Family Fun and New Adventures in the Mountains of Vermont

The green mountains offer more than just snow covered hills for winter thrills.  Ski resorts statewide also offer an authentic Vermont experience during the summer. Whether guests want to connect with nature and family, seek an adrenaline rush, or both, resorts are ready to deliver.

Want to walk on air, or whisk through the woods this summer? Challenge yourself to new heights at Bromley’s new Aerial Adventure Park, set to open in early July. Or visit the expanded Adventure Zone at Okemo, which features a new zip line canopy tour as well as an Amp Energy Big Air Bag – a giant inflatable pillow similar to those used by stuntmen. Once you’ve had your time in the trees, travel up north to flip and soar up to 25 feet in the air at Sugarbush on their new EuroBungy trampoline. 

Looking for something more down to earth? Grounded in family fun, Smugglers’ Notch delivers.  Take the family on a llama trek, or enroll the kids in a wilderness survival or skateboarding camp.  You can still get your aerial thrills here too, with ArborTrek’s zip line canopy tour – rated one of the best in the world!

Adventurous events are also abundant this summer:

• May 26-27, Stratton Mountain: If your love of winter still permeates the forefront of your mind, don’t miss the MAY-hem Rail and Jump Jam on Memorial Day weekend – featuring real snow! 
• June 17, Burke Mountain: Watch record holding, championship lumberjacks from New England and beyond compete in a variety of competitions at the 4th Annual Vermont Invitational Lumberjack Competition.
• June 22, Sugarbush Resort: Kids own the spotlight as Sugarbush celebrates opening day with free mountain bike clinics, swimming and a BBQ.
• June 22-24, Burke Mountain: Enjoy camping, biking, live music and more at the New England Mountain Bike Festival (NEMBAfest)
• July 14-15, Mount Snow: Tough Mudder New England #2 – participate or watch as challengers get down and dirty in this contest of physical fitness and teamwork!

The fun doesn’t end with these highlights. Golfing, hiking, lift access mountain biking, swimming, disc golf, alpine slides, and more can be found at participating resorts. For more information on spectacular Vermont mountain adventures, please contact Sarah Neith at sarah@skivermont.com.

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“Just Leave Tracks” – Vermont Ski Areas Encourage Participation in Iconic State-wide Green Up Day

Montpelier, VT – Ski areas join local forces on May 5^th to celebrate Vermont’s long, proud history of environmental stewardship and preservation of its natural landscape.

For 42 years running, Vermonters have held Green Up Day – a state-wide tradition of beautification where armies of volunteers remove roadside debris previously camouflaged by Vermont’s abundant winter snow. As spring melt reveals the effects of winter traffic, ski towns and resorts join together to spruce up their community for summer enjoyment.

This year Stowe Mountain Lodge is set to launch their Just Leave Tracks initiative to coincide with Green Up Day. Simple messaging and signage promoting 4 easy steps to keeping Vermont pristine will be placed around the property. Signage will advertise a QR code linking visitors to an educational page on their website. As a thank you, the lodge is extending a 10% discount to the Spa and Wellness Center to participants of the program via a message in their promotional material.

“The team at Stowe Mountain Lodge is very passionate about continuing our efforts and dedication in lessening the property’s footprint on the environment,” said Leslie Kilgore, spokeswoman for Stowe Mountain Lodge.  “Just Leave Tracks is a program that allows us to educate our guests on how important it is to keep Vermont litter-free for visitors and locals alike.”

For more information on Just Leave Tracks, visit stowemountainlodge.com.

You don’t have to be a skier to care about the local landscape. Ski Vermont encourages all Vermonters to take pride in the preservation of our bucolic farms, forests and mountains, and do their part to live litter free.

“We are a unique community, with a distinct way of doing things. There are few statewide events that illustrate the ‘Vermont Way’ more effectively and poignantly than our statewide Green Up Day” said Parker Riehle, president of Ski Vermont. “This year’s Green Up Day will be a powerful demonstration of our spirit, and especially heartfelt as we celebrate both the beauty and the resilience of our state. And so we encourage everyone who loves Vermont to participate.”

