Resorts & Mountains
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 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
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Filed in: Cross-country skiing, Food, coffee & après, 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 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
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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 skiing, Food, coffee & après, 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 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
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Smugglers' Notch
Note to self: Bring a neckwarmer and glasses when you go cross-country skiing, even if you don't think you'll need them.
I had a nice cross-country skate ski at Bolton Valley this afternoon. The snow was falling and I was finally getting a workout after a week of back pain. It was great to be on the snow again!
There was up to an inch of fresh snow on the nordic trails (see my first tracks?) and probably more up in the backcountry trails and alpine area. I worked my way up the hills, but then...[Read more]
Sunday, February 14, 2010
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Cross-country skiing
On Friday, eager skiers will take a test run on the Toll Road of Stowe ski resort. It's a reconnaissance mission for those who will ski in the Stowe Derby later this month. Most will be wearing skinny skis as they board the chairlift.
The Stowe Derby will have its 65th running on February 28. This race is a true skimeister kind of race. You have a long downhill ski run and then cross-country terrain. So you must pick your equipment wisely and be a versatile skier.
It started in 1945 as a...[Read more]
Thursday, February 11, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Cross-country skiing, Stowe
Magic Mountain ski area in southern Vermont made the front page of today's Boston Globe.
This small ski area is selling shares in an attempt to become a cooperatively owned ski area, much like Mad River Glen. Magic's owner believes this is the only way that skiers will see the lifts turning beyond this ski season.
Here's a link to the article.
[Read more]
Monday, February 8, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Magic
This morning I had the opportunity to enjoy a sunny ski morning at Jay Peak Resort.
When I got out of my car, the wind whipped through the parking lot and I decided it would be prudent to throw on an extra layer. This layer would come in handy on the Green Mountain Flyer, which always seems to be blasted with wind at the top.
But by the time I hit the entrance to the glades, I had been warmed up by playing in soft powder on the sides of the trails. Then, there were some very nice powder...[Read more]
Friday, February 5, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Jay Peak
Vermont ski resorts are reporting between one to 8 inches of fresh snow this morning — the farther north you go, the higher the total. Some resorts have been getting a little bit of snow every day this week.
This will be an exciting weekend around Stowe, Vermont. The University of Vermont Winter Carnival takes place Friday to Sunday with both alpine and nordic ski racing.
The alpine events are at Stowe Mountain Resort, while the cross-country races are at Trapp Family Lodge. We're planning...[Read more]
Thursday, February 4, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Cross-country skiing, Stowe, Trapp Family Lodge
I don't know if you call it cabin fever or just plain old work stress, but by mid-afternoon today I needed to get outside and exercise! I convinced the Skimeister to join me for an end-of-the-afternoon classic ski at Bolton Valley Nordic Center.
We arrived and saw that we would not be alone in our late-day ski. Ski team members from the University of Vermont and Colchester High School were on the trails, too. We set out for a nice loop out on Maple Loop and only passed a handful of kids.
An...[Read more]
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Cross-country skiing
I'd say it was about 5 degrees (F) on Saturday when we clicked into our skis in the Sterling Valley area of Stowe, Vermont. Needless to say, it was not a day for dallying about. We selected a backcountry ski tour so that we'd keep moving and generate our own heat on this clear but cold day.
I had been eyeing a section of the Catamount Trail in Stowe ever since our summer hike up in the Upper Sterling Valley. The Mount Mansfield Ski & Snowshoe Waterproof Trail Map (you can buy it at the...[Read more]
Sunday, January 31, 2010
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Stowe
Well surprise, surprise! Northern Vermont ski resorts are reporting up to 12 inches of snow has fallen on their slopes in the last 24 hours. Yippee!
We knew there was going to be light snow this week, but this is much more than expected.
Thank you, Mother Nature, for exceeding our expectations on this one!
Check out Vermont ski resort conditions here.
Photo courtesy of Jay Peak Resort.[Read more]
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Bolton Valley, Jay Peak, Mad River Glen, Mt. Mansfield, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Sugarbush
The kids that go to Middlebury College have it good. They can ski at the Middlebury Snow Bowl and the Rikert Ski touring Center; both are owned and operated by the college.
To get to Rikert from Middlebury, we drove Route 125 up and along the Middlebury River, through the micro-village of Ripton, and then to the college's scenic Bread Loaf Campus. Rikert nordic center is based in one of the barns on this historic summer campus known for its writers' conference. The mustard-colored historic...[Read more]
Monday, January 25, 2010
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Filed in: Cross-country skiing, Food, coffee & après, Rikert
What a great weekend it was to be a skier in Vermont!
Knowing that this weekend was going to be sunny and warm with good driving conditions, I schemed up a plan to ski at two areas that were new to me: the Middlebury Snow Bowl and the Rikert Ski Touring Center.
Have you heard of the Middlebury Snow Bowl? I knew it was small and owned by the college, which has a strong skiing program, but other than that I was not sure what to expect.
Turns out it was a bunch of fun and wasn't even...[Read more]
Sunday, January 24, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Middlebury Snow Bowl
Gorgeous day here in Vermont's Champlain Valley. Bright sun, blue skies. The snow had frost on top of it this morning at Catamount cross-country ski center, making for some fast skiing. We stayed on the meadow trails to make the most of the sunshine. Here are a few shots from the ski.
What's on tap for this weekend? We're going to mix it up by doing some nordic skiing and some alpine skiing.
Saturday looks like it will be a gorgeous, sunny day in the 20s or so, and Vermont ski resorts were...[Read more]
Friday, January 22, 2010
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Filed in: Catamount, Cross-country skiing
When it comes to skate skiing, I'm sure glad that I had years of experience as an instructor of first-time alpine skiers. Why? Because long before I tried skating, I had already mastered climbing up hills quickly — with skis on — using a herringbone.
