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Thursday, May 16, 2013
After a couple cooler days, including some May snowflakes in the air, spring has returned in force. The green is back in the Green Mountains.
Last weekend's 36th Annual Mad Triathlon was really fun. Despite contrary forecasts, the rain stayed away for the most part. The course was in prime condition too, except for a few low water spots in the river.
Many thanks to all the Mad Tri competitors, supporters, volunteers and staff!
This is the Jones family and their colorful jerseys had "Keeping up with the Jones" emblazoned on the back. While most racers were on the lightest road bike they could get, their rider was on a downhill bike, with wide knobby tires.
Regardless of this extra anchor, he was excited for the almost exclusively uphill pedal from North Fayston to Lincoln Peak, and even crossed the transition line pulling a wheelie. That's just part of the Mad Tri, though. Put fun first.
Foggy mountain run.
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Thursday, May 9, 2013
Now that Winter 2012-2013 is officially over, how did it stack up? Sugarbush met our planned opening date of November 17th, and even had top-to-bottom turns right off the bat. We were just above average for total snow, although we almost set a December accumulation record. The last two weeks of 2012 were a non-stop powder fest.
Our Chief Recreation Officer kicking up some snow on the last day.
While parts of January and February were relatively dry, it was a long consistent season, highlighted with some sweet storms, like Nemo. March started quietly, but quickly ramped up to a fever pitch of flying flakes.
Join us this weekend for the Mad Triathlon. Get mad!
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Thursday, May 2, 2013
Let's get the big news out of the way first >>> Sugarbush is reopening this weekend, and the skiing and riding are FREE!
Egan ripping Ripcord last week.
If you want to save time at the ticket window, sign-up here to get on the will-call list. As a benefit, we are asking for donations to help the Vermont Land Trust preserve the iconic Bragg Farm in Fayston. Season passholders don't need another lift ticket, but are welcome to contribute to the fundraising effort.
How Lincoln Peak looked this morning.
We will have Stein's and Coffee Run, served by the Valley House lift. Stein's got groomed last Sunday night, so it should still be relatively smooth for first chair. The terrain park on Racer's Edge will also be open with easy hike access from the base area. Weather permitting, we will have the same terrain on Sunday.
Almost 7 months of turns and terrain parks!
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Thursday, April 25, 2013
"Better be here" takes on new urgency this time of year. The end is near. After an unbroken streak that started November 17th, daily operations finish on Sunday.
We have seen some stunningly beautiful days at Sugarbush this week, and the upcoming weekend looks to continue the glory. With a good chance for sunshine throughout, Saturday is supposed to be in the high 50's, Sunday is in the mid-60's. The snow will be soft and the smiles will be wide.
Jumping the overlap gap between seasons.
At most, we've got only five days left for lift-served turns, before Winter 2012-2013 gets put to bed. We are committed to re-opening for the first weekend in May, barring any crazy meltdowns or other weather challenges. Next week does look warm, though.
Lawn mowing, golf, soccer, biking and anything else you may be considering as a weekend activity can wait. All of that will be here for the whole summer, the snow won't be. (Well, maybe it will be. The Stein's Glacier is holding up really well.)
Bush Pilots don't quit until the snow is gone. Go Chris!
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Thursday, April 18, 2013
Winter's hold at Sugarbush finally broke this week. The last snowfall was on Monday, and since then, the mountain has been transitioning into a full spring swing.
We have had solid refreezes most nights, which is key for producing ideal amounts of mid-day softening. The sun has been out a bunch too. Between the blue skies and incredible mid-April cover, we are rocking some of the best late season conditions in years.
Egan making an air turn on Stein's yesterday.
With another eight inches falling over the weekend, our tally is just shy of two hundred and eighty inches. We even have three natural snow trails open, down from twelve earlier in the week. You can still ski in the woods on the upper mountain and snowmaking trails are holding strong.
Monday mornings aren't so bad when this is your view.
Village, Heaven's Gate and Bravo lifts will be running this weekend, with around thirty trails. Gate House cafeteria will be open too. We are scheduled to run 9 AM - 5 PM both Saturday and Sunday. Sunday looks like a stellar day, and Saturday only has a small chance for precipitation.
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