Vermont Ski Resorts Put 2017-18 Season Passes on Sale for Limited Time

Riding up the lift in the cozy comfort of the bubble chairs at Okemo Mountain Resort, Vermont © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

For visitors coming to the Green Mountains of Vermont to ski or snowboard this winter, season passes are one of the best investments to make. Not only is there no better feeling on a powder day than skipping the ticket line and heading straight to first chair, but skiers and snowboarders save immensely throughout the season when they purchase a pass at their favorite resort. Many of Vermont’s resorts offer special discounts and passes like pre season deals, military, couples, student passes and more. Find out what’s on sale for the 2017-18 season:

Bolton Valley
Lowest price deadline for passes: September 25, 2017

Highlighted Pass: The Ski Bum Pass
Price: $189 through Oct 31, 2017
The Ski Bum All Access Pass is for anyone ages 18-25.

For all Bolton Valley season pass options, visit boltonvalley.com

Bromley Mountain
Lowest price deadline for passes: October 15, 2017

Highlighted Pass: Super Value Pass
Price: $525
The Super Value Pass is valid seven days a week, non-holiday for all ages (5+).

For all Bromley Mountain season pass options, visit bromley.com

Burke Mountain
Lowest price deadline for passes: October 9, 2017

Highlighted Pass: Couples Judge Pass
Price:  $1809
The Judge is valid at both Burke Mountain and Jay Peak Resort all season long.

For all Burke Mountain season pass options, visit skiburke.com

Jay Peak Resort
Lowest price deadline for passes: October 9, 2017

Highlighted Pass: Midweek
Price: $479 (All ages)
Midweek passes are valid Monday-Friday throughout the 2017-18 season.

For all Jay Peak Resort season pass options, visit jaypeakresort.com

Killington Resort
Lowest price deadline for passes: October 12, 2017

Highlighted Pass: 4.0 The College Pass
Price: $399 for full-time college students through December 15, 2017
Full-time undergraduate and graduate students for the 2017-18 school term get unlimited access to four resorts – Killington, Pico and Okemo in Vermont and Mount Sunapee in New Hampshire.

You can also M.A.X.IFY your Killington season passes. Add-on up to 42 resorts, five days at each with zero blackout days for $329 for adults and $229 for youth.

For all Killington Resort season pass options, visit killington.com

Mad River Glen
Lowest price deadline for passes: October 15, 2017

Highlighted Pass: Value Pass
Price: Adult $551
The Value Pass is valid every day except Saturday and on holiday Sundays (Dec. 31, Jan. 14 and Feb 18 & 25).

For all Mad River Glen season pass options, visit madriverglen.com

Magic Mountain
Lowest price deadline for passes: October 15, 2017

Highlighted Pass: Senior (70+) / Military Unlimited Pass
Price: $399
Adults 70+ can still get after it in youthful style with Magic’s unlimited season pass. The Military Pass discount is for active military and spouses plus Veterans.

For all Magic Mountain season pass options, visit magicmtn.com

Middlebury Snow Bowl
Lowest price deadline for passes: November 30, 2017

Highlighted Pass: Student Pass (7^th grade through college)
Price: $320
Ski or snowboard all season long with unlimited access thanks to the Student Pass.

For all Middlebury Snow Bowl season pass options, visit middleburysnowbowl.com

Mount Snow Resort
Lowest price deadline for passes: October 18, 2017

Highlighted Pass: Explorer Pass
Price: Adult (30+) $799 / Youth (7-17) $599
Enjoy unlimited access to Mount Snow and 6 other Northeast resorts with the Explorer Pass.

For all Mount Snow season pass options, visit mountsnow.com

Skiing down the Long John Trail at Mount Snow © 2017 Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

Okemo Mountain Resort
Lowest price deadline for passes: October 9, 2017

Highlighted Pass: Ultimate Season Pass
Price: Adult (19-64) $1,409
Ski and ride every day at Okemo with no blackout days. Ultimate pass holders also qualify for one-day, non-holiday tickets at Stratton Mountain Resort for $49.00.

You can also M.A.X.IFY your Okemo season passes. Add-on up to 42 resorts, five days at each with zero blackout days for $329 for adults and $229 for youth.

