Based on some of the images from this trip report, quite a few folks showed up for Sunday River’s final day of the season last month, when the Maine resort offered free skiing and riding. So, the odds are you might expect a similar crowd this weekend when Sugarbush is slated to re-open with free lift service both Saturday and Sunday.

Weather permitting, Sugarbush plans to run the lifts beginning Saturday for one final weekend this season, celebrating the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo while they’re at it. Simply show up at the ticket window, and you’re on your way. No strings attached, unless you want to donate a few bucks to the Vermont Land Trust to help preserve the iconic Bragg Farm in Fayston.

“In lieu of a ticket, I would just ask everyone to consider a gift of any amount to the Vermont Land Trust to help them complete the conservation of Bragg Farm,” resort owner Win Smith wrote on his blog.” We have donated $10,000 toward this effort but there is still much more money to raise. Your support would be greatly appreciated.”

Skiers and riders can also save time at the ticket window by putting their names on a will-call list.

Sugarloaf also plans to re-open for the weekend, and of course, Killington is still rocking the slopes daily with the hopes that Superstar may even have a few more weeks left.

Hard to believe as spring is in full swing that ski lifts are still spinning. Killington continues to run the Superstar Quad daily from 9am to 5pm all this week and next weekend, then plans to close midweek and reopen for skiing Friday, Saturday and Sunday May 10-12 (conditions permitting of course). Sugarloaf closed for the midweek but plans to reopen this Saturday and Sunday for skiing, and has not ruled out the following Mother's Day weekend for skiing, stay tuned. Jay Peak just announced they will not reopen this weekend as hoped, while Sugarbush decided to reopen May 4- 5 with free skiing with your donation to Vermont Land Trust.

May 4-5 weekend is the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo as well, so there are plenty of reasons to celebrate on snow. Don a Derby hat and drink mint juleps at après ski on Saturday as you watch the Run for the Roses. Skiing and horse racing all in one day - I may have put my money on Itsmyluckyday. Sombreros and tacos to go with your soft corn snow on Sunday, call it Ski-o de Mayo perhaps?

This late in the ski season, be sure to check the snow report and Killington, Sugarbush, and Sugarloaf's websites before you go. Some walking to lifts may be required, sunscreen and spring skiing costumes are encouraged.

See you on the slopes!
Photos by Greg Burke

They’re dwindling. Despite an above-average winter that helped blanket New England’s mountains to the delight of skiers and riders, reality has to smack in the face at some point. Over the last two weeks, local ski areas have been shutting down the lifts, pushing season passes for next season, and preparing for summer activities, all without the benefit of basking in the glorious aura of spring skiing, which has been close to non-existent thus far this March and April, with winter refusing to relinquish its grip in the north.

That appears to be changing, and just in time, as most area ski resorts, if they haven’t halted operations already, have announced closing dates for the 2012-13 season. We hate posting closing dates as much as the next skier, but the good news is that there is still plenty of time to get those final lift-served turns in this season. Here’s a roundup of who’s still open, when they plan to close, and what you might expect at the ticket window.

Maine

Sunday River – Open daily through April 14. Will re-open for one, final weekend April 20-21. $49 lift tickets, free skiing for all on April 21.

Sugarloaf - Until further notice

Saddleback – Open weekends in April

New Hampshire

Bretton Woods - Open through April 15. $29 lift tickets the remainder of the season, $17.76 lift tickets on Patriot's Day, April 15. In addition, all who ski or ride on the final day of the season will receive a voucher good for a one-day lift ticket this fall prior to Christmas.

Cannon – Open through April 14. Two-for-$70 spring pricing in effect.

Loon – Open through April 14. $49 lift tickets. South Peak closed for
the season.

Wildcat – Open through April 14, re-opening April 19-21, with a decision on the following weekend to be made at that time. $40 lift tickets.

Mount Sunapee – Open through April 14. $49 lift tickets.

Waterville Valley – Open through April 14. $43 lift tickets.

Vermont

Jay Peak – Until further notice

Stowe – Open through April 21. $64 lift tickets.

Sugarbush – Lincoln Peak aiming for its final spring fling weekend, May 4-5.

Killington – Open through May 5, with the possibility of opening weekends only beginning May 11, conditions pending.

Burke – Closed for the season, but may re-open April 13-14. Update: Now officially closed for the season.

Mad River Glen – Closed for the season, but will make the call on Wednesday if it will re-open for April 13-14. Update:Now officially closed for the season.

Mount Snow – Open through April 14. $45 lift tickets

Smuggler’s Notch – Open through April 14.

Okemo – Open through April 21. $65 lift tickets. Update: Due to a lack of business, Okemo has decided not to extend its season until April 21, and will close on April 14.

Stratton – Open through April 14.

Mid-winter snow conditions and spring ski events make this a great weekend to ski. Sunday River’s Parrot Head takes place this weekend, with Pond Skimming on Sunday. Sugarloaf is set to host the East Coast Pond Skimming Championships today. Killington’s Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge is on, and Okemo’s Slush Cup takes place today at Jackson Gore. BodeFest is happening at Cannon with Bode Miller himself. Bretton Woods lift tickets are $29 today and for the rest of the ski season.

That’s just a sampling of the ski fun going on around New England. So get out there for some spring skiing and sunshine while you can - sure beats doing your taxes!

See you on the slopes! Photos by Greg Burke

Sunscreen and sunglasses go together like spring skiing and Sugarloaf's Reggae Fest. The biggest on snow music event in Maine, and New England for that matter, turns 25 this year. For a quarter of a century, this northern ski resort has transformed into Jamaica North, with island bands playing live music all day and night, Rastafarian dress, sunshine, and soft snow. It's a rite of spring that rocks for skiers. The lifts spin, the bands and beer flow, folks dressed in tie dye and dreadlocks dance, and there is a "one world" vibe at this one mother of a mountain.

Reggae Fest predates social media, facebook, and instagram. Back in 1992, a few 100 people listened to a band on a deck. Now the mountain music festival draws over 10,000 people, and eight big-name bands that play day and night, April 11-14.

To commemorate this silver anniversary, Sugarloaf is giving a free trip to Reggae Fest to one winning photo in their #RoadtoReggae promotion. In this social media show down, Sugarloaf will award one Reggae Fest getaway for four people including a two-day ski and stay package with lift tickets and concert tickets.

Want to go to Regga Fest free with your three bffs? Enter the #RoadtoReggae giveaway by posting a photo to Instagram featuring the Sugarloaf logo, using the #RoadtoReggae hashtag.

Every Sugarloaf photo posted to Instagram that is tagged with the #RoadtoReggae will be on display in the Sugarloaf Blue Room, so you can view all of the entries throughout the contest, which ends on April 6. The winning photo, selected at random, will be announced April 8, you must be 21 to enter.

Over the years Reggae Fest conditions have ranged from wall to wall snow coverage and snowfields (that's looking good for this year) to skinny ribbons of remaining snow, and weather has been everything from snow to rain to glorious sunshine at the Loaf. You never know what you are going to get, but many folks go for the music show, not the snow, leaving the slopes fresh for early risers. Base depths are big this season, so the skiing should be awesome - "jah man." And what better après ski than the Sugarloaf beach with live reggae bands playing? Snap a good pic of the classic Loaf logo and you could be skiing, staying and dancing for free with your three buddies at Sugarloaf's 25th Reggae Fest.

See you on the slopes mon!
Photos by Greg Burke

If the Easter bunny is a skier (he's been spotted him on the slopes before), he has to be stoked for this Sunday! Easter weekend is as early as it gets on the calendar, and the skiing is as good as it gets this season.

You should consider taking the family to the ski mountains this weekend. The snow covered mountains are very spiritual, and many ski areas provide Sunday sunrise service. As a bonus, there are egg hunts on the ski trails, costume parades and even ticket deals if you dress the part. It's going to be an epic Easter weekend to ski. Here are a few festivities and highlights:

Wachusett hosts pond-skimming Saturday and Sunrise Service plus an egg hunt on EasterSunday. If you dress like a bunny or wear an Easter bonnet on Sunday, your Wachusett lift ticket is half price.

Bretton Woods holds their 26th annual Beach Party on Saturday with Slush Pool skimming, if you wear beach attire you get a ticket for only $25. Starting Monday April 1, ski Bretton Woods any day for just $29 - no fooling.

Loon Mountain hosts an Easter Sunrise Service via the gondola, followed by an egg hunt on Lower Bear Claw. Saturday is Spring Sanity at Loon, inspired by the 1997 film - so break out your big hair and hit the bumps.

Gunstock hosts Easter Sunday funday with an egg hunt and Gunny bear will be handing out candy. Sunapee host an Easter Cares and Shares special - bring 5 non-perishable food items and get a $35 lift ticket on Sunday.

Saddleback has Pond Skimming Saturday, and Sunday there will be an on mountain Easter Service plus an Egg Hunt - hint: there is one Golden Egg with a season pass. Sugarloaf and Sunday River both celebrate Easter with sunrise services and egg hunts for the kids. The Easter bunny will make an appearance at both resorts, along with his friends Amos and Blueberry at the Loaf and Eddy and Betty the Yetis at the River.

Stowe's Sunday Sunrise Service will mark their 59th annual - impressive, this weekend at Stowe is also the historic Sugar Slalom.

Easter skiing is going to be the best in years, and maybe for years to come (Easter is April 20 in 2014). And this weekend marks your last chance to ski in March this year, which has been amazing! Of course, if you can play hooky on Monday - there are some unbelievable April fool's day deals too, no foolin!

