle slows to meet the needs of newer skiers and snowboarders and high impact trails for more advanced riders.

Unlimited seasonal passes are available for purchase online, with prices based on age from children to senior citizens. Midweek season passes are also available for all ages at $295. 

Furthermore, lessons are offered for any beginner looking to learn.

Due to limited capacity, lift tickets must be purchased online and can be bought up to 14 days in advance of the arrival date. Online purchases are not refundable or transferable. 

Going with a group of friends but hate the snow? No problem. Take in the panoramic view with a cup of hot chocolate inside the lodge or glass atrium that overlooks the mountain base and slopes. Reservations will be required to eat, and diners will be limited to 45 minutes. 

Other safety restrictions will require all guests to a wear face mask or covering, unless eating or actively skiing. Seasonal lockers are not available, and guests will be prohibited from changing inside the lodge. 

Additionally, reservations will be required for all lessons and equipment rentals. 

Thunder Ridge Ski Area is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Windham Mountain Resort

Positioned in the Catskills, Windham Mountain Resort is worth the over two-hour drive to access the 285 skiable acres and 54 trails over two peaks, six terrain parks and 11 lifts. The destination offers skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and a ski and ride simulator. Snowtubing serviced by a conveyor lift and kids’ snowmobiles can be found at the resort’s Adventure Park.

Tickets for the Adventure Park are at a first come, first serve basis, and the park is expected to remain open through mid-March. 

Windham Mountain offers a variety of passes and tickets, though it is encouraged all tickets, including lift access, be purchased online. Daily tickets are only available when terrain is open for skiing and riding and must be purchased by 11:50 p.m. the night before a trip to receive a discount, according to the website.

Pricing and quantity of tickets will vary by day and are nonrefundable. Tickets unable to be used can be transferred to another day during the winter season. Advanced reservations for rentals will be required. 

No on-site purchase of rental equipment will be accepted. 

Masks are required, except during active skiing and riding, and indoor lodging will be limited to a 50 percent capacity. There will be no changing rooms, lockers, or cubbies available in the base lodge and no bags or personal belongings can be left in the building.  

The resort has also shifted to cashless transactions. 

Windham Mountain Resort is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Mountains, Ski destinations, skiing, snow

Staying Safe During Winter Sports

December 4, 2013 by The Inside Press

skiingOutdoor activities can be a great way to get some fresh air and exercise during the long, cold winter months, but freezing temperatures and icy surfaces can also lead to injuries. Winter sports also place many demands on the body.  Recreational sports like skiing and basketball are dynamic in nature and require strength, agility, flexibility, and endurance. To get the most out of sports you enjoy, be prepared for these activities so as to minimize the chance of injury.

Neuromuscular Training Benefits

Physical Therapist Adam Pliskow, owner of New Castle Physical Therapy in Millwood, recommends that people of all ages who wish to participate in sports like skiing, ice skating, snowboarding and basketball initiate some type of exercise program to avoid injury. Evidence shows that neuromuscular training including plyometric, balance, and technique training reduces the risk of serious knee injuries. A proper injury prevention program should be structured to begin with an adequate warm up and active stretch period followed by strength training, agility and plyometric drills and then a static stretch and cool down. Hopping, jumping, sprinting, lunges, heel raises, step-ups, lateral band walking, hamstring curls are just some of the exercises that should be included in such a program.

The Importance of Physical Therapy Consultations

Consulting with an exercise specialist like a physical therapist is essential in developing a well-rounded program tailored to your needs and sport specific requirements, states Pliskow. A good physical therapist will “discuss your goals, perform a detailed and objective physical exam and develop an exercise injury prevention program suited to your individual needs.”

Contrary to common belief, a prescription isn’t required to see a physical therapist in New York. New York State law allows patients direct access to consultation, evaluation and treatment by a physical therapist without a prescription. This is dependent on the therapist having a minimum of three years of experience and that the patient does not have Medicare as a primary insurance.

–Ronni Diamondstein

Filed Under: Words & Wisdoms From Our Sponsors Tagged With: skiing, winter sports

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