Well, thank goodness summer is over. Now we can stick our bikinis back in the drawer where they belong and start looking forward to hitting the slopes! Sharpen your skis and snow boards and get ready to rip because the ski season is just around the corner! I, like everyone else who’s caught the downhill bug, can’t wait to get started and to get out there. Budgets are tight, but that’s no reason to stay inside. In preparation for this year’s ski season, I’m sharing a snow storm of ideas for ski trips this year. In New York City, the constant hustle and bustle of everyday life can grow tiresome. Wouldn’t it be nice to know a relaxing ski vacation is within reach and within your budget? I decided to kick off the season by revealing tips on trips to select nearby resorts in Vermont.
Stratton
Stratton Mountain Resort doesn’t just rock in the winter! The resort, operated by Intrawest, offers over 600 acres of terrain full of winter and summer activities. As the first Eastern ski resort to allow snowboarding, Stratton is now home to the famous U.S. Open Snowboarding Championship each March.
The Facts
Trails: 92
Difficulty: 42% Easy / 31% Intermediate / 27% Expert
Lifts: 12
The Lodging
$$: Equinox Resort & Spa (http://www.equinoxresort.com/)
$: Stratton Mountain Resort (http://www.stratton-mountain-resort.com/)
$: Long Trail House (http://www.strattonrealestate.com/homes/p.long.trail.house.asp)
The Lift Tickets
Distance from NYC:
230 miles (approximately 4.5 hours)
Stowe
Stowe Mountain has a variety of new improvements to the mountain including a new inter-mountain transfer lift, new trails, a new beginner area, 2 new high-speed detachable quads and new fully-automated snowmaking on Spruce Peak. The upgrades will improve lift line waits and the quality of the skiing on the mountain.
The Facts:
Trails: 116
Difficulty: 16% Easy / 59% Intermediate / 25% Advanced
Lifts: 13
The Lodging:
$$: Topnotch at Stowe Resort & Spa (http://www.topnotchresort.com/)
$: Stowe Mountain Lodge (http://www.stowemountainlodge.com/vermont-spa-menu.php)
$: The Stowe Inn (http://www.stoweinn.com/welcome)
The Lift Tickets
Distance from NYC:
335 Miles (approximately 6 hours)
Okemo
Located in Ludlow, Vermont, Okemo Mountain Resort offers big mountain skiing and riding with the service and charm you would expect of this New England state. Okemo offers an exceptional vacation experience for all ability levels.
The Facts:
Trails: 119
Difficulty: 32% Easy / 38% Intermediate / 30% Advanced
Lifts: 19
The Lodging:
$$: Okemo Mountain Lodge (http://www.okemo-mountain-lodge.com/)
$: Castle Hill Resort and Spa (http://castlehillresort.com/)
$: Best Western Ludlow Colonial Motel (http://www.bestwesternludlow.com/)
The Lift Tickets:
Distance from NYC:
240 Miles (approximately 5 hours)
Sugarbush
Sugarbush is located in Vermont’s majestic Green Mountains and between two National Historic Villages. It is like no other in America. Located 45 minutes south of Burlington, Vermont’s International Airport, a three-hour drive from Boston and five hours from the George Washington Bridge, the resort boasts diverse terrain, tons of snow and an idyllic way of life.
The Facts
Trails: 111
Difficulty: 20% Easy / 45% Intermediate / 35% Advanced
Lifts: 16
The Lodging
$$: Clay Brook at Sugarbush (http://www.clay-brook-at-sugarbush.com/)
$: Sugarbush Condos (http://www.sugarbushvillage.com/)
$: Weathertop Mountain Inn (http://www.weathertopmountaininn.com/)
The Lift Tickets
Distance from NYC:
300 Miles (approximately 6 hours)
Killington
Killington is the largest ski and snowboard area in the East. It offers the most skiing and most variety of terrain served by the East’s highest capacity lift system. Six interconnected mountains and nearby Pico Mountain, provide unparalleled diversity of skiing and the greatest vertical in New England.
The Facts
Trails: 141
Difficulty: 28% Easy / 33% Intermediate / 39% Expert
Lifts: 23
The Lodging
$$: Hawk Inn and Mountain Resort (http://www.hawkresort.com/)
$: Killington Grand Resort Hotel (http://www.killington.com/winter/index.html)
$: Cascades Lodge and Restaurant (http://www.cascadeslodge.com/)
The Lift Tickets
Distance from NYC:
270 Miles (approximately 5 hours)
Burke
Burke Mountain is renowned for its breathtaking views and ski racing heritage. It is home of the Burke Mountain Academy, the preeminent ski academy in the country with 40 Olympians to its credit.
The Facts
Trails: 45
Difficulty: 25% Easy / 45% Intermediate / 30% Advanced
Lifts: 4
The Lodging
$$: Rabbit Hill Inn (http://www.rabbithillinn.com/)
$: Village Inn of East Burke (http://www.villageinnofeastburke.com/)
$: Stepping Stone Spa (http://www.steppingstonewellnesscenter.com/)
The Lift Tickets
Distance from NYC:
340 Miles (approximately 6 hours)
Now, the only thing left to do is pack up your sweaters and jump in the car. If you’re planning to go skiing on a busy week/weekend (holidays primarily), call the ski rental store ahead of time. Reserve skis in order to avoid long lines and limited equipment. Just be sure to bring your hand warmers! See you on the slopes!
For more information, refer to the following websites.
http://www.skivermont.com/
http://www.vermontskiresorts.com/
