As the warmer days of spring arrive, the skiing and riding continues to get better and better. At press time, nearly 80% of the state's total skiing and snowboarding terrain was still open, with bases ranging up to five feet deep. Ascutney, Bromley, Jay Peak, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, and Stratton all expect to be open into mid- to late-April, with Sugarbush planning on operating into May and Killington into June.
Over nine feet of natural snowfall at Jay Peak's upper elevations during the month of March is providing the best skiing of the year, and has brought what was a dismal natural snowfall year to near average. The year to date snow total now stands at 299 inches, with the April snows yet to fall. Jay Peak receives an average of 29 inches of snow during the month of April. Hence, an average April will provide a near average annual snowfall which stands at 332 inches. MORE
The 1998-99 season started slowly but began picking up steam by the Christmas holiday period, with Stratton now poised to wrap up the winter right on target. In fact, total skier numbers are expected to be comparable to last year while revenue capture per visit has increased dramatically especially in food and beverage, ski school MORE
The challenge is out to all fourth graders to submit artwork about skiing or snowboarding for next year's cover of the Colorado Fifth Grade Ski Passport. The art contest is being conducted by Colorado Ski Country USA to develop a creative cover for next year's Fifth Grade Ski Passport. MORE
There'll be skiing and riding at Smugglers' until mid-April with the long awaited corn snow, soft hero bumps, and trailside picnics. And then the season just continues into summer. Most people think of a ski resort as being suitable for winter vacations only because skiing and snowboarding rely on lifts and terrain which disperse guests over a large number of acres and away from a central location. "The design of Smugglers' is unique in this regard," remarked Bill Stritzler, Managing Director, "because the Resort Village is a core which actually draws guests in to its community of fun and activity." MORE
For the second year in a row, Aspen Skiing Company (ASC) has been awarded the Golden Eagle Award for
Overall Environmental Excellence in the ski industry. This is the first time ever the same
company has won the Golden Eagle Award back to back. ASC was also awarded the Silver Eagle Award for
Excellence in Environmental Education. The awards were established by The Skiing Company, a division of Times
Mirror Magazines, to recognize environmental achievements of North American ski areas.
With the event-filled month of April still to go, the 1998/99 winter season is far from over. Reflecting on the season year-to-date, some positive trends were witnessed in ski & snowboard programs, Snowblade and snowshoe equipment rentals, and ski & stay packages. Snowmaking firepower and first-class grooming operations were key factors in setting the stage for the overall success of the season. Opening day at Okemo kicked-off on Thursday, November 5th with 2-miles of terrain for early season snow enthusiasts. MORE
Although Mother Nature started the 1998-99 season with a whimper, March has been a lion with over four feet of
midwinter-like powder falling on Bromley's slopes since March 1st. MORE
As Mount Snow's 44th winter season winds down, things begin to gear up for a bustling summer season. The summer months bring a variety of activities to the resort and the Mount Snow Valley including mountain biking, hiking, golf, a full events calendar and much more for the entire family. MORE
When he launched Snowdance Vacation Club in mid-summer of 1998, Ascutney owner Steve Plausteiner had high expectations for his new interval vacation ownership project. Sales results have proven to be even stronger and steadier than anticipated, with February sales "just off the charts." MORE
Despite the ups and downs of the weather over the past winter, the Middlebury College Snow Bowl had a successful season. "We had a great March and we finished strong," said General Manager Peter Mackey. "Overall, although our day visits are down 10-12%, mostly due to Christmas week, our income is comparable to last season. This is due to solid season pass sales. I'm very happy with our season." The last day of operation is scheduled for Easter Sunday, April 4. Since 1939, the Snow Bowl has been a favorite place to ski for families, college students, and ski racers. Over the years, thousands of young skiers and snowboarders have learned to ski and snowboard at the Snow Bowl through school and recreational programs.
GREAT LONG SKIING/ RIDING SEASON WIND DOWNS DOWN AT SUGARBUSH
Sugarbush had the distinct honor of being the first ski resort in the nation to turn its snow guns this year on September 23, 1998. After three short days of cold weather, the system shined like a jewel and officially made Sugarbush the first resort to host skiers and snowboarders. On November 5, Sugarbush opened for the season. . MORE
This season marked Killington's 40th birthday. The Killington tradition lives on in the diverse terrain available for skiing and riding, and a commitment to snowmaking which was especially strong this year as the mountain received (as of 3/31/99) a mere 183.2 inches of natural snow (The average snowfall during a normal season at Killington is 250 inches). Killington faithful were thankful to receive a giant storm in mid-March that brought 25 inches of light, fluffy powder their way. Skiers and riders whooped and hollered through fresh snow all day long! Killington traditionally has the longest season of any other ski resort. They opened October 22, 1999 and as of 3/31/99 were still going strong. There is lots more skiing and snowboarding to be done yet this season.. MORE
Snowmobile Snocross, one of the fastest up-and-coming winter snowsport events makes its debut at Hunter Mountain Ski Resort on Saturday April 24. The 1st Annual Hunter Mountain Amateur Snocross at Hunter is an open competition featuring amateur drivers racing through a half mile oval of bumps, jumps, twists and turns contoured on the resort's lower mountain ski trails. The course is designed to be challenging, yet user-friendly for the first time competitor. MORE