Turning in 2007
Options were plentiful after a week of good weather for snowmaking in New England. All the resorts were pushing trail counts higher. The specialty of the weekend was man made snow groomed to perfection. All things considered the S.G. zeroed on one particular destination for skiing on New Years Eve.
Killington, VT. There are so many different reasons to choose Killington. Especially for a big weekend like the one that just passed.
• The nightlife is second to none.
• They have the most open terrain.
• Bonus – the people watching does not get any better.
Killington Peak
Q: Why did I go there?
A: Killington has the largest snowmaking operation on the planet.
The weather: The last day of the ‘06 was one of the best I have had in the slopes in many moons. The morning featured a nice breeze and a beautiful inversion of the clouds that was seen across southern Vermont from Killington Peak (the tallest lift serviced terrain in the state). The sun was shining and as the morning approached afternoon there was not a cloud seen in the sky. Temperatures were ideal, 20 degree range for most of the day. It was a pleasant and memorable day to be skiing.
Looking south from the peak – Stratton & then Mount Snow on the horizon
Snow report: Sunday the mountain offered skiers and riders 84 trails which were serviced by 24 lifts. All in this totaled 38 miles of open slopes for guests to explore. The real kicker was that the Killington picked up a surprise 7” of new snow on Saturday. It gave the resort the aesthetically appealing look of midwinter.
Conditions review: Superb! Honestly, giving what Mother Nature and Old Man Winter have thrown at us as 2006 crept to an end, I could not have dreamt for better. Got out there early and ripped the Canyon until about 11:00 am. The trails held up well to the traffic. There was a ton of good trustworthy snow on the edges.
Eventually my body craved some vitamin D and I made my way over to Bear Mountain which was soaked in the sun. (The low angle of the late December rays kept the greater part of the Canyon in the shade most of the morning.) What I found at Bear was outrageous. Had I known I would have spent the entire day over there smashing through bumps on fresh, soft man made snow.
Looking down a steep section of Viper Pit
The guns were ripping full blast. I am not a huge fan of skiing trails while snow making is in progress, but over the years I have learned to cope. It is also a fact that although tricky (sticky) at times skiing under the guns can provide exceptional conditions for advanced intermediates and experts. This was the case on Sunday.
Snowmaking Tip: I tend to hang to the edge of the trail the snowmaking is set up on. Chose a tight line close to the guns skiing under there discharge. It is loud, but the snow is always good there. If you head too far into the middle of the trail (where the snow is landing) the surface is often variable and can stop you skis on a dime if you hit a wet spot. Think double ejection face plant.
This guy had a ski ripped off in the sticky stuff
Strange Enough: The ever popular resort was jammed. The parking lots were stuffed with cars. However, the lodges were not crowded. Lift lines were short and moved quickly. The trails were not crowded. What a pleasant experience!
I am glad I went skiing. It was a great way to put 2006 in the rear view mirror and look forward to a better skier’s year for 2007. Killington did not disappoint. The resort gave all their visitors a splendid weekend. I hope you got out to enjoy.
Think cold air,
photos ~ S.G.
New Addition this season – Info Center on the peak 
