Vermont Ski Resorts Ready for Holidays as December Storm Drops 2 Feet of Snow

Stowe Mountain Resort on December 13, 2016 (photo by Jeb Wallace-Brodeur).

Just in time for the holiday season, Mother Nature has gifted Vermont’s slopes with up to two feet of snow this week. This abundant early season snowfall allows for expanding open terrain at resorts and has enticed above average amounts of mid-week visitors. With resorts dropping ropes and making snow, and most of the remaining Vermont ski and snowboard areas planning to open this weekend, Vermont’s open terrain will double over the next week and could be close to 100% open over the holiday.

Mount Snow Resort held their annual Founders Day Celebration on Tuesday, December 12 with crowds that rivaled a busy Saturday afternoon. “In what has become a Mount Snow Founders Day tradition, we once again saw a 10”+ powder day correspond with our $12 lift tickets. This meant that our guests paid roughly $1 per inch of powder on Tuesday. Not a bad deal!” said Jamie Storrs, Communications Manager at Mount Snow.

Further north, Burke Mountain saw a 60% increase in open terrain from Tuesday to Wednesday thanks to 15 inches of snow overnight. Nearby at Jay Peak Resort, reservations jumped 30% as the storm rolled in with visitors booking for this coming weekend as well as the holiday period. Similarly, in Southern Vermont, 18 inches of fresh snow at Stratton Mountain Resort resulted in an increase in mid-week and holiday reservations.

Stowe Mountain Resort, now part of Vail Resorts and its Epic Pass, has had an exceptional start to their season with mid-week skiers and snowboarders expanding beyond Vermont residents to guests from states to the south and north of the border. Director of Communications at Stowe Mountain Resort, Jeff Wise, said that the early season snowfall and cooler temperatures have them planning to open 100% of their terrain by Christmas.

At Sugarbush Resort, President and Owner, Win Smith said that thanks to the cooler weather, “we have had terrific snowmaking temperatures and have already blown over two thirds of what we do in a normal year. And now Mother Nature has given us over a foot of snow to add icing to the cake!”

Other Vermont resorts that have relished in Mother Nature’s bounty this week include Bromley Mountain, Smugglers’ Notch Resort and Okemo Mountain Resort. Smugglers’ Notch Resort will have top to bottom skiing and snowboarding on all three of their mountains, Morse, Madonna and Sterling come this weekend. Okemo Mountain Resort expects to double their trail count from last Saturday, December 8th to this Saturday, December 16th and Bromley Mountain began their weeklong operations a day early thanks to the natural snowfall.

Vermont’s cross country centers welcomed over 15 inches of snow to their trails, too. Centers like Trapp Family Lodge and Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center reported winter wonderlands on their properties, with Trapp Family Lodge operating 8 km of trails and Blueberry Hill operating 57.3 km. Kingdom Trail Association and Rikert Nordic Center are 100% open, with many other cross country centers opening more terrain in the coming days with added snowfall.

Looking ahead to the weekend, Vermont resorts like Mad River Glen, Pico Mountain and Middlebury Snowbowl are avidly awaiting opening day on Friday, December 15th and looking forward to opening with more terrain than previously anticipated. General Manager of the Middlebury Snow Bowl, Peter Mackey said thanks to the 14” of snowfall, “we’ll be able to open two trails on just natural snow this weekend that we hadn’t planned on.”

As the snow continues to fall across the Green Mountain State, stay up to date with Vermont’s most recent trail conditions and weather alerts at SkiVermont.com and explore resort information, deals and events via the Ski Vermont Resort Finder.

See also:

Bubble Chairs, Great Snowmaking Give Okemo Mountain Resort an Edge

Mount Snow’s First Ever Devin Logan Experience Provides Template for New Women’s Programs

 

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Dogsledding, X-Country Skiing, Snowmobiling in New Hampshire’s Grand North

Conditions are simply perfect for cross country, snowshoeing or whatever you choose at Great Glen!

With winter in full swing now, New Hampshire Grand, the official visitor information source for the Great North Woods and the Northern White Mountains, is highlighting winter fun, including the Snodeo, the Great North Woods Vintage Series, Ski and Shoe to the Clouds, Bretton Woods Nordic Marathon and the Great North Woods Sled Dog Challenge. Along with these events and more, the Grand North features plenty of opportunities to get outside—and inside—this winter.

“There is never a dull moment when it comes to wintertime activities in New Hampshire’s Grand North,” said Karl Stone, NH Grand Marketing Manager. “Once again we’re enjoying another great season of snowmobiling, dog sled racing, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Pair this with outstanding dining, opportunities to relax, and breathtaking beauty, and New Hampshire’s Grand North offers a spectacular vacation destination, close to home.”

Snowmobiling
Riding snowmobiles manufactured prior to 1973, racers will hit the throttle for 10 laps during The Great North Woods Vintage Series race in Errol on February 21. Now in its 8^th season, the four-race series, which culminates in Pittsburg on March 14, gives snowmobile racers the opportunity to tune up their old sleds and take a step back in time. The roar of the engines and the speed of the racers is sure to bring excitement to all ages.