For all Okemo Mountain Resort season pass options, visit okemo.com

Pico Mountain
Lowest price deadline for passes: October 12, 2017

Highlighted Pass: Adult My Pico Season Pass
Price: $449
Get unlimited access to Pico Mountain all season long with the Adult My Pico Season Pass.

You can also M.A.X.IFY your Pico season passes. Add-on up to 42 resorts, five days at each with zero blackout days for $329 for adults and $229 for youth.

For all Pico Mountain season pass options, visit picomountain.com

Smugglers’ Notch Resort
Lowest price deadline for passes: October 31, 2017

Highlighted Pass: The Hybrid
Price: Adults (19-69) $429
The Hybrid is the best value for those who have the flexibility to ski and ride mid-week — a season pass during the week/non-holiday and a Bash Badge on weekends and holidays.

For all Smugglers’ Notch Resort season pass options, visit smuggs.com

Skiing down the Rumrunners Trail at Smugglers’ Notch © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

Stowe Mountain Resort
Lowest price deadline for passes: October 8, 2017

Highlighted Pass: Epic Pass
Price: Adult (13+) $859
Ski as much as you want, whenever you want. The Epic Pass allows unlimited, unrestricted access to Stowe in addition to 14 additional western resorts.

For all Stowe Mountain Resort season pass options, visit stowe.com

Stratton Mountain Resort
Lowest price deadline for passes: October 9, 2017

Highlighted Pass: Strattitude
Price: $349
Valid every day with no blackout dates for ages 18-32. The Strattitude Pass also includes (2) $45 buddy tickets valid every day, non-holiday, during the 2017-18 season.

You can also M.A.X.IFY your Stratton season passes. Add-on up to 42 resorts, five days at each with zero blackout days for $329 for adults and $229 for youth.

For all Stratton Mountain Resort season pass options, visit stratton.com

Sugarbush Resort
Lowest price deadline for passes: September 13, 2017

Highlighted Pass: Boomer Pass (Age 65-89)
Price: $139
The Boomer Pass includes midweek, non-holiday skiing at Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen.

Sugarbush is now a part of the Mountain Collective. The Mountain Collective Pass includes two days at each of the 16 destinations plus 50% off additional days.

For all Sugarbush Resort season pass options, visit sugarbush.com

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Okemo Mountain Resort, Vermont Introduces Kids’ Snowmobile Tours

Among the distinctive activities that make Okemo such a marvelous family mountain destination are new kids snowmobile tours on specially designed ‘kidsbiles’.

LUDLOW, Vt. – Okemo Mountain Resort has added kids’ snowmobile tours to its lineup of winter activities for families visiting the popular ski and snowboard resort. Pintsized Polaris snowmobiles travel at a maximum speed of 8 mph. Kids love the look and sound of the Indy 120 XC – a real snowmobile built for kids. Each 15-minute tour consisting of up to four riders takes place on a specially designed course at the Jackson Gore Paleo Field and is led by an adult riding a full-sized sled. Riders must be between the ages of 5 and 12, weigh no more than 120 pounds and be no taller than 5’4”. Helmets are required and provided for riders. Each tour is $29 and reservations are recommended.

Renowned for its commitment to snowmaking, world-class grooming, and a vast selection of trails that span five distinct mountain areas, Okemo Mountain Resort excels at providing a memorable winter vacation experience off the slopes, as well as on. Visitors can enjoy mountain coaster rides, ice skating, snow tubing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, swimming, year-round indoor golf, racquetball, fitness classes, aerobic and weight training, massage, sauna, relaxing by a fire, or soaking in a hot tub.

The Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster is a four-season attraction that offers a scenic and exhilarating ride through alpine forests and along the contours of the mountain at Okemo’s Jackson Gore. The roller-coaster ride features tubular rails for a smooth run down the mountain at any time of the year. Sled-like cars carry two passengers in comfort but can be handled easily by one alone. The riders are in control of their speed and this gives them a unique hands-on experience, encouraging repeat visits. Visitors, age 7 and older, load and unload The Timber Ripper in the Jackson Gore base area, near the bottom of the Coleman Brook Express lift. The ride starts with a five-minute, 1,600-foot climb followed by a 375 vertical-foot descent along 3,100 feet of track with turns, waves, camel backs and banking loops at speeds of up to 25 mph.

