Vermont Ski Areas open 2009-2010 with better trails, snow, entertainment
Ascutney Mountain Resort, Brownsville
Capital Improvements
Two new electric compressors, additions to the grooming fleet, complete resort village renovation, refurbished fitness center, new spa, new trails, new snowboard development team, NATO telemark clinic.
Bolton Valley, Bolton Valley
Bargains
This year, Bolton Valley season pass holders will receive a special package of savings, including 20 percent off rentals, retail and group lessons.
Capital Improvements
This season, Bolton Valley is extending snowmaking on the popular Cobrass trail that connects the main mountain with the Timberline area and is retrofitting a number of its Ratnik snow guns to improve efficiency.
In 2009-2010, the popular Timberline Area at Bolton Valley, featuring the Timberline quad and a variety of intermediate and advanced terrain, will be open every day. In years past, Timberline has been open on weekends and during holiday periods. The Timberline Area is located on the Bolton Valley Access Road directly across from the resort's Ponds event venue; about a mile before the main base area. The Timberline area includes its own base lodge and some of the best powder skiing/riding on the mountain. The Timberline area offers some of the resort’s best cruising terrain, along with a number of black diamond trails.
Bolton Valley has installed the first wind turbine to be constructed at a Vermont ski area. The turbine will be located near the top of the resort's Vista Quad lift in an existing clearing adjacent to the ski patrol hut. It is designed to produce more than 300,000 kilowatts of power annually.
Bromley, Peru
Bargains
A Bromley Season Pass -- offers straight-to-lift convenience. You'll also receive a free non-holiday lift-ticket with your season pass purchase so that you can introduce a friend to your favorite mountain.
Value TKTS -- are purchased in packs of five, are fully transferrable, and offer up to $14 off our holiday rates. Value TKTS are great for people who ski or ride exclusively on weekends and holidays, don’t quite visit enough to warrant a season pass, and enjoy sharing their tickets with family and friends.
Sun Mountain Club Card -- Best for people who don’t quite know how many times you’ll visit Bromley. Receive a free day of skiing/riding (non-holiday) when you buy the card, and receive $10 off every full-day ticket you buy for the rest of the season.
Capital Improvements
Bromley's two-year, $1.1 million plan to boost the Vermont ski and snowboard resort's snowmaking capacity an additional 30 percent is completed, on time and in green fashion, for the 2009-10 winter season. Phase One saw the addition of an arsenal of tower snow guns, allowing for considerably more manmade snow at moderate temperatures. Phase Two of the plan includes the addition of 35 new HKD snow guns.
Jay Peak, Jay
Capital Improvements
In February of 2010, Jay Peak skiers and riders will have a new spot to rest their tired legs. The Tram Haus Lodge at Jay Peak is scheduled to open its doors and is the beginning of a number of facelifts planned for the next several seasons.
The Tram Haus Lodge will also house a rental, repair and demo center, providing one-stop convenience for families heading to the slopes. In addition to the restaurant, bar, bakery and store, the Tram Haus Lodge will also include a fitness area with whirlpool, free weights, and aerobic equipment. While the use of these facilities will be included in Tram Haus Lodge vacation packages, the amenities will be open to all resort guests, space permitting.
Killington, Killington
Bargains
Bring a Friend, Ski/Ride for Half Price -- Introduce an adult family member or friend and receive a half price ticket this season, in addition, we'll give your family member or friend a half-price Learn to Ski/Ride program. Plus, if they like that first introduction, Killington will give them two more lessons, rentals and lift tickets for just $69. Then, when they complete three days of lessons, Killington will give them another three days of free skiing/riding at Pico Mountain, including rentals.
Killington Deal Grabber opened last season with discounted lift tickets offered on both single-day and multi-day tickets from as low as $42 per day. Killington’s first Deal Grabber offer will debut next week and be valid for the Thanksgiving Holiday week. Deal Grabbers are updated weekly throughout the season.
Capital Improvements
Resort improvements: More than $2 million was poured into snowmaking, snowmaking and more snowmaking upgrades this season, including four new fan guns. Numerous upgrades throughout the resort to the world's most extensive snowmaking system will offer deeper base depths on a number of trails for the 2009-10 season. Plus, Killington is purchasing additional low energy snow guns and fan guns to reduce energy consumption, while still pumping out enough snow to fill Giants Stadium – twice.
Mad River Glen, Waitsfield
Capital Improvements
Mad River Glen Cooperative raised more than $1.7 million in donations to fund the historic restoration of the mountain's iconic single chair.
Magic Mountain, Londonderry
Capital Improvements
More efficient snowmaking: Magic Mountain continues to improve the snowmaking operations with increased efficiency through repaired snowmaking lines and increased capacity. More glades: Magic continues to improve glade skiing options for the 09-10 season via increased thinning of off trail areas mountain-wide. While there aren't more marked glades on the mountain, the adventurous skier can follow the numerous tracks leading into the woods for prime tree skiing.