After I did a snowplow demonstration or chased down a wayward student, I would head uphill to regroup with the class — stepping from ski to ski in a wide "V." I put these hard-earned skating skills to work today as we explored Blueberry Lake...[Read more]
Sunday, January 17, 2010
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Filed in: Blueberry Lake, Cross-country skiing, Food, coffee & après
I had a couple of hours to ski with a friend this morning at Smugglers' Notch. I knew it would be a rather warm day and was hoping (naively) for some sun.
Well, no sun but we skied on some nice, soft snow. I enjoyed the runs that had bumped up, including Harvey's, Full Nelson, Lower Doc Dempsey's and the edges of FIS and Treasure Run.
And I felt like a hero arcing some turns on the groomed corduroy. Father Bob's and Lower Exhibition were some of the best places to do that.
The trees on the...[Read more]
Friday, January 15, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Smugglers' Notch
We did some skating at Catamount nordic center today in Williston. It was our version of a jog.
We skied on about 1.5 inches of new snow. The temperatures were warmer today, so the snow was quite soft.
We skied on the hill on the south side of the cross-country center and only passed one person. The coverage was good and we were out among the milkweed.[Read more]
Thursday, January 14, 2010
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Filed in: Catamount, Cross-country skiing
Are you BC-curious?
Two upcoming events in northern Vermont will get skiers out into the backcountry to introduce them to backcountry skiing or improve the skills they already have. The venue for both of these events is the terrific Bolton Valley nordic and backcountry trail network. And both events have limited enrollment, so check 'em out now.
"Get Out and Backcountry Ski Festival"Sunday, January 24 at Bolton Valley
This event is put on by the Catamount Trail Association — the keepers of...[Read more]
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley
Judging by the "groomed" nature of the Overland Ski Trail this afternoon, I'd say it was a busy weekend on the west side of Mt. Mansfield!
This backcountry trail is accessed from Stevensville Road in Underhill. You start up as if you were hiking the Nebraska Notch Trail, but then at the first fork in the trail you go left. It was evident that many backcountry snowshoers, dogs and skiers had been on the trail, and in fact we met several people on the trail.
The trail was very packed for the...[Read more]
Sunday, January 10, 2010
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Mt. Mansfield
I skied this afternoon at Bolton Valley in some super-light snow that had fallen in the last 24 hours -- and it was as tasty a treat as a Fluffernutter sandwich.
In fact, light, fluffy snowflakes were falling the whole time I was skiing; it seemed to make each run a little better. On the less-traveled trails and in the glades off of the Timberline Chair, I was playing in some fun powder. I noticed at times that I wasn't able to see my skis as I made a small wake through the snow. I'd guess...[Read more]
Friday, January 8, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Bolton Valley, Food, coffee & après
Remember that snowstorm a few days ago? Well it dumped a lot of snow on the cross-country ski trails at Catamount Outdoor Center in Williston, Vermont.
We took a late lunch break and hit the trails for some skate skiing. It was our first this season so we just did one big loop. We skied Night Trail to 3 Rivers to Sandman's.
I felt really out of balance to start. I laughed a lot as I nearly wiped out a few times! The snow was soft so I wasn't feeling super steady until the end of the...[Read more]
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
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Filed in: Catamount, Cross-country skiing
It's time for all you cross-country skiing and snowshoeing never-evers to hit the trail!
Nearly a dozen Vermont nordic ski centers are offering free introductions to these winter sports on Saturday, January 9. Now there is no excuse not to try them!
I've grown to love nordic skiing and snowshoeing over the years. It's a quieter scene than downhill skiing, and it can be a wonderful workout. There's nothing like quietly gliding or walking through a winter wonderland.
Follow this link to read...[Read more]
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Craftsbury, Cross-country skiing, Highland Lodge, Mountain Top, Smugglers' Notch, Ticket discounts
Don't you hate how work gets in the way of skiing?
Well, we had to work the past couple of days — have to pay the bills — so we couldn't ski in this weekend's new snow until this morning. This was a monster storm in Burlington and the Champlain Valley, dropping about two feet of snow and breaking a record in Burlington with 33 inches! But strangely enough it was not quite as intense elsewhere.
The Skimeister and I were checking the snow reports and decided that Smugglers' Notch may have...[Read more]
Monday, January 4, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Smugglers' Notch, Ticket discounts
The Skimeister and I met up with friends Thursday night at Vermont's Bolton Valley Resort. We wanted to take in the ski resort's New Year's Eve festivities, which included a torchlight parade and fireworks.
The evening was rather warm and a pretty good crowd had gathered for night skiing. The tavern on the second floor of the base lodge was full of hungry and thirsty skiers and families. We were able to get a table and have a beer before the skiers schussed down the trail holding red flares --...[Read more]
Friday, January 1, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Bolton Valley
New tele boots and new tele skis make for a happy skier.
We arranged our work schedule today to be able to take a few runs on a lovely afternoon. We enjoyed blue skies today -- a bit cloudy in the mountains -- and warmer temperatures. It snowed early this week, so it was a good time to try out some new gear. We zipped over to Smugglers' Notch.
I had high hopes for the equipment that I had picked up at a ski swap this fall: essentially new, three-buckle tele boots (they were demos) and brand...[Read more]
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
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Filed in: Ski gear, Smugglers' Notch
Geez, I go away for a couple of days and things go to hell in a handbasket.
OK, it isn't that bad, but we did see warm temperatures in Vermont on Sunday that brought some rain with them. Argh. So the stake atop Mt. Mansfield is now reporting three fewer inches of the white stuff. It now reads 27 inches.
But, just as quickly as the spring-like weather hit, we will plunge back down into a deep freeze by Tuesday, with snow on Monday. Weather forecasters are saying we might get 6 inches or so in...[Read more]
Sunday, December 27, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Backcountry skiing, Cross-country skiing, Mt. Mansfield
Somehow it seems appropriate to ride the Madonna chairlift on the day before Christmas.