The Ice House, a multi-functional, year-round sports pavilion, features a covered skating rink that is maintained by an ice resurfacing machine. Skate rentals are available and skaters can enjoy a hot chocolate by the fireplace inside the attached building. When winter wanes, The Ice House transitions to a warm-weather sports center with tennis courts, a basketball court and covered, single-lane jogging track.

Snow tubing is a popular early-evening activity at Jackson Gore on weekends and during holiday periods and other designated times. Specially groomed chutes keep inflatable snow-sliding “inner tubes” on track for a thrilling slide down a snowy slope. Snow tubers must be at least 42 inches tall. Specialized snow tubes are available for rent by the hour and a magic-carpet style surface lift returns tubers to the top of the chutes after each thrilling ride down.

Located halfway between Okemo’s Jackson Gore base area and original Clock Tower base area, the Okemo Valley Nordic Center welcomes winter enthusiasts with 22 km of tracked and skate-groomed cross-country skiing trails, and 13 km of trails designated for the use of snowshoers. Okemo’s Nordic Center trails are ideally suited to all ability levels, and they are groomed daily using state-of-the-art grooming machines. Inside the clubhouse, visitors enjoy a fully stocked Nordic Shop with the latest advances in outdoor clothing and accessories. Demos, equipment rentals, repairs and waxing are available on-site. Dressing rooms with showers and lockers make a nice change from the typical rustic facilities of most Nordic centers.

Golfers can stay on top of their game with Okemo’s Indoor Golf Training Center at the Okemo Valley Nordic Center. The 6,000 square-foot, indoor practice facility houses a 700 square-foot putting green, swing stations and a computerized virtual golf simulator.  Golf instructional programs are available with group and private lessons offered. The Indoor Training Center is an ideal way for golfers to improve upon their skills and maintain their swing during the winter months. Golf enthusiasts can purchase a golf winter season pass to the indoor golf facility or visit one day at a time for a daily fee.

Okemo’s Spring House is a center for relaxation and rejuvenation. The two-level, 18,000 square-foot fitness and aquatic center features a recreational swimming pool with lap lanes for designated swim times, a five-person hot tub, and a children’s pool with a whimsical frog slide and numerous splash and fountain features. In addition to all that aquatic action, The Spring House offers a racquetball court, a fitness-class studio, weights and cardio equipment, a sauna, and locker rooms that include a unique family locker room area. For the ultimate indulgence, massage services are available just steps away, inside the Jackson Gore Inn.

For resort visitors who opt to travel farther afield, the village of Ludlow and the entire Okemo Valley serves as a gateway to Okemo Mountain Resort, offering shopping, dining and a variety of community events that are open to the public.

For more information about Okemo Mountain Resort, call (800) 228-1600 or visit okemo.com.

 

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Stowe Mountain Lodge Introduces ‘Mountain Survival Package’ and Other New Experiences

Stowe, Vt. – Stowe Mountain Lodge, by Destination Hotels, is offering new and exciting outdoor adventures and revitalizing spa treatments for the 2014/2015 winter season. With people seeking more experiential and adventurous vacations for the entire family, Stowe Mountain Lodge has developed offerings that appeal to a wide variety of guests.

Here is a sample of new offerings for the 2014/2015 winter season.

The Mountain Survival Package:  This is an unforgettable experience and a chance to spend the day with a true mountain man and our resident Green Mountain expert. Mountain Survival includes:  a two-night stay in luxurious accommodations, your choice of an ice climbing/mountaineering expedition, a Rustic Furniture Making Class, or a backcountry skiing trip; an 80 minute deep tissue or hot-stone massage, a guided evening snowshoe tour and a $100 dining credit to experience our upscale restaurant, Solstice or Hourglass Lounge. Guests can seek out a true adventure with a touch of indulgence to go along.

