Art Kittler

Although I've never skied the Thunderbolt, I've been hiking it for well over 50 years. At least once every winter I hike/snowshoe it to the summit. The first time was in summer and, as much fun as it was, it was nothing compared to the beauty of hiking through a foot or more of fresh powder. The closest I ever came to skiing it was as a fearless 12 year old when a bunch of us decided we'd try sliding down on some cardboard we'd brought along for just such an occasion. Needless to say, that was not one of the best decisions I've ever made, but what fun we had....... I must say, it's been years since I've seen the trail in such good condition. Thanks to all of you who've worked so hard to maintain it. See you at the race. Now where did I put that cardboard??

Bill Tarkulich

You guys rock! Now I really feel bad I missed it. See you at the race!

Sven Torgensen

Ya, that looks like what happened to me when I tried to schuss the Tunderbolt...stuff exploding off me everywhere. Tim you look Swedish, like me? Is Herrmann a Swedish last name?

Phil

I can only speak for myself but this is great stuff. I loved the detective work. Thanks for posting this story.

Joe Casey

Dear TBolt Skiers: Enjoyed reading about your hard work to re-establish the good old TBolt. Last skied it in 1975-76. Used to ski it with some of the other instructors at the former Brodie Mtn ski area. Left Mass in 1977 and skied all over the Rockies. Now retired near Dillon Montana and ski at a "hidden" hill called Maverick Mountain. Saw an article about your efforts in the Eagle last winter. Would love to get back and run it with you in January but life seems to have other priorities...look forward to pics and the story about the big race in January..keep up the great work.

Dan Kondel

Nice job on the bridge! I've hiked the Thunderbolt multiple times since the new bridge was put up and it looks real good. It'll come in handy this winter when I 'board the trail, and for the racers this year. Great idea to widen it. I love the website, it's nice to have a website dedicated to the Thunderbolt and it's history. The stories are always good too Mahar, I enjoy being able to read stories of yours now that I'm out of high school and don't get to hear them in Biology! Keep up all the good work, hope to see you around.

moe

I grew up in Adams and was a member of the Thunderbolt Ski Club that used to run the rope tow out at Forest Park. I have skied up and down the Thunderbolt Trail, it is the best. Greenie was my scoutmaster and I will never forget earning my swimming merit badge at Windsor Jambs.Greenie personally supervise my test in those COOOOLD waters, maing sure I could not only swim but tread water and use my jeans to create a set of water wings for flotation. Years later I was surf casting off the Island of Chappaquidick and was swamped by a wave and my waders filled up, no one thoght I was coming back up, least of all me. But I did surface and continued to fish. I told my partners that night around the fire that my dunking that morning was nothing compared to the test Greenie put me through for my merit badge. So I hope that I have , at least in some small way, contributed to what is the Legend of Greenie Geurtin. I recently got a copy of PMM and passed it along to my mother and older brother, we all learned something NEW about the mountain.

Blair Mahar

Jack, definitely not cross country. Alpine skis, telemark, AT gear, and/or snowboards are all used on the Thunderbolt. Skin, snowshoe, or hike up, and have a run down!

Don

Great trip report. I plan on checkin' it out this year with my Bro's on some tele gear. Knowing the history really gives you the warm fuzzy feeling! Right On!

Jack

What type of gear do you use? IS it Cross Country skiis? Can regular Alpine skis work? I have always liked the look of telemark skiers and Love the Berkshires . This type of skiing and sleeping out on Greylock sounds like an adventure! My SKI intrest has been revived.. Jack O

Rich Adamczyk

The Thunderbolt is clear from top to bottom. For the past year and a half there has been monthly trail days. I must say the trail is the best I have ever seen it. Now Tristan when the snow starts flying you gotta get off the beach and on the Bolt.

Tristan

I snowboarded the Thunderbolt years ago back when I was a ski tech at Klein's All Sports. Is the trail clear all the way from top to bottom now? I remember a few trees fell across it in some spots. I had to stop a few times on the way down. I now live in FL and miss the NE so much!

Susan Bathelt Jackson

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Greenie and recording his words for the generations to come. The Thunderbolt story and and the young boys of Adams who pioneered skiing on Mt Greylock,and then went on to serve in the 10th Mountain Ski Troops is a story for all ages. Thank you for putting it together.

John Strzepek

Your story made the Thunderbolt live again for me. Well done.

John Demastrie

There are always a few wonderful people who you never forget from your childhood years. Greenie was one of them. He was my Boy Scout leader (Troop 38) He surely helped contribute to whatever good there is in me. I also recall the camping at Windsor state forest where I learned to swim. I vividly remember him and Mr. Alarie (asst. troop leader) teaching us songs and telling stories while sitting round the campfire at night. Yes, I remember Greenie. How could I ever forget such a good man?