For plenty of fun and excitement, check out the 23rd annual SnoDeo, one of the premier snowmobile events in the Northeast drawing about 6,000 snowmobile enthusiasts. Taking place the weekend of March 6 and 7, this event gives snowmobilers the chance to check out the latest and greatest snowmobiles. The event, which takes place at Coleman State Park, began in 1993 as a fundraiser for the Swift Diamond Rider’s Club.

Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Cross country skiers and snowshoers who are up for a challenge may compete at this year’s Ski and Shoe to the Clouds. Dubbed North America’s toughest 10K, Ski to the Clouds, which takes place March 1, takes racers up the steep slopes of Mount Washington, offering a challenging opportunity to push yourself to new heights.

On March 8, the Bretton Woods Nordic Marathon offers long-distance cross-country skiers an opportunity to compete against some of the stiffest competition in the region. Hosted by Bretton Woods Nordic Center on the grounds of the Omni Mount Washington Resort, this event features marathon and half marathon distances. Since 2009, cross country skiers have hit the trails in this annual race on one of the largest Nordic systems in the northeast between the Mount Washington Hotel, the Presidential Range of the White Mountains and Bretton Woods.

Dogsledding
For a uniquely-New Hampshire experience, The Great North Woods Sled Dog Challenge offers a weekend of dog-sledding fun and excitement for all. The three-stage race kicks off at Back Lake Road in Pittsburg on March 13. Dogsled teams continue from Pittsburg to the Mahoosuc Inn in Milan before finishing at the Colebrook Country Club on March 15.

Or, maybe you would like to see the view from a dogsled yourself? Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel in Jefferson offers a variety of tours and adventures, ranging from two-hour trips to full-day trips.

Relaxing Outdoor Fun
Enjoy some relaxing family fun with a sleigh ride at Bear Tree in Pittsburg. Take in the Grand North’s scenic, wintertime beauty as a team of Clydesdales does all the work. Rides will take place Saturday afternoons through March 1, which makes for a great Valentine’s Day date, February 14.  

Looking for a more relaxing snowshoeing experience? Starlit Snowshoe Tours at Great Glen Trails offer great family fun under the stars of northern New Hampshire. A guide will help snowshoers navigate unlit trails using the stars as beacons in the night. Snowshoers ages 8 and up are welcome.

Hitch a ride on the Mt. Washington SnowCoach and take in Mount Washington in all its snow-covered glory. Relying on a 4-track, all-wheel-powered drive-train, the SnowCoach takes passengers to treeline at about 4,200 feet in elevation, providing a glimpse into a sub-arctic world.

Indoor Relaxation
After a day of fun outside, it is time to warm those red cheeks and numb fingers. Pop over to the family-owned Schilling Beer Co. in Littleton for a hot meal and a cold, craft brew. The Grand North’s brewpub, which boasts a selection of 14 beers and great food, is a continental European-artisanal brewery.

Schedule a massage at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel. With a full array of massage options, treat yourself as you unwind and work out the kinks after a long day in the fresh mountain air.

Warm up with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a steaming mug of hot chocolate at the Moose Muck Coffee House in Colebrook. Have a hot sandwich or cup of soup while you’re at it. And maybe throw in a piece of key lime pie as well. Moose Muck relies on local ingredients whenever possible.

For more information on NH Grand, visit www.nhgrand.com, New Hampshire Grand on Facebook, and NH Grand on Twitter. To sign up for the monthly e-newsletters, visit http://www.nhgrand.com/newsletter-sign-up/default.aspx.

 

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New Hampshire Ski Areas Loaded with Snow & Plenty of Activities for February Vacation Weeks

 

Freestyle daredevils can test their skills on the Bag Jump at Cannon Mtn, Feb. 14-17.

LINCOLN, NH –New Hampshire ski areas, enjoying record amounts of snowfall, offer scores of events and deals, particularly in the upcoming February vacation weeks, and some of the best conditions ever.

While skiers and riders will be drawn to the New Hampshire mountains for the fresh powder and soft skiing conditions, most resorts also offer exciting activities for non-skiers as well as a host of events to compliment great conditions. Here are some highlights of vacation week events and activities at New Hampshire ski areas:

• Family Fun Weeks at Bretton Woods that include ice skating, tubing, movies, storytelling & songs, snowman building, s’mores parties and more.
• Snowshoe & S’mores at Loon Mountain, an après-ski adventure involving a lift ride mid-mountain, guided snowshoe hike to the rustic Camp III lodge, and a feast of hors d’oeuvres, hot cocoa, and s’mores around a crackling fire.
• Saturday Night Pay-One-Price (POP) Program at Pats Peak, in which guests have access to skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, lesson tips, rentals, bonfires, and entertainment from 3pm to 10pm.
• Winter Carnival at King Pine Ski Area, featuring sleigh rides, snowshoe tours, Silly Slalom, Belly Bag Races, Family Challenge Races, Gold Rush, Kids Fun Race, and more.
• Cranapalooza après-ski activities at Cranmore Mountain Resort, including entertainment, s’mores, face painting, Cranmore’s mascot C-More, and fireworks.
• Freestyle events at Cannon Mountain including the return of the Bag Jump and the second event of the Bern Freeride Series.