For Mom: The Winter Goddess: Spend a day at the Spa and Wellness Center at Stowe Mountain Lodge to truly revive and rejuvenate. Winter Goddess includes:

-Hydrofacial Boost treatment

-Manicure & Pedicure

-Blowout

-Make-up Application

For the Young Couple: Ultimate Detox: The Stowe Mountain Lodge Spa and Wellness Center takes pride in guiding our guests to achieve their ultimate level in wellness and balance. The Ultimate Detox package is designed to leave you feeling refreshed, healthy, balanced and ready to seize the day, whether it’s on the slopes or sitting by the fire.  Ultimate Detox Package includes:

-80 minute Detox Facial

-50 minute Detox Body Wrap

-50 minute Ionic Detox Foot Ritual with a hand, scalp and foot treatment

-Healing Lodge Access for Detox Ritual

For the Kids: Art Aprés, Ages 3-18:  After a fun day on the ski hill or playing outside, kids can wind down with the art teachers from Stowe’s Helen Day Art Center, a non-profit organization that supports the arts in the community of Stowe, Vermont. Classes include: Paper Arts, Winter Birch Tree Painting, Fabric Arts, Wool Weaving, Snowboard/Ski Designing, Sticker/Logo Designing, Cartooning, Winter Watercolor and more.

For the Grandparents: Take a Day Off…from Skiing!  Package: When you ski hard on a winter vacation, especially a challenging mountain like Stowe Mountain Resort, sometimes you just need a day off. Enjoy the “Take a Day Off” package at The Spa and Wellness Center and spend the day stretching, moving, and relaxing. “Take a Day Off” includes:

-Guided snowshoe Tour and Stowega (our signature outdoor stretching and yoga class)

-Unlimited fitness classes

-Choice of 80-minute massage

For the Four Legged Family Members: Bring the dogs on a special and unique privately guided snowshoe tour for the entire family. Your dogs will get to run free, frolic in the snow and hike Smuggler’s Notch with other Vermont dogs and families. “We like to call it the ‘Vermont Dog Park’.”

Stowe Mountain Lodge is the centerpiece of Spruce Peak at Stowe, a $400 million alpine village in planning and development stages for the past 16 years.  As part of this new community, guests of Stowe Mountain Lodge will enjoy world-class service, 312 guest rooms, a 21,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, ski-in/ski-out access to over 100 legendary trails, exclusive access to Stowe Mountain Club, an 18-hole mountain golf course designed by Bob Cupp, and a heated outdoor pool. Stowe Mountain Resort offers over 56,000 square feet of event space, as well as high-end boutiques, restaurants and limitless on-mountain recreational options.  The lodge offers farm-to-table cuisine in Solstice restaurant and Hourglass bar.  In addition, 34 fractionally-owned condominium units are available for vacation home ownership in the Lodge’s Front Four Private Residence Club.  Rooms reservations, with special lodging offers and packages, are available by calling (802) 253-3560 or (888) 4-STOWE-VT, or by visiting www.stowemountainlodge.com. For real estate inquiries, call (888) 403-7739 or (802) 253-0320.

Destination Hotels is a collection of luxury and upscale independent hotels, resorts and residences across the United States. Offering authentically-immersed and enriching experiences, each property is individual at heart, yet connected by a commitment to drawing upon the best of each location. Highly distinct, the Destination experience is always memorable and matchless; guests will feel the locale in a genuine way through each property and during the engaging moments cultivated both in and outside of them. Continuously growing with more than 40 properties from coast to coast, the award-winning portfolio features 20 renowned golf courses, 19 indigenous spas, and 125 exceptional bars and restaurants. Destination Hotels are true to our place; diverse by design. For more information, visit www.destinationhotels.com. Follow on Twitter: @Destination. Like on Facebook: DestinationHotels.

Stowe Mountain Resort is an internationally renowned four-season destination. With majestic Mt. Mansfield and Spruce Peak, Stowe is filled with activities for every season: golf, tennis, hiking, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, world-class dining, shopping, spas and more. Stowe’s historic village combined with Vermont’s most spectacular landscape creates the quintessential New England getaway. For more information visit:  http://www.stowe.com or call: 800-253-4754.

