Telemark Tuesday with a Twist Amidst the Turns

In recognition of the shift into winter wonderland and ski season looming just a few days away, today's Adirondack Lifestyle Telemark Tuesday photo takes us back to Whiteface Mountain via backcountry ski gear.

The lift-served side of Whiteface Mountain opens this Friday, November 26th, the day after U.S. Thanksgiving. Snow is in the forecast so cross-country skiing may be available at the local cross-country centers and the Toll Road should be available for practicing early-season telemark turns.

We've heard much of this ski talk before, but the twist here is the idea to turn an early season ski trip to the Adirondacks into a family holiday excursion. Coincidentally, Santa's Workshop, just down the road from the start of the climb up the Toll Road, is also open for the holidays. Wouldn't you be the family hero if a suggested ski trip to the Adirondacks included a visit to the real North Pole and Santa's Workshop?

Santa's Workshop is the oldest theme park in America. It opened in 1949 and is a classic. If you have an imagination and kids, or can borrow some kids, it is worth a trip. It is a self-contained, complete town where Santa and the crew live and work, making toys mostly. It is located about 3/4 of the way up the the Whiteface Memorial Highway, before it becomes a toll road. There are live reindeer, the "Candy Cane Express" train ride, elves, and snow people walking around singing holidy songs, and a chance to sit on Santa's lap. It can get pretty sweet with all the singing, etc., hokey at its best, but kids love it. Adults with the right mindset can enjoy it too. The park is open most of the summer, but since Santa is pretty busy this time of year, it is only open weekends prior to Christmas.

Skiing AND status as the family hero - you can thank me later.

Photograph courtesy of Joann Sandone Reed