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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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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Ski Vermont’s Specialty Food Days Tour Returns to the Mountains for 2017

Ski Vermont’s Specialty Food Tour comes to Okemo Mountain Resort on Friday, February 24, 2017. At Okemo, ride to the mountain top in comfort of the bubble chair © 2016 Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

From Vermont’s highly recognizable brands like Cabot Cheese, Ben & Jerry’s and Vermont maple syrup to local goodies like Kimball Brook Farm chocolate milk and Gringo Jack’s chips and salsa, enjoy all the flavors of Vermont during the Ski Vermont 2017 Specialty Food Day Tour. This season Ski Vermont’s marketing partners Long Trail Brewery, Woodchuck Cider, Silo Vodka, Mad River Distillers and Caledonia Spirits will bring an added element to the tour with beer, cider and spirits tasting.

“The Specialty Food Days Tour is such an exciting program to oversee,” said Adam Rowe, Marketing Manager at Ski Vermont. “We have some great new spirit sponsors lined up for the 2016-17 season, and some of the best local food producers in Vermont. I can’t wait to watch the skiers and riders enjoy this year’s offerings and tell others about it online through our #SnackSkiVT contest.”

Specialty Food Days for 2017 are scheduled for:

• Saturday, January 14, 2017: Quechee Ski Area
• Friday, January 27, 2017: Jay Peak Resort
• Saturday, January 28, 2017: Burke Mountain Resort
• Tuesday, January 31, 2017: Mad River Glen
• Saturday, February 11, 2017: Bromley Mountain
• Saturday, February 18, 2017: Middlebury College Snow Bowl
• Tuesday, February 21, 2017: Smugglers’ Notch Resort
• Friday, February 24, 2017: Okemo Mountain Resort
• Saturday, March 4, 2017: Pico Mountain
• Sunday, March 5, 2017: Magic Mountain
• Saturday, March 11, 2017: Killington Resort
• Saturday, March 18, 2017: Sugarbush Resort
• Sunday, March 19, 2017: Bolton Valley
• Saturday, March 25, 2017: Stratton Mountain Resort
• Saturday, April 8, 2017: Stowe Mountain Resort

Skiers and riders can participate in a contest this year during Ski Vermont’s Specialty Food Day tour. Samplers will be encouraged to take photos of their food and beverage experiences and tag them #SnackSkiVT on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Ski Vermont will choose one winner at the end of the season and send them a prize bag full of swag from Ski Vermont partners and two lift tickets for the 2017-18 season.

Returning Vermont food vendors include: Cabot Cheese, Vermont maple syrup makers, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, Kimball Brook Farms chocolate milk, Gringo Jack’s chips and salsa, Karen’s Artisan Popcorn, It’s Arthur’s Fault sauces, and Ambrosia Confections. New vendors include Vermont Peanut Butter Company, Caledonia Spirits, Mad River Distillers and Silo Vodka. 

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Ski Vermont Welcomes 2017 with New Ways to Hit the Slopes, Save and Win Big

Skiing at Pico Mountain Resort, Vermont. Vermont ski resorts are welcoming 2017 with a host of special programs and events © 2016 Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Montpelier, VT – Ski Vermont pairs with partners in Vermont and across the country to provide great programs and incentives to get on the slopes this season. Long time skiers and riders, as well as those looking to learn a snowsport for the first time can win great prizes like lift tickets to Vermont resorts, skis from Rossignol and snowboards from Burton, among many other prizes this season.

Longtime participants in the national Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month initiative, Vermont resorts offer $49 beginner packages during the month of January. Ski Vermont also offers the Take 3 Pass this season, which includes 3 beginner lessons for just $129. Ten participants in this program are eligible to receive a pair of Rossignol skis or a Burton snowboard at the end of the season.

Ski Vermont aims to reward already established Vermont-loving skiers and snowboarders this season with the new Bring-a-Friend program and the 2016-17 Season Scavenger Hunt. For those that want to introduce a friend or family member to skiing or snowboarding, they simply need to refer them (or gift them) a Ski Vermont Take 3 Pass and help get them to the slopes and into their first lesson. The first 100 participants will receive 2 lift tickets to a resort in Vermont.