See you on the slopes.
Photos by Greg Burke

Four ways to save on April Fool’s Day…

Ski or ride at Waterville Valley Monday for just $1. No gimmicks. Lift tickets will be only $1 for the day. I’ve skied this promotion before, and while it can indeed get crowded, for obvious reasons, at no point was the mountain ever overwhelmed. As good a deal as you can get.

Wildcat and Attitash will both have $9 lift tickets on April Fool’s Day. In the past, when Wildcat had offered the $9 promotion on certain Fridays, the parking lot would be overflowed, but now with the addition of Attitash, and the ability to use your ticket at both mountains, it should be a bit more manageable. I skied at the Pinkham Notch mountain last weekend, and it’s in great shape.

Head to Mad River Glen for the day, act like a fool at the ticket window, and you’ll ski 2-for-1 (only $24.50 each).

April 1 also marks the beginning of spring pricing at Cannon Mountain, where skiers and riders can purchase lift tickets, two-for-$70 the remainder of the season.

The 80's were a totally rad decade, except if you were a downhill skier who liked to catch air. That was the era when ski areas mowed down handmade 4' jumps, forbid so-called freestyle air, and were super skeptical of snowboarders and their newfangled tricks. My brother almost lost his pass for launching off picnic tables and hand packing jumps. What a twist that today ski resorts are building 50' jumps, adding metal boxes and rails to terrain parks, open to anyone to huck themselves off.

This Friday and Saturday, Sunday River hosts the 5th Annual Dumont Cup - your chance to see the best free skiers in the country fly off 75 foot jumps and slide metal shooter cannons on an unbelievable slopestyle course on Rocking Chair.

The Dumont Cup is a Pro Am featuring Simon Dumont, Gus Kenworthy, Alex Schlopy Jossi Wells, PK Hunder, Joss Christiansen, Matt Walker, Nick Goepper, Charles and Vincent Gagnier, JF Houle, Colby James West, Alex Beaulieu-Marchand, LJ Strenio and Noah Morrison. If you don't recognize these names, and you are still wearing rear entry boots, you must see this ski event and witness how far the sport has rocketed.

The Dumont Cup is Simon Dumont's vision and event - where he brings his pro ski buddies to his home resort, and invites amateurs to compete for a top spot in the finals with the best. Past winners Gus Kenworthy, Alex Schlopy and Nick Goepper's careers launched following their podiums here. Simon, now 26, grew up skiing Sunday River and has become one of the most decorated free skiers in the world, his most recent medal - a bronze at this year's X Games at Aspen.

The March 29 -30 Dumont Cup is like the Winter X Games of the East for free skiing, and your opportunity to witness risky, jaw dropping tricks, triple corks and quad twisty flips at Sunday River - as skiers amped on Red Bull compete for $20,000 in cash, bragging rights and a burgeoning ski career. It's still surprising to me and my brother, children of the 80's, that this kind of big air is allowed, never mind encouraged! Go see for yourself. Dumont Cup at Sunday River Photos by Greg Burke, above Simon & 2011 winner Nick Goepper

Let's assess the ski situation in New England:

Snow? Check. About a foot of fresh snow arrived on New England's ski slopes this week. Most ski resorts are at 100% operation, a dramatic difference from last season when many were closing up shop.

Forecast? Clear and cool temps, in the low 30's, to keep the snow cold and carve-able. Sunny on Sunday would be sweet.

Time? Check. It's spring, the vernal equinox brings longer brighter days to the slopes!

Events? Plenty!

In New Hampshire, Loon Mountain hosts the Governor's Cup and Cardboard Box Races, Mount Sunapee holds its annual FestEVOL concert, Cannon is having their Old School Duel - 80s attire encouraged! It's Black Mountain's Red Parka Regatta and Attitash's Golf on Snow, Bretton Woods holds a Winterbike Championship.

In Vermont, Sugarbush hosts the US Airbag Tour, Mount Snow has Reggaefest, Bolton Valley has Pond Skimming, and it's 24 hours of Stratton.

In Maine this weekend, Shawnee Peak holds their hilarious Mattress Race, Saddleback has a Park Shark Series and Box Races. Sunday River holds the Maine's Adaptive 28th Ski A Thon, the 23rd Annual Eat the Heat Chili Cookoff and Firefighters’ Race. In Mass, Wachusett is hosting a Northeast Meltdown Park Jam. Maple Sugar Sunday will be celebrated on the ski slopes throughout New England as well.

This is it people, it's March, it's spring, we have snow, a good forecast, fun events on snow. Are you going? See you on the slopes!
Sunday River photos by Greg Burke

Twice I have done it, and it still blows my mind. I arrive at spectacular Big Sky Resort in Montana, with Lone Peak looming large and inviting at 11,166’ like the Matterhorn of Montana. After check in, I flash my New England Gold Pass at the ticket office and get a free lift ticket for my stay with my purchased lodging, 6 days this time. Boom! Talk about easy breezy – a Boyne resorts season pass bonus.

As excited as I am to tell you about this benefit to all Sunday River, Sugarloaf and Loon Gold pass holders, I am reluctant to share my love of Big Sky Resort. Montana is off most skiers’ radar, and that’s one reason it’s so awesome (read: no crowds). Another is Lone Peak, steep, snowy, expert terrain served by a 15 passenger tram. Big Sky has vast terrain, 3,832 acres, with a whopping 4,350’ vert! Whatever your preference, groomed boulevards, snow drenched glades, scary chutes or open summit snowfields – Big Sky has it all under a brilliant blue western sky.

Colorado and Utah get most of the love from Eastern skiers on their annual western ski venture. Big Sky is further north, which has meant more snow these past few seasons.

Some ski resorts lose their lure and luster after a few returns ski trips, but Big Sky keeps serving me up interesting terrain, majestic views as far as the Grand Tetons, 400+/- inches of sweet high elevation snow – whether I visit in January, February or March. You can’t beat it – especially with your Boyne New England Gold pass. You heard it here, and I may not remind you, it should be called Big Secret. Photos by Greg Burke of Big Sky, Montana

Buckle your ski boots friends, here is an amazing alpine offering. Imagine a ski pass that pools together six of the best independent ski resorts in North America - for $349? The Mountain Collective Pass for 2013-14, which debuted this March, gives downhill skiers and riders access to Alta/Snowbird, Aspen/Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Mammoth, Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows and Whistler/Blackcomb for the 2013-14 ski season. What a winter line up.

Here's the scoop: The Mountain Collective Pass includes two days of skiing or riding at each of these six ski destinations plus a 50 percent discount on all additional days with no blackout dates. Collectively this pass buys you 12 days of skiing at 12 mountains offering more than 30,000-acres of terrain, 186 lifts, plus lodging discounts throughout the season. Children's passes, age 12 and under, are $229. With lift tickets running $80-100+ a day at these ski resorts, even if you only use 4 days, you are winning.

Imagine your travel excuses to go with this vertical vagabond value pass. "Hey boss, I may need the winter off, I have a pass to Whistler/Blackcomb, Aspen, Alta, Snowbird, Jackson Hole, Mammoth, Squaw Valley, and Alpine Meadows, so I need to go skiing in British Columbia, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and California next winter."

This clever pass conglomerate competes with Vail's Epic pass valid at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin in Colorado, plus Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood in California, Afton Alps, MN, and Mt. Brighton, MI, plus five days at Verbier Switzerland. The Epic Pass if good for unlimited skiing, priced at $689 if you buy now for winter 2013-14.

Closer to home, The New England Pass goes is on sale this March, $999 for next season including the bonus of skiing this spring starting March 18. This Gold Pass provides unlimited skiing at Sunday River, Sugarloaf and Loon, plus benefits at Boyne resorts Big Sky Montana, Brighton Utah, Crystal and Snoqualmie in Washington, and Cypress in British Columbia.

Time to plan your alpine assault for next season. The Mountain Collective Pass for $349 is limited and may go fast, available at www.themountaincollective.com or www.Liftopia.com. The 2013-14 Epic Pass can be purchased for $689 with a $49 deposit and the 2013-14 New England Gold Pass at $999 will be available March 15.

See you on the slopes.
Alta, Utah and Jackson Hole, Wyoming photos by Greg Burke

It’s pretty normal for most of us to ski up to eight hours in any given day on the slopes, but pulling an all-nighter had seemed a pipe dream. Until this weekend.

Three hundred skiers aim to prove their mettle this weekend at Stratton Mountain Resort, where they will attempt to ski for 24 hours straight – from noon Saturday to noon Sunday – in “24 Hours of Stratton.” The team event will help benefit the Stratton Foundation. Don’t think there is just boasting rights here either. The grand prize is a heli-skiing trip for four in Canada, awarded to the team that raised the most money. Not too shabby if you can withstand the challenge.

And as long as we’re talking about endurance, congratulations to the 42 skiers who attempted to ski 100,000 vertical feet at Wildcat Mountain on Monday, where the annual Vertical Challenge raised more than $133,000 in pledge donations for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire, a new record for the event. Boxford’s Kevin Elwood was the top raiser, with more than $83,000.

Dan Egan was an extreme skier long before the term was dropped by every mediocre skier on the mountain. He and his brother John have been going big in ski films ever since Warren Miller first spotted them at Sugarbush in 1978. The Egan bros have skied all over the globe.

These days Dan Egan is more about pushing your ski envelope than his own. Since 1990, he has operated Ski Clinics - providing small X-Treme Skiing camps that focus on fun while improving your technique, building your confidence so you can conquer steeps, bumps, or even the Big Couloir at Big Sky (pictured above) - one of the steepest scariest runs in North America. Dan loves sharing the extreme ski dream with skiers that want a piece of that excitement, and the skill set to go with it.