 

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James Taylor to Perform New Year’s Eve Concert at Stowe to Benefit Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center

STOWE, VT – James Taylor will perform Dec. 31 in a special concert to benefit the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center located at Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont.

The five-time Grammy Award winning singer/song-writer will return to present an intimate evening of some of his most beloved songs in this New Year’s Eve event.  Taylor will be joined by members of his band, including his wife and son, Kim and Henry Taylor.  The Taylor family are regular visitors to Stowe and are all avid skiers.  Taylor last performed at Stowe to open the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center in 2010.  The concert will begin at 8:30 p.m.

Proceeds will benefit the Spruce Peak Arts Center Foundation, Inc. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not for profit public organization funded in part by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations.

The 420-seat multipurpose theatre, situated at the base of Stowe Mountain Resort, is committed to presenting live and multimedia performances including theater, music, dance, variety, film, and much more. The Center also includes active partnerships and collaborations to engage, educate and entertain resort guests and residents of Stowe and surrounding communities. Tickets are available at http://www.sprucepeakarts.org/event/jamestaylor/.

 

James Taylor, a Notable Career

James Taylor’s music embodies the art of songwriting in its most personal and universal forms. He is a master at describing specific, even autobiographical situations in a way that resonates with people everywhere.  In 1971, Taylor was on the cover of Time magazine, heralded as the harbinger of the singer-songwriter era.  Four decades later his warm baritone, introspective lyrics and unique guitar playing still blaze a path to which young musicians aspire.

He has sold over 100 million albums throughout his career and has earned 40 gold, platinum, and multi-platinum awards, multiple GRAMMY Awards and has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame.  His songs have had a profound influence on songwriters and music lovers from all walks of life: “Fire and Rain,” “Country Road,” “Something in the Way She Moves,” “Mexico,” “Shower the People,” “Your Smiling Face,” “Carolina In My Mind,” “Sweet Baby James,” “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight,” “You Can Close Your Eyes,” “Walking Man,” “Never Die Young,” “Shed a Little Light,” “Copperline,” “Enough to be On Your Way,” “Caroline I See You,” and many more.

Early next year, Taylor will release a new album or original, which he wrote and recorded in between touring over the past few years.  It will also be a particularly special summer for Taylor as he will be performing a full length concert with his All-Star Band for the first time ever at Fenway Park to a sold out crowd on August 6, with guest Bonnie Raitt.

In a career marked by artistic triumphs, the past few years for Taylor have been notable for both creative virtuosity and recognition of exceptional achievement.  In 2012, he was awarded the distinguished Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government and in 2011, was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama. Both medals are their nation’s highest honors for artistic excellence recognizing “outstanding achievements and support of the arts.” In 2011, Taylor was also honored with a Carnegie Hall Perspectives series, which consisted of four concert evenings presented by Carnegie Hall and featuring Taylor and personally selected musical guests.

Raised in North Carolina, Taylor lives in Massachusetts with his wife, Kim, and their twins, Henry and Rufus. (www.jamestaylor.com, http://www.facebook.com/jamestaylor)

Tickets go on sale December 11 at 10 am at sprucepeakarts.org.

 

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Vermont Adaptive Partners with United States Association of Blind Athletes to Host Sixth Annual Winter Ski Festival

The United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) in partnership with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports will host its largest gathering of skiers who are blind and visually impaired at its Sixth Annual Winter Ski Festival in Killington, Saturday, Feb. 9 and Sunday, Feb. 10 at Pico Mountain. Up to 30 athletes with visual impairments will be given the opportunity to learn to ski or race in the sports of Alpine and Nordic skiing, while spending a weekend in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Athletes will be attending from New England states, and as far south as Florida and North Carolina and west to Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

The event is open to all ages, all abilities and all ski levels. Trained guides and instructors are provided by Vermont Adaptive, the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont, which is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities.