Social-savvy skiers and riders can participate in the inaugural Ski Vermont Scavenger Hunt this season. Each week, starting on Thursday, December 29^th, Ski Vermont will announce the resort, product and prize of the week on Instagram and Facebook. Participants post photos of the resorts and/or product that week to be entered to win prizes from Ski Vermont partners like Darn Tough socks, Skida headwear, Vermont maple syrup and more. Two lucky participants will walk away with a Burton Process Flying V snowboard or a pair of Rossignol Soul 7 HD skis at the close of the season.

“We are extremely excited to launch new initiatives for both beginners and established skiers and riders this season,” said Ski Vermont’s Director of Marketing and Communications Sarah Wojcik. “With great incentives provided by our partners and Vermont resorts, Ski Vermont aims to reward those visiting our Green Mountains and reveling in the state’s official winter sports – whether for the first time or hundredth.”

For the 17^th year in a row, Ski Vermont is offering the Fifth Grade Passport, allowing fifth graders to ski virtually for free up to 88 days at Vermont alpine and Nordic resorts. For more information on Ski Vermont’s programs and incentives to slide, visit skivermont.com.

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Get Best Prices on Vermont Resort 2016-17 Season Passes Before Deadline

Okemo, Vermont, where you can enjoy bubble chairs, has joined the M.A.X. Pass program so you can get a season pass and for the add on, give 5 days at 31 other mountains, including its sister resort, Crested Butte © 2016 Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Season Passes at Vermont ski resorts make for one of the best deals around for skiers and snowboarders. Many resorts offer special preseason discounts. Here are this year’s highlights and pricing deadlines for Vermont resort season passes:

 

Bolton Valley- Pricing Deadline: Oct. 31. The Ski Bum Pass- $179 for anyone ages 18-25 and full time college students. Bolton’s Bolton Valley All Access Season Pass includes the benefits of the Freedom Pass (which used to be a $50 add-on), giving unlimited visits with no blackouts to Bolton Valley and up to three days skiing at each of the 12 other ski areas, spanning the country from Alaska to Maine, for a total of 36 free lift tickets. These include Magic Mountain  in Londonderry, VT (which is just being acquired by a group of locals who are making millions of dollars of new investment), Granite Gorge on the Keene/Roxbury Line in southwestern NH is close to Keene State College; Black Mountain in Jackson, NH.

All passes can be found at www.boltonvalley.com

Bromley Mountain- Pricing Deadline, Oct. 15. Super Value Pass– $525 – Ski Bromley 7 days a week, non-holiday with the Super Value Pass, www.bromley.com.

Burke Mountain- Pricing Deadline: Oct.10. The Judge- $899, valid at both Burke Mountain and Jay Peak Resort, skiburke.com .

Jay Peak Resort- Pricing Deadline: Oct.10. Jay Adult Season Pass- $779, Ski or ride Jay Peak every day of the week, jaypeakresort.com

Killington Resort- Pricing Deadline: Oct. 15. Adult Unlimited-$1,289, Killington’s adult unlimited pass gives unrestricted access to the Beast all season long; M.A.X.ify your Killington Unlimited Season Pass: Add-on 30 resorts, 5 days at each, 0 blackout days – starting at only $299 for adults, and $199 for youths,  www.killington.com.

Mad River Glen- Pricing Deadline: Oct. 15. Adult Full Season Pass- $771; A free season pass is available for kids 12 and under with the purchase of a Family Mad Card or any Adult Season Pass. The Family Mad Card-$209. Get 3 transferable day tickets good any time during the ski season plus free season passes for all kids who are ages 12 and under.  Receive $5 off any additional full day lift ticket purchased throughout the season, www.madriverglen.com.

Magic Mountain: Pricing Deadline: Oct. 31. Couples Unlimited Pass-$858. Magic offers 2 passes for couples living at the same address at a discount this season, www.magicmtn.com

Middlebury College Snow Bowl- Pricing Deadline: Nov. 30. Adult Season Pass-$420

Ski or snowboard at the Bowl all season long for under $500; Student Season Pass- $310 (7^th grade through college), www.middleburysnowbowl.com.

Mount Snow- Pricing Deadline: Dec. 15. Drifter Pass-$399, offers unlimited access, with no blackout dates for those aged 18-29, www.mountsnow.com.