Smugglers' Notch was running the Madonna I chair to the top of Madonna Mountain, so the Skimeister and I skied it all morning. It was our first time hitting the upper mountain this season.
If you were down in the town or valley today, you might not have realized how gorgeous it was ABOVE the clouds in the mountains today. We were fortunate to hit the slopes on one of those rare days when the skies clear as...[Read more]
Thursday, December 24, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Smugglers' Notch
Vermont ski resorts are reporting a couple of inches of new snow this morning — with the snow continuing today in many places.
At the stake at the top of Mt. Mansfield yesterday afternoon, there was a total of 26 inches of snow. I'd expect that there are a couple more inches this morning.
Here are a few morning totals thus far:Bolton - 2 inchesBurke - 3 inches Jay Peak - 3 inchesKillington - 2 inchesSmugglers - 4 inchesStratton - 1 inchSugarbush - 1 inch
Check the snow reports links...[Read more]
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Bolton Valley, Burke, Jay Peak, Killington, Mt. Mansfield, Smugglers' Notch, Stratton, Sugarbush
The two largest cross-country centers in Stowe, Vermont, are in the midst of a tiff over a forest trail that connects the nordic centers.
Because of the falling out between the Trapp Family Lodge and neighboring Stowe Mountain Resort, the Ranch Camp trail will not be groomed for at least part of its length — causing skinny-skiers to think twice about moving between the two resorts.
And the Catamount Trail Association is now saying that those who want to ski the Catamount Trail, which follows...[Read more]
Monday, December 21, 2009
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Cross-country skiing, Stowe, Trapp Family Lodge
We were on the lift at Smugglers' Notch this morning with some friends by about 8:30 a.m. An hour earlier the temperature had been a balmy 5 degrees at the top of Sterling Mountain. Luckily, the sun was out all morning and temperatures felt higher than they have in a couple of days.
I had come prepared with three layers of fleece and my shell jacket; liners in my mittens; and my balaklava pulled up high over my cheeks. Except for my toes later in the morning, I was really quite toasty.
We...[Read more]
Saturday, December 19, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Cochran's, Magic, Smugglers' Notch
A bluebird day. Darn cold, but blue!
The trees on the ridges around Bolton Valley looked like they were frosting decorations on a cake. We went for an end-of-the-afternoon ski on the backcountry trails at Bolton. Blue sky, squeaky snow, and white trees; it was gorgeous.
There were a few more inches of snow since this past weekend, so waterbars were better covered and more frozen, as well, with the recent cold snap. I think we only had to step over one of them this time. The base is...[Read more]
Friday, December 18, 2009
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Food, coffee & après
As if trying to make up for the tropical weather we experienced in November, Old Man Winter is really putting the chill on this week. It will be cold again tomorrow but I'm hoping to get out in the snow for a bit. I'll do some kind of nordic to keep the blood flowing; probably backcountry skiing.
The cold temperatures have made for light, fluffy overnight snowfalls. The kind of snow that you can blow off your car with sheer lung power. This morning Vermont ski areas were reporting between one...[Read more]
Thursday, December 17, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Backcountry skiing, Cross-country skiing, Jay Peak, Okemo
The Skimeister and I hit the trails at Smugglers' Notch this morning. The Sterling Lift was open and it served trails both with and without snowmaking.
This was typical December skiing. Fast, hard-packed snow on the busy snowmaking trails, and better snow — along with grass and rocks — on the less-traveled natural snow trails. (We really need to find our edging tool to get our edges sharp!)
My favorite runs were on the natural snow trails where I could find some smooth snow and small moguls...[Read more]
Sunday, December 13, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Smugglers' Notch
If it's not wintry in your neck of the woods, then you have to head to higher ground. It was down-right snowy up at Bolton Valley's backcountry trails today in Vermont.
The Skimeister and I went for an afternoon tour — our first of the season. We noticed more snow the higher we went. Boy, I was feeling it as I slogged up the Bryant trail! But the Birch Loop trail brought welcome ups and downs through about 11 inches of fresh snow.
The trees had snow on them and we came across moose tracks...[Read more]
Saturday, December 12, 2009
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley
The temperature is dropping. The snow has been falling. Things are looking up!
Vermont's ski resorts are continuing to open (six more on tap for the weekend) and those that have been open are opening up more terrain. This a good thing, since more people should be hitting the slopes this weekend and a crowded slope cramps my style.
We had a nice snowstorm blow through the state -- and I mean it was really blowing. But several resorts enjoyed a healthy addition to their base, and that's what we...[Read more]
Thursday, December 10, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Mt. Mansfield
I had a snowy drive to Smugglers' Notch this morning to be among the first to ski there on opening day. It's been a long time coming, eh?
It was snowing this morning and the snowmaking crew seemed to be out in force. I saw them here and there around the base area and along the rather long run that was open for skiing. Several guns were pumping out snow on the mountain.
Sterling lift was running this morning, accessing a winding run made up of Upper Rumrunner to Crossover to Treasure Run.
It...[Read more]
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Fall & Early season, Smugglers' Notch
We're off and skiing in Vermont!
Have you hit the slopes yet? I plan to go on Tuesday; I'll be sure to let you know how it is. It's nice to see that occasional snow is in Vermont's forecast this week, as well.
This past weekend you could choose between Killington, Jay Peak, Okemo, Stowe and Sugarbush. Mount Snow opened today with a line of people waiting for their first lift ride, and Stratton and Smugglers' are opening Tuesday. More resorts are slated to open this coming weekend. Check my...[Read more]
Monday, December 7, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Catamount Trail, Fall & Early season, Jay Peak, Killington, Mt. Snow, Okemo, Stowe, Sugarbush
Now this is more like it.
I'd like to welcome winter to Vermont. Oh, how we've missed you!
This morning Vermont ski resorts are celebrating new snow and the return of seasonably cold temperatures on their peaks. The word is that the new snow is heavy and wet, but that sounds like the start of a great base to me.