This year, a group of five Veterans will join the festivities. The USABA Military Sport Program works to enhance the lives of disabled Veterans and Service Members who are blind or visually impaired and to accelerate their rehabilitation process through sport, physical activity, and recreation; as well as assist in the integration of those individuals back into their local community. Mark Lucas, USABA’s executive director said, “USABA is extremely pleased to partner with Vermont Adaptive to provide an opportunity for skiers who are blind and visually impaired. Now in its sixth year, the event has really expanded with meet-and-greet receptions, Alpine and Nordic skiing sessions, a banquet, and a biathlon demonstration using a sonar laser rifle.”

In addition, six athletes from Vermont were awarded scholarships for their winning essays from a contest held by the Vermont Division of the Blind and Visually Impaired and Vermont Adaptive. Applicants had to write about how sports and recreation help other aspects of their lives and how they would help spread the word to other people about the importance of sports through the programs of Vermont Adaptive and USABA.

Grant funding for this program is awarded by U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, through funding provided by Veteran Affairs. The grants are provided to facilitate the growth of Paralympic-sport programming for disabled Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forced.

For more information, visit http://www.usaba.org or contact: Mark Lucas at USABA at: (719) 352-9134 or Tom Alcorn at VASS: (802) 353-7584.

Since its founding in 1976, the United States Association of Blind Athletes, a community-based organization of the United States Olympic Committee, has reached more than 100,000 blind individuals. The organization has emerged as more than just a world-class trainer of blind athletes, it has become a champion of the abilities of Americans who are legally blind.For more information, please visit our Web site: www.usaba.org.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont offering the most diverse program opportunities and unique, specialized equipment. Vermont Adaptive promotes independence and furthers equality through access and instruction to winter and summer sports and recreational opportunities. For more information, visit www.vermontadaptive.org.

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Save $50-$150 on Stratton Mountain, Vermont Ski Season Pass: Buy by Oct. 8

Save $50-$150 on a seasonal pass to Stratton Mountain, Vermont, by buying before October 8 © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

Save $50-$150 on a seasonal pass to Stratton Mountain, Vermont, by buying before October 8.

The full spread Season passes are available now for $50 to $150 less than regular season prices, from the hard-working Value Pass to the SOS pass for college students to the total package of the Ultra Pass. Every pass gets you on the snow more quickly than a lift ticket, and some include early lift access, special offers for friends and family and skiing/riding at Okemo and Mount Sunapee.

The Stratton Value Pass is the ticket (without a ticket) to the whole mountain, corduroy, powder, bluebird days and all. At a budget-friendly price of $649 before Oct. 8, a full season of great skiing and riding is at your feet with direct-to-lift access. The Value Pass is valid at Stratton only during non-holiday periods. Or, choose the Value Plus pass and get the same access to Okemo and Mount Sunapee for $749.

Stratton’s most affordable pass, the Sunday Pass, is a secret weapon for weekenders at just $289 before Oct. 8. Take advantage of each and every weekend minute and ski and ride on non-holiday Sundays for the same great snow and lifts for less.

Another way to save big by planning ahead is Stratton’s Early Booking Offer, for savings of up to 30 percent on lodging throughout the season. Book before October 31 and get 30% off midweek stays, 20% off weekend stays and 10% off those highly coveted holiday stays in select properties. Stratton’s price protection program guarantees early birds the lowest rate and a relaxed cancellation policy lets guests rest easy before they even arrive at the resort.

To choose one of Stratton’s passes, score the best lodging deals or get all the details on both, visit Stratton.com or call 1-800-STRATTON (787-2886).

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Mount Snow Celebrates Spring With The New Vernal Eternal Spring Pass And Six Weeks Of Events, Parties, Festivals and Deals

Mount Snow in southern Vermont is presenting a six week Vernal Eternal celebration which includes a brand new spring pass and a jam packed calendar of events that includes festivals, parties, freestyle events, live music and lift ticket deals starting February 26 all the way through the end of the season.

Many snow sports enthusiasts wait until the month of March to head to the mountains because that is when the sun is higher in the sky, the snowfall is traditionally ample and the après ski scene gets kicked up a notch which is a big reason why the resort has come out with the new Vernal Eternal Spring Pass.

The Vernal Eternal Spring Pass provides unlimited access to skiing and riding at Mount Snow every day starting February 26 through the end of the ski season for $299. The pass is available for purchase online starting Saturday, February 25 and will be available for purchase at the resort starting Sunday, February 26. With huge annual events planned along with some new events that have been added to the schedule, the last six weeks of the ski season are simply loaded with reasons to visit the mountain.

