From Forecasts to Fresh Tracks: Joe Murgo
There’s something special about the familiar faces who helped shape how we see our home, and for many of us in Central PA, Joe Murgo is one of those people.
If you grew up checking the forecast for your next chance to get outside, there's a good chance Joe was guiding you through it. After a long career as Chief Meteorologist at WTAJ in Altoona, Joe is now a Weather and Climate Consultant at Risilience, helping organizations understand how weather and climate impact the world around them.
But what many Bedford County readers might not realize is that Joe spends his winters on the slopes as a ski instructor at Blue Knob All Seasons Resort, Pennsylvania’s tallest skiable mountain. That connection is especially meaningful to me because Blue Knob is where I learned to ski and fell in love with winter in the Alleghenies.
From forecasting storms to teaching skiers how to navigate them on the mountain, Joe’s story is rooted in the landscapes and seasons that shape life here in Central PA. I recently connected with Joe to talk about his journey to Central PA, his love of skiing and outdoor activities, and the local adventures he recommends people experience firsthand.
Q: Where did you grow up, and what brought you to the Southern Alleghenies?
Joe: I was originally a city kid, starting out in Brooklyn, New York. I attended elementary school there before moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma, for middle school, then Morgantown, West Virginia, for high school, before heading to Penn State. My first time on the slopes was not until my freshman year when some friends took me skiing.
Q: What is your favorite place to spend time outdoors locally?
Joe: In the winter, I love hitting the slopes of Blue Knob, where I am a certified ski instructor. I occasionally ski at Wisp in western Maryland. In the warmer seasons, I enjoy kayaking on our local rivers and hiking on our many hiking trails.
Q: What local micro adventure would you recommend?
Joe: In the winter, spend a full day at a ski resort. If you do not know how to ski, try to book a full-day experience with an instructor.
Q: What preparation should someone consider if it is their first visit?
Joe: Dress properly and check the weather before going. I always say this is the number one thing that will make or break your skiing experience. Being cold will distract you from learning. Also, come in with a "let's have fun" attitude. Stay loose and trust your instructor. I have never had anyone hurt during a lesson.
Q: What item do you always have on hand before heading outdoors?
Joe: I do suffer from Raynaud’s, which makes me very susceptible to the cold. So my two most important items are good gloves and heated socks for a winter adventure. Good ski boots make a big difference. I always say the two most important investments you can make as a skier are good boots and good gloves. Also, a helmet. I have been a ski instructor for two decades. This is not because of my skill on the slopes, but because you share the slopes with people of all skill levels, and things happen.
Here in Central PA, we’re lucky to enjoy a new outdoor view with each season. Thinking about trying skiing? You might just find yourself learning from Joe Murgo on the slopes at Blue Knob All Seasons Resort!