The resorts are also reporting that snowmaking is underway again as temperatures have dropped. Several resorts are targeting to open their lifts by the weekend of December 5....[Read more]
Saturday, November 28, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Fall & Early season, Jay Peak, Killington, Mt. Mansfield, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe
Despite being in a business where bigger is often considered better, cozy Cochran’s Ski Area in Richmond, Vermont, continues to thrive as it serves skiing families. Just last week, The Boston Globe wrote about Cochran’s Ski Area. You can follow this link to the article.Eight trails spill from the top of Cochran’s three surface lifts — many of them offering thrills for beginners.The ski area staff reports that for this season, skiers will see improved snowmaking on all trails and on the T-bar...[Read more]
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Cochran's, Resort improvements
Have you seen a ski film yet this fall? There are several making the tour around the country this year. Good pickin's.
The new Warren Miller film is in Burlington, Vermont, this weekend.
You can catch a bunch of ski movies starting next weekend in locations throughout Stowe, Vermont. It's the Stowe Mountain Film Festival and the line-up is full of powder shots, tele turns, snowboard tricks and more. The festival benefits the Vermont Ski Museum, which is located in Stowe.
Completely unrelated...[Read more]
Friday, November 20, 2009
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Filed in: Ski movies, Stowe
Stowe, Okemo and Sugarbush ski resorts are all pushing back their opening dates. The resorts had planned to open November 21, but Mother Nature let them know that was not in the cards.
While we had cold weather earlier this fall that allowed for snowmaking and a few turns to be made, we've recently had unseasonably warm temperatures that will remain for at least a few more days.
I'm keeping an updated list of opening dates of Vermont ski resorts at this other blog post.
Photo: Snowmaking...[Read more]
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
3 Comments
Filed in: Fall & Early season, Okemo, Stowe, Sugarbush
This weekend's World Cup slalom race in Levi, Finland, features skiers with Vermont ties, as well as a famous neighbor to the east.
Bode Miller (Franconia, NH) is set to open his World Cup season this weekend along side Soelden podium finisher Ted Ligety (Park City, UT). And skiing with them are Tim Jitloff (Reno, NV), Jimmy Cochran (Keene, NH) and Nolan Kasper (Warren, VT).
Twenty-year-old Kasper, of Vermont's Burke Mountain Academy, was named to the C team this summer, but has moved up to...[Read more]
Friday, November 13, 2009
1 Comment
Filed in: Alpine skiing, Burke
Killington resumes its sporadic early-season skiing on Friday and Saturday, November 13 and 14. Sunday’s operational status is on hold pending weather and snow conditions.
An interesting top-10 list was released recently: the World's Scariest Ski Slopes. Vermont actually made the list three times with Goat at Stowe; Black Hole at Smugglers' Notch; and Paradise at Mad River Glen.
I've skied two out of the three. How 'bout you?
Here's a link to the list with pictures and video.[Read more]
Thursday, November 12, 2009
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Filed in: Fall & Early season, Killington, Mad River Glen, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe
Just received these shots of the new Doppelmayr CTEC fixed-grip triple chair going in at Middlebury Snow Bowl. It's the only new chairlift project in Vermont this season.
The lift replaces the 40-year-old Worth Mountain chair, which was a double chair, at a cost of about $1.7 million. The old chair either had to be refurbished or replaced—and Middlebury College decided to invest in a replacement lift.
Thanks to the crew at the Snow Bowl for sharing these images![Read more]
Thursday, November 12, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Middlebury Snow Bowl, Resort improvements
Killington will be running its lifts again on Wednesday. If temperatures move out of Indian Summer and back into early winter in a timely manner, they hope to open again for the weekend.
Several Vermont ski resorts are poised to resume snowmaking as soon as possible. Some have targeted opening dates of November 21.
Don't forget the Waitsfield Ski Swap this weekend. Details are found in my list of Vermont ski swaps. I hear American Flatbread will be at the swap serving up slices of pizza.[Read more]
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
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Filed in: Fall & Early season, Killington, Ski swaps
I just heard that Killington Resort will open for Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Good thing it's 3:30, any later and it would be night skiing!
They will be running the Northridge and K-1 lifts and there is no novice terrain available.
We've had nice cold evenings here in Vermont and several ski resorts have been making snow.[Read more]
Friday, November 6, 2009
1 Comment
Filed in: Fall & Early season, Killington
Mount Snow is open this weekend with some rails and boxes in its Launch Pad beginner area. The mini-park is served by the novice triple chair.
Even with very limited terrain, about 400 skiers and riders came out on Saturday to start their season of sliding on the snow.
Unseasonably cold temperatures this month have allowed Vermont ski resorts to take the snowmaking guns and fans out of storage and make snow.
Mount Snow is not expected to remain open during the week. We'll see if they open...[Read more]
Sunday, October 18, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Fall & Early season, Mt. Snow
Updated 3/11/10
I've been scouring the Internet, Facebook, Twitter and more for you (you can thank me later) in search of the best Vermont ski ticket discounts. These are some of the best skiing deals for my fellow Vermonters and our out-of-state friends, too.
Double check on the details before you drive to the ski resort! And don't forget your ID if you want to cash in on a Vermonter ski discount.
When I can, I like to make use of these discounts to try a resort that I haven't skied for a...[Read more]
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
7 Comments
Filed in: Bolton Valley, Killington, Mad River Glen, Mt. Snow, Okemo, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Stratton, Sugarbush, Ticket discounts
Vermont ski resorts reported a couple of inches of fresh snow on their peaks this morning. When I went to check out the Mad River Glen Web cam at 9:15, I spotted this lone skier climbing to earn some very early turns! What timing!
Killington is also reporting that they started snowmaking for the season.
In some areas, the snow is making an artsy statement as it covers some very bright foliage of orange, red and yellow.
I'm so glad I hiked Camel's Hump yesterday before the snow came down....[Read more]
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
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Filed in: Fall & Early season, Killington, Mad River Glen
I received a list of Vermont ski resort opening dates in my email, as reported by Ski Vermont. Of course, these may change, depending on the weather.
