So, I suppose you could say that March came in like a lamb.  Temps today are in the low 50s with partly sunny skies.  Should we then assume that the lion is waiting for us down the road?  Since this is Vermont, that would mean a couple of roaring snowstorms in our future with the first one potentially tomorrow!  Ski areas are gearing up for the weekend and anticipating anywhere from 4 to 10 inches of new snow.  In addition, visitors to Vermont have lots to occupy themselves in addition to snow sports.  Here’s what our Snow Spotters are reporting from around the state.

Reports from the Northeast Kingdom inform us that it’s kind of a “sad snow situation, but at least it’s not icy anymore.”  However, there is still plenty going on.  Laura Malieswski of Burke Area Chamber of Commerce offers the following, “Over in Burke, we will be celebrating the Winter Biking season on Saturday with the Annual WinterBike Fat Bike Festival at Kingdom Trails.  The event features vendors, fat bike demos, group rides, races, music, sugar on snow, food and beer, of course!  The Burke Mountain Ciderfest is also happening on Saturday.  Enjoy some spring skiing and then get your tasting ticket to try out some Vermont made ciders.”

In the Stowe-Smugglers’ Notch Region, the report from Hugh Johnson’s blog at Smugglers’ Notch Resort sounds encouraging for the skiers. “We have top to bottom skiing and riding on all 3 mountains with 7 lifts operating, including the Madonna 1 Lift. We have 46 trails open with terrain for all ability levels. 29 trails have been groomed for today, for a grand total of 120 acres of the freshly groomed terrain. Today’s forecast is partly sunny skies with increasing clouds later in the day with temperatures between 29 and 42 degrees.”

Further south at Bromley Mountain in Peru, Savannah Strom reports, “We’re expecting 4-6 inches of snow starting late tonight and finishing off some time tomorrow! Our trail count is staying steady at 33 today, 24 of which got a fresh groom overnight. You can expect soft spring snow conditions today.

Plenty of activities to do around the area: ice skating, sleigh rides, hiking, cross country skiing, shopping in Manchester Vermont’s designer outlets, dog sledding, art exhibits, and great local food.

Upcoming Events for this month consist of live music, Vertical Challenge, St Patrick’s Day (we are hiding a 18/19 season pass on the mountain for one lucky person to find), Rando Race, and finally our spring fling celebration! Spring Fling is filled with pond skimming, a duct tape derby, live music, trampolines, and a BBQ.”

At nearby Magic Mountain in Londonderry, reports are encouraging for some great skiing coming up. “The Red Chair spins at 9am today for what will be a spring-like day with temperatures in the 40s under partly sunny skies. There will be fun east side groomers to ski and ride all day with soft turns.

We’re watching the forecast and the models are all pointing to some where between 6-12″ on Friday.  The higher the snow accumulations, the more terrain will be opening during the storm and into the weekend! At 10+ inches, which seems likely, and the storm expected to start at midnight Thursday, we should see ropes dropping as the day goes on Friday with 40+ trails/glades expected by the weekend. Remember, high winds are expected with the nor’easter and Magic has been operating access to the top of the mountain without wind-holds this entire season. As there is very thin cover to start with on expert terrain pre-storm, brand new skis should be left in the car. The good news is that this is a moisture laden snowfall so 10-12” will go a longer way for solid coverage versus blower pow-especially good given the high winds expected. Also, there is another storm (#2) brewing for next week.

Remember to sign up for our Master of the Mountain competition with $2000 in prize money on the line–the freeski and race biathlon is now scheduled for March 17th. There is an Alpine Touring clinic at 9:30 Saturday morning with a Tour at 1:00p. Rentals are available and then option to purchase.”

At Stratton Mountain, they are enthusiastic for the weekend with new snow falling on Friday.  “Clouds stayed away yesterday with a snow storm expected to drop anywhere from 3-7 inches in Stratton’s forecast.

We can expect a cloudy afternoon Thursday with snow beginning to fall late tonight. We should see comfortable temperatures between 33-45 degrees with calm winds of 10-18 mph before things begin to cool off this evening.

With 3-7 inches expected for Friday we can look forward to a weekend of gorgeous surface and weather conditions, so make sure your gear is tuned up for winter’s return in March!

Last chance to get Max Creek tickets for Grizzly’s on Saturday, March 3. With four decades of joy and music covering every genre but making it their own. Tickets are just $15 when purchased in advance.”

Up here on the mountain in Woodford, we’re stacking the wood by the fireplace and getting ready to ride it out.  Nothing better than snuggling up by a warm fire with your special someone while a Nor’easter blows outside the windows.

So, however you enjoy winter, whether skiing one of our mountains or frolicking with the kids in the snow, or even just staying in and enjoying that cozy feeling, Vermont winter is still waiting for you. Check out the Vermont.com Calendar of Events for lots of great ideas.