Looking for a venue to hit some great Spring skiing and riding conditions? Ready to attend some very cool events or see some fantastic live music? Maybe you are looking to just throw a few back in the sunshine with friends in the mountains?

Whichever you’re fancying - Sunday River is the answer for the next few weekends.

Keep reading to find out what is happening up at Sunday River for this weekend and next.

Okemo season passes for the 2009/2010 ski season are available for purchase now. Up until April 30th Okemo Mountain Resort is locking their rates for season passes at the same levels they were offered up last year.

Purchasing a season pass from Okemo scores you all sorts of benefits. These include skiing at Okemo’s sister resorts, Mount Sunapee, NH and Crested Butte, CO. Plus Okemo’s pass alliance with Vermont’s Stratton Mountain will also still be in force next winter.

Still there is more: Here are some other benefits options Okemo is putting on the table.

• Purchase a 2009/2010 Ultra Pass or Peak Pass by April 30 will receive one Companion Day ticket, so the pass holder can bring a friend skiing for free, any one day during the entire 2009/2010 season.
• Okemo is offering a Pre-Buy Plus Spring Season Pass option. For a slightly higher rate, skiers and riders can purchase a season pass for next winter that also includes the remainder of this great season. This option is available now through closing day in mid-April.

Shawnee Peak is promoting their season pass rates for next season. The price points are all very reasonable.

If you purchase one now you will be allowed to use the lifts for the remained of this season as well! Plus the pass for next year will get you invited to the end of season pass holder events this Spring. Not bad – check out the price points with this LINK.

S.G. Note - The Family Pass could be a perfect solution if you have a place within a short drive of Shawnee next winter and more than a couple children in tow.

This weekend on Saturday (3/21) is the resorts Spring Fling!

Here is a You Tube clip from the Pond Skimming last spring.

Maybe we do get that last big powder day this season…and if it comes midweek you need to be sure not to miss out. That means prepping the boss now for a short notice vacation day, or just playing hooky.

The location is the easy part. Just over an hour up I93 North from Boston. The parking lot at Tenney Mountain is only 6 miles off of the highway (exit 23).

This weekend on Saturday March 21st Jiminy Peak is hosting a Spring Fling. This is a day up in Hancock, MA that has something for everyone! If you have been thinking about switching gears from the normal weekend trek north this is your ticket. The Berkshires have always been a nice option for a weekend getaway.

The Spring Fling – Cardboard Box Derby! Bikini Slaloms! Pond Skimming!

• Registration begins at 8:30 am EDT in the Upper Courtyard of Village Center.
• Entry for all events is free of charge!
• Must be pre-registered at least 30 minutes prior to the start of each event.

The southern VT resort has earned itself a reputation in the last decade as a place to be seen. That also came with a high price for visitors. Honestly, the location makes it appealing to folks driving up the Interstate 91 corridor from CT, NJ & NY more so than those of us who have to brave Route 2 from the Hub.

Regardless, the S.G. loves Stratton (plus Manchester, VT is about a 15 minute drive) and is happy to report that the resort has worked hard this year to make on about face on that expensive reputation. This spring the largest ski are in Southern VT is offering some seriously deep discounts. These deals mentioned below will make a trip worthwhile for you and some friends.

Next Weekend: Stratton is hosting the Burton US Snowboarding Championships!

Here is a You Tube clip the S.G. took of Shaun Whites winning half pipe run last at last year US Open.

There is still a lot of skiing left this season in New England. March may have many of you thinking about the golf clubs. Truth be told we are probably going to get hit with at least a couple of major snow events before April is upon us. March is always a busy month full of fun events.

Sugarbush, VT has a full slate planned in the next several weeks. The various mountain peaks that make up the resort have already seen an outstanding 21 feet of snow this season. As of the time of this post the Bush is still operating with 100% of their legendary terrain open.

The Princeton, MA ski area was also on the short list of places with chairlifts that picked up over a foot of new snow from the storm earlier this week. When you add that into an equation that features a short drive and great deals it makes Wachusett a place you need to have on your radar.

Never been to Wachusett? See how the other readers felt about the resort by looking at the report card GRADES.

Season Passes for 2009-2010 are on sale Now!

Bonus Turns: If you take down a pass for next season you can ski and ride for the rest of this one for Free! For the price points hit this LINK.