“We pride ourselves in throwing the best parties, events and festivals around”, says events manager, Tim Dolan. “Starting with our Mardi Gras celebration the last weekend of February, all the way through to the Winter Brewer’s Festival on Easter Weekend, our guests know that springtime is event time here at Mount Snow.”

Vernal Eternal Schedule:

February 29: Leap Day $29 Lift Ticket Deal
March 3&4: USASA Southern Vermont Series
March 3: Mount Snow Open On-Snow Golf Tournament
March 4: Jack Jump World Championships
March 10: Girls’ Day Out
March 12-16: Revolution Tour
March 16: Bud Light St. Patrick’s Day $17 Lift Ticket Deal
March 17: Carinthia Open
March 23-25: Bud Light Reggae Fest
March 24: 10th Annual Sink or Skim Pond Skimming Contest
March 25: 5th Annual Duct Tape Derby
March 31: Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge Finals
April 7: 4th Annual Mount Snow Winter Brewer’s Festival
April 7: Glade-iator Extreme Bump Competition

For details on the Vernal Eternal event schedule as well as conditions and deals visit www.mountsnow.com.

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Fundraisers for Vermont Adaptive’s Ski Challenge 2012 at Pico Mountain Can Earn Lift Tickets, Season Passes, Ski/Ride Package

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont offering the most diverse program opportunities and unique, specialized equipment, will host its annual Ski Challenge fundraising event on Saturday, March 10 at Pico Mountain. A retro '80s is this year's theme © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont offering the most diverse program opportunities and unique, specialized equipment, will host its annual Ski Challenge fundraising event on Saturday, March 10 at Pico Mountain. A retro ’80s is this year’s theme. People do not have to participate in the race to attend the family-friendly gala after the day’s event. Gala-only tickets are available.

In addition, Killington Resort and Pico Mountain are providing lift ticket and season pass fundraising incentives in order for the non-profit to reach its event goal of raising $100,000.

Vermont Adaptive has established a special page on FirstGiving.com, enabling both participants and non-participants in the Ski Challenge to reap the benefits of raising money for Vermont Adaptive. The incentives and fundraising levels include:

$200 in pledges = (1) 2012-13 Pico Mountain Lift Ticket

$300 in pledges = (2) 2012-13 Pico Mountain Lift Tickets

$500 in pledges = (2) 2012-13 Killington Lift Tickets

$750 in pledges = (1) 2012-13 Pico Mountain Season Pass

$1,000 in pledges = (1) 2012-13 Killington Midweek Season Pass

$1,500 in pledges = (1) 2012-13 Killington Unlimited Season Pass

$2,000 in pledges = Complete Rossignol Ski or snowboard Package

Those interested in participating in the fundraising can create an individual fundraising page at http://www.firstgiving.com/sportsforeverybody/ski-challenge-2012

Every $100 in pledges enables Vermont Adaptive to provide a full-day skiing scholarship. The cost of an outing with Vermont Adaptive for the consumer can range from a $15 for a two hour canoeing session to $90 for a full day ski lesson, including instructors, ticket and adaptive equipment. All of the school and advocacy groups that the organization works with are also subsidized by Vermont Adaptive; school groups are charged a reduced rate starting at 50% off, and participants receive the same one on one experience as any individual who participates.

“We believe sports and recreation provide a physical, mental and social experience that is immeasurable in promoting self-confidence and independence in an individual,” said Erin Fernandez, executive director. “This is our largest winter fundraiser and monies raised will help us to underwrite some of the costs of our adaptive programs and allow more people with disabilities to participate. We are so thankful to our resort partners like Killington and Pico, who continually step up and come through with us with amazing support. We couldn’t be who we are without partners like them.”