Okemo Mountain Resort- Pricing Deadline: Oct. 10. Peak Pass -$1,359 provides skiing and snowboarding every day at Okemo with no restrictions.  M.A.X. Pass Add On,s $299 until Oct.12, www.okemo.com

Pico Mountain: My Pico, My Way.-$449, Get unlimited access to Pico Mountain all season long for under $500, www.picomountain.com.

Quechee Ski Area: Family of 4 Season Pass-$625, www.quecheeclub.com

Smugglers’ Notch Resort- Pricing Deadline: Oct.31. Adult Season Pass-$609, www.smuggs.com.

Stowe Mountain Resort- Pricing Deadline: Nov. 6. Young Adult Pass (19-34) $599,  www.stowe.com

Stratton Mountain Resort- Pricing Deadline: Oct. 10. Strattitude Pass -$329, valid every day with no blackout dates for ages 18-32 (the age raised from 18-29), www.stratton.com

Sugarbush Resort . For20s All Mountain 7 Pass- $469, features unlimited skiing and riding at Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen for ages 19-29; Mt. Ellen 7 Plus Pass- $985, Ski Mount Ellen plus 5 days at Lincoln Peak (anytime) and enjoy spring skiing at Lincoln Peak after Mt. Ellen closes. www.sugarbush.com

Suicide Six- Pricing Deadline: Nov. 30. Adult Season Pass-$449, valid every day. All season passes at www.woodstockinn.com.

See SkiVermont.com for more info.

 

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Save on Vermont Ski & Snowboard Resorts’ 2016/17 Season Pass this Spring

Take advantage of the nifty bubble chairs at Okemo Mountain Resort © 2016 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Skiers and riders can save on next season’s turns at Ski Vermont resorts by purchasing 2016-17 season passes this spring. Some deals include free skiing and riding for the rest of this season and other perks like discounted summer access, lessons, equipment and more.

Bolton Valley’s lowest priced season passes are on sale from now through April 4, when prices will go up. College kids check out the Ski Bum Pass (ages 18-25) for just $159.  The Senior Plus (ages 75+) start at $29 and the Night Pass at $119. Youth passes start at $99 if purchased with an All Access Adult pass which starts at $489.

Bromley Mountain is currently offering the lowest discounted rates available for 2016/17 season passes. Skiers and riders can save up to $155 on each pass when purchased before May 15, 2016.

Pay in three interest free installments with the 1-2-3 Payment Plan, only offered through May 15, 2016.  For complete pass options, rates and payment plan info, visit bromley.com.

Bromley season pass benefits include saving 50% on one-hour private lessons, 20% savings off full price retail items in the Bromley Shop by Potter Brothers, and one free all day pass to the Mountain  Adventure Park. All Bromley Season Pass holders ski for half price, midweek non-holiday at Jiminy Peak. Full season pass holders also get $15 off weekends & holidays, and Super Value pass holders receive $15 off non-holiday weekends.

Jay Peak Resort  has frozen all pass rates so they’re the same as last year with best prices ending on May 9, 2016. Passes purchased early also include extra lift tickets to share with friends. Purchase a Judge (Jay Peak + Q Burke) Adult pass (includes standard Adult, Family Adult, and U29 passes) and get 3 lift tickets for the 2016/17 season valid at either Jay Peak or Q Burke. Purchase a Jay Only Adult pass (includes standard Adult, Family Adult or Couple passes) and get 2 lift tickets (4 lift tickets for couples) valid for Jay Peak only through the 2016-17 season.

Canadian guests, with valid proof of current residency, can purchase their season pass at par by cash or check. See more information at jaypeakresort.com.

Killington Resort and Pico Mountain: A Killington season pass means access to the longest season and the most terrain in the East, with steeps, parks, glades and cruisers spread across seven peaks. For best prices on the Unlimited Pass, purchase by June 16, 2016 or check out the discounted Blackout, Midweek or Vermont Student Pass. Check out some of Killington’s favorite pass holder perks and join the club.

College kids can enjoy skiing and riding Killington, Pico, Okemo and Jiminy Peak for just $349 and 50% off 1-day lift tickets for friends with the 4.0 The College Pass. New Pico pass holders will be eligible to use their pass midweek at Killington through April 1 and at Pico weekends through the end of the 2015-16 season.

