Spring Skiing at its Finest

Because of spring skiing's popularity, ski resorts roll out the red carpet for skiers and boarders who hope to catch the last vestiges of the ski season. Some resorts outdo themselves with a variety of special packages and wild spring skiing activities, such as sloppy slalom races or on-slope scavenger hunts.

With an abundance of sunshine that sparkles off the pristine snow, spring skiers are well advised to don sunglasses during their time on the slopes. And because spring skiing can extend well into May each year, skiers can shed their clumsy ski jackets and instead wear light weight sweaters or vests. People can ski sans snow caps and gloves and can opt for baseball or cowboy hats instead. No attire is off limits, and skiers tend to wear a virtual cornucopia of colors and fabrics while enjoying the festivities. It's all part of the allure of spring skiing.

Mount Snow ski area is a spring skier's paradise and offers a spring skiing experience that's second to none. Conveniently located in the Green Mountains of southern Vermont, Mount Snow is the state's closest mountain resort to most of the Northeast's major metropolitan areas. Only two and one-half hours from Boston and Hartford, and four hours from New York City, skiers can take advantage of ideal spring skiing weather without too much preparation. After all, spring skiing conditions can be fickle so it's nice to be able to jump in the car when the weather is right.



Of course, it's all about the snow and Mount Snow's massive snowmaking system -- coupled with a fair share of knee deep powder days -- ensures quality conditions well into the spring season. Snowmaking covers 80 percent of the 588 skiable acres. If you're a fan of groomed terrain, Mount Snow will not disappoint. Its grooming fleet of experienced drivers are meticulous when it comes to their craft, resulting in a smooth corduroy surface each time out. With 20 lifts, a vertical of 1,700 feet and tree terrain acreage available on all four mountain faces, Mount Snow offers something for all ability levels. And although 70 percent of the terrain is ideal for intermediate skiers, experts can test their mettle on some precipitous slopes and beginners will discover plenty of friendly trails. Also, Carinthia Parks is the east's only all freestyle terrain park mountain face boasting ten different terrain parks for all abilities and a 450-foot long superpipe.

Whenever feasible, it's always desirable to stay slopeside at ski-in/ski-out accommodations in order to avoid the hassle of lugging your skis to the lodge each day. Located at the very base of Mount Snow, the luxurious ski-in/ski-out Grand Summit Resort Hotel features 198 rooms, studios and multi-room suites with full-service kitchenettes along with valet and bell service and 24-hour front desk service. With in-hotel ski/board check people can step out their door, kick on their skis or board and are on the lift. Early risers always try to make "first tracks" on the slopes each day in order to experience nature's beauty at its unspoiled best. The resort houses Mount Snow Sports with a health club, steam room and sauna, spa services and wellness programs, fitness classes and a year-round heated outdoor pool and hot tubs.



Located conveniently on the ground floor of the Grand Summit Resort Hotel, the Harriman's Farm to Table menu features exciting creations using as many fresh, local products as possible to truly bring guests a genuine farm-to-table experience in a casual fine dining atmosphere. The restaurant is a part of the Vermont Fresh Network, an organization dedicated to connecting farms, food producers and chefs to support Vermont agriculture and bring fresh, flavorful and high quality food to all Vermonters and guests. Skiers can savor the diverse offerings that range from fresh seafood and fine cuts of beef to flavorful pasta dishes and traditional favorites.

Weather permitting, a favorite activity for winter enthusiasts is dog sledding with a team of friendly Siberian huskies who take riders on an exhilarating journey through a network of groomed woods trails. With a musher as your guide, riders get a chance to witness true working sled dogs in action, doing what they love to do… run. The adventure begins with an introduction to the kennel and the dogs that will be pulling your sled. The real excitement starts as they hook up the team and start your ride traveling through Vermont's scenic winter landscape. It may not be the Iditarod, the famed Alaskan dog race, but it's loads of fun nevertheless.



Perhaps it's the friendly Vermont people who run the local pubs, but there's something very special about apres ski activities at Mount Snow. Cuzzins, for example, is legendary throughout the state. Located in the Main Base Lodge, the full bar offers a great selection of microbrews on tap as well as specialty cocktails. Talented bands perform on weekends. The Station Tap Room is a beer lover's haven and features 19 rotating taps pouring delicious micro and craft brews from near and far, and you can also enjoy New York style deli selections from the vast sandwich bar.

In many ways, Spring skiing is the Super Bowl for skiers. It's the culmination of the ski season, filled with camaraderie and activities both on and off the slopes. Just pack you car, head to your favorite ski resort, and wait for the fun to begin.