Resorts & Mountains
Updated 9/1/2010
It’s inching closer to Labor Day, school time and the colors of fall — and it’s time to think about season pass discounts!
Here are important deadlines to keep in mind while you decide what Vermont ski resorts you might ski this winter, and whether a season pass is a good deal for you. (Do the math!) The earliest discount deadlines are between August 30 and Labor Day!
Some resorts are offering season pass protection this year. That is, for a modest fee, you can get some...[Read more]
Friday, August 20, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Ascutney, Bolton Valley, Bromley, Burke, Cochran's, Jay Peak, Killington, Mad River Glen, Magic
Resorts & Mountains
Updated 9/1/2010
It’s inching closer to Labor Day, school time and the colors of fall — and it’s time to think about season pass discounts!
Here are important deadlines to keep in mind while you decide what Vermont ski resorts you might ski this winter, and whether a season pass is a good deal for you. (Do the math!) The earliest discount deadlines are between August 30 and Labor Day!
Some resorts are offering season pass protection this year. That is, for a modest fee, you can get some...[Read more]
Friday, August 20, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Ascutney, Bolton Valley, Bromley, Burke, Cochran's, Jay Peak, Killington, Mad River Glen, Magic
Hey Green Mountain Club, you are looking good at 100!
Yes, it's true. The keeper of the Long Trail — Vermont's footpath in the wilderness — is rolling into its second century. Did you know that the Long Trail is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the US?
I've been hiking in Vermont since my college days. These days spent outdoors were among the experiences that helped solidify my decision to move to the state years ago.
In the last decade, I've kept a record of my hikes in the...[Read more]
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
2 Comments
Filed in: Mt. Hunger, Mt. Mansfield, Ski towns in summer
There have been plenty of downhill races on the storied slopes of Mt. Mansfield, but only one major competition in recent memory challenges racers to go up to the summit as fast as they can.
On Sunday, August 29, 2010, the Catamount Trail Association puts on the Third Annual FJG Race To The Top Of Vermont. It's actually two races: one for mountain bikers and the other for runners and walkers. Either way, it's a quad-burning exercise that is rewarded with summit views to Lake Champlain, the...[Read more]
Friday, July 9, 2010
1 Comment
Filed in: Mt. Mansfield, Ski towns in summer
I love the long daylight hours that we enjoy at this time of year. However, because of this light, I woke up way too early on this Sunday morning. I peer out the window and what do I see? Snowflakes are blowing around in the stiff breeze.
We surely are enjoying highs and lows when it comes to spring weather lately!
Luckily, I knew the forecast for this weekend wasn't looking good so on Friday afternoon I headed out to Stowe, Vt., for a bike ride. The sun was shining and I needed to be in...[Read more]
Saturday, May 8, 2010
4 Comments
Filed in: Food, coffee & après ski, Ski towns in summer, Stowe
Last week we were in the midst of a freak spring snowstorm, while the last few days have been warm — almost too warm as we hit around 80 degrees. Things are looking very green in northern Vermont. And purple and pink and yellow and white, depending on what tree or bush is in the vicinity. Even the mountains which looked frosty white last week are now taking on their springlike appearance.
Yet, a look at the official snow stake on the top of Mt. Mansfield illustrates that there is still a lot...[Read more]
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
3 Comments
Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Backcountry skiing, Jay Peak, Mt. Mansfield, Spring skiing
Here's a peek at what things looked like at higher elevations today in northern Vermont. I messed around on the Bryant and World Cup trails on Bolton Valley's nordic system this afternoon. Yesterday's freak spring storm and today's bright sunshine made this a must-do exercise.
I'd say there was at least 14 inches in these shaded trails, which are located at about 2,100 feet. The snow was heavy, so what I did it was more like a snowshoe walk than a ski. But it was so nice being outside where I...[Read more]
Thursday, April 29, 2010
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Jay Peak, Spring skiing
You know, I haven't put away my ski equipment yet. My ski pants and jacket still hang from hooks in my entryway. My boot bag has been waiting patiently in the corner of my office. I think I might have to take my gear out for another spin at the end of the week because IT IS SNOWING in northern Vermont again!