“Now is the time to come to New Hampshire to take advantage of all the new snow,” said Jessyca Keeler, Ski NH’s executive director. “For those who haven’t skied or simply haven’t skied in a while, our ski areas will have plenty of ski school staff on hand over the vacation weeks to teach people of all ages how to love winter.”

Details on these and many more events and activities – including Valentine’s Day specials and events – can be found at www.SkiNH.com. Guests can also find information about tickets and deals, weather and conditions, resort activities, lodging and lessons.

Ski NH is the statewide association representing 33 alpine and cross country resorts in New Hampshire. For more information on ski areas, vacation planning, and updated winter events at Ski NH resorts, call Ski NH at (800) 88-SKI-NH (800-887-5464) or visit the Ski NH website at http://www.SkiNH.com.

 

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Ski NH Selling ‘Anywhere, Anytime Lift Tickets’ Offer Savings Up to 45% Off if Purchased by Sept 14

Ski NH is selling its popular Anywhere, Anytime Lift Tickets, which offer some of the best lift ticket deals available all year at New Hampshire alpine ski resorts.

Skiers and snowboarders who purchase their tickets by the early season deadline of September 14 can save between 20-45% off weekend and holiday rates. Better yet, tickets are fully transferable to family and friends, and can be used any day of the 2014-15 ski season.
Early season tickets are available at six price points: $18, $28, $45, $56 and $67 per ticket, and tickets must be purchased in minimum packages of six total tickets. Customers can purchase as many as they’d like until quantities run out, and they can also mix tickets up from different ski areas to enjoy a sampling of what New Hampshire has to offer. Tickets are only available for purchase online at SkiNH.com.
“Ski NH’s Anywhere, Anytime Lift Tickets are an awesome deal for skiers and riders. The fact that they’re transferable and can be used anytime during the season make them ideal gifts,” said Jessyca Keeler, Ski NH Executive Director. “But people shouldn’t wait until the holidays to buy, because quantities are limited and we sell out of many resort tickets long before the first frost.”
Ski NH is the statewide association representing 33 alpine and cross country resorts and more than 200 lodging and guest service properties in New Hampshire. For more information on ski areas, lodging packages, and updated winter events at Ski NH resorts, call Ski NH at (800) 88-SKI-NH (800-887-5464) or visit the Ski NH website at www.SkiNH.com.

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Bromley, Cranmore, and Jiminy Peak Offer Free Lessons, Lifts, Rentals to First Timers on Sunday, Mar. 9, 2014

If ever there was a time to learn to ski or snowboard in the Northeast, that time is Sunday, March 9, 2014, when three New England resorts showcase for free their new Terrain Based Learning (TBL) programs to first time skiers and snowboarders. No small print. No hidden fees. Just register in advance, show up, get professionally fitted in free rental gear, and have access to instructors for 90 minutes at Jiminy Peak in Hancock, Mass., Bromley Resort in Peru, Vt., and Cranmore Resort in North Conway, N.H.

It’s a first for the TBL Program at these resorts, and a first in at least a decade that beginners are being invited to enjoy winter as guests of the resorts’ ski schools. All three host resorts are part of the Fairbank Group based at Jiminy Peak which has made a major commitment to learning by rethinking the process of transforming beginners into skiers or snowboarders on fun, specially designed fear-free slopes.

Terrain features such as rollers, half-pipes, and banks are carved into the surface to serve almost like training wheels to build confidence in sliding on snow, said Ben Wilcox, president and general manager of Cranmore Resort. “Once beginners learn the fundamentals, they progress to the rest of the mountain much faster.”

Adds Tyler Fairbank, president of Fairbank Group, “Through this unprecedented offer, we hope to capitalize on the buzz created by the Winter Games. What’s more, it will be a little warmer, a little sunnier than those days earlier this season when we were all under the spell of the polar vortex. “We believe TBL is a better way to become skiers and snowboarders and hope to expose more beginners to this most intuitive and enjoyable way to learn,” Fairbank says.

First time skiers and snowboarders, ages six and up, must register in advance at their preferred resort, then upon arrival will receive complimentary equipment rental, a rental helmet, and a beginners’ lift ticket valid all day after the 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon instruction ($89 value). They will also receive a discount on additional lessons, lift tickets, and rentals through the end of the 2013-14 winter season.

The offer is limited to the first 150 beginners at each resort. Some other restrictions apply. Terrain Based Learning instruction, now a permanent part of each resort’s learning programs, will continue to be available through the end of the 2013-14 ski season.

For more information online, visit: bromley.com, jiminypeak.com or Cranmore.com. Or call: Bromley (802 824 5522 x 301), Cranmore (603 356 5544 x 333), or Jiminy Peak (413 738 5500 x 3680).

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