As you may know, Colorado's Loveland Ski Area was the first to open in the country. They loaded their lifts with skiers for the first time on Wednesday, October 7. (Can you believe it?) It was their earliest opening in 40 years. We're closing in on the 2009/2010 ski season, folks!
Updated 12/19/09 - Check resort Web sites for the very...[Read more]
Friday, October 9, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Bromley, Fall & Early season, Jay Peak, Killington, Magic, Middlebury Snow Bowl, Mt. Snow, Okemo, Smugglers' Notch
The National Weather Service reported three inches of snow fell at the top of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak.
Here's a look at the mountain from the west this afternoon. It's got a nice white tuque!
[Read more]
Friday, October 2, 2009
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Filed in: Fall & Early season, Mt. Mansfield
The rumors are true; we've had our first snowflakes fall on Vermont mountaintops!
Twitter and Facebook are all a-twitter with excited skiers commenting on photos from their favorite Vermont ski resorts. Here are links to a few photos to get you psyched up, too.
Smugglers' Notch first snowJay PeakMad River GlenStowe snowKillington (video)
Remember, there are more ski swaps this weekend. See my Vermont ski swap post for the schedule.
Photo courtesy of Jay Peak Ski Resort.[Read more]
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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Filed in: Fall & Early season, Jay Peak, Mad River Glen, Smugglers' Notch
OK folks, ski resort crews are making snow in Colorado and they have had some natural snowfall at higher elevations, too. Later this week, Vermont mountaintops may actually see some early snowflakes. Ski season is creeping closer!As part of our update on on-mountain improvements being made at Vermont ski resorts, here's a quick recap of what's been happening at Sugarbush, Mount Snow and Magic Mountain ski resorts that will impact your enjoyment of the snow during the 2009 - 2010 ski...[Read more]
Monday, September 28, 2009
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Filed in: Magic, Mt. Snow, Resort improvements, Sugarbush
Yes, it's getting cool outside. I'm getting antsy, too.
Now's the time to plan your attack on Vermont ski swaps. What gear are you going to unload? What gear do you want to buy?
Well I can't exactly help you with those questions, but at least I can keep you up to date on the fall 2009 Vermont ski swap calendar. I'm adding dates & details as they are made available.
2009 Northern & Central Vermont Ski Swaps
Updated 1/7/10
September 26: South Burlington High School. Open...[Read more]
Monday, August 31, 2009
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Filed in: Cochran's, Fall & Early season, Killington, Okemo, Ski gear, Ski swaps, Smugglers' Notch
We've hit a spell of cool, fall-like weather here in Vermont. Gets you in the mood for what's to come!
While I've been concentrating on passing along any info I get on on-mountain / skiing improvements at Vermont ski resorts, the Rutland Herald earlier this month spoke with the Vermont Ski Areas Association and some of the resort operators to file this news report.
The Herald reports that capital spending at resorts is down this year, not an unlikely thing considering the way the economy has...[Read more]
Thursday, August 27, 2009
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Filed in: Jay Peak, Resort improvements, Stowe
In the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont — the corner of the state nestled next to the New Hampshire and Canadian borders and easily accessed by Interstate 91 — one small ski town has found a winning solution for maintaining tourism throughout the year.
In East Burke, Vermont, home of Burke Mountain ski resort, landowners and business people have teamed up over the years to create an incredible network of mountain biking trails. They call them Kingdom Trails and they attract bikers from...[Read more]
Sunday, August 23, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Burke, Cross-country skiing, Food, coffee & après
We skiers have got it made, don’t you think? During the summer months while we are hitting the beach, having BBQs or enjoying the cool comfort of air conditioning, the crews at Vermont ski resorts are using some elbow grease to prepare for the coming ski season.
Two smaller Vermont ski areas are adding lifts this year: Middlebury Snow Bowl and Northeast Slopes. Both ski areas have been in operation for more than 70 years. It’s wonderful that they have the means to continue to upgrade their...[Read more]
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Middlebury Snow Bowl, Northeast Slopes, Resort improvements
I’m sitting at my computer in a tank top and shorts, sipping a half-and-half (half lemonade and half iced tea). At the same time I’m fretting over the upcoming deadlines for season pass discounts and frequent skier programs at Vermont ski resorts.
This summer has zoomed by much too fast, and now we’re already planning our ski season. It’s a darn good thing that I love winter!
Many Vermont ski resorts offer the best deals on season passes and ski discount programs in the early fall –...[Read more]
Thursday, August 13, 2009
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Burke, Jay Peak, Killington, Mad River Glen, Season pass, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Sugarbush, Ticket discounts
Southern Vermont skiing stalwarts Stratton and Okemo are making some improvements that skiers and riders will enjoy this coming ski season. Here’s a look at the work that’s being done or planned for these Vermont ski resorts for 2009 / 2010:
Stratton Mountain Resort
Glades: Thinning will open up lines in glades such as Test Pilot, Vertigo, Kidderbrook Ravine, Shredwood Forest, Moondance, Diamonds in the Rough, Cabin Fever and Emerald Forest. Skiers and riders will also discover natural...[Read more]
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
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Filed in: Okemo, Resort improvements, Stratton
Bolton Valley and Smugglers’ Notch ski resorts in Vermont are excellent choices for those who live in and around Burlington and Chittenden County. And for those who are visiting the area, they are worth checking out for sure. They are smaller and less glitzy resorts than Stowe and Sugarbush, but they have some great terrain and, well, one cannot live on glitz alone. (Especially when one has to dig deep into one’s wallet to pay for it.)
Here is a peak at the mountain improvements that are...[Read more]
Friday, August 7, 2009
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Resort improvements, Smugglers' Notch
For Killington ski resort in Vermont, last year is a hard act to follow. That’s when the resort introduced the Skye Peak Express – an express quad that more than halved the time that an older lift took to bring skiers to the top of Skye Peak.