Here is a breakdown of things to expect from Pats Peak in Henniker, NH this March.

If you have been following this blog all season you already know that the resort is one of the S.G.’s favorite day trips from downtown Boston, and a tremendous family area. Hopefully you find something in this entry that gets you up there for some skiing, riding, snowtubing, and fun!

Snow Update: Pats Peak was one of the areas that benefitted the most from the Sunday/Monday snowstorm. They picked up over a foot and are currently operating on 100% of their terrain with a 28-50 inch base.

March has always been the S.G.’s favorite month to hit the slopes in New England.

This year Jay Peak is making it an easier decision to head north for a few long weekends of deep powder. The resort has begun selling Spring Passes. These are valid until closing day with no restrictions (typically first week in April – could go longer this spring).

Update: So far this season Jay Peak has tallied 342 inches of snowfall! For current Jay Peak weather forecasts check out what Roger Hill has to say on the website.

The S.G. mentioned the new page Killington put up on their website called Deal Grabber a few blog entries ago. The resort is standing pat on what they have advertised and continues to add new ways for skiers and riders to save serious coin.

Snow Stats: Killington reported 19 inches form the storm on Sunday. They have seen 39" of new white stuff over the last seven days. So far this season = 245 inches, and counting...

video from Killington shot on 2/23/2009

The S.G. is not entirely sure what to make of the continuous deals pouring out from Jay Peak. Made me wonder where the mountain stands with their season snowfall totals.

That answer is 268 inches!

Are you serious? That is a lot of snow and New England still has a month and a half of primetime days, for snowstorms ahead. On second thought this does make sense, we have had a tremendous year to date.

Here are a couple of price breaks (deals) that you can take advantage of right now.

Alert: Jay Peak is bracing itself for some very good snowfall totals in the next 5 days. S.G. predicts 2 feet of fresh by Sunday for them.

photo taken at Jay Peak on 02/16/09

This requires some immediate attention and action.

Tomorrow, Friday the 13th Sugarbush is trying to bring folks a little bit of good luck. They are selling all day lift tickets for $14. No strings attached…grab the significant other and start the long weekend early with a great deal.

Note 1 – it should be snowing all day tomorrow up in the mountains of New England. More on this later…

looking north at Camel Hump from Sugarbush - Mount Ellen (pic taken 1/24 by S.G.)

Folks traveling up to northern VT from the urban centers often overlook Bolton Valley. It sits in the town of Bolton right next to Waterbury, in the shadows of some much larger and more popular neighbors. People that live up in that region are in love this ski area! It is a little smaller in size but larger than anything in MA. There you will experience a friendly easygoing feel.

Bolton Valley has the full gamut of services and activities, which include high-speed lifts, cross country skiing, night skiing (alpine), and friendly people who enjoy where they are and what they are doing.

You do not need to take my word for it though – see the Report Card Grades.

This is probably the first ever blog entry dedicated only to Black Mountain. It is a small area in Jackson, NH. Been around forever and the mountain has a great reputation as a small family area that people keep returning to over the years.

These types of operations stick around for a reason. They know how to put out an enduring friendly ski experience, at an affordable price. This turns first time visitors into repeat offenders.

The S.G. already put a blog entry up about some ways that you can score Killington lift tickets at discounted rates. See this LINK for those details.

In fact, Killington now has a special page of their website called - Deal Grabber. It will display everything the resort is offering up for specials for the remainder of the season. Keep checking back, it will be updated as new promotions are approved.

Glad to read that they are expanding these deals (for the mountains 50th anniversary) and some of those will cover Presidents Week. The release from the resort with all the details is attached below. Supplies are limited, so make your move now if you are going to be up in K-Town skiing February 16-20.

This weekend is going to be a gem.

Stockpiles of snow cover the mountains of New England. The forecasts are calling for sunshine and the thermometer will be pushing fifty degrees in the Hub.

That means very mild temperatures up North. Hero conditions will prevail. I do not think things will end up going all corny on us, especially the further north you head. However, I will say this. Supersonic skiing and riding will be out there for the taking at every area with a lift in our region this weekend.

pic from Jay Peak - there is a skier in there somewhere - taken last weekend

The beginning of February marks the half waypoint of the ski season. The first half of 08/09 was remarkable here in New England. It has certainly provided many memories for folks to cherish during the long hot summer months. If Mother Nature and Old Man Winter cooperate, and the finish is on par with the start, this could go down as one of the best ski seasons New England has seen in decades.