Mount Snow Resort is introducing a new pass product – the Peak Pass. It’s the only unrestricted ski pass that offers unlimited skiing or riding at seven northeast mountains in four states for just $599. Youth pricing starts at $60 for kids under 6 years old. Prices will increase on April 30, 2016, so purchase early and ride the rest of the 2015/16 season for free.

Okemo Mountain Resort is offering savvy skiers and riders substantial savings when they purchase their Okemo season passes for next winter by April 30, 2016. Some Okemo season passes offer benefits including skiing at Okemo’s sister resorts: Mount Sunapee Resort, in N.H., Crested Butte Mountain Resort, in Colorado, plus three days at nearby Killington. As an added bonus, any skier or rider who purchases a pass for next winter on or before April 30 will receive discounts for Okemo’s Adventure Zone this summer.

Q Burke Mountain: Purchase 2016/17 Q Burke season passes before May 9, 2016 and save hundreds of dollars with Tier 1 pricing. Other incentives include two free non-restricted full day Q Burke lift tickets with the purchase of adult winter Q Burke season pass. Purchase an adult winter Judge season pass and receive one free Great Big Kingdom Card. The Great Big Kingdom Card is a pre-loaded card which includes three non-restricted full day lift tickets for Q Burke or Jay Peak.

Stowe Mountain Resort: Enjoy two days of skiing and riding at Stowe Mountain Resort during the 2016/17 season with theMountain Collective Pass. Limited numbers of the pass are available now and include 24 days of skiing and riding at 12 destinations and 50% off lift tickets for additional days for just $379.

Stratton Mountain Resort’s 2016/17 season passes are on sale with best rates through April 22, 2016. Starting with the Sunday Pass from $219 to the Summit Pass with Early Access, there’s a perfect pass for everyone. Stratton access is also available through the M.A.X. Pass which includes 25 mountains for one low price of $599. Other Vermont resorts include Killington Resort and Pico Mountain. The M.A.X. Pass Add-on can be added to a Stratton season pass for just $299 opening access to 24 other peaks.

Sugarbush Resort Sugarbush Resort is offering free skiing and riding from March 21^st through the remainder of the 2015/16 Winter Season with the purchase of select 2016/2017 season passes. By purchasing next year’s season pass this spring, Sugarbush skiers and riders lock in the best rates. Adult 2016/2017 season passes can start as low as $339. Full details on season pass pricing are available at sugarbush.com. Lowest available pricing is valid through May 4, 2016.

2016/17 seven-day passes will include free dependent passes. Purchasing an Adult All Mountain 7 Pass comes with a free dependent All Mountain Pass for a child age 12 and under. A family of four  with two kids under the age of 12 could purchase two Adult All Mountain 7 Passes and ski for just $575 per person. A Mt. Ellen 7 family of four can ski for just $270 per person, and a Mt. Ellen 7 Plus family for just $398 per person.

All 2016/17 All Mountain 7 pass holders receive a 2016 Summer Season Pass for free,  which includes scenic lift rides, lift-served mountain biking and disc golf. All other 2016-2017 winter pass holders can add a 2016 Summer Season Pass for just $30.

For more information, visit skivermont.com.

 

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Okemo Mountain Resort to Host First-Ever ‘Let It Glow’ Laser Light and Fireworks Show

Okemo Mountain Resort will create a mind-bending landscape of light and sound with its first-ever Let It Glow laser light show spectacular on Sunday, January 18 (photo supplied by Okemo)

LUDLOW, Vt. – As if the skiing and riding weren’t brilliant enough, Okemo Mountain Resort  will create a mind-bending landscape of light and sound with its first-ever Let It Glow laser light show spectacular on Sunday, January 18.

Guests attending Let It Glow will feel immersed in a laser canopy of illumination as colorful beams bounce off the snow of Okemo’s Bull Run trail located just outside The Sitting Bull restaurant and bar in the Clock Tower base area. The dazzling visual effects of state-of the-art digital graphics that make up this awe-inspiring laser light show are sure to delight everyone attending the free event. And to top it all off, a fireworks grand finale will punctuate the event with a black-powder exclamation point.