As Killington’s communications manager put it: “There’s not a lot of sexy stuff going on here this summer, especially after spending close to $9 million last year on improvements.”
Even still, the mountain ops crews are investing $2.5 million this...[Read more]
Monday, August 3, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Killington, Pico, Resort improvements
Have I told you how much I love Efficiency Vermont? I personally have benefited from their energy efficiency programs and rebates (yes, rebates!). Now Vermont ski resorts can get into the act by testing the efficiency of their snowmaking systems.
Efficiency Vermont offers free testing so resort managers can see which snowmaking technologies are the biggest energy hogs. Then, hopefully, they will upgrade to systems that use less energy and still churn out the snow.
George Lawrence of...[Read more]
Thursday, July 16, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Mt. Snow
THE DEAL
What: Magic Mountain Ski Resort is being converted into a limited liability corporation and will sell shares in the company
Where: Londonderry, Vermont
How much: A share costs $3,000.Heck, that's like bringing your family to Stowe for a long weekend!
Small, family friendly, rugged, steep. These are all words used to describe the southern Vermont ski area that is being sold share by share.
Magic Mountain president James Sullivan is working out the details with the Nelson...[Read more]
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Magic
Vermont skiers are one fast bunch.This month, University of Vermont freshman David Donaldson of Toronto was named the Male Collegiate Skier of the Year by Ski Racing Magazine. Donaldson is the 21st Catamount to earn male or female collegiate skier of the year honors in the 31-year history of the award. The last Vermont skier to take the title was Greg Hardy ‘08 in 2006.Donaldson won the giant slalom at the 2009 NCAA Ski Championships hosted by Bates College in Maine. He also earned First-Team...[Read more]
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Cross-country skiing, Stowe
Well they've been talking about this for sometime in the Stowe area, and now it's been confirmed: AIG will sell off its venerable Vermont ski resort, Stowe Mountain Resort.
Investors are making bids and apparently there are many groups interested in owning the resort, known for its challenging Front Four terrain and its new, chi-chi mountain lodge at the base of Spruce Peak.
It's rather strange that I, as an American taxpayer, partially own AIG right now because of the government bail-out....[Read more]
Thursday, May 14, 2009
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Filed in: Stowe
It may be springtime, but they're still churning out skiing news on the Internet.
In late April, the nefarious Big Jay trail cutters were sentenced.
According to the Burlington Free Press:
"Paul Poulin, 48, of Derby Line, and Alan Ritter, 47, of Jay pleaded no contest in Vermont District Court in Newport to felony charges of unlawful mischief.
The two received suspended terms of 18 to 36 months. They will serve 60 days with a pre-approved furlough community restitution program, to begin...[Read more]
Friday, May 8, 2009
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Jay Peak
The recent extraordinarily warm weather in Vermont has been great for biking and yard work, but not so good for skiing. This past weekend I packed up my gear and headed to Stowe. No, not for skiing, but for a wonderful bike tour around town.
Stowe's got a scenic recreation path (about 7 miles long with 11 bridges!) and rather quiet dirt roads. I like to plan out a loop up and down hills and around town so I can take in all the views.
Mt. Mansfield still was snowy near the summit and on...[Read more]
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Spring skiing, Stowe
Here's the latest on late-spring skiing in Vermont. The resorts are the usual suspects at this time of year...
Killington is still open. They hope to ski into May.
Stowe is open until Sunday, April 19, which is the Stowe - Vermont Food Bank day. Bring at least two non-perishable food items and ski for $35.
Jay Peak is still in operation. They have pond skimming this weekend.
Sugarbush plans to stay open through Sunday, April 26. Depending on snow and weather, they may re-open for May 2-3....[Read more]
Thursday, April 16, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Jay Peak, Killington, Spring skiing, Stowe, Sugarbush
We did it. We were out the door on Easter Sunday by 5:15 a.m.
The Skimeister and I wanted to attend our first-ever Easter Sunrise Service, and it would be atop Sterling Mountain at Smugglers' Notch.
At 6-ish, we loaded the lift with about 70 other people. The light was faint, but it wasn't dark at this hour. People had skis, snowshoes and plain old boots. The lift crept along because they had to extract the non-skiers from their chairs at the top of the lift.
I dressed for winter conditions...[Read more]
Monday, April 13, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Food, coffee & après, Smugglers' Notch, Spring skiing
You know it's April in Vermont when on the way to skiing you stop in to look at a lawn mower.
The Skimeister and I saw a used reel mower (you know, the human-powered kind that your grandparents may have had) in Craigslist so we arranged for a look-see. We were lukewarm on the mower, but we really enjoyed our late-afternoon runs at Smugglers' Notch today.
The highest parts of the mountains in northern Vermont have continued to receive some snow. At the very top of Sterling Peak (the only lift...[Read more]
Thursday, April 9, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Smugglers' Notch, Spring skiing
Mother Nature is not ready to let go of winter yet here in Vermont. On Saturday night and Sunday morning, northern and central Vermont ski resorts reported about 7 inches of new snow. For some resorts, such as Bolton Valley, this snow came in time for their final day of operation for this ski season.
Stowe, Jay Peak and Sugarbush ski resorts all reported about 7 inches in the last 48 hours. This morning Sugarbush encouraged skiers to hit the trails early today because "immature snow" (aka...[Read more]
Monday, April 6, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Jay Peak, Killington, Okemo, Spring skiing, Stowe, Stratton, Sugarbush
Believe it or not, many Vermont resorts picked up a few inches of snow early this week. I skied in it a bit late Thursday afternoon in the Bolton Valley backcountry trails.