In the middle of the month - with schools on February vacation, Presidents Day (2/16) and Saint Valentine’s Day (2/14) - there will be plenty going on up in the North Country. This is the last Holiday period of the season for the mountains. The resorts and areas are operating with extraordinary conditions. Most everything in the region is 100% open and snow surfaces are Real Packed Powder.

The stock market may be in Bear mode, but the ski areas are fully throttled and running with the Bulls.

This blog entry is littered with deals and events. Maybe one catches your fancy and inspires you to get out on the slopes. Please note that the events are much more prevalent than the deals, as previous mentioned it is Holiday period.

Besides being up to the eyeballs in snow, Shawnee Peak in Maine is giving you another reason to head up that way for some turns on Sunday.

If you are a AAA member take advantage of this option on Sunday.

S.G. Tangent: Yes, I know it is Super Bowl Sunday – but really…the Cardinals and Steelers?!?! That is like a bad Sunday night match up in week 3 that you fall asleep on the couch during. Honestly, I feel that I am about as interested in the SB this year as I would be for the first Patriots preseason scrimmage.

some pow video from the resort

Every skier and rider loves a deal on lift tickets.

This is a great way to save some major dollars and get some snow time at Killington, VT this season.

Killington reported 21 inches of new snow in the last 48 hours! With all the acreage up there, it is without question that there will still be freshies come Saturday and Sunday if you look around a bit.

This is not an officially sanctioned deal. Just the S.G. piecing together some affordable ways to ski and stay at Mad River Glen.

Q: Would you believe me if I told you that for $82.50 you can pull off a 2 day/1 night midweek ski getaway at Mad River Glen?

A: Well you can. Here is how…

At the risk of starting to sound like a broken record, but nonetheless true…

The Skiing and Riding in New England right now is Exceptional!

We have had a tremendous streak of favorable temperatures and snow. This weekend will be a good pick to make a trip. Start planning now. Check CONDITIONS to figure out what your resort is reporting. Find a friend to go with. Do whatever you have to…

That is correct.

This Friday - January 23, 2009 - Wildcat is selling Nine Dollar Lift Tickets.

This is a no strings attached deal: Show Up + Pay $9 = Ski the Cat!

Wildcat will see additional snows all week. Making this move on Friday is a great option.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is this Monday (01/19/2009). Good news is for most of the work force that equals a long weekend. Great news being reserved for skiers, riders, and any other outdoor snow enthusiasts.

The winter conditions across New England are approaching exceptional. Mountains should be able have an enormous amount of terrain open. The cold air will allow them to resurface all of the snowmaking trials. Packed powder and snow in the woods will be the prevailing weekend reports.

S.G. Recommendation: You should make a point to spend at least one day this weekend on the snow. Day Trip or Weekend Overnight, really does not matter which, it will be good. Many mountains have seen a lot of snowfall accumulate in the last week and they are certain to get more very soon.

This was news to me but January is "National Learn a Snowsports Month." It is true, there are over 20 states offering great ways to introduce a person to skiing or riding for the first time. Most of them, at least in New England are offering something for FREE.

Take advantage of some of these deals. Introduce a person in your life to a new relationship with the snow. They will thank you, and you will have someone to share the experiences with in the future.

Actually, they may not thank you. Here are a few things you DO NOT want to do with a first timer…

The central VT resort Okemo has announced a substantial number of ways for you to save a few dollars skiing and riding. The mountain folks have constructed a bundle of packages that cover all types of visitors.

Quick and somewhat relevant food tangent - preceding the deals breakdown…

Ludlow, VT Dinning Option: The S.G. recently went to dinner with a bunch of friends. Some of the people in our group had been to Sam’s Steakhouse before. The S.G. had not. The experience was a very good one. The menu is standard steakhouse fare. The food is above average, especially considering other options within a half-hour journey form the Okemo base area.

We will remember 2008 as an above average year for skiing and riding.
February was strong with lots of snowfall. Skiing remained great until a St. Pat’s Day rain out. Fresh late March snow allowed for spring skiing into mid-April.

Quite obviously, we are getting crushed this December.