Middlebury College Snow Bowl, Middlebury
Capital Improvements
The big news at the Bowl is that the 40-year-old Worth Mountain double chair has been replaced with a Doppelmayr/CTEC fixed grip triple. This lift will cost $1,700,000, transport 1200/PPH, will load and unload, and travel the same line as the old lift. The new lift will be ready in plenty of time for the coming season.
Mount Snow, West Dover
Capital Improvements
In the second year of Carinthia, Mount Snow has widened the Nitro park by 25 feet to create enhanced spectator flow and traffic and built a 12-foot unnatural cliff drop.
New lights on Grommet park will allow later skiing and night events and sessions all season long.
New curved steel rails will be installed in the parks.
251 new state-of-the-art Fan Guns have been installed but we did do something just as important, and it’s all about water. Repair and improvements on 3,000 feet of old pipe will allow maximum power to the fan guns and more efficient use of the water supply.
Programming
Skis on Demand – In this new program, certified technicians come to your hotel room and fit you with all your needs on the comfort of your couch. To book just call Central Reservations (800-245-SNOW) or go online and set up an appointment. If you have pre-ordered lift tickets or ski school program tickets Skis n Demand will deliver them. Program also includes overnight storage area in the Clocktower, and pick-up of equipment from the hotel before you leave.
See http://mountsnow.com/SKISONDEMAND.php.
Season pass holders will be treated to monthly parties and discounts featuring meetings with different people from departments from the mountain. Each month features live chats on the Mount Snow Fan Club page with different department heads including General Manager Kelly Pawlak, offering tips about how to maximize your President’s Week vacation, and Mountain Operations Director Dave Moulton, with the inside scoop on snowmaking. Season p[ass holder also enjoy monthly discounted specials on food, lessons, and retail products.
Mount Snow has been chosen to host this year's finals of the Winter Dew Tour, February 4-7, 2010.
Okemo Mountain Resort, Ludlow
Bargains
Throughout the entire 2009/2010 season, Okemo skiers and riders can lock in last year’s lift ticket rate when they purchase online. This applies only to weekend and holiday tickets. Tickets must be purchased at least 48 hours in advance at Okemo.com.
Okemo’s Sunday One-Day Season Pass is a great starter pass for weekend day trippers and is priced right at an early-bird rate of $359 for adults. This direct-to-lift season pass has only four blackout dates.
Partial-day lift tickets -- Okemo is introducing a partial-day lift ticket that starts at 2 p.m. Perfect for eager overnight guests who arrive prior to check-in. Available every day with no restrictions.
New this year, overnight guests who book a minimum of three midweek (Sunday through Thursday) nights will automatically receive a resort credit that they can access immediately after checking in. The resort credit starts at $50 and varies according to lodging type and location.
Okemo is fortifying its online lift ticket deals this winter and adding more print-at-home coupon options. Facebook friends and Twitter followers will be the first to know about special deals offered throughout the season.
Frequent Skier Flex Card -- Flexible savings are available all season long for frequent skiers. When skiers and snowboarders purchase an Okemo Flex Card, they save 50 percent on non-holiday weekdays, single-day lift ticket rates; 25 percent on weekend and holiday single-day lift ticket rates; 50 percent on single-day lift ticket rates every day in November, and from March 22 through closing day in April. Discounts apply to single-day, full day, afternoon half-day and Sunday Solution morning lift tickets.
Okemo 8-Pack -- The Okemo 8-Pack is a pre-purchase of eight unrestricted, single, full-day lift tickets for the price of seven. The 8-Pack is valid every day of the 2009/2010 season with no restrictions and it is transferable between family and friends.
Okemo 12-Pack -- The Okemo 12-Pack is a pre-purchase of 12 unrestricted, single, full-day lift tickets for the price of ten. The 12-Pack is valid every day of the 2009/2010 season, with no restrictions and it is transferable between family and friends.
The College Card -- Full-time and part-time college students can save 50 percent on the price of a full-day adult lift ticket during non-peak weekdays (Monday through Friday) and $15 on weekends and peak periods.
Three Great Mountains & One Great Ticket -- When skiers and riders purchase a minimum three-day lift ticket or lodging/ticket package, they can ski one day during the life of the lift ticket at either Mount Sunapee or Stratton Mountain.
The Ultra Season Pass -- Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the slopes every day at Okemo, Mount Sunapee, Stratton and even Crested Butte, Colo., with no restrictions for only for adults.
Active Duty Military Discount -- When active members of the armed services show their active duty ID at the Mountain Services Center they, and their immediate family members, receive discounts off lift tickets.
