Ski the East

Killington Opens on Sunday

Thanks to 11 inches of new snow, cold temperatures, Killington's elevation, and a little help from the snowmaking system, Killington is kicking off the 2008/09 ski and snowboard season on Sunday at 10 am.   The mountain will stay open as long as the quality conditions.

Killington will offer Blue Square (more advanced) and Black Diamond (most advanced) trails only. No beginner terrain will be available. The K-1 Express Gondola and the Northridge Triple will operate on Sunday, as well as the opening of the Early Season Terrain Park on Reason.

Killington has always been the perennial early season opener and it's good see them leading the pack again this season!

More: Killington Ski Resort | Ski Resort Opening Days

Boo! Ski Free on Halloween at Sunday River

Dig out that gorilla costume and head to Sunday River on Friday, actually the gorilla suit or any other get-up isn't mandatory - but it gets you a free lift ticket, otherwise it's $25 for the day. Lifts open at 10AM on Friday and the resort will remain open on Saturday and Sunday before temporarily closing for the following midweek period.

Open terrain on Friday will be on the upper mountain and for advanced skiers and riders only. The T2, Upper Sunday Punch and Jim’s Whim trails will be open, with a small terrain park built on T2. Lift access will be on the Locke Mountain Triple. Additional trails may open for the weekend depending on temperatures and snowmaking. Updates and conditions reports will be posted at www.sundayriver.com.

Photo Copyright Sunday River

October Snow

Last week I just happened to have business in Vermont when I turned a corner and there she was - Killington, looking oh so sexy, being barely dressed in her first snow.

For me, nothing gets the blood flowing and butterflies twittering in the belly quicker than that the first snow of a new season.

It's not like I haven't seen it for more years than I like to think about - but it happens - sure as that same snow will be gone in the afternoon sun. But man, I love that feeling.

Check out the scarecrow skier I clicked heading east out of Manchester - I'm not the only one looking for snow under the guise of the leaf peeping...

Women's Skiing Gear

  My sixteen year old daughter's reaction to the snow at Killington, Whiteface, and elsewhere in the Northeast yesterday, was that she couldn't go skiing until she got her new skis and new clothes.  Last year's skis seem fine to me though I did promise her a new pair this season, her boots were new last season, and you'd think some of the too numerous to count ski jackets and ski pants would work.

But, then again, I'm not a teenager who thinks fashion is absolutely necessary whether you're going to school, out and about, or skiing.  So, for those of you who need new skiing stuff, here's what you need for this season:

• Women's 08/09 Skis
• Women's Ski Clothing
• Women's Snow Boots (yes, what you wear before and after skiing matters)

And, I guess I should admit, my new skis are in the ski shop waiting for bindings...

Image Courtesy PriceGrabber

Snow on the Mountain

Killington's snow report has the first accumulation of the season, with seven inches of new snow reported at the peak.  Photos are online so you can take a look.

On a related note, Vermont's ski areas are reporting strong pre-season sales.  Bookings are coming in already, so it's not too early to plan your ski trips for this season and Vermont ski deals and discounts are plentiful, especially if you book early.

Vermont Discount Lift Tickets

If you're planning Vermont skiing, you can already get discounted lift ticket deals at Liftopia. Discounts on adult and children's lift tickets are available for most of January (other than Saturday) at Jay Peak.

Smuggler's Notch has discounted lift tickets available starting November 29 and discounts (from 15% - 34%) are available almost every day other than Christmas/New Years Weeks.

If you're interested in discount lift tickets at other resorts, check Liftopia frequently, because new deals are being added all the time.

More: Vermont Deals and Discounts | Smugglers Notch | Jay Peak | Liftopia

Ski and Stay at the Mount Washington Resort

I had a terrific weekend at the end of last season at Bretton Woods.  We stayed at the historic and very elegant Mount Washington Resort.  The skiing was great, as were the accommodations.

This season, the Mountain Washington Resort has special skiing deals that you shouldn't pass up.

The Ski and Stay Package includes 2 for 1 lift tickets available on day of arrival, skiing and snowboarding each day following the night of stay, free skiing for kids 12 and under and free night skiing.

While, the Ski It to Believe It Package (on select dates) for just $99 per person per day includes accommodations at The Mount Washington Hotel, breakfast daily, skiing and snowboarding at Bretton Woods following each night of stay and 2 for 1 lift tickets available on day of arrival.

More: Bretton Woods Photo Gallery |  Bretton Woods

Photo Copyright Mike Doyle

Don't Delay - Get Your Season Pass Now

The deadlines for purchasing discounted season passes are coming up in a hurry.  You can save $200 on Killington's unlimited pass if you purchase it by October 15 and there are similar deals and discounts at many other New England ski resorts.

Before you buy, make sure the season pass you choose is going to give you the skiing you want.  Read the fine print to make sure the restrictions will work for you, if you're buying anything other than an unlimited pass.   You don't want to be like one of my friends who realized last season that he was blacked out for way more days than he had expected.

More: Skiing | Skiing Deals and Discounts

08/09 Ski Gear

I've spent a good part of the last couple of months reviewing and compiling information on 08/09 ski gear. 

There's lot of info on what's new this season on my About.com Skiing site, including:

2008/2009 Skis

2008/2009 Women's Skis

2008/2009 Ski Boots

Don't forget, too, that you can get great deals on last season's equipment.  Take some time before the snow flies (we've had a flake or two here in Killington and they are already getting some storms out West) to take a look at what's available in the online ski shops, you are like to find a bargain.

More: Skiing | Skiing Deals and Discounts