This weekend March 9-10 Egan hosts his "Explore the Beast" clinic at Killington. This two-day session, with a 1:5 coach to skier ratio, takes you from trail skiing, working on carving and bumps, to glades and backcountry terrain, for an all mountain ski camp. Dan's clinics are first and foremost fun, his smile and humor are contagious, and his tactful teaching method teamed with his vast vertical experience is just what most skiers need to take their skiing to the next peak. Unlike a traditional ski lesson, these camps include a welcome party, two full days on snow, lunches, video analysis, and evening tech talk. Its pricier than a standard group lesson, but a lot of bang for your $358 bucks.

Egan gives exclusive tips on how to pick a good line and read ski terrain, for example. "I teach total body skiing, which focuses on balance, controllable acceleration, and expanding the type of terrain people ski," said Egan.

March 14-16, Dan is off to my personal favorite - Big Sky in Montana, where he will guide a group skiing the steep lines of Lone Peak, the biggest vertical in the country and home of the Big Couloir. This 3-day camp is all about honing your steep ski skills on un-groomed, off-piste, often unforgiving terrain.

Other upcoming Ski Clinics include Val d'Isère France, Tuckerman's Ravine Fridays in April, and summer ski adventures to Chile. So yes, Dan Egan is living the extreme skier dream, but you can tag along for a taste at one of his clinics. Maybe Dan's clinic tips will land you in the next Warren Miller, Meathead Films or TGR ski video.

There are a few spot remaining in the Killington and Big Sky clinics. See more on Egan's Ski Clinics and we will see you on the slopes.

Big Sky Big Couloir photo by Greg Burke

Racing in full 10th Mountain Division ski gear is not for the timid, but what a photo opp. This weekend Cranmore Mountain hosts the 17th annual Hannes Schneider Meister Cup, a race that pays tribute to America’s mountain troops and the founding father of ski instruction, Austrian Hannes Schneider who served as a mountain soldier in World War I.

The Meister Cup ski race is a New England classic - open to 200 racers in teams of five, gathering locals in vintage ski attire, along with some very competitive North Conway racers and Veterans, all for fun and fundraising for the New England Ski Museum. The entire weekend is a celebration of skiing, starting with tonight 's Welcome Party (the who's who of the ski industry) and Torchlight Parade at Cranmore. Tomorrow is the big quest for the Cup, a Dual GS, following an Opening Ceremony with full Color Guard of active duty 10th Mountain Division members. Après Ski festivities include a vintage skiwear show, a Silent Auction stocked with ski memorabilia and swag, and a Bavarian Band playing at Cranmore's Zips Pub. If tradition holds, Hannes Schneider's grandson Hannes will present the trophy and awards for the day's ski race - which includes the coveted Carroll Reed Cup for the fastest ski industry team.

The Meister Cup race and celebration was founded by Cal Conniff and Herbert Schneider - whose father Hannes came to North Conway and Mt. Cranmore in 1939. Hannes Schneider was released from Nazi captivity, and brought alpine skiing technique to New Hampshire and the states.

This year's Meister Cup coincides with Cranmore's 75th anniversary, along with the 70th anniversary of the 1943 founding of Camp Hale in Colorado where the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division trained. It is also the first year The Cup will commemorate Herbert Schneider, former Cranmore owner and 10th Mountain Division member, who passed away last June at 92.

The Meister Cup benefits the New England Ski Museum which was founded in 1977, and has been at the base of the Cannon Mountain Tram since 1982. The Museum is free, and offers a display of downhill skiing history, including archives and equipment from 10th Mountain Divisions skis and boots to Bode Miller's medals.

Skiing and music make a superb combo, like peanut butter and jelly. Ski all day then kick off après ski listening to a live band by the slopes. Sounds pretty cool, right?! One of the best musical gigs on snow around New England is FestEVOL in March, topped only by Sugarloaf's Reggaefest in April. FestEVOL is now in its third year, providing a Saturday of skiing followed by live bands and an interactive Eco-Village at the base of the ski slopes. You can get in your ski turns, munch on granola samples, then dance to live music at sister resorts Okemo, Mount Sunapee and Crested Butte in Colorado.

This earthy ski music fest will feature an amazing line up of musicians this year, playing at Crested Butte March 9, Okemo March 16, and Mount Sunapee March 23.

Its going to be like Winter Woodstock at Okemo as the band Yukon Cornelius is reunited for their first performance in five years. Yukon Cornelius, great name, is a conglomeration of musicians from the Dave Matthews Band, Barenaked Ladies, and Guster - who got together in 2008 while filming music for Warren Miller's "Children of Winter" movie. Other headliners at Okemo's concert include musicians from O.A.R., Twisted Sister, RATT, Fuel and DJ Logic among the 20+ musical talents.

Okemo's FestEVOL concert will be held March 16 at the base of Jackson Gore at Okemo, starting at 3pm - perfect for après ski. I suggest you remove your ski boots and put on comfy shoes to stroll the Eco Village and rock into the evening. Okemo is offering special packages starting at $109 for lodging, a lift ticket and your concert entry. Concert only tickets are $40. Previous FestEVOL's have sold out, and its St Patrick's Day weekend, so it is sure to be popular.

Mount Sunapee's FestEVOL, the following weekend, March 23, will feature band members from Blues Traveler as well as the Pete Kilpatrick Band and O.A.R. Ski and concert tickets (no on mountain lodging at Sunapee) are available for $89.

Crested Butte's kicks off the FestEVOL trifecta March 9 featuring the reggae band- The Wailers (think Bob Marley) and Twiddle - a Vermont quartet (since Coloradoans love all things earthy and New England ironically).

FestEVOL may evolve to the likes of Sugarloaf's Reggaefest, which will celebrate 25 years April 11-14 this year with four days of live music and eight lead bands.

See you on the slopes and dancing at après ski!

Photos by Greg Burke of Okemo and Sugarloaf

Last year it was Sugarbush taking the top prize as New England’s favorite ski resort, besting Sugarloaf by almost 1,000 votes. But can the Warren, Vt. ski area repeat in 2013?

Our latest edition of “Skiing Showdown” is live, with some tough competitions in the first round. Saddleback vs. Burke? Smuggler’s Notch vs. Bretton Woods? Some serious showdowns right out of the gate.

So, go vote now. The tournament runs through the end of the week. We will announce the winner next Monday.

My mom let me skip school, not when I was sick, but when the skiing was too good to miss. I love her for that. My teachers probably didn't like that I came to school with the flu or a head cold, yet I had an unexplained but excused absence for powder flu or cold smoke days. I can still hear my mom saying, "skiing is educational, and it certainly does more for you than any gym class!" Don't ever dispute your mom's wisdom, right?!

Well, the folks at Liftopia are bringing skipping to a national level, and while they won't draft a note to your boss or your principal, they are promoting the 2nd annual Play Hooky & Ski Week March 4-8. It's a "selfie" to sell Liftopia discounted lift tickets, btw. But you get the savings, and the skiing. To tempt you out of the office, or the classroom, their pre-purchase lift ticket prices are pretty sweet next week, Bolton Valley for $19 bucks, Mount Snow for $37, Waterville Valley at $35 to name a few. You have to buy your Liftopia ticket deal in advance for a specific ski date, and plan your exit strategy and excuse while you are at it. You are on your own there, I am not going to be your alpine accomplice (root canal, continuing ed seminar, DMV license renewal, you get the drift).

Look at how low these lift ticket prices go next week March 4-8: Suicide Six $7, Bolton Valley $19, Ragged Mountain $21.99, Mt. Abram $17, Mount Snow $37.50, Ski Ward $14, Jiminy Peak $35, Burke Mountain $36.99, Waterville Valley $34.99, Stratton Mountain $45, Smugglers' Notch $38.99, Mad River Glen $29, Attitash & Wildcat $40, Killington $56.99, Magic Mountain $25.99, Saddleback $33, Sunday River $59, Okemo $55, Sugarbush $59, Cranmore $41.30, Mount Sunapee $49, Black $24.50. Rates vary by the day, and the number of discount tickets is limited, and often sell out.

May I just add that mid week skiing is the bomb right now. If you are usually a weekend warrior - you owe yourself the treat of playing hooky for a non holiday, non-Saturday or Sunday ski day. If your kids' grades are good, they will be forever grateful for that bonus ski day. Picture yourself on a wide open ski trail, no lift lines, no crunch for a lunch table, just freshies and first tracks.
Sugarloaf and Stratton midweek skiing photos by Greg Burke

At the risk of jinxing this plentiful snow season, let me just say "what a winter!" Ski resorts keep getting fresh coatings of snow. We are heading into a third consecutive weekend with a winter snow storm in the works.

This week was President's holiday and school vacation for many, and the mountains had ideal powder conditions. For the record, I asked for this in my ski blog of Dec 17, sending a snow wish to Santa and I urged Ullr - the god of winter, to bring it. So you are welcome.

For those of you complaining about winter, snow and shoveling, may I remind you this is New England, we get snow and cold, you need to embrace it. Perhaps take a page from our neighbors to the North. Canadians get winter, they wear long down hooded coats, they drive on icy roads, they ski in super cold temps, and they celebrate winter. Quebec City just held their annual Carnaval - the largest winter carnival in the world that dates back to 1894 - with ice castles, ice bars, snowy parades and a crazy canoe race down the icy St Lawrence Seaway.

Back in November, The Weather Channel decided to name winter storms, much to NOAA and the National Weather Service's disapproval. Call it clever or contrived, their ridiculous roster of alphabetical characterizations has caught on and delivered serious snow for skiers. We won't soon forget Nemo. Euclid and Iago too. Do you suppose Yogi will bring a powder picnic? Will Tritan and Zeus part the sea and the skies to dump even more snow in March or April? Right on cue, here comes Winter Storm Q.
Photos by Greg Burke of Sunday River from Saddleback, and of Stowe's glade skiing

Just as you are start amortizing this season's pass purchase, skiing 10 days usually makes the worth-buying breaking point, ski resorts start pumping you for next year. It's mid-winter, but the "chase for your season pass money" race has begun.

