See it here first - Lake Placid Aerials: VIDEO

This past weekend's Nature Valley completions were a blast, and as hinted, I ended up at the night time aerials competition at the Lake Placid Ski Jumps. The band was a hit and the falling snow (not to mention the ridiculous flips and twists) topped off the whole experience for the energized crowd.

Jumpers from the US, Ukraine, Australia and more were on hand to test their skills - check out this short video I took:



See all the action this Sunday on NBC at 3:30. There's always something happening here. Come visit!

This Weekend: Nature Valley Freestyle Cup!

Today marks the beginning of this weekend's Nature Valley Freestyle Cup - FIS Freestyle World Cup, happening today, January 18 - Sunday, January 20, 2008 at Whiteface and the Olympic Jumping Complex (Ski Jumps). Today moguls training and showcases are taking place on Whiteface's Wilderness trail. A lift ticket is required to view the moguls competitions.

Saturday will be dedicated to the Aerials competition at the Ski Jumps. Training sessions begin at 12:15, with the fun really getting going at 6 pm when the nighttime aerial party kicks off, featuring live music by Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad. The group's music is considered a mix of relentless reggae sound, Roots reggae and experimental dub (check out their music on MySpace). Mens and Women's Finals start just after 7:30.

Sunday involves Moguls training (8:15 am onward) and finals (2 pm) at Whiteface.

Of all the happenings, I'm personally most likely to attend the night time aerials competition because it sports some incredible jumps set off by the bright white snow and the dark night sky (and the nice festive atmosphere helps too!). Skiers and riders can easily survey the moguls action (Friday & Sunday) from the Little Whiteface / Mountain Run double chairs that lookout over the Wilderness trail.

Get the full schedule of events via ORDA.

If you won't be in the area this weekend, don't despair too much, you can relive some of the action on tv next Sunday, January 27th on NBC.

Coming Soon: 2008 Saranac Lake Winter Carnival!

A vintage ice castle shot! The 2008 Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is fast approaching. The festivities are scheduled for February 1 - 10 and construction on the 2008 ice palace has begun. This year's theme is Hooray for Hollywood, which should make for some great parade floats.

According to the SL Winter Carnival official site, the carnival began "as a one-day event to break the monotony of the long Adirondack winter, the Carnival has grown into a ten-day festival that includes sporting activities, dances, dramatic and musical productions, two parades (one especially for children) and two sets of fireworks above the world famous Ice Palace. In spite of the many changes, the Carnival has retained the warmth, charm and camaraderie of a family and community celebration, replete with reunions of friends and families."

This event is the crown jewel for Saranac Lake and is a personal favorite. The parade is a hoot and the ice castle is always impressive, even more so for kids. Come check out the 111th Winter Carnival!

View my post on the 2007 Carnival here.