Resorts & Mountains > Stowe
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
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
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'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 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'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
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
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Filed in: Fall & Early season, Okemo, Stowe, Sugarbush
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
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
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Killington, Mad River Glen, Mt. Snow, Okemo, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Stratton, Sugarbush, Ticket discounts
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Cross-country skiing, Okemo, Stowe, Sugarbush, Trapp Family Lodge
Saturday dawned with clear, sunny skies and the Skimeister and I cemented our plans for the day over breakfast. Despite the expected drop in temperatures during the day, we would head over to Stowe, Vt., to tackle the lower Steeple trail. It would my first time on this backcountry skiing terrain to the west of the Stowe Mountain Resort nordic center, and to the south of Mt. Mansfield. It's a historic Vermont trail that I had read about in David Goodman's "Backcountry Skiing Adventures" book,...[Read more]
Sunday, January 25, 2009
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Cross-country skiing, Food, coffee & après, Mt. Mansfield, Stowe, Trapp Family Lodge
Friday afternoon update: The Skimeister and I took a longish lunch and did some cross-country skiing at Catamount nordic center in Williston, Vt. The coverage was good. My poles punched through about five inches of snow on the side of the trails. So, the higher elevations should have even better snow conditions!
Bundle up and have fun this weekend. Many Vermont ski resorts are nearly 100 percent open now.
Now onto winter carnivals, which take on two forms in Vermont. The first is a collegiate...[Read more]
Friday, January 23, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Backcountry skiing, Burke, Cross-country skiing, Food, coffee & après, Okemo, Stowe, Trapp Family Lodge
Depending on where you live in Vermont, you woke up this morning to temperatures in the order of -24 or -17. It was so cold last night that my house let out some very strange sounds. (Hope the siding is still attached.)
So, needless to say, this is not skiing weather. In fact, Bolton Valley Resort did not offer night skiing this week due to the cold. Over in northern Maine, Big Rock ski area closed for a couple days citing the dangerous wind chill.
This is the kind of weather that when you go...[Read more]
Friday, January 16, 2009
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Food, coffee & après, Stowe, Sugarbush
I thought I'd share a few photos with you from Stowe and the Trapp Family Lodge cross-country center. I had a really fun and informative day of nordic skiing on Saturday as part of the first-ever Catamount Trail Association's Ladies Expo. More than 100 women descended on the center to get coaching in classic and skate cross-country skiing and backcountry ski techniques.
Everyone I spoke with had a terrific day. The sun was out most of the day and we were doing all sorts of drills so we...[Read more]
Sunday, January 11, 2009
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Cross-country skiing, Food, coffee & après, Stowe, Trapp Family Lodge
OK folks, while our economic recession is still trying to find its bottom, here in Vermont we're in a rebound of sorts. After a warm-up around Christmas time, we've cooled off and enjoyed some significant snowfall. The base is growing and that makes me forget about the year-end retirement account report I received in the mail today. Well, mostly anyways.The word on the street points toward a bullish recovery:
51 inches of snow at the stake near the top of Mt. MansfieldAt Killington: 12 inches...[Read more]
Thursday, January 8, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Craftsbury, Cross-country skiing, Jay Peak, Killington, Mt. Mansfield, Stowe
Friday night brought some snow our way in northern Vermont. As it was before Christmas, this stuff was super light and fluffy. Sugarbush resort reported seven inches of snow, Stowe says 5, Ascutney ski area reported 2 inches and Burke 1 inch. Looks like the spine of the Green Mountains won out on this little storm.
This light powder would be amazing if we had more of a base! The post-Christmas meltdown affected skiing terrain that didn't have a snowmaking base. That means that the mountains...[Read more]
Saturday, January 3, 2009
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Filed in: Ascutney, Burke, Cross-country skiing, Mt. Mansfield, Stowe, Sugarbush
Check out this weather forecast for Stowe, Vermont. It's a thing of beauty. Flakes, flakes and more flakes!
Yes, snow is on its way again after a weird week where we lost a bunch of snow on one day (we were looking at the grass again here in the Burlington area), and we woke up to a couple of inches of snow the next day.
Jeffersonville, Vt., near Smuggler's Notch, picked up 7 inches and Waitsfield, near Sugarbush, picked up 6 inches from that storm. Up at the mountain at Sugarbush, they are...[Read more]
Thursday, December 18, 2008
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Backcountry skiing, Cross-country skiing, Mt. Mansfield, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe
This sounds like fun in Stowe this weekend: 15 skiing and riding films will be screened around town over the course of eight days, starting on Saturday, November 29. Pizza is involved in some of these showings, too, so get there early.