The Granite State is first out of the gates with a new 2013-14 White Mountain Super Pass. Starting Feb 23, you can buy next year's ski pass valid at four White Mountain ski areas with no blackout dates. The new $949 White Mountain Super Pass hooks you up at Bretton Woods, Cranmore, Cannon Mountain and Waterville Valley ($949 - the adult price if you purchase by June 1). This NH conglomerate will grant you alpine access to 284 trails, 41 lifts, 1,148 acres and 6,900 vertical feet - pretty sweet deal. Looks like these four independents are teaming up to contend with Boyne's New England Pass.

The New England Gold Pass provides unlimited skiing at Sunday River, Sugarloaf, and Loon, which statistically buys you three ski areas and 347 trails, 42 lifts, 2,265 acres and 7,260 vertical feet, for comparison sake. The New England Pass price is not out yet, to be released in March. Last year it started under $1,000, and you get the bonus Boyne benefits of up to 10 free days at their western ski resorts Brighton in Utah, and Big Sky in Montana (with a lodging reservation).

These multiple ski resort passes are a deal for skiers and riders who get their ski days in and like a little variety in their vertical (read: you are not pledged to one mountain by kids camps or a ski condo). Of course, it's not quite the caliber of the Epic Pass for $649 valid at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Afton Alps, & Mt. Brighton. Anyone else remember the ASC pass?

Photo of Cranmore by Greg Burke

Back in the day, I skied with a sandwich and candy bar in my pocket for a chairlift lunch on the go. Good times, if not the most elevated culinary experience. Two things have changed, I prefer the romance and rest of a sit down lunch (too many squished cold sandwiches perhaps), and ski resorts have stepped up their on-mountain dining to make lunch a nice respite from laps and lifelines.

Valentine's Day, or your next ski weekend, is a great opportunity to show your loved one that you love their company and quality cuisine as much as you love attaining 30,000' of vertical in a day. Here are my top choices for haute cuisine at a ski resort near you, often for not much more lunch money than a cafeteria tray of burgers, fries and a soda.

The Cliff House at Stowe, Vermont
Ride the Gondola to the top of Mt Mansfield, and enter this high alpine environment at 3,625' with an awesome view amongst Austrian chalet décor. The Cliff House is open for lunch 11-2:30. The Alpine Fondue is fantastic, so is the Cliff House Burger with Cheddar and onion beer sauce. Then go ski Gondolier to burn it off.

Epic at Okemo, Vermont
Epic sounds like the latest accolade to describe Nemo snow, but it's the epicurean treat that awaits at Okemo's Solitude Lodge, open 11-3 daily. Enjoy chef creations of duck quesadilla or smoked salmon Carpaccio with no cafeteria trays, just cordial table service. Okemo has raised the bar for ski resort food all over the mountain. Pre-purchase your Valentine's Day lift ticket at Okemo.com for $44 and get lunch and a kiss - a $15 lunch voucher redeemable at Okemo's restaurants including Epic, and a Hershey kiss. Sweet deal!

Timbers at Sugarbush, Vermont
This Round Barn restaurant right in the center of Sugarbush's Lincoln Peak Village serves Vermont organic local cuisine in an upscale country setting. Get a seat by the window, a grilled flatbread and a Vermont microbrew. The bumps on Stein's will wait. Timbers is open weekends and holidays for lunch 11:30-2.

The Bag at Sugarloaf, Maine
While the Bag is not fancy, it is the stuff of legends at the Loaf. Their big juicy Bag Burgers are served in this classic, casual atmosphere steps from Sugarloaf's slopes. The Bag and Kettle opens at 11 daily, best enjoyed after you bash the bumps of Bubblecuffer. You have to say you’ve been in The Bag at least once in your life.

Sunday River's Foggy Goggle, Maine
The Foggy Goggle is a cool spot for lunch, get a table with a view of South Ridge, ask about the daily special, then watch the snow (or the beginners) fall outside.

See you on the slopes!
Photos by Greg Burke of Sugarbush and Okemo's Epic

If you haven’t been to Black Mountain, trust me when I say it’s an easy place to fall in love with. So, maybe, just maybe, you can fall in love with somebody else there this month.

The sixth annual Chairlift Speed Dating event takes place in Jackson, N.H. on Feb. 16, when single skiers and riders can ride “the lift of love” and see if a match made in heaven is made.

The "lift of love" will load participants from 2-4 p.m. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m., and is free, but all skiers and riders must have a valid lift ticket. Ticket rates for Saturday are $49 for adults and $32 for juniors or half-day rates starting at 12:30 p.m. are $35 for adults and $25 for juniors. The evening ends with a special après event in the Lostbo Pub, featuring special "love potions" and prizes.

For more info, visit www.blackmt.com.

In addition to the many Super Bowl Sunday deals being offered at ski resorts throughout New England, discount lift ticket retailer Liftopia has announced its annual football holiday blowout with prices starting at just $9.99 at Bolton Valley (Hurry, as of this writing, only 10 remained at that price).

Here’s a rundown of what’s available:

• Bolton Valley from $9.99
• Ragged Mountain from $26.99
• Burke Mountain from $29.99
• Attitash from $39
• Wildcat from $39
• Bousquet from $17
• Camden Snowbowl from $20
• Ski Ward Afternoon (1 p.m.-5 p.m.) from $20
• Mad River Glen from $45
• Wachusett 50-50-50 Package from $100
• Lost Valley from $29.99
• Okemo from $59
• Jay Peak from $45.99
• Jiminy Peak from $44.99
• King Pine from $32
• Gunstock from $50
• Stratton Mountain from $60
• Dartmouth Skiway from $31
• Saddleback from $34
• Pico Mountain from $44.99
• Killington from $60.99
• Black Mountain from $34.30
• Otis Ridge from $21
• Mount Snow from $57.99

“Super Bowl Sunday is one of the best days of the season to ski or ride," the company's CMO, Ron Schneidermann, said. "Everyone stays in to watch the big game, which means you’ll enjoy no lift lines, no crowds, and lots of untracked snow.

"Plus, kick-off isn’t until 6:30, so there is plenty of time to take some laps before the game.”

Of course, it's bittersweet that the Pats aren't in New Orleans, but at least it leaves a little more time to hit the slopes.

Go Niners.

Maine is not the capital of haute couture, understatement of the year - timestamp Jan 24, 2013. And Sunday River Resort is not typically where you go to see the latest ski fashion - there's not a lot of Bogner at Barker. But hold on to your Gucci goggles, because the cat walk is coming to the River this weekend for the first ever Fire & Ice Fashion Show.

The Foggy Goggle becomes Fashion Central this Saturday night at 9 p.m. with the latest ski outfits from Sunday River Sports flaunted by Boston male and female models (not that they didn't have many qualified candidates in Bethel). The Foggy's Fire and Ice Fashion Show will feature trending winter ski and snowboard styles plus resort swimwear (brrr). Best of all this fall line fashion fest benefits the Sunday River Charitable Fund. There's no cover charge, but donations to the SRRCF are encouraged. There's night skiing till 9 p.m., so you can ski Sunday River, then apres ski by the runway. After the show, the models - so called Snow Angels and Sexy Shredders, will stick around The Goggle for a model dance party.

Dress warmly and see you on the slopes!

Sunday River photo by Greg Burke

Colorado Ski Country USA reports that skier and snowboarder visits are down 11.5 percent during the first part of the 2012/13 ski season, compared to last year. Well guess what? Ski vacation package prices are going down in Colorado to drum up some business.

Check out these two sweet deals to South West Colorado that just popped up in my inbox:

At Durango Mountain Resort , ski and stay 3 nights for $199, including equipment, lessons and a $50 a day dining credit. This 3 day/3 night $199 per person rate is based on double occupancy, with slopeside lodging at Purgatory Village Hotel, with skiing included for all three days, and Burton Snowboard or Rossignol Experience ski rentals, plus three days of ski or snowboard lessons if you are interested. This Durango Deal is available through Feb 13.

Also in South West Colorado, Crested Butte is offering a fly, ski and stay package for $699 including airfare to Gunnison/Crested Butte airport on American Airlines, three days skiing and four nights lodging at Crested Butte Grand Lodge. This Crest Butte fly, ski and stay package does not include lessons or rentals however, and you must book by Feb 1.

Imagine if you combined the two packages, you would have your airfare, and 6 days of skiing and seven nights lodging. Keep an eye out for more western ski deals like these. It's also warm and sunnier in the Colorado mountains right now, a pleasant thought as the barometer drops below zero here in New England. Guess where I am going skiing next week?
See you on the slopes!
Photos of Colorado skiing by Greg Burke

I chat people up on ski lift rides - it's my thing. It annoys my kids, but I enjoy these ski conversations, learn new views and meet cool people all winter wherever I go. There is one ski resort where the chairlift chat is always the same - The Loaf. When I explain that I love skiing different mountains, they ask "why would you want to ski anywhere else?" When I point out that their New England Pass is also valid at Sunday River and Loon, they reply that they would never ski either, one guy said he wouldn't be caught dead there. Two separate skiers said they would pay extra for a Sugarloaf-Only pass. Puzzling...

What prompts this Sugarloaf passion beyond ration? I am awed by Sugarloafers' awesome alpine loyalty (see their cars, helmets, skis and houses branded with the triangular Loaf logo). Still I find their myopic mountain mania a bit bizarre. Is there something in the Carrabassett Valley water supply? It's cultish how crazy they are about their home ski hill.

