Here we are at the beginning of February and the weather has settled into mild winter temperatures with no big storms on the horizon.  Whether the ground hog sees his shadow or not, we’re predicting at least 6 more weeks of winter here in Vermont.  And that means, lots of winter left for all those activities you’ve been putting off!  Skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobile tours.  Or how about a romantic sleigh ride for Valentine’s Day?  Or a dog sled ride for the kids over February vacation week.  Make your plans now!

Here’s what our Snow Spotters have been reporting from around the state.

Laura Malieswski, from the Burke Area Chamber of Commerce in the Northeast Kingdom reports, “We got a couple of inches overnight and a few more are expected over the weekend. Burke Mountain is open for skiing, snowboarding and you can also visit the Dashney Nordic Center just a mile or so from the Mountain.  Kingdom Trails reports 100% of Nordic and fat biking trails open.  VAST trails are open, but snowmobilers should be cautious of icy patches and varying conditions.  The shanties are up and the lakes are frozen for anyone heading out to do some ice fishing.

For events this weekend, Lyndon Outing Club is offering FREE Ski/Ride days sponsored by Blue Cross/Blue Shield and there is a Snowmobile Ride In with the Lyndon SnoCruisers.”

From Hugh Johnson’s blog at Smugglers’ Notch Resort, sounds like a lot of great skiing taking place. “Today we have top to bottom skiing and riding on all 3 mountains with 6 lifts operating, including the Madonna 1 Llift. We have 42 trails open with terrain for all ability levels. The Birch Run, Log Jam, and Zone Terrain Parks are all open. Today’s forecast is calling for flurries and a snow shower an inch of accumulation possible with a high of 34 degrees.”

Further south at Stratton Mountain, snowmaking and a dusting overnight have also brought some great skiing to the area. “The grooming team had plenty to work with this morning following strong snowmaking operations blasting into midday Wednesday combined with an overnight dusting.

Temperatures will hold between 24 and 35 degrees, with cloudy skies and the potential for a few flurries and snow showers throughout the day. You can look forward to 80 trails this morning, 63 of which will be blanketed edge-to-edge in corduroy.

Twiddle, the Vermont-based band that has been playing such venues as Red Rocks and Bonnaroo is coming back to Vermont to headline the Vermont Open on Saturday March 10, 2018.”

Paul at nearby Bromley in Peru lets us know, “Good morning skiers and riders! We’re happily waving goodbye to January today, and welcoming February in a very wintery way. We’re expecting snow showers and flurries all day today, while temps climb into the mid 20s at the top and high 20s at the base. We’ll have 26 trails open for skiing and riding today, and 24 of them got a fresh groom last night.”

 

 

 

Magic Mountain in Londonoderry not only offers some great skiing, but sounds like they’re planning quite a party. “Your Throwback Thursday will have $29 tickets, some snow showers and comfortable temperatures in the 30s. Conditions will be groomed, firm and fast.

Thursday into Friday night looks to bring a bit of wet snow to Magic (1-2″) which will help freshen the East Side trails up and then there’s the possibility of some more snow Sunday (4-6″) for our Super Bowl watch party, and then perhaps another couple inches into our special ski day opening on Super Monday with Brunch in the Black Line Tavern. Hear that there’s a Super Pow Fever hitting big that Monday! Stay tuned, but plan on extending the weekend….

Also, for all those interested in giving uphill skiing a try this weekend, Magic has a morning clinic and afternoon tour available this Saturday (also a tour on Sunday afternoon)–full rental gear in our Salomon QST shop is available to get you started!”

And, I can report the following from on top of the mountain in Woodford, “We got about 3 inches of fresh snow in Woodford overnight with snow continuing into the morning. As you can see from the photo, the world has gone from color to a starkly beautiful black and white. Perfect for a walk through the woods or even sipping hot chocolate anywhere with a window view.”