Following the laser light and pyrotechnics extravaganza, the Sitting Bull will host a live musical performance by renowned singer-songwriter Stephen Kellogg.

For more information about Okemo Mountain Resort, call 802-228-1600 or visit okemo.com.

 

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Ski and Ride in Vermont this Holiday Season

Smugglers’ Notch Resort’s holiday celebration December 19-26, 2014 includes elf tuck-ins & bedtime stories, a holiday crafts party, and on Christmas Eve, the arrival of Santa, a torchlight parade and fireworks © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Snow covered pine trees, quaint villages decked out in lights, and the feeling of gliding down a mountain side, followed by hot cocoa by the fire. What could be a better way to spend a holiday? Vermont ski and snowboard resorts are a majestic destination during the holidays and offer many cheerful activities and packages to get the family there.

Bolton Valley

Nothing brings friends and families together for good times quite like the holidays, and holidays spent on snow create lasting memories. Bolton Valley’s cozy base village will be trimmed in white lights for the holidays, creating a festive atmosphere for guests at the resort. In the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, the mountain will be full of guests enjoying skiing, riding and daily family events. The Indoor Amusement Center will be open every day this week. Free, family oriented evens include a Magic Show and a Balloon Twister creating balloon sculptures. Skiers and riders will also have a chance to warm up around a campfire with complimentary hot cocoa and cookies or head inside for family movie night. The best holiday’s are spent at Bolton Valley, your neighborhood ski area.

Bromley Mountain

Join Bromley for some classic Christmas holiday fun to kick off the vacation week. Dress up like Santa on 12/25/14 and ski or ride for just $25.  Yup, that’s right… break out the red, white and jelly belly and be on the hill for cheap. Wear a santa outfit to the ticket office to redeem savings. Coat, pants, hat and beard (real or fake) are a must.

Jay Peak Resort

Food comas are something to be thankful for.  Try Thanksgiving at Howie’s or Alice’s for a hearty homemade meal slopeside.  Work off the buffet on opening day when Stateside gets the lifts rolling on November 28^th.

Ring in the New Year at Jay Peak with fireworks and music.  Details soon at jaypeakresort.com.

Killington Resort

Thanksgiving at Killington means shredding the slopes, and the first rail jams of the season in Loaded Turkey and Rails 2 Riches. Another tradition, the Killington Test Fest, goes down at the base of Superstar on Tuesday, December 16 and Wednesday, December 17, showcasing the best gear for the 2015 season. And be sure to hit the after party at the Wobbly Barn on Tuesday night.

Lift ticket deals up to 60% off are available at Killington.com, where you get Beast Tickets, Best Price.

Pico Mountain opens on December 13, 2014, and a full season of Family Mountain Fun awaits.

Magic Mountain

This upcoming Holiday season will be one to remember at Magic! Opening on the 20th of December, Magic will get everyone’s ski legs back just in time for Holidays. Magic will be making more snow than ever before with our improved system and the newly rebuilt Red Chair will smoothly bring you up to the top of mountain with ease. A New Year’s Eve fireworks bash will be held to show the beauty of Magic against a brilliant night sky. Make walk-to-slopes reservations at the Upper Pass Lodge or Blue Gentian Inn now and get the lowest holiday ticket prices around at the online Magic Store. www.magicmtn.com

Mount Snow Resort

The holidays are a special time at Mount Snow starting Thanksgiving weekend. Friday, November 28 is the Turkey Hangover Hill Climb and then on the 29^th the resort will have its first Torchlight Parade (conditions permitting) and Fireworks Extravaganza with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.  Book two nights and get the third night free over Thanksgiving weekend.

The Christmas holiday week is loaded with events and activities including Grommet Jam #1 for kids age 12 and under on Monday, December 29.  New for this year, enjoy a huge family-friendly Torchlight Parade and Fireworks display on New Years Eve plus live music all week long, family activities and more.

Okemo Mountain Resort

Okemo kicks off the holidays with a traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner at Coleman Brook Tavern, followed by the annual Trot it Off 5k, November 29. The holiday season is sugarplum-packed with fun events and activities like visits with Santa, a food drive, a Demo Day, a torchlight parade with fireworks, a moonlight hike, an ice skating party, the Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge and more. Finally, Okemo rings in the New Year with its annual Family New Year’s Eve – an evening of fun that culminates with a DJ dance party and fireworks show. And of course, there’s lots of great skiing and snowboarding at Okemo. Call (802) 228-1600, or visit okemo.com.