Mind you, Sugarloaf Mountain is one big mountain with excellent terrain - many classic trails and great glades, amusing après ski, and the summit views are extraordinary. But like other New England ski areas, it's a long drive every weekend, it gets cold and windy, it gets lift lines.

In my further questioning to crack the Sugarloaf code, two separate chairlift singles told me half their towns (Cape Elizabeth and Falmouth, Maine) empty out on weekends to go to The Loaf - so it's one part camaraderie for sure.

Another part to Sugarloafers' fierce fall line fanaticism is spirit, which you can't quantify. Perhaps the best example is White World Week, going on right now through Jan. 24. This perennial midwinter party started in the 70s, Sugarloaf locals and loyalists take part in silly snow races by day and crazy nightly themes, then crown a King and Queen at the conclusion. This year's wacky White World antics include today's Bathing Suit Sled Derby (brrr) and Thursday's Bubble Wrap Ball - not your typical ski resort stuff.

Go to Sugarloaf and see for yourself. You will meet some characters, carve some sweet turns, and get a taste of the cult that is "The Loaf." Careful, it's clearly contagious.
Sugarloaf Photos by Greg Burke

Dear Tom, Wes, Vince, Bill, the gang at Foxboro, please accept my genuine thanks for the bye week next weekend. As a skier first and Pats fan second, this time of year can be stressful. It's probably an anxious time for you too. For skiers, Sunday game time can cause ski-interruptus. It's a conundrum when you want to continue Sunday fun day skiing, but you want to be home by the big screen in time for your big kick off.

Yesterday's Patriots Dolphin romp was just what I dreamed for (okay, didn't plan on a shut out - that was a bonus). And thank you NFL for moving yesterday's game to après ski time, after the lifts closed. Now we can all enjoy a Playoff Bye Week. You guys can rest up (Gronk and Ninkovich especially), review plays, and get ready for the AFC Divisional Round game. Meanwhile, I can go skiing next weekend without worry of missing a minute of football with you.

Note to skiers: January 5-6 weekend on the slopes is notoriously slower, immediately following the busier Christmas New Year's holiday. And with the new snow, New England ski resorts will be wide open.

And our New England positioning gets better, you Pats earned yourselves home field advantage to play your AFC Divisional Round on Sunday, Jan. 13 at 4:30 against either the Texans, Colts, or Ravens.

That means we skiers can hit the slopes that weekend as well (when it will be perfectly acceptable and encouraged to ski in your Patriots jersey). As long as we leave the slopes Sunday by 1 or 2pm, we can be home in front of our TVs for game time - après ski a la Pats. Go Pats. And skiers, enjoy your bye time skiing and snowboarding.

See you on the slopes.

Loon Photo by Greg Burke

If the Mayans calculations are correct, and the world calendar comes to an end tomorrow, do you want to spend your final moments at your desk? Or would you rather be in deep snow in the mountains pursuing your favorite passion?

There is much scholarly debate about whether tomorrow's 12/21/12 is indeed doomsday, and it looks very doubtful - but it still makes a mighty fine excuse to hit the slopes just in case.

This Mayan milestone mania reminds me of the Y2K panic, we stocked up on water, batteries and canned goods, then eagerly logged onto our computers on New Year's Day to find that our electronic lives had indeed re-calibrated and accepted the 01/01/00 date. That turned out to be a great day to ski too, as New Years Day often is.

Some folks are having fun with Friday's debatable date, Ragged Mountain is selling a $21 Mayan midweek ticket now through tomorrow - which is valid any midweek non-holiday this season, representing a 66% savings.

Even though I am highly dubious about the Mayan calendar finale on 12/21/12, I am going skiing at Sunday River. There is fresh snow from this week at most northern New England ski resorts, particularly in Maine's mountains, and it's the first day of winter. Seems like reason enough, don't you think? Lifts open at 9am, and the world ends at ???

See you on the slopes.

Sunday River photo by Greg Burke

By Necee Regis

“Ski It Your Way” at the Buttonwood Inn, North Conway, N.H., with two packages that allow you to choose your favorite sport: alpine or cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, or snow tubing. The Couples Alpine Package offers two all-day lift tickets or vouchers for one day at Attitash, Cranmore, Wildcat, Bretton Woods, or Black Mountain (rates from $359). The Couples Cross-Country Package offers two trail passes or vouchers at Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring & Snowshoe Center or Bretton Woods (rates from $279). Both packages include two-night accommodations, full country breakfast, discount dining and shopping coupons, and evening tea and hot chocolate with baked treats. At the end of the day, relax in a hot tub under the stars.

Through March 13.  64 Mount Surprise Road, 800-258-2625, www.buttonwoodinn.com

Today is opening day for Pico Mountain, and the start to their 75th season. In the shadows of Killington Mountain, the self proclaimed Beast of the East, Pico doesn't get the big accolades or the big crowds either.

But Pico is steeped in its own rich history of ski racing and family roots. Brad and Janet Mead started Pico in 1937. Their daughter Andrea Mead (Lawrence) grew up skiing Pico's slopes, and first competed at 15 in the 1948 Winter Olympics, taking eighth in slalom. In 1952, as the U.S. women’s team captain, Andrea won Gold in Slalom and GS - the first US ski racer to win two Gold's. That same year in Oslo, Austrian Othmar Schneider and Norwegian Stein Eriksen won gold and silver each .

To honor Andre Mead Lawrence at Pico, a dedication ceremony will take place at noon today at the 6,000 square foot Peak Lodge being constructed in her name. The Andrea Mead Lawrence Lodge will be the center for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports and the Pico Ski Education Foundation, scheduled to open in 2013, next to Pico's Base Lodge and the current Pico Ski Club. Fundraising for the $1.3 million Lodge is ongoing.

To celebrate Pico's 75th, which opened Thanksgiving day 1937, lift tickets will be $19.37 now through December 21. Even better news, you don't have to grab on to the 1,200' rope tow powered by a Hudson motor car engine like skiers did 75 years ago, now you can enjoy the comforts of Pico's high speed quads and get 20 runs at a less than a buck a run.

Pico Mountain photo by Greg Burke

Jay Peak has partnered with Thule hardware to present "Thule Tuesdays," when skiers and riders who own Thule gear can purchase a lift ticket for just $40 on select Tuesdays this season.

Here are the details:

- Skiers or riders must have a piece of Thule Hardware on their vehicle.

- Driver and passengers of a qualifying vehicle will receive one $40 lift ticket each for the given Tuesday.

- Thule Tuesday parking will be located on Tramside in front of the Hotel Jay. Be on the lookout for our ambassadors.

- Thule owners should arrive between 8 a.m. and noon to receive their discounted lift ticket(s).

The day will conclude with $3 Long Trail cans and Thule giveaways at the Tower Bar.

The deal is good Dec. 11, Jan. 8, Feb. 12, March 12, and April 9.

Love to ski, but lament the long drive home when your thighs just say done? Day trips to the mountains are fun, but there is the looming commute that is a bit of a buzz kill. That's why I love the Zoom Room - sounds cool right?! Sugarloaf is selling Zoom Rooms card for $99 - that entitle you to last minute lodging for a night in a hotel room or studio condo, anytime, midweek, weekend or holiday. Here's the catch, you can only reserve 48 hours in advance, space available.

So you call within two days of your Sugarloaf ski day, or just check with the front desk at the Loaf for your last minute lodging. Then unwind at The Widowmaker or The Bag for après ski, what some say is the best part of the ski day, knowing your bed is just steps away. Zoom Room cards make great gifts too, since they are fully transferable. Buy your Zoom Room cards now, limited to 1000, purchase by December 24, 2012 or sell out- whichever comes first. See you on the slopes, and at après ski. Photos by Greg Burke

Jermaine Cunningham’s PED suspension comes at the worst possible time for skiers and riders.

Waterville Valley is once again offering its Patriots Tuesday lift ticket special for the remainder of the regular season, as well as the playoffs, where skiers and riders can buy a lift ticket for the price equal the amount of points the Patriots allow the previous Sunday. After last Thursday’s 49-19 win over the Jets, for instance, Waterville sold lift tickets for $19 last Tuesday.

New England’s schedule is a mix the rest of the way, with a game this week against the Dolphins, followed by back-to-back challenges against the Texans and 49ers. Unfortunately, the deal isn’t valid during holiday week, so the last two games of the season, against doormats Miami and Jacksonville, won’t be applicable.

The $19 it cost to ski last Tuesday is the second-lowest price Patriots fans could have expected to pay all season, unless Waterville was open in October when New England only allowed seven points to the Rams.

In addition to Liftopia’s ongoing Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale, a number of New England ski areas are getting in on the act of offering holiday savings.

Wachusett Mountain has a series of deals (the Princeton ski area has yet to disclose the nature) going live online at midnight Monday. The sale will be one day only.

Sunday River is launching a first-come, first-serve lodging deal at the Snow Cap Inn with rates as low as low as $59. Weekend trips will require two-night stays for Friday and Saturday nights, but midweek trips can be booked for any length of stay from one to five nights. Sale rates will be per room, and rooms in the Snow Cap Inn have two queen beds and can accommodate up to four people. The sale starts at 8 a.m. Monday.

Bolton Valley has a trio of deals coming Monday. Skiers and riders can get a free lift ticket with a $100 gift card purchase, a $99, five-night ski pass, and a $299 college season pass.

The Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods is offering $99 rooms at the historic hotel through Monday. Some blackout dates do apply, and you must make your reservation by Jan. 31.

Know of any more Cyber Monday ski deals? Let us know in the comments section, or tweet us @BostonSkiUpdate.

