With snow falling on many Vermont ski areas today, yesterday's press release from Ski Vermont now sounds almost prophetic. They say, timing is everything, so here's some info about the ski areas that are preparing to turn the lifts and open the trails.
Stick season is no time to hibernate as ski resort employees excitedly prepare for opening day, just a month away at some Vermont areas. In addition to the natural snow hitting Vermont this week, more than ghosts and goblins will be outfitted in snowsuits soon. With another snowy La Nina winter slated and epic predictions from the Old Farmer’s Almanac, snowmaking operations will commence with early season rail jams and the laying of a smooth and pristine snow base. In fact, annual snowmaking at Vermont ski areas covers 4,360 acres of terrain with more than 120 chairlifts accessing those abundant trails; a land area five times the size of New York’s Central Park.
And while many New Englanders digest in front of the big game, keep in mind, “With over 600 miles of snowmaking pipes and superior snow guns, Vermont ski resorts have enough capacity to fill Gillette Stadium with over 40 feet of snow in one hour,” said Ski Vermont President Parker Riehle.
Vermont has the most terrain covered by snowmaking in the East. This snowmaking prowess allows many resorts to jumpstart the season by opening earlier, with more quality terrain. Come carve some turns after carving the turkey! Here’s some much anticipated Ski Vermont opening dates and snowmaking info from the resorts:
- Nov. 19: Mount Snow, Okemo Mountain Resort, Stowe Mountain Resort, Sugarbush Resort
- Nov. 23: Stratton Mountain Resort
- Nov. 25: Bromley Mountain Resort, Jay Peak Resort, Smugglers’ Notch Resort
- Dec. 10: Bolton Valley Resort, Burke Mountain Resort
- Dec. 16: Pico Mountain, Suicide Six Ski Area
- Dec. 17: Magic Mountain
- *Killington Resort: As early as snowmaking operations permit.
- * Mad River Glen: As soon as available after Thanksgiving.
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