The sun is setting on 2008, but the best day for skiing and riding in New England might just be tomorrow (12/23/08).

Q: Where are you going to ski in 2009?
A: With only a week left to make arrangements act now.

In this blog entry, find 10 deals you can still make happen.

This week – Bolton Valley is selling lift tickets for Fourteen Dollars. That is a good deal no matter how you spin it. Admittedly, I am a few days late getting the word out on this. Nonetheless, this seasonal promotion is valid until Friday 12/19/08.

Eye on the Sky: Snow is on the way for New England tonight. I bet BV picks up 8 inches in the next 24 hours… .

Reasons to visit Bolton Valley

Boyne Resorts are the new owners of Sunday River and Sugarloaf in Maine. This is their second season and they are doing a few things differently. I like the shake up in the New England ski scene.

The sister resorts are running a Twelve Days of Xmas promotion. It offers a different discount or deal every day starting this Sunday (12/14) and running until Christmas (12/25).

Why the S.G. likes the deal:

• Real deals that do not require a math degree to decipher
• Valid at 2 Major New England resorts (Go Maine!)
• Going against a decade of PC “holiday” grain and talking about Christmas

The "Loon Express" is taking the Sugarbus we had an entry about a few weeks ago to the next level.

Loon Mountian, NH is teaming with New England Action Sports to offer a season long bus service from Providence/Boston starting on January 4th.

Long story short: This runs on both Fridays ($59.95) and Sundays ($69.95) and these prices include bus ride and a lift ticket (per person).

All passengers must make an advanced reservation by calling New England Action Sports at 1-800-477-SNOW (7669).

Keep reading for more details.

Thinking about a day trip this weekend?

Saturday Cannon, NH is your ticket. The are having a canned food drive. Help the folks at Cannon help feed the less fortunate who are hungry.

Skiers/riders who arrive at the area on Saturday, December 13th with five non-perishable food items will receive $10 off the current adult, teen, or junior/senior lift ticket price.

I have to be honest. I do not even go to Pico, VT very often. However, I love the mountain. Pico is an often-overlooked option in New England.

The variety of deals shown below will save you some dollars should give you a reason to check it out this season.

If you are planning on spending time in the the North Conway scene and you are looking for a bargain check this.

Ski 4 days for the price of 2 this year at Wildcat, NH.

Special Wildcards are available at the Boston Ski Expo while supplies last. I have no idea how they plan to allocate them over the 4 day/night event.

Purchase the Wildcard at the Boston ski show and receive an additional lift ticket voucher valid Sunday through Friday during non-holiday periods of the 2008/2009 season. There is a limited supply of these bonus offers available only at the Boston ski show.

Stowe, VT has snow.

Season Talley: 371 inches = STRONG

Next weekend will be the last for the resort's skiing & riding operations. People will hike, but if you want to hit this place up for a few spring turns, this deal is made for you...

How much snow: The Mount Manfield Stake is still floating around the 90" mark (but it ain't going the right way).

The Deal: on Sunday --- April 20th --- Lift tickets will be $20 with a non-perishable food donation.

Q: Need a place to crash?
A: Keep reading...

The Reggae Festival at Sugarloaf in Maine is an annual event. Many would argue it is the best of all the New England spring parties. I would tend to agree.

What makes it special is the Music (they schedule great acts) and the Snow (there is still a ton up there on that monster of a mountain).

Today's (4/10) Spring Conditions at Sugarloaf ~ SOLID REPORT

• 30 - 50" base depth
• 133 of 134 trails
• 666 acres
• 56 miles
• 9 of 15 lifts
• Grooming: 35 trails

I have not been up there for this event in years. I am pretty excited to be making the trip this weekend. It will most likely be my last couple days on the snow. Good way to go out...

S.G. pic of Sugarloaf, taken last February

Mount Sunapee is a great day trip from Boston and they are making it a little bit easier on the wallet.

I have attached information from the resort below.

This would be a great pick for a day trip this Sunday, make it happen!

This weekend at Sunday River is the annual Parot Head Festival!

I was at this event last year and it was a great time...absolutely worth checking out.

There is a ton more happening the rest of this season up there, keep reading for Events, Deals, and News...

huge crowds and sunshine last season at the Parrot Head Festival --- White Cap base area.