Green Up Day events are abundant throughout Vermont. To learn more about activities in your town or near your local ski area, check your local newspaper; visit greenupvermont.org; or call 800-974-3259.

VERMONT TOURISM TOUR: PRESS STOP 3
Vermont’s Outdoors: Trails and Recreation in Newport, Active by Nature, Wednesday, May 9
Newport, in the Northeast Kingdom, is on the shores of the international Lake Memphremagog, with nearby Jay Peak mountain adventures and an abundance of wildlife, parks and recreation to enjoy. Home to oldest long-distance hiking trail in the nation, Vermont’s Green Mountain Club is pleased to announce the opening of the first leg in new trails being built in the Kingdom Heritage Lands. At 11:25 a.m., fishing and kayaking demos will be available to media at the City Dock. At noon, enjoy a Taste of Newport lunch at The East Side, hosted by Newport City Renaissance Corporation (RSVP please).
Location: Gateway Center, Time:  11:00 a.m.
Speakers: Vermont Tourism Deputy Commissioner Steve Cook, Newport City Renaissance Patricia Sears, Jay Peak Resort Communications Director JJ Toland and Green Mountain Club Executive Director Will Wiquist.

VERMONT TOURISM TOUR: PRESS STOP 4
Stowe, a Resort Community Full of Flavor, Introduces Celebrate Vermont: Thursday, May 10
Farms, food and communities come together with major events and world-class amenities in Stowe. Enjoy highlights from Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe Area Association and the official announcement of Celebrate Vermont Festival. View a horse-powered log pulling demonstration, enjoy lunch with Applecheek Farm, a Vermont Spirits sampling and “Lagers for loggers.” (RSVP please)
Location: Trapp Family Lodge, Time: 11:00 a.m. Note, a mountain bike pre-ride is available at 10:00 a.m.
Speakers: Vermont Tourism Commissioner Megan Smith, Stowe Area Association President Chuck Baraw, Johannes von Trapp, Celebrate Vermont’s Charlie Dooley, and this just in: Vermont's own Rusty Dewees, the Logger.

VERMONT TOURISM TOUR: PRESS STOP 5
Celebrate Vermont’s Sports Culture at The Mad Triathlon at Sugarbush Resort: Saturday, May 12
Welcome to the healthiest state, where resorts, businesses and non-profits elevate tourism, wellness and communities through sports. In fact, the quantity and attendance of triathlons and marathons in Vermont are on the rise and cycling/mountain biking trails and lift-served access continue to evolve. Hear from organizers, resort directors and cheer on hundreds of athletes as they finish this unique triathlon.
Location: The Courtyard at Lincoln Peak, Sugarbush Resort, Time: 12:00 p.m.
Speakers: Vermont Tourism Deputy Commissioner Steve Cook, Sugarbush Resort President Win Smith and VP of Marketing Candice White, Mad Triathlon at Sugarbush and Mad Marathon creator Dori Ingalls.

Why the Annual Salute to Travel and Tourism in America?
The first full week of May is annually recognized as National Travel and Tourism Week, a tradition first celebrated in 1984. Localized events are presented in cities and states nationwide to champion the power of travel. Tourism is a major driver of Vermont’s economy:

• Visitors make an estimated 13.7 million person trips to Vermont for leisure, business or personal travel annually.
• Direct spending by Vermont visitors for goods and services totals $1.4 billion.
• Visitor spending supports an estimated 33,530 jobs for Vermonters, approximately 11.5% of all jobs.

Travel and Tourism is one of America’s largest industries:

• Generated $1.9 trillion in economic output, with $813 billion spent directly by domestic and international travelers that spurred an additional $1.1 trillion in other industries.
• Directly generated $124 billion in tax revenue for local, state and federal governments.
• Each U.S. household would pay $1,055 more in taxes without the tax revenue generated by the travel and tourism industry.
• Supported 14.4 million jobs, including 7.5 million directly in the travel industry; 6.9 million in other industries. 1 out of every 9 jobs in the U.S. depends on travel and tourism.
• Travel is among the top 10 industries in 48 states in terms of employment.

