February 9, 2005
Storm Chatter & Stratton, VT
Sitting right in the sweet spot for this snowstorm Stratton is priming the pumps for a huge weekend. The tallest peak in Southern Vermont will often generate its own climate. Averaging a solid 40 more inches per season than its neighbors in the Golden Triangle, coupled with a top-notch snowmaking/grooming operations and the resort becomes a sure thing. Guru prediction, Stratton is a lock for 25” on the ground by Friday - noontime.
I know what you are thinking. I am going to jinx it if I start throwing around totals. Whatever, I my humble opinion, Mother Nature and Old Man Winter owe us this love child of a storm.
Latest Roemer update, from Best Ski Weather: FLASH 2-3 FEET OF SNOW OVER THE NEXT 7-10 DAYS STARTING TOMORROW FOR MUCH OF N. VERMONT/ N. NH AND MAINE.--1-2 FEET CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN AREAS
Just this past Monday I was skiing Stratton and it felt like mid-April. It was strange and I was obviously concerned for the welfare of all New England resorts. I was up in Stowe over the weekend and some of the side streets already had their mud-season faces on, scary. We are only at the halfway point in the season, yet the snowmelt and warm temps last week brought out spring like conditions.
Well, 48 hours later and we are talking about the Storm of the Year! Followed up by the skiing and riding of the year this weekend. Hint: read this again. Temperatures will be pleasant (high 20’s – low 30’s at most) and the sun should show itself both Saturday and Sunday.
So, I skied Stratton on Super Bowl Monday and it was solid. Got a bit of a late start out of the gate (the Patriots did win the Super Bowl), but that worked out well as the sun softened the trails. They still had lots of snow.
Top of North American, one of the mountains oldest runs
The Drambuie Open was also in town. This event takes Extremery to a whole new level. Tons of fun, I got to watch a bunch of my friends’ race snow bikes and saucers down a specially constructed course. The winner took home a $1,000! There was a huge party at Grizzly's after the day’s events. Registration was free; you just had to be there at 8:00 AM (not a chance for the Guru), they had over 70 athletes competing.
I also caught up with a friend who rides for Hayes Brothers Snowboards. Not tough to find him, he lives in Stratton's half pipe.
Rider, Martin Rojas
Thinking Stratton? Here are a couple spots to check into that are off the beaten track. These are top shelf Guru picks, for both food and lodging.
The Avalanche/Mikas: Get off of the mountain and head down 11/30 into Manchester, VT. Mikas will be on your right, prior to crossing underneath Route 7. Careful, this downhill trek can be nasty if there is weather. Seen a lot of out of state SUVs in the ditches. But the reward is worth the drive. Best Chinese/Japanese Cuisine in Southern VT. Ladies, it is your best bet for great sushi. You can dine in the formal restaurant or sit at the bar. This place serves as many a locals living room. Good people, great food, fantastic times. The Big Buck Hunter competition is fierce.
Bear Creek: So under the radar they do not even have a sing up this year! Again, this joint is off the mountain. Head south on route 30 towards Jamaica, VT. Before you get to Bondville (intersection of 100N) it will be on your right up a hill (look for some neon signs and a snow covered deck). It was tough to spot when they had a sing, so it may take a pass or two. Is it worth it? Of course, the Guru is not giving away local secrets because they stink, some of the best food around (great Mexican) and again awesome people (same crew form the Beach Comber of Wellfleet). Pool and Foosball Tables are also in house.
Think Snow!
S.G.
Photos: Ethan Binns