This is a great way to ski or ride for short $$$..

Check out the deal from Shawnee Peak in Maine. The mountain is only 2.5 hours from Boston.

Mount Ellen is closed for the season. This past Sunday was the last day of operations for Sugarbush North.

There is still a TON of snow up there on that mountain. If hiking is your thing, this is a good option for the remainder of the season.

Sugarbush South or Lincoln Peak is still going strong and has at least a few weeks left spinning the lifts.
'
Now is a great time to experience Sugarbush.

the S.G. messing around at North in mid-February

The U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships

March 17-23, 2008 * Stratton, VT

For the 23rd year in a row, Stratton, VT is hosting New England’s most prominent snow sport event.

Although heavily sponsered by Burton Snowboards, it is an “Open” field to all who can get through qualifications, which are going on now. I reckon there are invites/exemptions. The link to the website above will be current. The field of athletes is world class, not very surprising given the coin at stake, keep reading...

I dug up some of the pictures and video I took during the 2005 men’s Halfpipe Finals. I am heading there again this year…

This time of year, you can usually get some deals.

Spring Passes although rare, do exist. Season passes for next year are on sale and most of them will get you lift rides the rest of this season as a bonus. Here are a few that hit my radar.

S.G. Tip - If you have a favorite resort keep you eye on their website, heck give the customer service a call and ask them what’s up.

S.G. Note - If you do call, first ask if it is snowing. That is a S.G. rule of thumb. Whenever I call a ski area or anything around the mountains, I always ask if it is snowing.

Here is a quick data dump of things that hit my inbox and caught my attention.

I hope that some of you find this useful. Spring is here and we still have over a month of good skiing left in New England. Some of the regions biggest events on the snow are right around the corner.

New Website: Check this website put out there by SIA. Not too shabby… I gave it a few quick turns…and found some useful stuff of all walks after digging around a little. Look for yourself, you are probably reading this at work anyway. SNOWLINK

Annual snow totals all over the region are either being shattered or on pace to be broken. This has certainly been a wonderful run this season for all snow enthusiasts.

The majority of New England ski areas scored a FOOT of new snow in the last 24 hours.

The skiing should be fantastic for the next few days. Another storm is in the works for Friday into the weekend. To check in on your favorite resort hit this LINK.

Here is a taste of a couple things that hit the Guru’s radar which are going down in the Granite State.

In addition, on a personal note, I did already make it to Cannon this year and I love that place. There was great snow when I was there back in January. I know a lot of you are already keen too the place.

S.G. photo taken from Cannon, NH on 1/5/08 – Mount Lafayette in the distance, lots of snow

I found this breakdown on some factoids and events from Ski Vermont.

Some pretty interesting stuff. There will certainly be more as the days roll towards March. It is the best month to ski in New England…

I still owe the blog a write up on my killah day at Sugarbush North a few weekends back. I will get to that, but for now I offer this 411 from Sugarbush, VT.

The Today Show at Sugarbush

That's right: Tomorrow, Thursday, February 21st, "Today" will be broadcasting all four hours of its programming live from Sugarbush Resort. The broadcast kicks off at 7am and the whole “Today” crew will be here. So please be sure to tune in to NBC at 7am on Thursday morning.

I am playing catch up on the Inbox tonight. For you that means I should rattle off a few entries with good information. No promises tough, just starting now and since my last blog entry was about Saturday at Sunday River this press release was a nice tie in…

Check it: Lists for the rest of the season.

The S.G. snapped this picture of an outboard motor converted into a blender last year on Saturday of the Parrot/Bust n Burn weekend. Solid event to attend…

Folks, if you are thinking of heading north this weekend to take in some Patriots pigskin action this list may help. Every season I put out feelers to the mountains to see what, if anything, they have planned for the big game.

I always trumpet two non-traditional ski holidays.

• Super Bowl Monday
• St. Patrick’s Day (more on that in about 5 weeks)

If you have not done so, request a vacation day for Monday. Feel free to enjoy what could be one of the most historical sports performances ever.

picture taken 1/28 - courtesy of Attitash, NH

This one is VERY short notice, but hopefully someone out there can pick up on it and take adavantage.

This Friday (1/25/08) Wildcat, NH has $9.00 lift tickets for sale!