The cost of entry is either free or $5 depending on the show. Locations include the Rusty Nail and the Vermont Ski Museum.
If you are around Stowe starting this weekend, check it out:http://www.stowefilmfest.com/schedule.htm [Read more]
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
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Filed in: Ski movies, Stowe
< Follow this link for the updated post for 2009/2010: "Vermont lift ticket discounts, skiing deals in 2009 - 2010 for Vermont residents and everyone!" >
Updated 3/13/2009
2008-2009 Season Deals
I've compiled a list of Vermont ski ticket discounts. That's right, these are some of the best skiing deals for you Vermonters and flatlanders. Here in Vermont, we have to get something for suffering through lower-than-average paychecks and higher-than-average housing prices!
Some of these...[Read more]
Monday, November 17, 2008
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Filed in: Ascutney, Bolton Valley, Bromley, Mad River Glen, Magic, Mt. Snow, Okemo, Pico, Stowe, Ticket discounts
Did you know Vermont has more colleges per capita than any other state? It's true. And all those students are now cramming for one of the most important assignments they will have this year: selecting a season pass from a range of college ski pass deals.
Here in northern Vermont, St. Michael's College students actually receive season passes to Smugglers' Notch as part of their tuition packages. Regularly Smuggs sells its college passes for $319.Champlain College provides full-time students "in...[Read more]
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Ascutney, Bolton Valley, Burke, Jay Peak, Killington, Mad River Glen, Season pass, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe
Ski Vermont, an advocate for the Green Mountain State's ski industry, is offering a limited number of Ski Vermont 3 Passes and Ski Vermont 5 Passes for the coming ski season.
I've never bought one, but here's the scoop: You can purchase this pass now and ski at three different Vermont resorts during non-peak days this winter. The participating ski resorts are: Ascutney, Bolton Valley, Bromley, Burke, Jay Peak, Killington, Mad River Glen, Magic Mountain, Middlebury Snow Bowl, Mount Snow, Okemo,...[Read more]
Thursday, October 9, 2008
5 Comments
Filed in: Ascutney, Bolton Valley, Jay Peak, Killington, Mad River Glen, Okemo, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Sugarbush, Ticket discounts
Thinking about skiing Stowe this winter? Don't want to pay the full $80-something day ticket price? Then you may want to check out this promotion if you are planning on hitting Burlington, Vt., this month.
People who eat or shop in participating establishments on the famous Church Street Marketplace in Burlington can earn a free Stowe Points Card. You just have to drop at least $25 at a store or café. If you are planning a Burlington outing anyways, might as well take advantage of this perk....[Read more]
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Season pass, Stowe, Ticket discounts
Ah, nearly Labor Day. It's about time to lock in to the best deals available on season passes and skiing discount cards in Vermont.
The Skimeister and I are planning to ski around Vermont resorts and the backcountry a lot this winter, but we also want to ski Smugglers' Notch at least eight times or so, so we looked into the the Bash Badge Plus. The best price is had when you bag the badge before Labor Day.
This discount card allows the holder to buy $25 ski tickets during the season. The...[Read more]
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Bolton Valley, Burke, Cochran's, Jay Peak, Mad River Glen, Season pass, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Sugarbush
We've had a gorgeous morning in northern Vermont. When I drove home yesterday after work, however, I looked toward Bolton Valley ski resort and beneath the lifting clouds I saw ski runs. White ski runs.Turns out the upper elevations were blanketed with snow yesterday. Stowe Mountain Resort reported about 5 inches fell on the top of the mountain. Not that I don't trust them, but I proceeded to the NOAA site and yes, there is about 18 inches at the stake near the summit of Mt. Mansfield. I...[Read more]
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
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Filed in: Mt. Mansfield, Spring skiing, Stowe
Nothing like a cheap lift ticket to get people out on the slopes! Stowe Mountain Resort had a rare ticket deal yesterday: bring two cans of food for the Vermont Food Shelf and you could ski for $20. With yesterday being the last day of lift service at Stowe, the Skimeister and I just had to go.
I used to work and live in Stowe years and years ago, back when there actually was a guy named Perry Merrill. OK, not that long ago. Working for the mountain company was not as glamorous as it seems,...[Read more]
Monday, April 21, 2008
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Food, coffee & après, Spring skiing, Stowe, Ticket discounts
A short list of things that are 30 feet tall or long:
1. A 30-foot-tall scale model of the Sears Tower built with Jenga blocks at Northern Michigan University: faculty.nmu.edu/ims/sears1.htm
2. The meat-eating dinosaur called Torvosaurus cf. tanneri, a "Savage Lizard" found in western Colorado; 30 feet long, standing 8.5 feet tall at the hips, and tipping the scale at about 5,000 pounds:...[Read more]
Monday, April 14, 2008
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Backcountry skiing, Jay Peak, Spring skiing, Stowe, Ticket discounts
Well it seems really early this year, but Easter weekend is here! We're going to do some skiing this weekend. Are you?
