It's All Downhill: The Wachusett Downhill

[View web version] [It's All Downhill] [Friday, February 3] [Follow Matt Pepin] [Look out below] Like many ski areas that have night skiing, Wachusett in Princeton, Mass., grooms some of its trails in the evening. As the machines work their way up and down the slopes, the stage begins to set for an event that is equal parts amusing, terrifying, and exhilirating. Let's call it The Wachusett Downhill. Skiers and snowboarders begin to gather at the top of the trail, waiting in front of a "trail closed" sign, chatting among themselves or with the ski patrol or ranger assigned to keep people off the trail until the work is done. Diehards take their place up front almost as soon as the trail is closed. Others take another run or two before settling in behind the early arrivals, knowing they may not be first out of the gate, but will still get their taste of fresh. [wachusettdownhill1] That's what everyone is after, one all-out rip down the pristine, untouched corduroy. Just about everyone goes top-to-bottom non-stop. If you're imagining the final crazy downhill scene from the movie "Hot Dog," it's not quite that. But it can be daunting to be in the middle of it. People are allowed to go in waves once the trail is opened, and many go fast, with groups of friends often racing to the base. The patroller running the show issues frequent warnings and words of caution, but also kind of comes off [like the Kevin Bacon character in Animal House in the parade scene]. Few listen as the chaos is unleashed. But you can always find your own lane and some room to operate, even as the next wave closes in on you, and these can be the best runs of any night skiing session. It's a simple treat. First tracks at night. If you dare. [wachusettdownhill2] RACING FOR A GOOD CAUSE: The 22nd Jimmy Fund Snow Challenge, an individual and team racing event, will be held at Nashoba Valley in Westford on Feb. 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry fee for a team of four is $240, or $60 for an individual, and the entry includes a lift ticket and barbecue lunch. Plus, Nashoba's resident Olympian, Pam Fletcher, will be providing racing tips and advice. [Visit the Jimmy Fund website for more details]. ALSO AT NASHOBA: Freestyle legend Wayne Wong makes his annual visit to Nashoba Feb. 17-18 to share tips and tricks for anyone who would like them. BEST IN SHOW: The annual SnowSports Industries America Snow Show was recently held in Denver to showcase the best in the business. Freeskier [posted a best of show review] that focuses on "14 of next year's most impressive products." THEY'RE BACK: The World Pro Ski Tour racing series [is making a comeback], and the first event will be at Sunday River March 9-11. The side-by-side racing series originally ran from 1970 to 1999. HISTORY PRESERVED: The Nansen Ski Jump in New Hampshire has been restored and will be used for a private Red Bull event at some point in February. [The Concord Monitor has all the details] on what it took to refurbish the 80-year-old structure. THE PRICE IS RIGHT: Stowe in Vermont is [celebrating 80 years of lift service] on Mount Mansfield with a great deal on Feb. 7, the anniversary of its original rope tow first bringing skiers uphill. Lift tickets will be $55, and an aprés party will be held in the Canteen Restaurant. [Full details are on Stowe's website]. THE SNOW REPORT: I inadvertently left out Halley O'Brien's always entertaining video last week, so we'll double up this week. [The latest one is all about powder day rituals], probably not a huge thing here in the east but we can always dream. [Last week's was about how amazing things are out west], also providing some fuel for our dreams (along with a David Ortiz cameo. Kind of). THE MOUNTAIN REPORT: Our pal Kevin Friend provides us with a closer look at [first a visit to Mont-Tremblant in Quebec]. SUPER SUNDAY: There are a lot of awesome deals to be had if you want to ski Sunday before the Super Bowl, too many to list here. Just keep an eye on social media, your favorite area's website, or Liftopia for specials. KEEPIN' IT REAL: Jay Peak [posted a compelling video this week] ... of payloaders and dump trucks removing snow from the base area to make some room. Not a bad problem to have. [Like It's All Downhill? Tell a friend to subscribe]. [Sign up for more Boston Globe newsletters]. About This Email You received this message because you signed up for the It's All Downhill newsletter. To automatically unsubscribe, [please click here.] If you wish to unsubscribe from all BostonGlobe.com newsletters, [please click here.] Please note: this will unsubscribe you from the newsletters only. If you wish to cancel your BostonGlobe.com subscription, please call 1-888-MY-GLOBE (1-888-694-5623). [Manage Your Account] | [Terms of Service] | [Privacy Policy] | [Help Center] | [Advertise] Address: The Boston Globe 135 Morrissey Blvd. Boston, MA 02125 ©Copyright 2017 Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC