Attitash, just across the way in tax-free New Hampshire, is fast becoming a favorite 'local' ski hangout of mine.

The drive over from Portland is equivalent to Sunday River. Parking at the Bear Peak base is easy. The trails are scenic and interesting and well tended. And the apres-ski choices on the way back through North Conway are pretty good.

Maybe, after umpteen years of racing headlong to the River for weekend day trips, I've simply needed a change. And seeing as how Attitash is an ASC resort and thus season-pass friendly, hey, why not.

Don't misunderstand me, you River fiends. I still like it there. But an occasional twist in the routine is a good thing. If it's a full-on weekend thing, however, you'll still find me at the Loaf. That much hasn't changed, and may not.

Anyway, Attitash put on a fine day of skiing yesterday. A few inches of fresh snow had been groomed up well and made for some good carving. Except for possibly Kachina Falls which was a sheet of ice by the time we hit it.

Avenger, Illusion, Myth Maker were outstanding. Northwest Passage, Ptarmigan and Wilfred's Gawm too.

The day's downside proved to be the biting winds. With temps in the low teens and north winds gusting to well over 20mph, straight across the Presidential Range into our faces, it was ice cold-on-the-face skiing. Toes didn't fare too well either. And photography wasn't a big priority.

But we kept at it and had run after enjoyable run.

What wasn't enjoyable was the incessant pass and ticket checking at the lift line. On one hand I can understand because all lifts at Attitash are base lifts, so new people are getting into line all day right off the street, so to speak.

But once you've been zapped by the lift attendant and their funky little hand-held machine and are now cruising through the line for the nth time, how about giving it a rest? I figure it has something to do with capturing marketing information, but jeez. Note to ASC: This practice is annoying as all get out. And not just to me. Toss that around at your next marketing meeting.

Meanwhile, back in happyland... A stop at the Red Parka for a Mason jar of Long Trail Ale and some popcorn, followed by a steak in town rounded out yet another good day on the slopes.