Get-Nordic Skiing -- A great cross-country ski start-up package for beginners at the Okemo Valley Nordic Center, Get-Nordic Skiing is offered every Sunday afternoon (non-holiday) and includes trail fee, XC-ski rental package and a group lesson.
Sunday Solution Morning Half-Day Lift Ticket –Okemo's popular Sunday Solution (valid from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) is for weekend warriors who want to head for home early, but who still want to ski without paying for a full-day lift ticket.
Capital Improvements
Okemo Mountain Resort has added a second Prinoth BR500 grooming machine. “The Beast” sports a 24-foot-wide tiller and a 20-foot-wide blade. The newest machine in Okemo's grooming fleet will help fortify the resort's reputation for superior surface conditions.
Okemo is also reconfiguring its entire snowmaking system with a focus on enhanced resurfacing response time. Although skiers and riders will take little notice, these behind-the-scenes operational improvements will be realized in greater productivity and efficiency.
The Ross Powers Superpipe will be getting a makeover this season. The longest superpipe in the East will increase its vertical pitch by 12 feet. That means that the steepness of Okemo’s superpipe will become 16 degrees – allowing the resort to attract high-caliber pipe events and top athletes.
Pico Mountain, Killington
Bargains
Pico 35 -- Ski or ride for just $35 a day. Guests may purchase up to four P35 tickets to be used on the same day or different days. Tickets must be purchased by December 11, and some blackout dates apply.
Pico Super Express Card -- For $99, guests can purchase a Pico Super Express Card, which comes loaded with three prepaid lift tickets -- that's 3 days of riding at only $33 a day. Super Express Card holders skip the lines at ticket windows, and go straight to the lift when they're ready to ride. Express card holders save $10 midweek and $18 on peak days.
Capital Improvements
Snowmaking upgrades continue to improve Pico Mountain's overall efficiency in energy consumption and production. For the 2009-2010 season, snowmaking pipe and hydrants have been replaced on Upper Pike, completing the final phase of a three-year replacement program on Pico's signature top-to-bottom trail.
New Tow Rope -- Pico has installed a new tow rope this year, meaning that students learning to ski or ride don't need to use the ski lift. The tow rope will make lessons easier, and maximize the time students are able to spend on the slopes.
Pico Sports Center -- The Pico sports center has been recently remodeled with an indoor pool, new workout room, sauna, and multiple fitness classes, including winter sports workout classes. The gym is free for all guests to use while staying at Pico.
Triple Slope Rail Park -- New at Pico this year is the triple slope terrain park, featuring a handful of boxes, multiple types of rails, and small and medium jumps. The park is a great alternative for skiers and riders who want to be able to practice in a mid-sized, intimidation-free area.
Last Run Lounge -- The Last Run Lounge at Pico has been remodeled, featuring a new decor and new comfortable seating and a large stone fireplace.
Smugglers' Notch Resort, Smugglers' Notch
Programming
A new Learn To Ride program at Smuggs provides the latest and greatest in specialized snowboard equipment from Vermont-based Burton Snowboards that is geared to giving new riders, both children and adults, a comfortable first time experience. The LTR equipment is an integrated system of boots, bindings and snowboards designed for comfort and ease of use. A softer flex and beveled bottom on the beginner boards makes the edge to edge transition easier for new riders. Boots and bindings are also softer flexing, allowing easier guiding of the board when turning. More than 100 new boards, boots and bindings will be available at Smugglers.
Nordic Center initiatives include widening of the West Woodrun trail for ease of use. West Woodrun is a popular connector to the perimeter of Smugglers' Nordic trail network. A teaching area has been expanded to offer more learning terrain for cross-country skiers as well as snowshoers. There is also a mini-terrain park play area with snow bumps for the young (and young at heart) to enjoy skiing over while learning balance and confidence on their cross-country skis.
The Mountain Experience for adults at Smuggs returns by popular demand to bring back a great day-long mountain tour format to skiers and riders at level four or better. Participants explore Smugglers' three mountains while getting instructional tips from a mountain insider, one of the Resort’s Snow Sport University professionals. Flaik GPS units will be included in the camp for use by participants.
A Learn-to-Ski Week with free rental equipment debuts this winter for guests staying three nights or longer on the Club Smugglers' Advantage Package. Entry and beginner level skiers or riders are invited to stay and learn to ski or ride for $99 per day. The Package includes condominium lodging, daily lift tickets and lessons, and free rental equipment, plus après ski activities, pool and hot tubs, and nightly entertainment from January 8-15, 2010.
Capital Improvements
Smugglers' Notch Resort is adding another challenging and classic New England-style trail by extending Full Nelson from above mid-point to the base on Sterling Mountain. This bumps the count of expert trails on a mountain known for its intermediate terrain to more than twelve.
Together with Flaik GPS technology, Smugglers' is able to offer all students in Snow Sport University ski and snowboard camps (ages 3-15) a way to capture their on-mountain fun. The kids will be outfitted with Flaik GPS units that will track the miles, vertical and trails skied each day and cumulatively.
