President’s Day Weekend and the following school vacation week often include a Vermont ski vacation. From the sound of it, everyone throughout the state is ready and waiting to welcome visitors with a friendly smile, special events, and fun galore. Although we have had some warmer temperatures, there is still a lot of snow and a lot of skiing to be done. Here’s what our reporters are saying from around the state.
Laura Malieswski from the Burke Area Chamber of Commerce in the Northeast Kingdom says, “We have plenty of snow in and around Burke with 50% or more trails open at Burke Mountain and all trails open at Kingdom Trails Nordic Center. The groomers have been out on the VAST trails and riding conditions are excellent. There are LOTS of events happening to keep the kids busy during school break. Check out 2 week schedule of events for the Lyndon/Burke Snowflake Festival and check out other area events, lodging, dining and more.”
Smugglers’ Notch Resort, in the Stowe-Smugglers’ Notch region, is ready for skiers as well as families looking for a great family getaway. They report, “February has delivered 40″ of snow to our mountains! A recent freeze-thaw cycle has dropped our trail count from 100%, but the snow is still there. In the words of one of our Smugglers: “it’s Mother Nature’s way of preserving the goods”. Anticipated warmer temps and a little bit o’ snowfall should bring the numbers back up quite quickly. In the meantime, our Groomers are working their cats off!
In honor of the Winter Olympics, the Activities Department has come up with daily Winter Games (through February 24th). Fun challenges for the whole family. Go for the GOLD and free HC at the Hot Chocolate Warm Up.”
Further south at Stratton Mountain, today’s report confirms warmer temperatures, but indicates some excellent skiing, “It’s going to be a warm one out there today, as temperatures will range from 35 to 46 degrees under cloudy skies, so ditch those layers and keep it cool.
Those soothing temperatures have softened up the snow, so you can really dig into all 83 trails. Temperatures are expected to drop on Friday, as we prepare to unleash our snowmakers and gear up for a great president’s week.
President’s holiday week is right around the corner. Have you signed up for your BMW Winter XDrive Experience or snowshoe hikes? And don’t forget about the fireworks and more.”
According to Paul at nearby Bromley, in Peru, the story is much the same. “Looks like we’re in for a beautiful spring-like day of skiing and riding today! We’re expecting mostly cloudy skies and moderate NE winds, but with temps in the low 40s at the base and high 30s at the summit. Which should make for some awesome soft turns all day!
President’s Week arrivals — Special Hours! The Bromley Rental Shop, and Bromley Kidsrule Mountain Camps will be open until 9pm on Friday, February 16. Anyone renting equipment, save time on Saturday morning and pick up your gear the night before! Pre-registered Kidsrule guests, save time on Saturday morning and pick up your equipment and lesson/lift ticket the night before!”
Robin at the Manchester View in Manchester has some suggestions for your Vermont getaway, “Have we got snow? You better believe it! Lots of the fluffy powder fell the other day and it’s glistening everywhere! Bromley, Stratton and Magic Mountain’s winter activities are going strong. Today it’s seasonably cold; this weekend is going to be warm for the season and perfect for skiing and snowboarding. After a day of frolicking in the snow, luxuriate in a one or two-person spa tub, and then get cozy by your in-room wood-burning or gas fireplace at the Manchester View. If winter sports aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of local and outlet shopping, as well as art galleries to peruse. Come enjoy the winter with us. Our welcoming staff looks forward to greeting you soon!”
If you’re heading over to Magic Mountain in Londonderry, the welcome mat is out. “Weather for today will be mostly cloudy with temperatures rising to the 40s which will make for increasingly soft, spring-like conditions as the day goes on. Saturday night is expected to bring some snow for Sunday (anywhere from 1-8″–which means they probably don’t really know). If we get 5-8″ then a lot more terrain will again open up. The weather is certainly presenting a lot of challenges this winter, but any day on skis or boards is a good day. So get out and enjoy the mountain and the camaraderie of our fellow travelers. There’s great music at the Black Line Tavern Saturday and Sunday both apres ski and at night!
Plan ahead for Presidents week and save on discounted tickets.”
If you happen to be visiting Vermont this weekend or for vacation week, check out the Vermont.com Calendar of Events for activities to please the whole family. Or check out non-ski options such as factory tours, dog-sled rides, museum visits and more.