This was the word from the National Weather Service as of 7 a.m. today:
* 6 TO 12 INCHES OF HEAVY WET SNOW IS EXPECTED BEGINNING THIS MORNING THROUGH WEDNESDAY ACROSS THE HIGHER...[Read more]
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Jay Peak, Mt. Mansfield, Spring skiing
Updated afternoon of 4/26/10
Well it's clear that Killington has stopped running its lifts: they switched over to their summer homepage today. Yesterday was the last day for spring skiing at the ski resort.
So who is left?
Jay Peak is the only Vermont ski area saying they will be open again this season. They plan to reopen from Thursday, April 29, to Sunday, May 2.
Here's a photo from the resort taken on Saturday during what was a gorgeous weekend here in northern Vermont. Many residents...[Read more]
Monday, April 26, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Jay Peak, Killington, Spring skiing
We're taking bets. First, which Vermont ski resort will claim the title for staying open the latest this ski season: Jay Peak or Killington?
Second, will the number of Vermont skier visits hit the 4 million mark? Some say yes in this article in the Rutland Herald.
And third, some of Vermont's mountain peaks — and some towns — have seen a couple of inches of snow this weekend; will this be our final snow of the season?
Killington held a pond skimming contest yesterday while snow was falling...[Read more]
Sunday, April 18, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Jay Peak, Killington, Spring skiing, Sugarbush
Updated 4/21/10
Vermont's ski season is winding down -- way down -- this week. Here's an idea of which Vermont ski resorts are open, which have closed, and when the others are expected to close. Be sure to double check before you head out for the slopes by visiting the ski conditions links on my Vermont ski resorts page.
These ski areas are still open:
Jay Peak -- will stay open through Sunday, April 25, then close midweek, then reopen for May 1 - 2.Killington -- will close on afternoon of...[Read more]
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Jay Peak, Killington, Mount Snow, Okemo, Spring skiing, Stowe, Stratton, Sugarbush
I went summer skiing on a glacier in Austria once. It was June. It was raining. We couldn't take in the view because of the clouds. The snow was very soft. And the wind was cold and howling — so it was blowing the trash-bag type ponchos we were wearing to stay dry. I can still hear the wild flapping noise of the plastic!
Luckily yesterday's "summer skiing" was nothing like that. Vermont is having some lovely weather for summer skiing this week and weekend.
The Skimeister and I went for...[Read more]
Friday, April 2, 2010
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Cross-country skiing, Spring skiing
After some wet weather (and some snow at higher elevations) we are heading into a really warm and sunny stretch of weather in Vermont. In the coming days you'll want to ski in the morning because it will get very warm, and slushy, by afternoon. Oh, and wear your sunscreen. You'll need it.
These Vermont ski areas have succumbed to spring. They are now closed for the season:
Suicide SixAscutneyMiddlebury Snow BowlCochran's Ski Area
Easter Sunrise Services at Vermont Ski Resorts
This Sunday is...[Read more]
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
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Filed in: Smugglers' Notch, Spring skiing, Stowe, Stratton, Sugarbush
It was sunny but chilly on Saturday here in northern Vermont. The Skimeister and I went over to play around on the cross-country trails at Bolton Valley, then to watch some of the pond skimming action.
We skied around Picnic and the Valley Loop a bit. The snow was mostly frozen granular, and it was softer in the sunniest spots. They had done a good job grooming after the fluctuations of temperatures we've seen in the last couple of weeks! The snow coverage was still good in this part of the...[Read more]
Sunday, March 28, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Cross-country skiing, Spring skiing
To skim, or not to skim. That is the question.
Well if you're game, you have a good selection of pond skimming contests at Vermont ski resorts to choose from. Here are a few to consider watching, or participating in, below.
The alpine ski areas are still enjoying spring skiing, while the nordic centers are winding down, and some up north are closed already.
Mount Snow: Saturday, March 27. Dress in costume and descend Canyon in an attempt to cross a 100' man-made pond.