With the warm temperatures and sunshine we have been having it was like skiing through sticky mashed potatoes. But there continues to be a lot of snow in the woods at this higher elevation and we had fun making the most of it. Although, we had to cross a stream to finish our descent on Gardner's Lane. There's a lot of...[Read more]
Friday, April 3, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Ascutney, Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Jay Peak, Killington, Mt. Snow, Okemo, Smugglers' Notch, Spring skiing
The Skimeister and I went to Bolton Valley Resort on Friday afternoon for an afternoon spring ski on the backcountry trails. I wasn't completely sure what to expect back there, but the snow was very soft and there was still a lot of it.
I noted that trying to make telemark turns on soft snow that hadn't been traveled recently was challenging. It's much easier when you are doing alpine skiing and you are on well-trodden moguls.
Even still, I was able to make a handful of decent telemark turns...[Read more]
Saturday, March 28, 2009
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Spring skiing
Our Wednesday afternoon ski at Smugglers' Notch, Vermont, turned out to be terrific.
It's that strange time of year when it remains cold at night—setting up the snow so it's very firm in the morning—yet it gradually softens to corn snow and even gets a little slushy in the afternoon. We worked through lunchtime and then headed up to the ski resort to ski in some of that springtime corn snow that can be so much fun.
Every once in a while I'd come upon some slick, hard-packed surfaces. These...[Read more]
Thursday, March 26, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Smugglers' Notch, Spring skiing
We had another gorgeous skiing day on Saturday. It's been an incredible stretch of sunny weather for Vermont!
I wanted to go cross-country skiing so I looked at options that were at a higher altitude, where the snow coverage was still good. In the villages the sun has melted off much of the snow.
I decided to go to Stowe Mountain Resort's cross-country center, which is situated at about 1,500 feet or so. It has remained chilly in the mountains, especially overnight, so I was not in a huge...[Read more]
Sunday, March 22, 2009
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Filed in: Cross-country skiing, Food, coffee & après, Spring skiing, Stowe
Must be the luck of the Irish. We had a beautiful day of spring skiing at Stowe today!
Stowe had special $35 lift tickets for St. Patrick's Day, so the Skimeister and I — and several hundred other people — made tracks for Mt. Mansfield.
Blue skies ruled the day. We loaded the gondola about 9 a.m. We didn't think the runs off the quad were soft, and we didn't see anyone skiing Liftline or National until late morning.
Gondolier and Perry Merrill were already quite soft. We took a number of...[Read more]
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Food, coffee & après, Mt. Mansfield, Spring skiing, Stowe
On Sunday I went to see if there was any snow at the Smugglers' Notch cross-country center. Nope. None. Nada. The sun had melted many areas and what little was left was all ice.
For some reason the attendant at the nordic center didn't realize that there wasn't enough snow to cross-country ski on. They were renting snowshoes, which weren't really needed either; you could just walk the trails in some decent boots. The Smuggs Web site also made it seem like there was plenty of skiing there. I...[Read more]
Monday, March 16, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Cross-country skiing, Food, coffee & après, Mad River Glen, Spring skiing, Stowe, Ticket discounts
What a day!
Saturday was a warm and sunny day to strap on some skis. Enjoy our photos from Trapp Family Lodge Nordic Center, where spring conditions prevailed and the sap buckets were collecting maple sap. The snow cover was very good, and conditions called for waxless skis or Klister wax (very, very sticky stuff!).
In the afternoon we stopped in to see what was new at the West Branch Art Gallery, next door to the Rusty Nail. We then had a maple latté at the Stowe Coffeehouse near the...[Read more]
Sunday, March 15, 2009
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Filed in: Cross-country skiing, Food, coffee & après, Spring skiing, Trapp Family Lodge
I enjoyed the rare treat of skiing above the clouds today. This doesn't happen too often in Vermont. It is very impressive!
We arrived at Smugglers' Notch for a morning of some skiing and thought it was going to be a cloudy day. The weather report had called for partly sunny skies, but it didn't look like it from the base lodge.
About two-thirds of the way up the Madonna I chair, the sun started breaking through the foggy clouds. We broke through to bright sunshine and we could look down over...[Read more]
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
2 Comments
Filed in: Alpine skiing, Smugglers' Notch, Spring skiing, Winter photography
Ah, March. It can be an amazing snow month both here in Vermont and in the West. (I'm typically out for a western ski week at this time, but not this year, unfortunately. We're keeping to a budget!)
But with the recent cycles of cold and snow followed by warm weather and rain, Vermont's snowpack is now shrinking. On Saturday, the warm temperatures made for some terrific spring skiing at Smugglers' Notch. I just hope that we can get some more snow and cold weather to keep us skiing in corn snow...[Read more]
Sunday, March 8, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Smugglers' Notch, Spring skiing
Today was a gorgeous day to be on the slopes in Vermont. The Skimeister and I bought the Bash Badge Plus at Smugglers' Notch this season, which gives you free early- and late-season skiing (and $25 tickets in between), so we rearranged our work to hit the mountain for part of the day—sans credit card.
There is still a lot of snow up there. The snowfall from a couple of days ago still clung to the shady side of trees, and the snow was still rather soft to ski through in glades that do not get...[Read more]
Thursday, March 5, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Food, coffee & après, Mad River Glen, Smugglers' Notch, Ticket discounts
The sun shone brightly today on northern Vermont, so the Skimeister and I burned off some steam by taking a lunchtime nordic ski at Catamount Cross-Country Center in Williston, Vermont.
What a gorgeous afternoon it was. The blue skies and the warmth of the sun were fantastic. The snow coverage—not so good. Unfortunately Catamount is at a lower elevation here in the Champlain Valley so it got a few inches of that fluffy snow yesterday, but there was nothing underneath it. The previous warm,...[Read more]
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Catamount, Cross-country skiing
I just had a lovely, blustery walk for some Vietnamese pho (a delicious noodle soup). It's snowing again in Vermont!