Discount lift ticket outlet Liftopia has launched its Pre-Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale, with savings of up to 86 percent on tickets at ski resorts nationwide. New England skiers and riders can purchase tickets as low as $9 (Bolton Valley, midweek Dec. 17-25).

How much you save depends on the day selected and the limited amount of tickets available for that day. Here are some the potential savings you can find in New England:

• Save up to 86 percent at Bolton Valley with lift tickets starting at $9.00
• At Attitash save up to 76 percent with lift tickets starting at $17.00
• Save 52 percent at Camden Snowbowl with lift tickets starting at $11.00
• At Waterville Valley save up to 52 percent with lift tickets starting at $34.99
• Save up to 35 percent at Sunday River with lift tickets starting $42.99
• Save up to 25 percent at Sugarloaf with lift tickets starting at $59.00

More options are available here, including discounts at Saddleback (from $35), Black Mountain (from $24.50), and Smuggler’s Notch (from $29.99).

Bolton Valley and Sunday River will both, once again, offer free skiing and riding to anyone who arrives at each resort fully decked out in Santa Claus gear on two dates in December.

Pre-registration is required for Sunday River Santas on Dec. 2, and will go on-line on Nov. 26 at Noon.

At Bolton Valley, Kris Kringles just need to show up at the resort on Dec. 16, but to be clear, a simple hat or beard won’t do. A full Santa suit is required to earn the free skiing at both mountains.

The following week, Dec. 17-25, Bolton Valley will also offer $25 lift tickets in the days leading up to Christmas, in addition to $5 Nordic tickets. Ski-and-stay packages start at $58.

Bretton Woods, which already had a nice layer of snow on the mountain this past weekend, plans to open by Thanksgiving weekend, but in one month, the New Hampshire resort is celebrating the grand opening of its new Telegraph T-bar and rustic warming hut on Mount Stickney with some discounted skiing and riding. Like, really discounted.

On 12/12/12, Bretton Woods will be selling lift tickets for…guess..the price of $12. More than just a “12” gimmick, the price also reflects the retro effect Bretton Woods is instilling on Mount Stickney, erecting a T-bar in lieu of a new chairlift, and creating a “sidecountry” sort of feel to the gladed area. The highlight of the new lift is that skiers and riders will no longer have to return to the base area and traverse over to Stickney.

As for why they decided to name it the “Telegraph” T-bar, history plays a part there too. According to director of ski operations Chris Ellms, during the clearing for the lift over the summer, workers found the remains of an old telegraph cable that ran from a summit fire tower during the days of forest industrialization. The cable was a means for communication with the Mount Washington Resort Hotel, at the base of the mountain.

Unlike that nod, the $12 deal is one day only, of course.

If you’re headed to the Boston Ski and Snowboard Expo this weekend, expect some pretty decent sales on ski and snowboard equipment, various levels of entertainment pavilions, and of course, discounts on lift tickets and lodging for the upcoming winter season.

Here’s a roundup of just some of the show-only deals we found while roaming the floor at the Seaport World Trade Center:

• Cranmore Mountain Resort is selling its Value Card for $49 this weekend, $10 off the normal price. The card gives you $15 off ticket purchases this season (not including blackouts), and a free lift ticket valid any day except holiday blackouts.
• Bolton Valley is selling a four-pack of anytime lift tickets for $100. The tickets are valid any day, and are transferrable, as long as the purchaser is present at the time of use. Bolton also has a number of $39 early-season vouchers at its booth.
• Sugarloaf is offering on-mountain ski-and-stay packages ranging from $59-$99, per person, per night, including lift ticket and breakfast.
• Sunday River is also offering holiday ski-and stay packages starting at $119, including a 12-hour lift ticket, free adult lesson, and breakfast. The packages are available Dec. 26-Dec. 31, and select dates during President’s Day Week.
• College students can pick up the “4 NH Pass,” good at Cannon, Bretton Woods, Waterville Valley, and Cranmore, for $279, $30 off the normal rate.
• Shawnee Peak has a package of three, anytime lift tickets for $109, and three rentals for $90.
• Bretton Woods’ show special is a $59 lift ticket that you can buy online at brettonwoods.com/boston. Only 500 will be available, and they must be purchased by the end of the day Monday. No blackout dates.
• Pats Peak is selling an unlimited season pass for $469 adults, $379 juniors.


• If heading to Stowe this winter, the Inn at the Mountain and Condominiums is offering a 30 percent discount off normal rates: $126 midweek, $150 weekend (rooms and suites) and $213 midweek, $248 weekend (condos). Not valid during holiday periods.
• Wildcat-Attitash has their college pass for $299 (regular $319) with no blackout dates (good at Wildcat, Attitash, Mount Snow, Jack Frost/Big Boulder, and Crotched Mountain) in addition to a $59 anytime lift ticket specials. Speaking of Mount Snow, they have their “Fan Fare” card on sale at the show for $79 (50 percent off midweek, 25 percent off weekends, and 10 percent off holidays), and a four-pack of tickets for $199.
• The Okemo Super 7 Savings Card is on sale for $69 adult, $59 young adults/seniors, and $49 juniors. The card affords 10 percent off a first visit, 20 percent off your next two, 30 percent the following three, and the seventh visit is free.
• Jay Peak has a pair of three-night ski-and-stay offers: $495 gets you a two bedroom village condo per night, and includes three half-day lift tickets, a welcome party, snowcat rides and day care. The three-night “Splash and Stay” package is $549 per night and includes the above, plus three days access to the Pump House water park.
• The Vermont Travel Club Card ($44) offers lift ticket and lodging discounts at most Vermont resorts, plus Sunday River and Sugarloaf ($10 off window rate for both). The $64 primetime Stowe ticket (normally $92) is worth it alone.

Skiers and riders can find deals aplenty at this weekend’s Boston Ski and Snowboard Expo, being held at the Seaport World Trade Center, Thursday through Sunday. Dozens of equipment companies, resorts, and other exhibitors will be on hand to introduce what’s new this season, and East Coast Alpine and Eastern Boarder will be holding its annual ski sale. It’s a good chance to meet up with industry reps and talk shop, as well as learn about the next, best things in the skiing and riding industries.

Here’s a mostly-complete list of exhibitors to expect over the weekend, courtesy of BEWI Productions:

A season pass for $99? Well, sort of.

Vermont’s Stratton Mountain Resort announced this week that it is offering a $99 early-season pass, good for any day between the ski area’s Nov. 21 Opening Day and Dec. 21. When you consider that the walk-up ticket window rate for weekends and non-holidays is $72, the “Launch Pass” is a no-brainer if you plan on visiting Stratton even one weekend over the next month.

The pass is available at www.stratton.com/lift-tickets-and-passes/99-dollar-pass.aspx only through Monday.

Meanwhile, to the north, Sugarbush has introduced an intriguing lift ticket option this season with its “Quad-Pack,” a set of four tickets, completely transferrable, and – the best part – no blackout dates. If you plan on skiing over the Christmas vacation week, for instance, that’s a daily savings of $39 off the holiday ticket rate of $89.

The Quad-Pack is only available through the end of November. You can check it out here.

Both deals will also be available at the Boston Ski and Snowboard Expo, which kicks off today at the Seaport World Trade Center. We'll have a more comprehensive roundup of deals you can expect at the show coming tomorrow.

Following a snow-starved season that can only be described as dismal, New England ski resorts have begun peppering the preseason with a selection of lift ticket deals in the hopes of drumming up early interest. Here are some of the deals to hop on now.

- Attitash and Wildcat are currently holding a "Winter White Sale," selling midweek, non-holiday tickets for the 2012-13 season for $30. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone (888-SKI-WILD) and are non-refundable. The sale runs through Sept. 30.

- Speaking of Wildcat and Attitash, the New Hampshire resorts are also included in Liftopia's Ski Season Kickoff Sale, with pre-purchased tickets as low as $9, depending on dates selected.

Here's the lowdown for New England resorts:

86 percent off single day lift tickets at Wildcat, starting at $9

86 percent  off single day lift tickets at Attitash, starting at $9

63 percent  off single day lift tickets at Burke Mountain, starting at $25

57 percent  off single day lift tickets at Ski Ward, starting at $12

44 percent  off single day lift tickets at Suicide Six, starting at $24

42 percent  off single day lift tickets at Lost Valley, starting at $13.99

41 percent  off single day lift tickets at Saddleback, starting at $35

40 percent  off 2-day lift tickets at Gunstock, starting at $38

36 percent  off 2-day lift tickets at Stratton, starting at $103.99

23 percent  off 2-day lift tickets at Jay Peak, starting at $99

- Beginning on Friday at noon, winter enthusiasts can get up to 40 percent off winter season rates at TopNotch Resort and Spa in Stowe, Vt. Midweek visits start at $139, while weekend rates start at $209 and will be available for travel dates between Dec. 1 and April 7, 2013. The sale ends Sept. 17. See for www.topnotchresort.com for complete details.

- Ah, to be young. Among some of the more intriguing preseason passes currently for sale is Sugarbush's For20s pass, which applies to skiers and riders ages 19-29, and is available through Sept. 12 for $310. Bretton Woods and Cranmore Mountain have also teamed up for a new combo, midweek pass this season. The pass is valid Sunday-Friday, with holiday blackout rates for $499 through Nov. 30.

- Sunday River and Sugarloaf are offering a free lift ticket to anyone who attends a showing of Teton Gravity Research's new film, "Dream Factory." Dates vary. See site for details. 

Know of any other preseason deals? Shoot us a line.

If you are not required to attend the family ham dinner this Sunday, may I suggest Easter skiing? Seriously, some of my best days skiing with my kids have been Easter Sunday, starting by dragging them out of bed for sunrise service, then spotting the bunny out on the ski slopes where the kids are rewarded for their early wake up with candy and colored eggs filled with prizes.

