Monday, February 2, 2009

Take a Daytrip: Salisbury Ski Jumps

If you're looking for a cool daytrip, next weekend (Feb. 7th & 8th) is 83rd Annual Salisbury Invitational Ski Jumps - "Jump Fest 2009". Salisbury, CT is about an hour and a half away, just over the border into Connecticut. Cost is $10 for adults, 12 and under are free.

I went to this event last year, and its great. You get to see the Eastern National ski jump competition up-close and personal (they come soaring right down toward the crowd). I was amazed at how large their skis are - you can't tell that on the television. And these folks walk up a very, very tall stairway to the top of the jump, carrying their own skis - wow!

Bring a cowbell, a lawn chair, and wear layers and good boots (you'll have to walk a few minutes from the parking area to the ski jump). They do have warming barrels burning at the jump site.

Later you can hop the horse-drawn wagon for a free ride to the town green to see the ice sculptures and warm up at the White Hart Inn. Be aware that the horses go home soon after the skiing ends. Last year they ended competition early because of snow conditions and we had to walk several blocks back to the parking lot (like I said - wear good boots).

Drive a little further south to Lakeville, CT for a good selection of restaurants. The Boathouse was very nice last year (scan the prices before you go - it is the Berk$hire$...)

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