This will be the last in our series of snow report blogs for the winter of 2017-18. Although the snow is not yet over (clearly, after the recent storm!), the periods of springlike weather will come more often and remain longer from now until one day we realize it really is spring. Looking back, it was it was a beautiful winter with snow-covered trees and white vistas from horizon to horizon. Snow sports enthusiasts have nothing to complain about.  Sure we had some bad weather – the 20 below weekend which just happened to coincide with school vacation week, and a couple rainstorms which posed some challenges for the ski resorts grooming staff.  But all in all, it was a winter which will be remembered fondly by residents and visitors alike.

So, for our final week, and after one of the biggest snowstorms of the year, this is what our Snow Spotters are reporting from around the state.  And, take note: this week’s storm should be enough to convince you that there’s still a lot of winter recreation left this year. After all, Killington is planning on skiing until June 1- like they did last year.

Laura Malieswski from Burke Chamber of Commerce in the Northeast Kingdom reports, “Burke just got a fresh new batch of snow so it should be a great weekend for skiing and snowboarding at Burke Mountain and there’s a Rail Jam on Saturday.   The groomers will be out at Kingdom Trails to get things ready for a great weekend to fat-bike or cross country ski.    Check out our local snowmobile club, the Burke Drift Skippers on Facebook for riding conditions.   Groomers will be out over the next couple of days and the new snowfall should make for good late season riding.”

In the Stowe-Smugglers’ Notch Region, Mike Chait of Smugglers’ Notch Resort, has the following to say, “What a wild week! Each day this week has been a buildup back to normal for our snowpack. Temps have been so enjoyable and each day we’ve seen a bit more snow. Finally, it started snowing yesterday and hasn’t stopped since!

Although we didn’t see the 3 feet some of our neighbors to the south did, conditions are exceptional and we’re back to being 100% open. The snow is not expected to stop until Saturday!”
Photo by Dalton Harben

Areas further south saw the most snowfall from the recent storm. Robin, from the Manchester View in Manchester, reports, “Wowwee – Southern Vermont was hit with so much snow that the mountains of Bromley, Stratton and Magic got over 2 feet of fresh powder!  A skier’s delight!!  Don’t miss out on this gift of nature!  And after a full day of mountain activities, luxuriate in a one or two-person spa tub in your room at the Manchester View!  Then, in the evening settle in a comfy chair by your in-room wood-burning or gas fireplace, maybe even read a book you bought at the fabulous Northshire Bookstore and enjoy your favorite beverage.   There’s plenty to do in the area for skiers and non-skiers alike – local and outlet shopping, as well as art galleries to peruse, winter hiking, and many casual and fine dining options.  Spend the end of official spring with us here at ‘The View.’”

Echoing those sentiments, Erin Morley sends the following report from Stratton Mountain Resort. “Stratton received 29 inches of snow in 24 hours and it has continued to snow throughout the day pushing our totals towards 3 feet. This weekend is going to be prime for soft groomers and finding those powder stashes.”

Conditions are similarly good at nearby Bromley in Peru. Here’s Paul’s report. “Thank you to all our snow dancers and Mama Nature for this powdery heaven – we are now 100% OPEN! Storm Quinn dumped about 28-34 inches on us in the last two days, and it has been beyond epic.

Today’s forecast shows temps in the 20s and mild wind blowing in from the W at up to 30 mph. Snow showers and flurries are expected to continue throughout the weekend adding more depth to our pow pow.

The groomers came out last night and groomed 33 of our 47 trails leaving that silky soft corduroy that we all love. Looking to shred some of that POW? There’s still plenty of glades and terrain filled with deep untouched powder awaiting your return. Can’t wait to see your smiling faces!”

Magic Mountain in Londonderry also reports excellent conditions after the storm. “27-32″ since Wednesday. Today will be another great day of skiing and riding. Temps will be in low 30s, under cloudy skies with a chance of snow showers.

This weekend will be outstanding conditions across the hill. We also have our Zero Gravity Big Air Competition on Saturday from 3:30-4:30 with great prizes–all viewable from the lodge deck. Cash and other prizes for top male/female, ski/board and young/older age groups.

Also, remember to sign up for our Master of the Mountain competition on March 17th with $2000 in prize money on the line–the one-run freeski and race biathlon crowns the best overall skier/riders in the East.”

Julie from the Golden Stage Inn in Proctorsville says her guests are very excited about the skiing at Okemo.  She suggests the inn offers the perfect end to a perfect day on the slopes. “Guests returning from Okemo since the winter storm this week have reported some of the best powder conditions of their life!  Pair the two feet of snow that fell on Okemo with the late-season lack of crowds, and NOW is the time to fit in your final downhill skiing, cross country skiing, or snowshoeing of the season!  At Golden Stage Inn, we have homemade soup and hot apple cider waiting for you every afternoon, and of course there’s always the bottomless cookie jar. Stay Monday OR Wednesday and we’ll add Tuesday for free for all of March and April.  Looking forward to closing the season with a POW!”

And finally, here in Woodford, we saw it start to snow on Wednesday morning and it didn’t quit until mid-day Thursday.  It’s hard to get a real measurement because the heavy winds drifted the snow so that it looks like pictures you see of desert dunes. Nevertheless, Woodford made the national weather forecast for accumulations (they report 36 inches)!  As I sit here writing I can hear the snowmobiles zooming by.  Perfect weather for them… not too cold or windy and plenty of snow throughout the area. Thanks groundhog for this extra dose of winter.