Marching into Spring
This is it… The season is waning. For the next several weeks we are going to be enjoying corn snow and wonderful, sun filled days on the slopes. This is my favorite time of year to ski. Good light long into the evening, warmer temperatures, music and grills on decks are the norm.
March is filled with tons of awesome events. The ski areas of New England have put the snowmaking equipment away until November and are focused on having fun for the next four weeks or so. It is the ideal time of year to get out and hit the slopes.
large crowds gather around the half pipe at the US Open
This weekend we have a heat wave cued up. It looks like the weather system moving through the region may bring some of that terrible ‘R’ word. There are certain areas; (ME and northern NH will get snow) that could see up to a half foot. Keep an eye on Snow Country for updates. Let’s all cross are fingers in hope that the rains are light and the damage minimal.
I will tell you this… Regardless of what happens in the next 48 hours the skiing this weekend will be tremendous. Spring like conditions will prevail across New England. The snow will be soft and very edgable. It will be a fantastic!
There is also still plenty of time for a few more major snow events. I would caution any of you that have thought about the golf clubs or the fishing poles. Our mountains are very overdue for at least a couple more Nor’easters and I have full confidence that they will arrive to give us the best spring in years.
There are a several huge annual spring events that you will want to consider for a long weekend. Every resort is having season ending Blowout Parties and they are offering up some deals that should be criminal. You want to know what and where?
New England’s Biggest Spring Events
• Killington, VT ~ Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge
• Sugarloaf, ME ~ Reggae Fest
• Stratton, VT ~ The US Open Snowboarding Championships
Killington – The 26th Annual Mogul Challenge will be held on the weekend of April 1st & 2nd. It is an Open competition; anyone can enter and try to compete with some of the best bump skiers in the East (and the world, seriously), first come first serve. There are only two hundred slots and there is a registration fee. Check the Killington website events section for more details. The lot scene will be in need of patrols with loud “Slow Down” whistles.
Outer Limits, they will build a serious bump course on it in the next few weeks
Sugarloaf – The 18th annual Budweiser sponsored Reggae Fest takes place April 6th – 9th. Sugarloaf’s snowiest month is March (if anyone sees white stuff in the next few days it will be them). There is no doubt in my mind that the area will be the beneficiary of a lot more snow before the steel drums are fired up. This is a huge celebration of spring skiing and reggae music like no other in the New England. The resort always brings in quality acts. Must Have: The Cheeseburger Soup (Sunday’s only) at The Bag.
Stratton – The world’s oldest and largest continuously running snowboard event is on at Stratton, VT! This year events kicks off on March 13 -19. With roots that trace back to Suicide Six this competition attracts the world’s best riders and thousands of spectators. Stratton ensures the venue is like nothing else on the snow. I can assure you that many of the Olympians you saw on the television the last few weeks will be there to throw down their best.
Go for it! All three of these options offer distinctly different menus from the terrain, to events and entertainment. Get the crew together and make the reservation, you will not be disappointed.
Check these links to find out what else is happening at your favorite resorts for the rest of the season.
* Ski Maine
* Ski New Hampshire
* Ski Vermont
Get up North to the slopes this weekend for some spring like conditions. It will be a nice precursor to weekends ahead.
Tip = take the goggles and hat off on the lift to avoid the raccoon eyes.
Keep Thinking Snow,
photos ~ S.G.