Fact: It is under 3 hour drive from the Hub to the Cat.

photo courtesy of Wildcat, NH

Every year around this time, I trumpet one thing. Take Super Bowl Monday off as a vacation day and hit the slopes! With the Patriots back in the big game and looking to rewrite NFL history, I cannot stress this enough, yet again.

I was up in Killington, VT last weekend for skiing and the games. I took in the football at the Lookout Bar & Grill. They have a great, giant (no pun intended) selection of HD flat screen televisions.

Tip: Get there (or wherever you are going up in the Killington region) early to secure a good seat/spot to view the game.

Warning: There is an old skiers adage about Killington being the last stop on the NYC subway. Lots of Geeeeeee-Men fans up there...

Observation: It is always fun watching NY fans undergo defeat, especially in person.

New Hampshire is all the news lately with the primaries. But we really care about the skiing up in the granite state.

This past weekend I made it up to Lincoln, NH. My temporary home base was at the Inn Seasons Resorts Pollard Brook.

These units are condominium style. They are new and very nice lodging. It is definitely worth looking into if you are considering heading up that way. From the condo it was a quick 15-minute ride to Cannon (Saturday) and Loon (Sunday) was literally across the rode.

I will have detailed reports on my days on the mountains later this week. But the skiing was exceptional. Keep reading for a full breakdown of deals and events this weekend in NH.

This is a pretty solid deal for newbies out there on the slopes.

You should look into it (keep reading) and spread the good word. Bring a friend that needs to get out in the winter. Figure out how to make schedules allow.

No better time to start a ski addiction then 2008.

Last season I remember how desolate the ski landscape of New England was at this time. On January 10th the thermometer topped out at 70ºF in downtown Boston. There was very little snow to be had anywhere because our mountains were constantly battling the warm air and that nasty “R” word.

Fast forward to NOW.

The Ski Season: So far New England ski areas could have not dreamt up a better start to the season. Plenty of cold air for snowmaking coupled with above average natural snowfall have made the skiing and riding the best the region has seen in decades for this time of year. Current conditions are approaching "World Class to So Ridiculous it is almost Unbelievable!"

Mount Ellen, aka Sugarbush North and Slidebrook to the left. pic ~ S.G. taken Sat 12/15, apx 9:00 am

View image of the same spot 24 hours later on Sun 12/16

Really we do not normally see the areas in this kind of shape heading into the Xmas/NYE holidays. Get out there and take advantage of it while you still can.

Here is a breakdown of what is happening in the north country this holiday week.

The Ski Expo is Loaded with DEALS on all types of ski gear! Tons of events, a huge crowd of snow enthusiasts!

What more could you want?

The Ski Expo is a snow sports carnival. The event will be calling the Bayside Expo Center home from this Thursday to Sunday.

Entry Coupon & detailed event schedules can be located with the following link. Ski Expo Info

Where: BAYSIDE EXPO CENTER
When: NOVEMBER 15 - 18, 2007

Show Hours
Thursday, Nov. 15: 4 - 10 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 16: 4 - 10 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 17: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 18: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Tons of stuff for children!

This past weekend was many resorts last for the season. Perfect weather was featured across New England for the spring parties that went off all over ski country. There are probably many skiers (and ski area employees) that were dragging Monday from a weekend in full throttle.

I sampled the spring snow up at Sunday River. Both days the surface loosened up and got soft by noon. The sun was pounding, without cloud cover until late on Sunday afternoon.

There was a ton of events going on. Parrot Head weekend, the Bust and Burn Mogul Competition, and pound skimming.

the White Cap base area, stuffed with people and events on Saturday

At the beginning of every ski season I pull out the calendar and pencil in a couple days. Super Bowl Monday & St. Patrick’s Day are the two. Both make for great long ski weekends. (Yes, I am aware that the 17th of March sometimes falls midweek)

This year Super Bowl Monday yielded a few wonderful days of skiing in fresh snow up in Stowe, VT.

This weekend IRISH DAY will be over-serving the skiers and riders of New England with POWDER.

I hate to say I told you SO. But I did, read the last ENTRY to the blog.

J.L. getting big air and a bit OC up at Jay Peak

The skiing and riding is very good in New England. Honest, Serious, for Real. We currently are experiencing the best conditions so far this season! Percentages of open terrain have been on a steady climb as the mountains up north have had over two weeks of consistently good snowmaking weather. Check this LINK to find out how your favorite resort is doing.