I discovered another great page on the NOAA/National Weather Service site. It gives estimated snowstorm totals:
www.erh.noaa.gov/btv/html/StormTotalSnow/StormTotalSnow.shtml
They also report:
TOTAL SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 5 TO 9 INCHES WITH LOCALLY HIGHERAMOUNTS IS EXPECTED BY TUESDAY MORNING ACROSS CENTRAL ANDNORTHERN VERMONT...INCLUDING THE WESTERN SLOPES OF THE...[Read more]
Monday, March 2, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Backcountry skiing, Catamount Trail, Cross-country skiing
The weather highs and lows are affecting my mood. Tuesday I was thrilled with an amazing powder day here in Vermont, but now it's likely to rain tomorrow—even at higher elevations—before it turns back to snow in the mountains.
Argh!
Well at least we have a substantial snowpack. Check out this NOAA page for the latest snow depths, which includes 87 inches at the stake on top of Mt. Mansfield! (Let's see: 87 divided by 12...hey, that's over 7 feet!)
After Friday's rain, the temperatures will...[Read more]
Thursday, February 26, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Backcountry skiing, Cross-country skiing, Mt. Mansfield
Today I had the best powder day EVER in the East.
Sugarbush is among the Vermont resorts that were hammered by snowstorms and mountain snow showers over the last several days. Yet, on the heels of the major storm on Sunday came wild winds on Monday. The wind closed the lifts at Sugarbush by 10 a.m. on Monday. Bottom line: We would have fresh tracks and nicer weather to enjoy today. The Skimeister and I could not pass it up.
We got to Sugarbush's Lincoln Peak area about 8:30 a.m. and picked up...[Read more]
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Food, coffee & après, Sugarbush
-- MONDAY PM UPDATE: Lots of snow. Lots of wind. Mad River Glen says they've received nearly five feet in five days. Their single chair was closed today due to high winds which shut down many lifts around the area. Stowe had its major lifts on wind hold today and Sugarbush actually closed down all the lifts by 10 a.m. because the wind was howling so badly. With not many skiers making it to the higher slopes, Tuesday will offer some amazing fresh tracks. --
The Skimeister and I got out on...[Read more]
Sunday, February 22, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Cross-country skiing
Wow—along with some amazing new snow (it kept snowing yesterday in the mountains of Vermont), there are some hot skiing competitions happening here and abroad, as well.
As for the snow, Bolton Valley is reporting an overnight total of just over a foot, on top of the 6 inches from yesterday! Sugarbush is also reporting 17 inches in the last 48 hours. Yeow! I'm going to have to go out for a "business meeting" in the backcountry this afternoon.
Check this NOAA site for details on additional...[Read more]
Friday, February 20, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Cross-country skiing, Sugarbush, Trapp Family Lodge
What would we do without Pisten Bully, Bombardier and other wonderful grooming machines?
Well this past weekend, we wouldn't have done much cross-country skiing without them. As expected, the snow had frozen up after a bout of warm weather and some rain. We were up in Craftsbury, Vermont, for a weekend of nordic skiing with friends, so we decided to ski where they had a real grooming machine—the kind that can dig in and churn up the ice and snow. We headed for the trails of the Craftsbury...[Read more]
Monday, February 16, 2009
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Filed in: Craftsbury, Cross-country skiing
Thank goodness! Winter has returned to northern Vermont after several days of early springtime.
Last night the rain turned over to snow as the temperatures dropped to be seasonal once again. Ski resorts picked up about 3 inches of snow overnight. This morning it was 5 degrees at the top of the mountain at Smugglers' Notch. Welcome back, Old Man Winter!
To see the snow for yourself, check out these Web cams.
Smugglers' Notch Web cam
Killington Web cams
Also visit the snow report links on my...[Read more]
Friday, February 13, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Cross-country skiing, Killington, Smugglers' Notch
Seems like several Vermont resorts are celebrating anniversaries this year. Killington is turning 50, Sugarbush is 50 and Trapp Family Lodge's cross-country center has turned 40. To commemorate four decades of skiing, Trapp Family Lodge cut a new trail and named it "The 40 Year Trail." I would have called it the Back 40, but hey, they didn't ask.During what must have been a 14-km loop, the Skimeister and I tried out this new trail on Saturday morning and also skied for the first time on Hare...[Read more]
Monday, February 9, 2009
2 Comments
Filed in: Cross-country skiing, Food, coffee & après, Stowe, Trapp Family Lodge
This weekend's UVM Winter Carnival 2009 brought fast skis and fit racers to the courses at Stowe Mountain Resort and the Trapp Family Lodge. We caught some of the action at the Men's 10K Freestyle cross-country race on Saturday at Trapp's.
It was the inaugural event on Trapp's newly designed race course. It starts in the field right outside the cross-country center and proceeds down the practice slope, then sharply left and over to a long hill near Deer Pond. From there, the course switchbacks...[Read more]
Sunday, February 8, 2009
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Filed in: Cross-country skiing, Stowe, Trapp Family Lodge
The snow remains in great shape here in Vermont. Yesterday the Skimeister and I took a quick cross-country ski nearby and the coverage was excellent. It was very chilly, however, so we retreated to the warmth of our home rather quickly.
The weather will warm up by Saturday, when we expect to watch nordic ski racing in Stowe at the UVM Winter Carnival and ski around Trapp Family Lodge's cross-country trails.
With Valentine's Day coming up next week, I thought I'd share this article about...[Read more]
Thursday, February 5, 2009
1 Comment
Filed in: Alpine skiing, Cross-country skiing, Okemo, Stowe, Sugarbush, Trapp Family Lodge
The Skimeister and I had some work and house chores to do this weekend. We felt a bit guilty about skiing on Thursday, so this was our penance. But all work and no play makes the Skimaven cranky, so we made time to do some cross-country skiing this afternoon in nearby Williston, Vermont, at the Catamount Outdoor Center.
Catamount is the closest cross-country trail network to Burlington. It is pretty fun to ski in Burlington at Red Rocks Park or on the Burlington Country Club, but there are no...[Read more]
Sunday, February 1, 2009
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Filed in: Catamount, Cross-country skiing
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