As a courtesy, please RSVP with jen.butson@state.vt.us for events you plan to attend as media materials, tours, demonstrations, tastings and lunch will be available at varying locations. You are welcome and encouraged to attend every event of the Vermont Tourism Tour. Please specify special camera or interview requests, shall you have any. Come prepared for good news and great company in beautiful places. 

SUGARBUSH, VT. (April 17, 2012)– After a successful first season selling skiers and riders in their twenties a season pass for only $299, Sugarbush is again offering a 2012-2013 For20s Pass at that $299 rate. What’s more, the resort has rolled back the cut-off date of the pass, so that anyone who is between the ages of 19 and 29 up through May 2nd, 2012 is eligible. 

The For20s Pass, is available to anyone aged 19-29 and provides unlimited skiing at both Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen for only $299. The pass was conceived to help this younger generation of skiers and riders-- who are facing some of the toughest economic times in decades-- keep their interest in snow sports alive. 

As the only pass of its kind in North America, the special rate on the For20s Pass will be available through May 2, 2012.

"We were delighted to welcome these younger skiers and riders to Sugarbush this season," said Win Smith, President of Sugarbush. "Even with an improving economy and better prospects in the job market, we are committed to investing in the next generation of skiers and riders.”

Rising Star Leads Culinary Program at Award-Winning Luxury Vermont Lodge

Stowe, Vt. (April 16, 2012) — Stowe Mountain Lodge, a Destination Hotels & Resorts property, announces the appointment of Executive Chef Josh Berry to lead their award-winning culinary team.  As executive chef of Stowe Mountain Lodge, Chef Berry will create the menus and provide culinary direction for all food and beverage outlets at the lodge, which include Solstice, Hourglass, Aqua, the Spa and Wellness Center at Stowe Mountain Lodge, in-room dining, groups, weddings and catering. 

Chef Berry is a loyal advocate of the farm-to-table dining concept that prevails through all of the lodge’s food and beverage outlets and complements the local area’s vast source of artisan food and ingredients.  Dedicated to sourcing the freshest products in New England, Chef Berry has created relationships with local farmers, while also saturating the menu with dishes that are uniquely Vermont, as seen from his recent visit to Stowe Mountain Lodge’s exclusive maple sugar purveyor during sugaring season, in Stowe Mountain Lodge’s newest video series with Chef Berry titled, “From the Kitchen.”

Farm-to-table principles and local artisanal ingredients are second nature to Chef Berry, as he grew up in New England, appreciating all the culinary assets the region offers.

Chef Berry also spent time in Luzerne, Switzerland and Northern Italy where he launched his career, prior to being the Executive Chef at the Balsams Grand Resort in Dixville Notch, N.H. and lead instructor of their culinary school, which he also attended. “I am extremely proud to lead the team here at the Stowe Mountain Lodge,” says Chef Berry. “The property has such prestige and I’m excited to take the lodge to new culinary heights.”

Solstice, Stowe Mountain Lodge’s award-winning signature restaurant, features inventive artisan cuisine in a relaxed yet elegant environment.  Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Spruce Peak, with décor by renowned husband and wife team Shackleton Thomas, based in Bridgewater, Vermont, Solstice reflects the natural elements of the luxurious alpine lodge.  Items appearing on the summer Solstice menu include signature dishes such as Vermont Ricotta Gnocchi, Lobster Pot Pie, Char Siu Pork Shoulder and the chef’s extensive selection of local Vermont artisan cheeses.

With more than 56,000 square-feet of meeting space in and around Stowe Mountain Resort, Chef Berry has developed a comprehensive and unique catering menu executed through Solstice.  Chef Berry is able to provide meeting and events attendees with the highest quality of menu choices, upholding the lodge’s preeminent meeting and event destination distinction. 