This year’s Ski Challenge includes a day filled with skiing and fun, timed racing and a night complete with family-friendly grazing stations with a retro-’80s theme and music, awards, and dancing. Saturday begins with check-in for participants from 8 – 9:30 a.m. in the Sunshine Room in the Pico Mountain base lodge. The fun race begins at 10 a.m. The race is open to all ages and abilities of skiers, riders and tele-skiers. Each racer will complete two times runs. Participants are encouraged to create teams of three and compete in costumes as well. Awards will be made in various categories for all participants, from best individual times to fasted teams, best costume, youngest and oldest participants, as well as acknowledging top fundraisers.

Beginning at 4 p.m. the event moves to the Killington Grand Hotel. A cash bar and Silent Auction begin at 4 p.m. Then the night continues with awards, dinner and dancing. The Silent Auction will wrap up around 7:30 p.m. A DJ will be spinning retro ’80s tunes.

Registration includes a special wool IBEX Outdoor Clothing beanie as well as full-day lift ticket for March 10, 2012 to Pico, Ski Challenge festivities, awards, and the après-ski party. Apres-ski party tickets can be purchased in advance as well. Registration is online at www.vermontadaptive.org.

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www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

 

Stratton Mountain offering Super Duper Super Bowl Deals

Stratton Mountain Resort is offering special deals over Super Bowl weekend © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

Super Duper Super Bowl Deals – Giants and Patriots fans alike – heck, Ravens and 49ers fans, too – are in for a linebacker’s weight in savings this Super Bowl weekend. Just because it’s the biggest game of the year doesn’t mean you ought to sacrifice a day of skiing and riding. Grizzly’s and Bentley’s will be hosting Super Bowl parties on their oversized screens and offering all the game day trimmings.

Packages to get you skiing more, saving more and not missing a minute of the game include:

The Super Bowl 2-Day Ticket: Buy one day and get the second day at half price! Lift ticket for all ages and is valid Saturday and Sunday (2/4-2/5) for just $130.50. Book online here.

The Super Bowl Sunday Four Pack: Get four all day, any age tickets plus one cheese pizza from Double Diamond on Sunday, 2/5, for $199. Book online here.

Stratton Links – A few links to bookmark for the very latest in Stratton information.

Snow Report: http://www.stratton.com/mountain/snowreport/index.htm

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/strattonmountain

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/strattonresort

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/StrattonMountain

Blog: http://blog.stratton.com

For more information on these or any other Stratton stories visit www.Stratton.com or call 1-800-STRATTON.

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Youth Pay Their Age Day at Family-Friendly Mount Snow, Jan. 8

The Carinithia pipe at Mount Snow.

On Sunday, January 8 kids ages 6-18 pay their age for a lift ticket to ski at Mount Snow Resort in Southern Vermont during Youth Pay Their Age Day. It is the eighth straight year the resort has provided this straightforward offer making it very affordable for families with children to enjoy a day out on the mountain, and it truly is as straightforward as it comes; if a youth is 14 years old, they pay $14 for their lift ticket.

“We are so happy to provide this great day for families every winter because it has gotten such a positive response since we started doing it eight years ago,” Mount Snow general manager, Kelly Pawlak says. “We are committed to providing a great family experience and Youth Pay Their Age Day is a great example of one of the many family-friendly offerings we have during the winter.”

In addition to Youth Pay Their Age Day, Mount Snow also offers three Kids Ski & Learn Free Weeks (January 15 – 20, February 26 – March 2 and March 4 – 9, 2012) during which kids ages 4-12 years old get free 3, 4 or 5 day lift tickets and free half-day lessons when accompanied by an adult that purchases a 3-5 day lift and lodging package.

There are plenty of events for the younger ones as well featuring Mount Snow’s Grommet Jam Series which is for boys and girls age 12 or younger to hone their terrain park skills with instruction from ski and snowboard pros followed by a friendly competition with winners walking away with prizes from series sponsors Smith Optics, Oakley, Neff, Contour and Rome. Grommet Jams are scheduled December 31, 2011, January 16, 2012 and February 20, 2012.

For more information on Mount Snow’s family friendly deals, events and activities visit mountsnow.com/family-activities-guide.

See also:

GUNS N’ HOSES: MOUNT SNOW’S TOPNOTCH
SNOWMAKING MAKES EXPERIENCE MEMORABLE

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin