Snow Zone

Comments

|

E-mail

|

Print

There’s still plenty of good skiing and snowboarding in the Northeast, but the number of people visiting ski areas is decreasing.

With temperatures rising, flowers starting to bloom and grass growing greener, people’s thoughts are now turning to spring.

With fewer people showing up, ski areas making the decision on whether to stay open or close. Often it comes down to a matter of economics; sometimes it’s not worth the expense of keeping an area open when fewer people are buying lift tickets. Many try to stay open later for the season pass holders.

This season has brought some of the best spring conditions in years. Temperatures have remained cool, there have been no major rainstorms or sudden meltdowns. Quality conditions, however, could go downhill quickly with temperatures rising into the upper 60s in the North Country next week.

Here’s an update on what’s open, what’s closed and what’s happening.

This is what Killington in Vermont looked like Thursday, as posted on its Facebook page

CONNECTICUT

Already Connecticut ski areas like Mohawk, Southington and Woodbury are closed for the season.

Ski Sundown in New Hartford will end its season on Saturday.

On its Facebook page, Sundown says “We’ll be 100% OPEN this SATURDAY, APRIL 6 from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. End this last day of the season with 2 mogul runs, 2 terrain parks, music, outdoor grill on the deck, drink specials and the SUNDOWN POND SKIM!! Pond Skim contest in the afternoon with prizes for best splashes and costumes!! And of course you ski/ride FREE with your 2012-13 Season Pass to ANY mountain! Don’t miss this crazy fun last day!!

MASSACHUSETTS

Catamount called it quits last Saturday.

Butternut is still 100 percent open. It will have its lifts running on both Saturday and Sunday. Lift tickets are $25. Get it while you can.

Jiminy Peak is also open and has a great e-coupon deal for $29 tickets on Saturday, but you need to print it out today.

Wachusett in eastern Massachusetts will be packing it in on Sunday.

VERMONT

Great conditions remain in the Green Mountain State with some areas like Jay Peak, Killington, Smuggler’s  and Stowe with nearly 100 percent open terrain.

Okemo, still going strong with 90 of 119 trails, announced this week it will be extending its season to April 21.

On Saturday, Okemo will be holding its annual Slush Cup competition. Try skiing or snowboarding down Inn Bound and skim across an 80-foot long, man-made slush pond without falling in at the base of Jackson Gore. Good luck.

Killington is bringing back the BUD LIGHT BEAR MOUNTAIN MOGUL CHALLENGE.

The Beast says: “The competition heats up on Saturday as 200 amateur bumpers take to the slopes of Outer Limits to battle it out for top honors. The top 32 men and 16 women will return to compete in a head-to-head competition on Sunday. Participants run a dual course with sudden death format; only the winners advance.”

Killington that shows no sign of ending its season soon, will be running its lifts an extra hour (t0 5 p.m.) starting April 15.

Stratton is still open with 69 trains and expects to remain open through next weekend.

Bromley reports today on its web site: “We are enjoying some of the best spring skiing and snowboarding that we’ve seen in a long time, and while we wish it could go on forever we have decided that Sunday, April 7th will be the final day of operation for the 2012/13 winter season. We have also decided to offer midweek rates for the remainder of the season so Adults and Teens can ski for just $49 and juniors for only $39! Lifts will close at 3pm on Sunday. It’s been an amazing season with one great week left to go! We’ll see you on the mountain.”

A bluebird day at Mount Snow in Vermont on Thursday.

Mount Snow has a nice deal going this weekend:  “Purchase a full priced lift ticket on April 6 or 7 and receive a bounce back valid for a FREE matching lift ticket that must be used by Dec 25, 2013. If you purchased a 2 day ticket, come back and get a FREE 2 day ticket. How does it work? Just show up to a ticket window *with your April 6 or 7 lift ticket* any time before Christmas, and you’ll get a free lift ticket on the spot. Deal is not available online.”

Manager Kelly Pawlak says on her blog: This time of year it is hard to know how many people will show up to ski and ride on any given day. Naturally, we start to move on to our spring agendas and skier traffic begins to wane. This year however, the slow down is bothersome because the snow surface is fantastic. There is edge to edge coverage with strong snow depths, no significant melting and natural snow trails still open!”

Sugarbush still has 70 of its 111 trails open. The Bush reports today:

“Yesterday was a transition day, with much of the mountain softening in the sun. However, north-facing aspects and upper elevations were still feeling wintery. Today, with warmer temps and less wind forecast, even more of Sugarbush’s award-winning terrain should ripen. The groomers retooled 29 trails last night, smoothing a wide selection of routes for all abilities. Snow depths are excellent in both snowmaking and natural snow areas, except low elevation south-facing lines, where the natural snow is letting go. Better hit Castlerock soon.”

Check Ski Vermont for a full list of events, deals and condition updates.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Areas still open include Bretton Woods, Cannon, Loon, Gunstock, Mount Sunapee, Ragged and Waterville Valley.

Most areas expected to call it a season next weekend. Check out Ski New Hampshire for updates and deals.

MAINE

The Pine Tree State’s big areas Sugar Loaf and Sunday River are still going strong

The Loaf reports this morning: “Low winds and sunny skies are going to make for some comfortable weather on the slopes, and you can expect frozen and loose granular surface conditions to soften up as the day goes on and temps warm up.”

So there’s still time to get out and enjoy some skiing and snowboarding before the season melts away.

Comments

|

E-mail

|

Print

Mount Southington is giving the love today.

On its web site:

“To show our gratitude … We are giving away FREE All-Day lift tickets on Friday (lift ticket expires at 5pm). That’s right ski or ride from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. for free. Rental equipment and lessons are also specially priced all day and night for only $25 each. Can’t join us during the day? Our Friday Night ticket will be priced at $20 and is available from 5-9pm. Come out and see the Easter egg colored moguls on Thunderbolt!”

Mohawk Mountain will be sharing the love on Saturday.

On Saturday, Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall will  also giving away free lift tickets as part of its annual Customer Appreciation Day.

Mohawk says: “To participate in Customer Appreciation Day, simply arrive at Mohawk Mountain anytime between 8:30 am and 6:00 pm on Saturday, March 30, and one of our friendly staff with hand you a FREE lift ticket. There is no registration required – no additional purchase needed- no strings attached. (Rentals and lessons will be offered at regular rates, if you need them.) We do this every year (weather permitting) as a way of saying THANK YOU to all our our loyal guests, and this year we are experiencing some amazing conditions. Please join us.”

Thanks Mount Southington and Mohawk!

Comments

|

E-mail

|

Print

And the sweet lift ticket deals keep on coming …

This Saturday, Okemo in southern Vermont  will be holding its Cares and Shares Spring Food Drive.

That means you can get a lift ticket (normally $88 for adults) for only $39. Think about it, how often do you save $49 on a lift ticket?

A view from the top at Okemo in Vermont earlier this week. Okemo's Jackson Gore area is seen in the distance.

The details:

Just donate at least five non-perishable food items (or 100 packs of ramen noodles), a new child’s toy or new clothing item, and  receive a coupon for a $39 lift ticket for Saturday.  Bring the donated items to the Clock Tower base on the main mountain.

You’ll not only be helping people, but get a great deal and wonderful snow conditions.

Need another reason to go?

The weather for Saturday at Okemo will be mostly sunny with temps dancing in the 40s.

Today, Okemo is reporting 117 of 119 trails open with delicious packed power conditions.

Get it while you can.

Enjoy!

Comments

|

E-mail

|

Print

Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall will be offering free skiing and snowboarding on Saturday.

All you have to do is show up, go to the ticket window inside the lodge and they give you a FREE lift ticket.

Yes, free! The adult tickets are normally $56 for eight hours, $51 for four hours.

On its web site, Mohawk announces: “On Saturday, March 30, we invite everyone to join us for CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY – also known as FREE lift ticket day! It’s a Mohawk Mountain tradition – and our way to say THANKS for your support! While Customer Appreciation Day is traditionally the last day of the season, we reserve the right to reopen the following weekend – if the weather holds out and keeps delivering these amazing conditions! We know many of you are wishing for Spring weather…. just not you skiers and boarders. As long as Mother Nature keeps delivering the cold and the snow, we’ll keep delivering the cord and the smiles.”

The free offer DOES NOT include free rental equipment or lessons.

As you can imagine, the free lift ticket attracts lots of people. It’s wise to get there early because the parking lot fills quickly. Lifts start turning at 8:30 a.m. and go until 6 p.m.

You should also hold off  washing your vehicle. The parking lot can become very muddy, especially with temperatures expected in the 50s on Saturday. Last year some cars had to be pulled out of the mud.

If you’ve never been to Mohawk, this is a wonderful opportunity. With 25 trails and a 650-foot vertical drop, it’s Connecticut’s largest ski area.

There’s a nice and easy beginning area served by a slow-moving lift. It’s generally an intermediate mountain with cruising runs. Grooming and snow conditions make it a very easy “mountain” to ski or snowboard.

Founder Walt Schoenknecht opened Mohawk in 1947. He is also one of the first people to embrace snowmaking. Schoenknecht invited the owners of the Tey Manufacturing Co. of Milford to test its new snowmaking machines. Those first tests had limited success, but also gave Schoenknecht the reputation as a ski area pioneer. To this day, Mohawk lays claim as “the home of snowmaking.”

Schoenknecht would later develop Mount Snow in southern Vermont. In fact, there’s a trail at Mount Snow named “Thanks Walt.”

And to Walt’s family that still runs Mohawk, thank you for giving people a free day to ski and snowboard.

Comments

|

E-mail

|

Print

When it comes to spring skiing and snowboarding, conditions don’t get better than this in the East.

Ski areas were already in great shape before a late winter snowstorm dumped up nearly 3 feet across northern New England.

Yes … three feet in the last week! Take that Global Warming!

Snowboarding in the deep snow of Slide Brook at Sugarbush in Vermont. Photo ny Photo Bear Simmons.

The snow not only created sweet powder conditions, but deepened snow bases.

This weekend there’s lots of good deals out there for those who want to get some spring sliding in before calling it a season.

Pick an area, any area, and you’ll find some good deals including ones on lodging, rentals and lessons. Go to resort’s web sites or Facebook pages to find some great specials.

Even Connecticut and southern Massachusetts areas picked up about 6 inches. That not only freshened up surfaces, but got people thinking about skiing and snowboarding again. Mohawk Mountain in Cornall had planned to be closed midweek, but decided to reopen on Wednesday.

Ski Sundown in New Hartford is still going strong with 100 percent of their trails open. Sundown will  have an outdoor snow bar from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“What is a snow bar? It’s a bar made entirely of snow,” Sundown’s web site crows. “Best enjoyed out of doors with music and friends! Enjoy our incredible Spring skiing & riding conditions! Expect other March Madness shenanigans, too! Whoo hoo!” March madness indeed.

Mount Southington is open Thursday and Friday from 3 to 9 .m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to-5 p.m.

Butternut in Great Barrington, Mass. is still 100 percent open. And get this: Lift tickets prices have been lowered to $25, including weekends, to the end of the season. That’s more than half-price of what they were last weekend.

Catamount on the border of Massachusetts and New York has at least 27 or its 33 trails open. The Cat has also lowered prices. You can snare a $20 one for Friday by purchasing it online. Catamount will be charging $35 for lift tickets this weekend, down from $61 last weekend. Catamount isn’t sure how long its season will be; this weekend may be the final one. “Our operating schedule for the following week has not been determined. We recommend that you do not purchase lift tickets in advance for any days past Sunday, March 24 at this time,” the Cat says on its web site.

Jiminy Peak in northwestern Mass. has lots of lodging and lift ticket deals including e-coupons that can knock down the price of a Sunday lift ticket to 45 bucks.

Even with the new snow and deep bases, some areas will soon be closing. It comes down to a matter of economics. Fewer people show up at ski areas and it doesn’t equal the cost of keeping the lifts turning and paying workers.

In New Hampshire, most resorts have nearly all their terrain open. Ski New Hampshire has a great one-stop page of ticket deals.

Ski Vermont has a nice deal page as well.

Up north, things are still jumping. This weekend there’s a reggae fest at Mount Snow, Killington‘s Nor’Beaster festival is going strong and Stratton will have teams skiing and snowboarding for 24 hours.

At the Stratton 24 hours teams of a minimum of six people and a maximum of 12 people with one person at a time racking up the runs from noon on Saturday to noon on Sunday March 24, 2013. Here are the full details.

Bromley in southern Vermont will be holding its Spring Fling weekend with lots of events planned including pond skimming, a duct tape derby and live entertainment. Its selling a two-day weekend lift ticket for $95, but you need to purchase it online by midnight tonight. Details here.

This weekend, temperatures in the North Country are expected to be in the upper 30s or low 40s. There’s a chance of showers later in the day on Saturday with sunny skies expected on Sunday.

So try to get a chance to savour these wonderful spring conditions thanks to a great winter!

Bolton Valley in Vermont that got 15 inches of fresh snow, has lowed adult lift tickets to $39 through the end of the season.

Take a look at some of these snowfall totals from snocountry.com

Vermont

Bromley 19”

Burke Mountain 21”

Bolton Valley 15”

Mount Snow 24”

Jay Peak 35”

Killington 25”

Mad River 26”

Magic Mountain 17”

Okemo 16”

Smugglers Notch 18”

Stowe 25”

Stratton 20”

Sugarbush 21”

New Hampshire

Attitash 14”

Black Mountain 17”

Bretton Woods  14″

Cannon 24”

Crotched Mountain 15”

Cranmore 15”

Gunstock 14”

Pats Peak 13”

Sunapee 12”

Wildcat 16″

Maine

Sunday River 15”

Sugarloaf 18”

Saddleback 25”

Comments

|

E-mail

|

Print

Spring may be less than a week away, but cold temperatures are holding steady and new snow is falling. And that means snow conditions are looking good for the weekend!

Despite some heavy rain that hit early this week, ski resorts – including those in Connecticut -  remain in good shape.

On Thursday, northern New England and New York ski areas picked up a few inches of fresh snow, helping to cover damage from the deluge.

This weekend in the North Country, Saturday will be mostly cloudy with temps in the 20s, Sunday is the pick of the weekend with sunny skies and in the 20s as well. In SoNewEngland, it will be in the upper 40s.

Overall, it’s been a great winter. Snowfall has been generous, especially when compared to last year. Below is a map from the National Weather Service office in Burlington, VT on last season/this season snowfall.

While few ski areas up north have 100 percent of their trails still open, most northern areas have between 60 and 90 percent of terrain open.

Check snocountry for the latest conditions.

It will be a big party weekend at many ski areas because of St. Patrick’s Day. The biggest bash will be at Mount Snow in southern Vermont. Those of you who waited to buy the $17 lift tickets at Snow on Sunday are out of luck; the online deal went quickly (I warned you). But there will be plenty of Irish fun with live music on Cuzzin’s outside deck. The party begins Saturday night at Snow Barn where A Thousand Horses rock the house.

It may be a little early for drinking, but Snow says: “Start Sunday morning off right with Green Eggs & Kegs at Cuzzins at 8am.” Eight AM?

There will be a party going on at Okemo with a St. Patrick’s Day bash sponsored by Guinness  from 3-6 p.m. in the Sitting Bull Bar & Restaurant. The party continues down the road at The Killarney with more Celtic music and Guinness draught.

The rock supergroup Yukon Kornelius will play the East Coast in a special one-night performance at Okemo on Saturday as part of the resort’s FestEVOLV.

Stowe in northern Vermont has a different kind of attraction this weekend. It says: “Come out and test drive some of the best automobiles and SUV’s that Mercedes Benz has to offer. Take a test drive and receive two complimentary ski tickets valid through the remainder of the 2013 ski season. Sign up on the first floor of Spruce Camp from 1-4pm. No reservations are accepted for this first-come-first-serve event.” Sounds interesting, but I’d rather be skiing than driving.

Over at Stratt0n this weekend, the resorts says snowboarding legends host this all-new snowboarding and music festival. “Three competitions will go down on Stratton’s main face: halfpipe, rail jam and banked slalom (aka Washed Up Cup). Designed to be truly open, all events are open to riders of all ages and pedigrees, from juniors on up to the washed-ups. Registration is open at www.vermontopen.com for $135, which includes entrance to all competitions, music, parties and events. Competitors can enter as a junior (12 and under), amateur, pro or washed up. Musical lineup includes Gold Town, Barry and the Penetrators and DJs Nook and Kranny and Joe Bell on stages around the Main Base area,” the resort says.

Killington is kicking off five weeks of its Nor’Beaster events. Today, its $199 Nor’Easter pass begins. It’s a great deal if you plan to ski/ride Killington at least three times this season. Do the math: a $199 pass to the end of the season or $80 midweek or $88 weekend tickets? Here’s the list of Nor’Beaster events.

When I think of St. Patrick’s Day I remember those big parties at the long closed Brodie Mountain in Massachusetts. Live bands, several bars, green show and even a priest from Ireland to celebrate Mass.