If you are headed to the slopes in Vermont and want to enjoy a unique tradition, roll out of bed extra early on Sunday to take in a sunrise Easter service. The ski resorts hold these at the top of the mountain, so if the weather is good you can get an inspiring view, and a nice early morning ski run.
So far, the weekend weather is looking clear and lovely (what a treat!) But...[Read more]
Thursday, March 20, 2008
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Sugarbush
Did you know that Burlington has the largest Mardi Gras celebration in New England? Yes, snowy and oh so cool Burlington, Vt.!
We Vermonters are hardy folk, so we pile on the layers and stand in the cold to catch some of the thousands of beads, chocolates and Moonpies (those tasty little things) that are thrown at us. And we have a blast doing it.
Magic Hat brewery plans the event, now in its 13th year. Held on Saturday, February 23, the parade route starts on Main Street and heads north...[Read more]
Thursday, February 21, 2008
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Food, coffee & après, Stowe
Middlebury College squeaked by the University of Vermont to win the UVM Winter Carnival in Stowe, Vermont, this weekend. The Skimeister and I caught some of the nordic action on Saturday, which featured zippy 1.2 km sprints.
These were really short, fast races and from the meadow at Trapp Family Lodge you could see the racers for nearly all of the course. Real fun to watch! I just had to go inside once for a $1 cocoa to defrost. Ahhhh...
At a UVM aprés-ski event, UVM Director of Skiing Bill...[Read more]
Sunday, February 3, 2008
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Cross-country skiing, Stowe, Trapp Family Lodge
Snow is on its way this weekend, but not before a potential mix of precipitation on Friday. Hopefully Mother Nature tosses out more of the white stuff than sleet!
The ski resorts are currently reporting good conditions and they are offering an abundance of open trails and lifts. Check the snow report links on my Vermont Ski Resorts page before you go. By Saturday you may be pleasantly surprised with reports of fresh powder up high in the hills!
This weekend is UVM Winter Carnival Weekend...[Read more]
Thursday, January 31, 2008
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Cross-country skiing, Stowe, Trapp Family Lodge
When you live in the north country, winter is something you embrace. This weekend in Stowe, Vt., they're doing just that with the Stowe Winter Carnival.
Some of the country’s best amateur and professional ice carvers create frozen masterpieces on Saturday, January 26. The nationally sanctioned competition is one of many activities during this annual celebration with roots back to 1922.
Yes, ice can be nice. The chopping, picking, chain sawing and creative blow torching goes on between 11 a.m....[Read more]
Friday, January 25, 2008
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Filed in: Food, coffee & après, Jay Peak, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe
If those twits at Heavenly, Vail and Beaver Creek send me one more e-mail ...
Their multimillion-dollar marketing machine keeps sending me mouth-watering photos of the three to 10 feet (that is not a typo) of snow that has piled up on their totally fabulous resorts in the last week. A photo in a Beaver Creek, Colo., e-mail even showed a skier (or what you could see of him) with a snorkel.
Please don't laugh, it just encourages them.
Normally, this would not phase me, but we've been...[Read more]
Friday, January 11, 2008
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Filed in: Alpine skiing, Bolton Valley, Burke, Catamount, Craftsbury, Cross-country skiing, Jay Peak, Mad River Glen, Stowe, Western skiing
'Twas the day before Thanksgiving, and all through the house, people were looking for their winter gear, and starting to grouse.
OK, I've found my boot bag, long johns, hats and mittens, helmet, and even my balaklava. But where the heck is my ski jacket and ski pants? I'm going to need these things pronto!
There are at least seven ski resorts open in Vermont this weekend for early-season runs. And we've received natural snow in the mountains and even a bit down in the Banana Belt of...[Read more]
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
1 Comment
Filed in: Fall & Early season, Jay Peak, Killington, Mt. Snow, Okemo, Stowe, Stratton, Sugarbush
One of the conundrums you face as a skier in northern Vermont is deciding where you purchase a season pass or discount card—or whether you do that at all. We have a bunch of ski resorts within an hour and a half from Burlington, Vt., plus an abundance of backcountry terrain that doesn't require a lift. What's a skier to do?
Part of the reason I stopped teaching skiing about six years ago was to allow myself the ability to enjoy several resorts each season—not just the one I was...[Read more]
Thursday, October 25, 2007
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Jay Peak, Season pass, Stowe, Ticket discounts
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