Bolton Valley:...[Read more]
Thursday, March 25, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Burke, Killington, Mount Snow, Okemo, Spring skiing, Sugarbush
I have to admit, if I had a white ski helmet, I might have asked some of the US Ski Team members to sign it today. Hey, everyone was doing it. At the Cochran's slalom race Ted Ligety was signing t-shirts, Sarah Schleper was signing helmets — all sorts of posters and clothing were offered up to the stinky markers. And it seemed like these gracious team members didn't turn anyone away.
It was fun to watch the second run of the Thank God For Snowmaking Race, which benefits the tiny, nonprofit...[Read more]
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Cochran's
How cool is this?
US Ski Team star Ted Ligety just wrote on Twitter that he helped shovel snow onto the T-Bar line at Cochran's Ski Area in Richmond, Vt., in preparation for tomorrow's slalom race! The race benefits the small ski area and its skiing program which has turned out its fair share of Olympic skiers.
Ligety is the Overall World Cup GS Champion, and his teammate Jimmy Cochran is the best US slalom racer right now (ranked 20th in the world). I see Olympian Sarah Schleper's name on...[Read more]
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Cochran's, Spring skiing
On the Sugar Road at Trapp nordic center today — the first day of spring — we heard birds chirping away, saw families out enjoying mild temperatures, and watched die-hard cross-country skiers try to make the most of a melting ski surface.
With the extraordinary stretch of warm weather we have had lately in Vermont, Sugar Road — Trapp's major thoroughfare — is melting down in a big way. In many places we had to tip-toe around muddy or rocky spots. Otherwise we were scraping along frozen...[Read more]
Saturday, March 20, 2010
2 Comments
Filed in: Cross-country skiing, Food, coffee & après ski, Spring skiing, Trapp Family Lodge
Sunny spring skiing continues in Vermont today and Saturday. Wow, it's been an incredible stretch of sun and soft snow. All this corn snow can make a skier hungry!
A local weekly newspaper is talking up a small dining renaissance in Jeffersonville, Vermont, the home of Smugglers' Notch ski resort.
Seven Days recently wrote about some interesting new restaurant options and menu changes at the Mix Café and Bakery, Stella Notte, Hearth and Candle and The Brewski:...[Read more]
Friday, March 19, 2010
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Filed in: Food, coffee & après ski, Smugglers' Notch
Still have wooden skis or long, straight skis kicking around? If they pre-date 1975, consider registering by Friday for Saturday's 7th Annual Vermont Antique Ski Race. It's presented by the Vermont Ski Museum and Suicide Six ski area in Woodstock, Vt. Racing starts at 10:30 a.m. on a dual slalom course.
The fun race benefits the Vermont Ski Museum and it often includes former Vermont Olympians and US Ski Team members. An awards ceremony and sugar-on-snow follow the race.
Sounds like a fun day...[Read more]
Thursday, March 18, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Ski gear, Suicide Six
Over the last week and a half I've tried to make the most of the sunny days to hit the slopes or cross-country ski trails. I'm thankful that I can work odd hours, so that often gives me flexibility to do so.
Today was forecast to be warm and sunny so we did some spring nordic skiing at Ole's Cross-Country Center in Warren, Vermont. They still have quite a bit of snow there. Some sunny spots are starting to melt out a bit, but overall the skiing was very good at midday today.
When you nordic...[Read more]
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
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Filed in: Cross-country skiing, Ole's, Spring skiing
A friend and I took quite the cross-country skiing tour at Trapp Family Lodge today. We skied up to the cabin, around the hill called Roundtop and then down to the maple sugarhouse to see the sugaring in progress.
We arrived when the nordic center opened at 9 a.m. I had seen some blue sky on my drive up Route 100, but by the time I put my boots on, the clouds had moved in. We would see a few minutes of sun later during our outing and luckily not a drop of rain or sleet. I made use of my...[Read more]
Saturday, March 13, 2010
1 Comment
Filed in: Cross-country skiing, Spring skiing, Trapp Family Lodge
I'm going to let the photos do the bulk of the talking on this post.
Basically:
- I skied Bolton Valley Wednesday afternoon.
- My friends and I skied mostly in the Timberline area.
- I had to slather on sunscreen.