Sugarloaf is special on Easter Sunday, starting at 5:40am boarding the Superquad (in the dark) for Sunrise Service. Watching the sunrise over the mountains is spiritual, regardless of your denomination. The ski down to Easter breakfast is beautiful. The Easter Bunny will be at the Loaf with his local furry friends Amos the Moose and Blueberry Bear. During the day, Sugarloaf will also host a Spring Costume Parade and the Season Passholders BBQ. Sugarloaf, aka King of Spring, plans to keep skiing daily through at least next weekend's Reggaefest.

Sunday River runs the Chondola at 6:30am Easter morning to North Peak for Sunrise Service. There will be an Easter Egg Hunt at South Ridge at 9am along with a visit from the Easter Bunny. Its Parrothead weekend at the River too, so pond skimming at Barker is followed by live music and a Key Lime pie eating contest at White Cap. Sunday River plans to stay open for skiing and riding through Sunday, April 15, when they host their Season Passholders BBQ and free skiing for their traditional Ski Mainia day.

Saddleback will have an Easter Service at 9:30am, and an Easter Egg Hunt at 11:30am. Somewhere hidden at Saddleback is the Golden Egg which contains a Season Pass for next year. If you show your pass from another ski area, you ski Saddleback for $29 a day for the rest of the season. Saddleback will keep skiing through Monday April 9, then re-open April 13-15.

Killington will host Easter Sunrise Service at Snowshed Lodge at 6:00am, followed by a complimentary Continental breakfast and an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids. Killington is still skiing on Superstar, Skyelark and Bittersweet trails, with plans to stay open daily through April as long as their snow base holds up.

Jay Peak will provide Easter Sunrise Service at the top of the Tram, followed by skiing, and Brunch being served at Alice's Table. An unusual underwater Easter Egg Hunt is planned in Jay's new Pump House Waterpark. Jay Peak plans to keep skiing daily through April 15, perhaps beyond depending upon Mother Nature, but not likely as late as last year's May 15.

Loon will host Sunday Sunrise Service from atop the Gondola, followed by an Easter Egg Hunt on Lower Bear Claw at 9am. Loon will close for their season on Tuesday, April 10.

Wildcat is open Easter weekend with top to bottom skiing and special lift ticket prices of $35. Wildcat plans to close midweek and re-open Saturday, April 14, if snow allows.

Sugarbush is re-opening for skiing Saturday, April 7, spinning the Valley Double from 10am-5pm which serves Stein's to Coffee Run. Easter Sunday, Sugarbush hosts a Sunrise Service at the Gate House at 7:30 and an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids, and skiing if conditions permit.

So get out and enjoy some Easter skiing. Otherwise it might be Halloween before your next chance at holiday skiing in New England.

Sugarloaf and Sunday River Photos by Greg Burke

I confess, I have never pond skimmed. In my four decades of skiing, I have never had the desire for wet ski boots, ski pants soaked to three times their weight, or a cold swim in April ski area effluent. But both my kids and my husband have, they claim it is a skier's rite of passage. Of course, my daughter did not make it across the pond at Sunday River, she took the plunge and it took days for her ski boots to dry. It was truly her last run of the season; ending with a splash.

If indeed crossing a cold water pond on skis or a snowboard is on your ski bucket list, then this weekend is your last chance, last dance before you hang your ski stuff up to dry. Loon's Slush Pool pond skimming is Saturday at noon at the base of the Octagon Lodge. Sunday River will host Pond Skimming on Sunday at 10am at Barker, part of the weekend long Parrothead festivities. Pre-registration for these events is required, and there is no guarantee you will get a slot for your soak (I mean chance to dance across the pond) as sometimes the pond drains out before the enthusiastic skiers and riders get their shot.

It is so impressive when you have good momentum, your balance is just right, your boards are wide enough, and you fly across the pond and pre-jump the lip at the end to remain high and dry. Most do not, which is why I prefer my stance as a spectator. If you manage to glide across the pond effortlessly at Loon or the River, like waterskiing on early morning glass, then you should consider a trip to Vail next weekend for the World Championship Pond Skimming April 15, the wettest wildest spring ski party around.

A side note, crazy costumes are encouraged for pond skimmers and tend to entice the judges into higher scores. It also excites the spectators so they will cheer for you and your big finish, or more likely your big splash.

Sunday River pond skim photos by Greg Burke

No April fool's joke, there are just seven ski resorts still open now that the calendar has turned to April. Sunday River, Sugarloaf and Saddleback in Maine, plus Loon and Wildcat in New Hampshire, Killington and Jay Peak in Vermont are remaining open this week for skiing and riding. Sugarbush will re-assess their snow situation later in the week to see if re-opening for next weekend is a possibility.

Surprisingly all of these ski resorts got a little love, in the form of snow in recent days. Wildcat got the most snow last night, 3-4 inches. Sunday River has by far the most ski able terrain, with 254 acres. So there is still skiing for the intrepid. In fact, Boyne just announced that if you buy next year's New England Pass now, you can ski the remainder of the season at sister resorts Loon, Sunday River and Sugarloaf for free.

Big events and big British ski groups are still cued up at these ski resorts. Next weekend is Sunday River's popular Parrothead Weekend. Easter Sunday services are always special at Sugarloaf starting with 5:30am Sunrise Service atop the Superquad, followed by a visit from the big bunny, and the Spring Costume Parade. Loon also has Sunrise Service on Easter, plus Slush Pool pond skimming planned for Saturday April 7.

Stay tuned, and keep those skis and boards handy. Ski season is not over yet.
Sugarloaf Easter Sunrise Service photo by Greg Burke

This weekend at Sunday River, it is all about the 80s. I am talking about the decade, not the 80-degree temperatures of last week. I think fellow skiers will agree that March meltdown was too much too soon. The snow haters had their fun, ecstatically mocking us core skiers about how they were golfing and biking and how the "skiing must be over." Not so fast friends.

Thankfully more seasonal temps have returned to the mountains, and six of the remaining 10 open ski areas, Sunday River, Sugarloaf, Saddleback, Loon, Wildcat, and Jay Peak, have all made snow in the past few days.

Sunday River made snow on four trails last night, their 103 day of snowmaking, which must be a record. Sunday River has the most terrain open in the East, 57 trails and 317 acres. Conditions are variable at all ski areas - so you may encounter everything from freshly blown snow to corduroy concrete in the morning, to corn by mid morning, to mashed potatoes turning to glue if things heat up, all in the course of a ski day. That's the joy of spring skiing, that and the outfits.

This weekend, Sunday River celebrates everything 80s. So day-glo is way encouraged, one piece suits are mondo, and big hair is bodacious. If you can still steer long straight 200-centimeters skis, that is gnar to the max. Show your retro 80s outfit at the ticket window and save $10 on your ticket, totally tubular. There will be 80s music at the Foggy Goggle for après ski, fer sure. It should be like totally bitchin’ weekend at Sunday River, so don’t be a dweeb and think ski season is over, that is so lame.

So, last week I checked in to the posh western-motif Summit Hotel, slopeside at Big Sky in Montana. Upon presenting my New England Pass, I am handed a free lift ticket for a week of skiing! How cool is that? It gets better as the cowboy clad bellman whisks my gear to the ninth floor of this sumptuous ski hotel. The skiing makes the trip even better; Big Sky is 100% open with a 5-7 foot base, they received 20-inches of fresh snow this week (ok, so it dumped after I left - it is pattern, or a curse, I cannot seem to reverse).

You may not be able to squeeze in a Montana ski trip this ski season, but here is something to consider. Buy your New England Gold Pass now for next season, for $969 (if you purchase before April 30) you get unlimited skiing at Sunday River, Sugarloaf, and Loon next winter, and as a bonus pass benefit you get 10 days of free skiing at Big Sky in Montana, or Brighton in Utah, or Crystal in Washington. You need to purchase lodging through these Boyne sister resorts to get your free skiing, but the savings is impressive.

Sorry to switch gears on you and start hyping next winter already, must be the premature summer weather that has me waxing for a new, improved 2012-13 ski season. But now is a good time to start planning, saving vacation days and dollars, for a Big Sky ski trip.

Big Sky is amazing with 3,382 acres of terrain, the 11,166' summit of Lone Peak is reached by an experts only tram with serious Dictator Chutes, snowy bowls and steep skiing including the legendary Big Couloir - on every extreme skier’s must list. But Big Sky is also revered for its blue square terrain, beautiful scenery and a complete lack of crowds (it's Montana after all). I would go back to Big Sky tomorrow if I could, skiing off Lone Peak in fresh blown snow with fabulous views as far as the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone is among the best on the Continent.

While it bugs me that ski resorts start selling next year's pass before this ski season is over, the best pass deals are now. You can buy the New England Pass with just $50 down, no interest, and installments in June, July, August and September, and start dreaming of bigger better skiing next year.
Photos of Big Sky by Greg Burke

Skiing in New England is like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get. This winter, I feel like we got the funky bonbons filled with icky sticky fruit flavoring. Right now the snow at many ski resorts actually resembles cookie dough, the bare spots are the chocolate chips.

The biggest treat of snow this season came Halloween, but that was too soon, too big a trick for ski resorts to open up, except Killington and Sunday River who started their season October 29. Snow totals around New England have been low all winter, while temperatures continue to be record high. Now many ski resorts are closing before their anticipated alpine end dates.

The good news - there are a handful of ski resorts that made serious snow from November through February that are determined to keep their lifts spinning as long as there is a ribbon of snow and people show.

New England’s biggest ski events are still on the calendar, Sunday River hosts The Dumont Cup this weekend, 80’s weekend March 31-April 1, and Parrothead April 7-8. Okemo’s FestEVOL is this weekend, ending their ski season Sunday. Mount Snow will finish this weekend with their 10th annual “Sink or Swim Pond Skim.” Cannon is planning Blizzard Splash Pond on March 31, and Bodefest April 7, stay tuned. Sugarloaf celebrates Reggaefest April 13-15, and may well be the last lifts spinning in New England this spring. Sugarloaf closed May 9 last year, but they received 16-feet of snow last year too.

Here is where you come in. If, like me, you have not had your fill of skiing, goggle tans and soft corn snow, then you should “run Forrest run” to those ski resort still open for skiing. There are deals now that trail counts and crowds are disappearing, like Waterville Valley’s $25 tickets, and $29 at Saddleback if you present your pass from another ski area.

One more word to the wise, watch out for snow that has turned to glue, stops you in your tracks and causes a double heel release sending you sailing in the squishy snow (shout out to my ski friend who suffered those sticky consequences). Forecast is for more seasonably cool temps next week, but I suggest you get your chocolates before they melt.

Photos by Greg Burke

Yes, the snow is melting fast, but the events calendars are heating up in ski country. Put your bike and golf clubs down and go ski this weekend. The big action is going down at Sunday River's Dumont Cup.

Some of the biggest names in big air and big ski tricks, Jossi Wells, Gus Kenworthy, PK Hunder, Torin Wallace, Alexis Godbout, Joss Christenson, and Alex Schlopy, are coming to Maine to compete in the 4th Annual Dumont Cup, a pro am slopestyle contest. Their host is X Games Gold medalist and Maine native Simon Dumont, who founded this event after breaking the world record for a quarter pipe jump in the spring of 2008 at Sunday River.

You can be front and center, in Rocking Chair Park at Sunday River, to watch amateurs work their way through elimination rounds on Friday, March 23. 40 skiers will be selected to compete Saturday against the seven top pro skiers for cash prizes of $25,000. You can ski to the venue, or walk up the snowy hill near the base of Barker Mountain. Unfortunately that is how host Simon Dumont will be attending his own signature event, he pulled out of Euro X Games earlier this month when he tore his ACL, then flew to Vail and underwent surgery last week, so he will not be competing on skis as he has done for the past three years. So it goes with big aerials, big consequences.

Ironically, last year's Dumont Cup was cold and windy which caused blustery tailwinds and several big crashes along with the big tricks. Nick Goepper won with a cork 900, switch dub rodeo 9 japan and a dub cork 10 mute (feel free to look that up in your freeskier dictionary or YouTube it). Goepper's ski career has launched since, this pro am event helps amateur freeskiers show their stuff, meet their montors and grab some attention on the East Coast. This year, the Dumont Cup action should be huge, the snow should be soft, and the spectator scene should be amped up on sunshine and Red Bull giveaways - one of the event’s big sponsors, along with Target, Oakley, Nike 6.0, HEAD, Toyota, Giro, Rockwell, Seshn, Empire Attire, and Kicker. The Dumont Cup is televised on NBC Sports, to broadcast April 10.

If you have not seen the Dumont Cup, it is like X Games slopestyle skiing comes to Maine instead of Aspen. And if you have not had your fill of skiing, The River has over 450 acres of skiing still.

3rd Annual Dumont Cup Photos by Greg Burke

Wow, spring skiing has preceded spring this year. Unseasonably warm temps brought soft bumps and mashed potato snow this past weekend to ski resorts across New England. As the season's worth of snowmaking softens in 70-degree sunshine, ski trail counts and base depths are dropping. This week's forecast is for more super warm weather, even in the mountains where the manmade and minimal natural snow is melting like Frosty the Snowman in the greenhouse as he tries to save little Karen.

Tim Kelley, NECN Meteorologist, reported record high temps up on Mount Washington today, 47-degrees at 6am which broke the 1945 record of 37-degrees. Kelley said, "Being a skier, watching the snow pack disappear this early is emotionally difficult to witness."

I agree, emotionally difficult indeed. I am an excessive optimist when it comes to skiing, always hopeful for the next big snowstorm, but the mercury this March is hard to ignore. If you love to ski, like me, you better ski ASAP. Tomorrow marks the first day of spring, a good day to hit the slopes. Remember that with such dramatic warm ups each day and cooler temperatures at night, the snow pack tends to firm up overnight and ski like hardened cement first thing in the morning. But with these unbelievably mild temperatures, the snow softens quickly, often by 10am you have ideal corn skiing, or loose frozen granular as the resorts like to report. Be sure to wear removable layers, sunscreen and slap some wax on your skis or board so when the snow turns sticky, you can glide through the glue.

Sunday River has over 100 trails open thanks to 100 days of snowmaking this winter, and they promise to make more snow when temps allow. Next weekend is loaded with events at The River, The 4th Annual Dumont Cup freeskier event hosted by Simon Dumont, the 27th Annual Maine Ski A Thon, and the 22nd Annual Eat the Heat Chili Contest and Firefighters Race.

It's not over, there's my skier optimism again. Like Hocus Pocus the Rabbit that saved Frosty by enlisting Santa Claus' help, I think skiing can make a comeback with a little March magic. Head for high elevation, northern locations for the best ski conditions right now; Saddleback, Sugarloaf, Jay Peak and Stowe - for example. There are plenty more spring ski events coming up, so think snow, channel your frostiest snowman thoughts, even though folks are wearing cutoffs and having cookouts.
Sunday River White Heat Photo by Greg Burke

St Patty’s Skiing is going to be Epic….

Ok, I am Irish and I love to ski, so St Patty’s has always been a bit of a dilemma for me. The best St Patty’s parties are probably in Boston. But the best skiing is right around March 17 weekend coincidentally. March skiing means sunshine, long days, soft snow, and fun festivals. So imagine my Irish luck when I found this Epic ski deal – $99 for a three day lift ticket valid at both Attitash and Wildcat March 16-19.

North Conway is a great party town for St Patty’s, and this three -day ski pass at just $33 a day gets you plenty of skiing at Attitash and Wildcat before you start your après ski. The caveat, you must buy the Epic Pass at Attitash or Wildcat on Friday March 16 (not before or after), and your three day St. Patty’s party on skis goes through Sunday.

I like Wildcat for its six-minute base to summit quad that covers 2,112’ vertical, the high elevation snow, and of course the sensational scenery of Mount Washington. There will be live music upstairs at the Wildcat Pub both Saturday and Sunday afternoons of St Patty’s weekend. The drawback to Wildcat: no slopeside lodging, as it in the White Mountain National Forest.

Attitash on the other hand has on mountain lodging at the base of Bear Peak - the Attitash Grand Summit Hotel, and two interconnected mountains of skiing. St Patty’s weekend at Attitash coincides with the Annual Red Parka Pub Challenge on Friday – this 39th race is the longest running pro-am dual slalom in the country, and quite a sight. Saturday, March 17 at Attitash is the Spread Eagle World Championship where prizes will be awarded for the biggest air (picture old school backscratchers, daffies and eagles) and the best throwback outfit, so that should be a hoot. There will be live après ski entertainment at both Attitash and Beak Peak base lodges on St Patty’s Day.

North Conway has plenty of lodging, and many outstanding après ski establishments to celebrate St Patrick’s too. The Red Parka Pub, sponsor of the previous mentioned ski race, is a skier’s institution, and of course the Shannon Door in Jackson will be sham-rocking on March 17.

So if you are perplexed about plans for St Patty’s, check out the Attitash Wildcat $99 three day pass, it could be an Epic weekend for skiing and St Patty’s celebrations in snow country.
Photos by Greg Burke

Let's see: recent snow in the mountains - check. Trail counts at 80-100% at most major ski resorts - check. Sunshine and longer days - check. Plenty of events and promos for the next several weekends in ski country - check. What are you waiting for? Grab the sunblock and the boards, and go.

Every year we have this discussion people, but as soon as temperature reach 60-degrees in Boston, many of you retreat to other spring activities and stop going to the mountains in March, even though the best skiing, the most snow and the brightest, longest days arrive.

Here goes the annual reminder: there will be months of biking, golfing, baseball, spring cleaning the garage (surely you can procrastinate that), but only four March weekends remaining and maybe a few in April left to ski and snowboard - unless you are planning a trip to Chile this summer.

Mind you, the base depths this winter are not what we have been blessed with the past two seasons, particularly at lower elevation ski areas. In fact, according to NOAA, this is the 3rd least snow winter in the 46 years they have recorded snow depth by satellite. Simply put, you cannot predict how long the snow pack will last. Mother Nature could deliver tons more snow - as she often does in March and April, or spring could be a total meltdown.

That is all the more reason to go now, get your skiing in. I know it is hard to grasp when you are surrounded by snowless ground, and I have been personally amazed every weekend for the last two months, how much snow there is at northern New England ski areas. The woods at Sugarloaf, Saddleback, Stowe and Sugarbush are snowy and sweet.

The weekend's forecast looks sunny. Sugarloaf is hosting their 2nd annual Banked Slalom this weekend, a snowboard speed event on the crazy Sidewinder course, great for spectators. Saddleback's Telemark Invasion is this Saturday with a Knee Dipping Tree Fairy Free Ride Glade Competition in the Casablanca glades. Sugarbush is hosting the 15th annual Castlerock Extreme, the third leg in the Ski The East Freeride Tour that concludes March 17 at Jay Peak. That is just a sampling of ski and ride events going on.

Just because it is 60-degrees in Boston and there is no snow, does not mean winter is over in ski country, far from it. Some of the best skiing and riding of this season, and the coolest events are coming up. The question is, will you be skiing, or are you really going to spring clean your garage?

Stowe photo by Greg Burke