The still open Massachusetts areas like Catamount, Butternut and Jiminy are in great shape with nearly all their trails open. Jiminy has a good deal on Monday: $17 lift tickets with an e-coupon here.

Connecticut ski areas are hanging in there with deep snowbases and most trails open.

Who knows? This could be the last good weekend of the season for state ski areas.

Ski Sundown will be holding its “Moguls, Money & Malarkey” Bump Competition” on Saturday. Check out the “Bump of Bust” event on Gunbarrel starting at 1 p.m. Details here.

Mohawk Mountain will be serving up 25 trails this weekend and Woodbury will have 12 or its 15 trails ready.

On Sunday, Mount Southington is knocking off $17 the purchase of any 4 hour Flex, 8 Hour Flex or the fast pass lift ticket. Also save $17 on any Lesson package. And of course, the bar will also be serving green beer from noon-6 p.m. to those 21 years and older.

After this weekend, I expect lift tickets prices to start falling again as ski areas see the end of the season in sight. Look for most areas to pack it in by mid-April, some after Easter on March 31.

Jiminy Peak in northwestern Massachusetts has a great deal on lift tickets on Monday, March 18. With an e-coupon, you can get a lift ticket for just $17.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Comments

|

E-mail

|

Print

It was a tough early morning commute to work, but how can I complain about fresh snow.

Connecticut and much of New England got another round of snow this morning that should make the weekend skiing and snowboarding even sweeter.

Northern New England and New York areas have been steadily picking up several inches of snow the past few weeks that has created ideal conditions. Nearly all trails are open.

Areas in Connecticut and southern Massachusetts received between 7 to 9 inches. Eastern Massachusetts areas like Wachusett were blessed with a foot.

Over in the Catskills, Hunter checks in with 10 inches and Belleayre a foot.

Vermont areas picked up a few inches of freshies to add to an already deep base. That’s the same case with areas in New Hampshire and Maine.

Add some warmer temperatures and mostly sunny skies and you’ve got a wonderful combination. In fact, it could be one of the best times to go skiing and snowboarding ALL SEASON!

By late Monday, rain showers are expected to be moving in and likely ruin packed powder conditions, especially in Connecticut and southern New England.

Prime-time (meaning high) ticket prices remain in effect, but there are plenty of online deals out there. Troll a resort’s website, Facebook or Twitter accounts and you can often find sweet deals.

Tonight and Saturday, Mount Southington is selling night skiing tickets for 25 bucks. There’s also a coupon on its website for $25 off a four or eight-hour flex tickets for today.

Catamount has knocked down the price of mid-week tickets to $20 (a $9 discount).

Jiminy Peakin northwestern Massachusetts has an e-coupon for a $45 ticket on Sunday.

Check out Liftopia for deals at ski resorts that can save you more than $20.

Comments

|

E-mail

|

Print

Helped by heavy snowfall this week, many northern New England and New York ski resorts have finally hit the 100 percent open mark.

This is the weekend to go skiing and snowboarding; the first time in nearly a month we didn’t have a storm top deal with.

Up to 20 inches of snow fell across Vermont this week allowing many areas to drop the ropes on trails that have been closed all season.

Vermont ski areas with 100 percent of terrain open include Okemo, Stratton, Pico, Killington, Jay and Bolton. Even Magic Mountain and Mad River Glen, areas with little of no snowmaking, are only a few trails shy of being totally open.

It’s the same story in New Hampshire, where areas like Loon got pounded with nearly two feet of snow this week.

Hard to believe that in Connecticut where warm temperatures, rain and fog continue to eat away at the remaining snowpack from the early February blizzard.

That hasn’t stopping Connecticut’s four ski areas from having ALL their trails open.

A Mohawk Mountain on Saturday, bring out you tie-dye shirts and celebrate Sixties Day Prizes will be going for the best Sixties costumes.

Mount Southington plans to reduce its hours starting Sunday; it will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday hours will be 10am – 9pm and Saturday from 9am-9pm.

Beginning Monday its night ticket will be $25 to coincide with our shortened hours. Night rentals will be $25 – Snowboard Rentals $29.

In the last week, many ski areas have rolled out special deals (check early blog posts) to get people to the slopes.

Weatherwise, it will be a mostly cloudy weekend with a few snow showers in the North Country. Temperatures will hover in the 20s into the 30s. And fortunately winds will not be strong.

So what are you waiting for? It doesn’t get better than this.