Oh No! Not a Harsh Glade!

Being based in the Midwest presents certain challenges for the snowboarder, especially the adult not interested in becoming a freestyle champion. There are the short pistes, of course.

Then there are the conditions. Grooming is an obsession at some areas. Perhaps that’s rightfully so, given the preferences of the customer base. Yet knowing that didn’t keep me from cringing when I once saw a grooming machine trample over four to six inches of new snow. (I know that’s not much in powder, but around here, that’s decent.)

While updating the resort listings pages on the main web site, I came across this description from Devil’s Head, Wisconsin:

“The ski slopes are pampered almost as much as the guests: they get groomed twice a day – the slopes that is – to make sure guests experience the best Wisconsin skiing possible.“

What’d I well you about grooming?

Devil’s Head then extols its freestyle terrain, pointing out that you can slide from top to bottom while hitting features all the way. (To me, those are things spice things up, only by being things to avoid, for the most part.)

Then there’s this oddity:

“Devil’s Head has been a longtime favorite of intermediate skiers because of its long, cruising slopes that create an exhilarating ride without the harshness of bumps and glades.”

A ski area that celebrates the fact that it doesn’t have glades?

What a shame!