- I was carving sweet turns in the corn snow.
- The snow coverage was still very, very good.
- The views were tremendous.
- I was sad when it was over.[Read more]
Thursday, March 11, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Spring skiing
Can it get any better than this?
The Skimeister and I hit Ole's cross-country center in Warren, Vermont, this afternoon for a ski tour. It was absolutely gorgeous out. No clouds. Warm temperatures. And the snow was still firm in many places because of our cold evenings and excellent grooming at Ole's.
I was on skating skis while the Skimeister took to the trails in a sit-ski. He rented it recently so he could get out skiing despite a major knee injury that he sustained last month. Yup, he...[Read more]
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
1 Comment
Filed in: Cross-country skiing, Food, coffee & après ski, Ole's, Spring skiing
This week I've seen sap buckets collecting their precious liquid. I've seen a ski technician working on his motor boat. And I've driven through mud to skate through corn snow. It must be spring skiing time in Vermont!
This weekend has been absolutely gorgeous. I was supposed to be in Colorado, but the clear blue skies and warm sun made me feel like I was there anyways!
The Skimeister and I loaded up the car on Saturday and went to check out Blueberry Hill Inn cross-country center in Goshen,...[Read more]
Sunday, March 7, 2010
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Filed in: Blueberry Hill, Cross-country skiing, Spring skiing
When you arrive at Ole's nordic center in Warren, Vermont, you can't help but notice the ski lodge looks a bit like an air traffic tower. And the orange windsocks make you really start to suspect something.
Ole's is in fact a small airport during the summer months. But to those who don't know any better, this cross-country center just seems to have a big, wide, snowy field right out its back door.
When I arrived on Wednesday afternoon, local children were wrapping up their school skiing...[Read more]
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
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Filed in: Cross-country skiing, Ole's, Spring skiing
Yes, that is one - zero - two. 102 inches at the stake on Mansfield. Check out the graph: www.uvm.edu/skivt-l/
That's all. Just wanted you to know.[Read more]
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Backcountry skiing, Mt. Mansfield
What a gorgeous day it turned out to be in Stowe, Vermont, today. I headed to Stowe with two goals in mind: check out some of the 2010 Stowe Derby race action and then take a ski myself.
The 16km race course starts atop Mt. Mansfield and wends its way down into town to follow the recreation path all the way to the church in Stowe Village. Just think — most skiers do all this on skinny skis.
It was fun to see how they actually got people through the course — having to cross a couple busy...[Read more]
Sunday, February 28, 2010
2 Comments
Filed in: Cross-country skiing, Stowe, Trapp Family Lodge
Bumps were the order of the day at Mad River Glen today. Soft bumps and smushed snow in between them. It was a fun day to play in the moguls.
There was great coverage at Mad River today after the big storm this week. But it wasn't light Utah snow — more like Sierra cement. You really had to ski where others had skied. In order to ski the crud on the sides of the trail you had to do jumping turns. So I was not skiing in the woods today, that's for sure.
The sun was out when my friends and I...[Read more]
Friday, February 26, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Food, coffee & après ski, Mad River Glen
This storm has dropped about two feet of snow on many Vermont ski resorts thus far — some are reporting more. The weather is affecting lift operations here and there today, so check my Vermont ski resorts snow conditions page. It has direct links to the resorts' ski report pages.
This stuff is really helping to beef up our base. So happy!
I'm planning on skiing on Friday, so I'll let you know where I end up and you can be sure I'll post some photos and a recap.
Meanwhile, this weekend also...[Read more]
Thursday, February 25, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Backcountry skiing, Burke, Cross-country skiing
Nearly eight inches. That's my estimate of the depth of the fluffy powder we were skiing in at higher elevations this morning. And we found deeper pockets of powder in some places because it had snowed a couple of times in the last five days or so.
I sincerely thank my friends for making me wake up early this morning to ride some of the first chairs up at Smugglers' Notch!
Let's see...what trails did we have fun on... We hit FIS early because it can be windblown in the center and we wanted to...[Read more]
Sunday, February 21, 2010
1 Comment
Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Smugglers' Notch