Aprés ski, they can log on to review the data with friends and family to share their total on-mountain experience and plan exciting adventures for the next day. Rentals will be available for $19.95 per day with the same capabilities.
Stowe Mountain Resort, Stowe
Capital Improvements
The two newest components of the project that have touched guests in Stowe significantly this past year are Spruce Camp and Stowe Mountain Lodge. The Spruce Camp base lodge includes restaurants, a bar, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, rental shops, retail, guest services, event space and public lounge areas. Stowe Mountain Lodge, a hotel and spa that just celebrated its first anniversary, has already been recognized as one of the ‘greenest' and most luxurious mountainside accommodations in the world.
Stratton Mountain Resort, Stratton Mountain
Capital Improvements
In 2009-2010, expect to see some changes around the mountain, especially when it comes to freestyle terrain and the creation of an Adventure Zone in the Sunbowl area, site of the expert level terrain park and superpipe. Plus, the Coca Cola Snow Tubing Park; a four lane, 750 foot long, lift served park, snowmobile tours, snowshoeing and Nordic skiing all from the Sun Bowl with its full-service lodge. On the park and progression front, there's a new Jib Park on Lower Middlebrook, Boarder-Cross on East Byrneside and beginner mogul areas on White Birch and Daniel Webster.
Skiers and riders can also track vertical feet, clock speed, and find their friends and family members with the Flaik GPS tracking system, available for rent by the day, week or season and included with all Junior Ski School programs.
Sunbowl at Stratton Snow Tubing -- This new tubing park is located on Big Ben. This behemoth features four lanes that stretch up to 750 feet long. Open Saturdays and holidays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday from 4-8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Helmets are recommended, and available for rent.
Sunbowl Adventure Center is the hub for après fun with snowshoe treks, snowmobile tours (plus Mini-Zs for the kids), full moon parties, music and libations at the third floor Loft bar. With on-snow drop-off, base lodge and services, the Sunbowl at Stratton is the insider’s favorite way to start and end the day.
New rental fleet featuring Head’s innovative BYS fitting system streamlines the process for maximum slope time. Stratton Village Rentals: convenient slope side location plus satisfaction guarantee. Skiers and Riders can swap gear throughout the day with the Premier rental package at Stratton Sports, which also includes free overnight storage and boot drying.
Freestyle Terrain: Diversity, innovation and fun describe the focus for freestyle terrain in the new season. Stratton’s advanced terrain park and super pipe moves to Sunriser Supertrail at the Sun Bowl, home to the US Open Snowboarding Championships. A full-length Jib Park on Lower Middlebrook plus a boarder cross course freshen the line-up for 2009-2010.
Mini Moguls: Continuing on the progression theme, skiers can build their skills in Mogul Learning Areas on several trails including White Birch, Daniel Webster and Downtowner as they work their way up to the mountain’s iconic bump runs like Bear Down and World Cup.
Glades: Bringing a new school twist to old school terrain, skiers and riders will discover natural freestyle features in select gladed areas. Plus, Stratton’s 100-acre network opens up thanks to thinning and pruning of underbrush in Vertigo, Kidderbrook Ravine, Moondance, Diamonds in the Rough, Cabin Fever and Emerald Forest for the upcoming season.
GPS: For finding the kids, tracking speed and vertical feet, posting photos on a map of that ski day … The new Flaik GPS tracking system is included with the Ski School programs for kids 12 and under and available for daily rental.
Sugarbush, Warren
Learning
On-line learning; colleges have been offering it for years. But learning to ski/ride on-line? This year Sugarbush will be using its SugarTube to extend the learning experience off the hill. Instructors will video lessons and then post the clips on personal accounts created for guests of the Ski and Ride School. Using telestrating tools (think NFL instant replay) and voice over, instructors will analyze the lessons and offer tips on improvement. Clients will also have access to the on-line tools and can ask instructors questions via web cam.
Capital Improvements
Sugarbush spent the summer expanding and adding 75 acres of new wooded terrain at both Mount Ellen and Lincoln Peak. The expansion is part of the resort's continuing effort to create new challenges and experiences for their guests as well as removing the "fear factor" from wooded skiing and riding; some of the new areas have gentle slopes and more space between trees.
Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe
Learning
New programs offer more opportunities to explore at Trapp Family Lodge.
December 12-13, 2009: Nensa - Introduction to performance skiing and racing.
January 3-9 2010: Daily tours with members of the von Trapp family pointing out features of the property and relating some of its storied history.
January 10, 2010: The Catamount Trail Association Women's Day Clinic will offer women an opportunity to receive instruction in the traditional skinny-ski track disciplines of both classic and skating as well as back-country and telemark techniques. Instructors for this event include some of the world's best female skiers.
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