The mountains have been picking up an inch of two day to day form lake effect snows. It all counts. The steady small shots of snow are the best way for bases to become and remain Packed Powder. We have not had any rain events to speak of. All we need is one big storm and things will go bananas. Big = a foot plus for most resorts. That is not being too greedy is it? I mean, come on. It is February first today.

Sugarloaf has opened the Superpipe - pic from the resort

Whew! It is cold in New England! I am not complaining. A look at the calendar and guess what? There are still plenty of days in this ski season ahead of us. With winter finally here to stay for a while ski season in going to really get into gear. Better late than never...

the S.G. in the trees and pow pow at Winter Park

Looking for something to make you smile? Check out the new snow that the resorts of New England are picking up. LINK Keep in mind that the snowmaking efforts are on full throttle. It is also supposed to snow all weekend, with a major long term pattern change (GOOD – very good) beginning early next week!

All this considered MLK weekend will be the best we have seen so far this season. Take it and turn.

The new Sugarbush base area covered in snow (pic form resort)

Here are the stragglers left over from the New Years Eve Deals & Events post. It is nothing to be ashamed of if you are still on the fence, given the conditions. I do not have a destination locked down yet either.

An unhealthy debate to be having this time of year

Q: Should I go skiing or golfing?

A: Well… I could travel south. However, I do not imagine starting the ‘07 Long-shanks campaign off by hitting stingers in raw chilly air with the stud stick as a pleasurable thing.

Winner: Skiing!

photo from Jay Peak Resort taken on 12/28/06

The holidays are a hectic time for most everyone. There is so much to accomplish. Places to be, gifts to purchase & deliver, cards to send, and parties to attend.

I can tell you one thing, not having extraordinary conditions to lure me north these past few weekends has made this time a bit less taxing. Although there are two sides to every fence and unfortunately the snow is whiter on the other side. I would have gladly sufficed the extra effort and slept a few hours less to be snorkeling in hip deep powder.

Do you want to Ski for FREE?

Thought that might grab your attention. Here are some quick hits to get the week started, including how to get free lift tickets to Sunday River, ME.

How bout this weather. I have not had to turn the heat on once yet this fall and it is almost December. A glance at the forecasting for this week and consensus is that we should see some precipitation out of a weekend system. Will the cold air be along for the ride? We can only cross the fingers and hope.

Photo from Jay Peak, VT ~ good coverage on Jet this weekend.

In some fashion there are deals at every ski area in New England.

Most are also the same as last years.
Most are one day events.

These ‘one and done’ types are usually the best value. One could spend hours updating their Outlook calendar with reminders. Fortunately for all of you, I have already done that.

Stay tuned to the message boards and you will get a heads up.

So, bearing the above in mind, I sifted through the ski print out there across the region this weekend. Great information – but I found it overwhelming in volume. I have been looking at these things for seasons. I have read them with the gleaming eye of a child thinking about snowdays, when I was a frugal minded student, as an industry employee - fearful of misquotation, and this weekend looking to see what may have been missed or overlooked.

Here are ‘fresh’ deal options this year that seemed to have snuck under the radar.

"Hey, where we gunna find a deal?"

Updated Entry 04/05/06: The snow is falling again in the mountains of New England and some resorts have picked up substantial amounts. The new snow (more possible in the next 48 hours) should make this weekend a fantastic one for spring skiing. I am taking to opportunity to make my final charge of the season and suggest you do the same.

photo courtesy of Jay Peak, taken yesterday

***THIS WEEKEND ONLY*** Sunday River, ME

So not everyone in the crowd can bang out a vacation day or bang in a sick day. Life can be cruel and punishing for the skier in all of us. But today, I bring you reprieve. It knocks in the form of an awesome weekend deal.

Do you like your snow groomed to perfection first thing in the morning? Maybe you are more the afternoon corn type? Whatever you fancy this will fit the bill perfectly.

Spring Fest contiuens this weekend

***Ski Guru Special*** Do you like great deals coupled with outstanding conditions? This week is going to be a fantastic one to ski! Jay Peak currently has the best conditions any the of mountains in New England have seen this season. The resort is offering a Powder Special just for you!