Smugglers’ Notch Resort

Gobble up a Thanksgiving weekend getaway at Smugglers’ Notch Resort with a three night stay in condominium lodging starting at $372 in a studio home. On Thanksgiving Day, the resort’s Hearth & Candle will serve dinner. Ski or ride on intermediate terrain beginning Friday, November 28 at early season lift ticket pricing ($50/adult, $38/youth ages 6-18). Other holiday weekend activities include enjoying a zip line canopy tour and family fun such as a minigolf tourney in the indoor FunZone, nature walk, or bingo.

Smugglers’ Notch Resort’s holiday celebration December 19-26, 2014 includes elf tuck-ins & bedtime stories, a holiday crafts party, and on Christmas Eve, the arrival of Santa, a torchlight parade and fireworks. Rates per night start at $115 per youth and $145 per adult, with inclusions of condominium lodging, daily lift tickets, outdoor ice skating, use of the heated pool and hot tubs, the indoor FunZone with games & inflatables, evening snow tubing, use of cross country skiing & snowshoeing trails, and nightly family & adult entertainment. During this period, bookings of 6 nights or more receive the next night free. www.smuggs.com/skivtw

Stowe Mountain Resort

Take everything you don’t like about holiday lift ticket lines and make that easy, as easy as walking from your car directly to the lift and going skiing. That’s the ByPass at Stowe Mountain Resort. Simply get an Evolution Stowe Card online, sign-up for ByPass and go direct to the lift every day you ski or ride in Stowe. Add to that, instantaneous savings by automatically paying the discounted ByPass rate, even during the holidays, the first time you’re scanned at the lift each day. The Evolution Stowe Card has replaced traditional tickets, using RFID technology for optimum convenience and value throughout Stowe Mountain Resort.

Stratton Mountain Resort

The holidays are a tradition at Stratton Mountain where Thanksgiving starts with the Gobble Gobble Wobble 5K. That’s one way to earn your dinner, served up at restaurants throughout the Village including Table 43.1 where the feast is Vermont farm-to-table. Skiing, riding and plenty of family activities round out the opening weekend celebration.

There’s no place like the mountains to ring in the New Year. This year, those new gondola cabins will provide a perfect vantage point for viewing the torchlight parade and fireworks. Movies and music. Sugar on Snow. Snowshoe treks. Snowmobile tours. Snowtubing. Ice Castle. Dogsledding… It’s all on the holiday week menu at Stratton Mountain.

Sugarbush Resort

Sugarbush hosts numerous fun activities for the whole family starting in November through the holidays. Don’t miss The Big Kicker, the winter kickoff party complete with films, freestyle expos, food, presentations, and more. The annual Taste of Timbers event takes place on December 8th where you can sample locally inspired foods prepared by our culinary team. Christmas week, enjoy everything from the kids’ cooking class and cookie decorating to a live bird show and family fun nights with street performers. Be sure to enjoy the Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Display on New Years Eve, as well as a dog parade earlier in the day.

 

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Holiday Deals, Events and Activities Abound at Mount Snow, Vermont

The Green Mountains of southern Vermont provide the quintessential setting for a holiday experience, and Mount Snow has the deals to make it affordable along with a host of events and activities to make it fun for the whole family.

$59 Last Minute Ski and Stay
Skiers and riders can get a night of lodging and a day of skiing for less than a lift ticket starting the evening of Sunday, December 16 through Thursday, December 20. Based on double occupancy at Snow Lake Lodge, no minimum night stay.

Holiday Jumpstart Package
Designed to provide an affordable getaway before the actual holiday week, the Holiday Jumpstart Package is available December 19 -25. Book two nights lodging and two days of skiing and get the third night and day free. The package starts at $227 per person.

Great Holiday Getaway Package
Available December 24 through January 1, the Great Holiday Getaway Package offers good value during a timeframe that most resorts typically fetch top-dollar. Stay at Snow Lake Lodge, conveniently located on Mount Snow property just a short shuttle ride to the slopes. Ski and stay rates start at $139 per person, per night.

