Dr. Robb Gaffney, left, and Tim Conrad at the 2009 Powder Awards.
For Gaffney, however, the Adirondacks will always be home.
Where did you grow up?
Where did you learn to ski?
I was born in Tupper Lake, New York, and learned to ski at Big Tupper Ski Area.
What was the experience like learning to ski at Big Tupper?
Who taught you how to ski?
The next step was the T-Bar which leads up to 4 or 5 long groomers.
These were all open for night skiing too.
At 7 years old, our parents allowed us to be out there on our own.
Hopping on Chair 1 for the first time was exhilarating and an experience of true exploration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hykk9Ryf9M
What makes small, Adirondack mountain communities special?
Small Adirondack communities are special because the people within them remain connected to the land.
Its this connectedness with the land that gets lost as ski resort towns grow.
The small communities still have it and thats why we love them.
How did the Adirondacks shape you into the person you are today?
The Adirondacks are truly some of the most beautiful mountains in the country.
When did you pack up and move to Squaw?
I first skied National Chute at Squaw in my sneakers in July 1983.
I arranged my schedule during medical school to accommodate several weeks to several months per winter of skiing Squaw.
It felt I never really left, despite not living there for 8 years during med school and residency.
Watch the entire film here:http://unofficialnetworks.com/gnar/