Jay Peak has tallied a whopping 3+ feet in the past five days! It looks like they'll be heading into one of the (if not THE) best weeks of the season – temps forecasted in the 20-30 range all week. Snow/flurries tonight, tomorrow, sunshine on Tuesday, then flurries again on Wednesday into Thursday.

taken Sunday (11 AM) on the face

This is it... The season is waning. For the next several weeks we are going to be enjoying corn snow and wonderful, sun filled days on the slopes. This is my favorite time of year to ski. Good light long into the evening, warmer temperatures, music and grills on decks are the norm.

March is filled with tons of awesome events. The ski areas of New England have put the snowmaking equipment away until November and are focused on having fun for the next four weeks or so. It is the ideal time of year to get out and hit the slopes.

large crowds gather around the half pipe at the US Open

***Next weekend only! (2/24 - 2/26) Jay Peak Resort is offering up a deal only for you, the readers that ski and ride*** Limited Availability…

The Ski Guru loves Jay Peak, can I say that? It has a Tram, awesome terrain, the most snow, great trail and lift system (unless you get stuck on the Queens Highway T-bar at the end of the day), and being just a little further away from your everyday life.

looking at the Tram House

Thank Goodness it is February! For me it seemed as if the first month of the New Year was never going to end. This is my favorite time of the ski season. February is when the days get noticeably longer. Enjoy the better light in the afternoon out on the slopes.

The ski areas of New England have made a full recovery from the weather spell January brought. A quick look at Snow Country shows trail counts on the rise, most areas are operating with over 80% of their terrain. We still are waiting for that BIG STORM to hit us, but things are good up North. Most areas picked up new snow last week, some got as much as 10 inches, and we also have more in the long range forecasts. Head to the snowmaking trails for the best conditions.

View from the top of Lone Peak at the neighbors - Big Sky, MT photo ~ S.G.

Super Bowl Monday

Ski this day. Period. Double period… Got that? Read this and make the vacation request. The Monday after the Super Bowl (one week away) is a great way on a grand day to be a person who skis. Plus, snow is in the forecast. I may be making that up, but give it a look.

mid-station @ MRG, photo ~S.G.

The ski season is just getting started in earnest and there are a ton of events at all the different mountains across New England. Here are a few that may help spawn an idea for a trip. Take a look at the links below...for more info on any event go the areas website that is hosting.

***UPDATED with NEW DEALS and EVENTS***

So you still no plans for New Years? But you have had enough of paying top dollar to go to some fancy party in the city which inevitably turns out to be more of a hassle than a good time. Maybe you are like me and this New Years you are only looking to spend a quite evening with some friends up in ski country. If so and you do not have anything in concrete yet—Head for the mountains.

Powder anyone? No shortage of it at Jay Peak this weekend. I spoke with a friend up there last night and they picked up an honest to goodness 15 inches of new snow Wednesday. Check out their website for updates and photos…

***SPECIAL: SKI GURU DEAL***

Where: Jay Peak, VT
When: This weekend 12/9/05 – 12/11/05
What: 2 for 1 lift tickets at Jay Peak
How: Bring a screen print of this blog to the Customer Service window.

Simply print out this blog/web page, bring it to the Jay Peak Costumer Service window (not the lift ticket window) and you will receive two lift tickets for the price of one.

Only found here, this deal is completely legitimate and ONLY valid this Friday (12/9/05) through Sunday (12/11/05).

You will need a separate print out each day.

Sweet Powder Deal!

pic S.G.

My equipment is a joke. Hard and soft gear, the same story holds true. When I purchased it we are talking top of the line stuff. Ski a couple hundred days on it, junk. Where am I going to go to refresh? The Ski Expo!

First in New England to open that is… While most ski areas will not get their lifts turning until mid December, there are handfuls that are annually clicking on some cylinders by November. Thus offering reprieve after spending a joyful day with the family drinking wine and eating turkey.

Sugarloaf, from RSN

Unfortunately most of the real steals happened during the summer, regarding season passes. Fear not, this section will be plugged all winter with ways ski, eat and sleep on the cheap.

Herein find a few deals that are still in force, but act fast...

With out a pass this could be you.

Early season Event. Ski Jump on Fillmore Street in San Francisco. Old news, the competition went off on Thursday 9/29/05. Interesting, nonetheless.