Other Ways to Save
Purchase lift tickets at least seven days in advance online and save 10% on the cost. Reserve equipment rentals in advance online and save 5%.

The Fan Fare Card provides discounts on lift tickets every visit to the ticket window. The card costs $79, and the cardholder gets 50% off midweek non-holiday, 25% off weekend non-holiday and 10% off holiday lift tickets.

Holiday Week Activities
There will be a number of free family-friendly activities going on during the day starting December 22 and 23, then picking back up December 26 through January 1 including arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, s’mores, movies, face painting and more.

Friday, December 28 is the Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Extravaganza starting with Mount Snow’s ski and snowboard pros descending the Canyon trail in a brilliant torchlight glow followed by a spectacular fireworks display. All Main Base Area retail outlets will be open late along with 1900’ Burger, Cuzzins Bar and Grill and Station Tap Room.

Monday, December 31 features the first of three Grommet Jam events of the season. This educational and fun event for young freestylers age 12 and under starts with 90 minutes of terrain park instruction from Mount Snow’s ski and snowboard coaches in the Grommet Park at Carinthia, followed by a friendly competition with winners going home with gear from event sponsors. Registration is $40 per participant and the field of 70 fills up fast; advance registration is available at online.

New Years Eve
The Snow Barn New Year’s Eve Party features a live performance from one of Mount Snow’s favorites, The Jeff Tuohy Band. The 21+ party will also have light appetizers and a champagne toast at midnight. Admission is $25.

New Years Eve Family Dinner and Grand Dance Party at the Grand Summit Resort Hotel will start out with a bunch of family-friendly fun including a magician, live music from Wyld Nights, a magician, party favors and buffet dinner. There will be an early champagne toast at 9:45 p.m. for folks that want to call it a night early, then after 10 p.m. a new seating will take place with a buffet dinner and the Grand Dance Party begins with DJ Rafael. Adult admission is $70, kids age 5-12 are $35.

Ski and Snowboard School
The Mount Snow Ski and Snowboard School is still taking reservations for the popular holiday week timeframe for kids lessons, age 4-14 years old as well as the new Burton Riglet program for young riders age 3-6. Make reservations online at http://www.mountsnow.com/learn-to-ski-ride or call toll free, 800.889.4411.

To make reservations for the holiday week, call toll free, 800.245.7669 or to book online, visit www.mountsnow.com.

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Mount Snow Opening for the 2012/2013 Winter Season on Thanksgiving Day

Mount Snow Resort announced today that it plans to open for the 2012/2013 winter ski and snowboard season on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22, with five trails covering about 30 acres of skiable terrain serviced by three chairlifts. The southern Vermont resort has been making snow every night for the past week, taking advantage of even the shortest windows of snowmaking temperatures in an effort to get the season off to a good start.

During a time of year when many ski areas only offer open terrain at higher elevations where snowmaking conditions are better and skiers and riders must download on chairlifts to the base of the mountain, Mount Snow has been experiencing a string of temperature inversions during which the air is much colder at lower elevations than it is at the summit. Because of this weather anomaly and the high snowmaking production at lower elevations that results from it, the resort will start the season by operating two of its high speed quad chairlifts that reach roughly three-quarters of the way up the mountain but no summit access.

“We’ve seen some pretty interesting temperature patterns over the last week, or so. When the warmest temperature reading in northern New England is at the summit of Mount Washington, you know things are a little funny,” said Mount Snow’s Director of Operations, Dave Moulton. “Once we get some cold temps up top, it won’t take us long to get enough snow down to open the terrain up there.”

Mount Snow plans to operate chairlifts from 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. If snow conditions permit, the resort will move to normal midweek hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. starting on Monday.

Lift tickets for opening day will be $49 for adults (age 19-64), $39 for youth and seniors (age 6-18, 65+), $30 learning terrain-only (Discovery Shuttle Triple) and kids age five and under ski and ride for free.

Events for opening weekend include a Turkey Hangover Hill Climb on Friday, Torchlight Parade and Fireworks display on Saturday and grand opening celebrations for The Cupola retail shop as well as the Snow Barn nightclub. For more information on opening weekend, snow conditions and deals visit http://www.mountsnow.com.

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