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About Stowe Mountain Lodge

Stowe Mountain Lodge is the centerpiece of Spruce Peak at Stowe, a $400 million alpine community that has been in planning and development stages for the past 16 years.  As part of this new community, owners and guests of Stowe Mountain Lodge will enjoy world-class service, 312 guest rooms, a 21,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, ski-in/ski-out access to over 100 legendary trails, exclusive access to Stowe Mountain Club, an 18-hole mountain golf course designed by Bob Cupp, and a heated outdoor pool. Stowe Mountain Resort offers over 56,000 square feet of event space, as well as high-end boutiques, restaurants and limitless on-mountain recreational options.  The lodge offers farm-to-table cuisine in Solstice restaurant and Hourglass bar.  In addition, 34 fractionally-owned condominium units are available for vacation home ownership in the Lodge’s Front Four Private Residence Club, as well as the slope-side four- and five-bedroom, three story Mountain Cabins.  Room reservations, with special lodging offers and packages, are available by calling:(802) 253-3560 or (888) 4-STOWE-VT, or by visiting www.stowemountainlodge.com. For real estate inquiries, please call:(888) 403-7739 or (802) 253-0320.

About Stowe Mountain Resort

Stowe is an internationally renowned four-season destination. Stowe Mountain Resort, with majestic Mt. Mansfield and Spruce Peak, is filled with activities for every season: golf, tennis, hiking, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, world-class dining, shopping, spas and more. Stowe’s historic village combined with Vermont’s most spectacular landscape creates the quintessential New England getaway. For more information please visit: www.stowe.com/or call: 1-800-253-4754.

For high resolution, downloadable images of Stowe Mountain Lodge, please visit www.dhrimages.com

The World Cup is coming to Jay Peak. The Resort today announced that three of the eight teams competing in the IIHF Women’s World Hockey Championship being held in Burlington will be using Jay Peak’s Ice Haus arena as their practice facility. Teams Canada, Sweden and Slovakia will be at the resort as they prepare for the championship tournament scheduled for April.

“Jay Peak offers us an opportunity to train in an uninterrupted environment as we prepare to re-claim the World Championship title and bring it back to Canada,” said Kalli Quinn of Hockey Canada.

The eight-day championship tournament begins in Burlington on April 7. Teams will begin arriving at Jay Peak starting March 31. This is only the third time in the championship’s 22 year history that it’s been held in the United States and the first time ever it’s been in Vermont. Past host countries include China, Switzerland, Sweden, and Finland. How teams finish helps to determine whether or not they will qualify for the Winter Olympics in 2014.

“We’re honored that these teams chose the Ice Haus as their practice facility,” said Steve Wright, Jay Peak’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Being able to host these types of high-caliber events that appeal to both New Englanders and Canadians was a motivating factor behind building the arena.”

The other teams in the tournament including Germany, Finland, Russia, Switzerland, and the United States will be preparing in Lake Placid, NY. Team Slovakia will be at Jay Peak Resort from March 31 to April 6; Team Canada from April 1 to April 6; and Team Sweden from April 2 to April 6.

Jay Peak will publish each team’s practice schedule at jaypeakresort.com, and practices will be open to guests, but the teams also have scheduled a series of exhibition games that will be open to the public. The North American Hockey Academy, which moved to Jay Peak from Stowe last October, will take on Team Sweden on April 3. The women of NAHA will then take the ice the following night against Slovakia. And on Thursday, April 5 Team Sweden will take on Team Canada in what could be a preview of an Olympic showdown.

All games begin at 7:00pm and tickets for the two NAHA games are $10. Tickets to the Canada v Sweden game are $20. A special package for all three games is $30. A portion of ticket sales proceeds will go to benefit the Friends of North Country Hockey. Tickets can be purchased at jaypeakresort.com

For the latest resort information, visit jaypeakresort.com

March 7, 2012, Londonderry, VT—One month after selling its 300^th share, the threshold needed to begin the skier-owned Magic Partnership LLC, Magic Mountain finished raising the maximum shares allowed for the investment with 333 shares sold at a price of $3,000/share for a total capital raise of $999,000.00. Much of this capital will go toward improving the snow-making capacity at the 50-year old ski area.

The final shares came just as Magic was experiencing southern Vermont’s first major snow storm of 2012 which dropped upwards of  18” of snow last week to bring a couple of renowned Magic powder days to skiers and riders.

“Our skier community stepped up at a critical juncture with an eye toward not only keeping this legendary ski area alive, but helping it thrive long into the future”, said Jim Sullivan, president of Magic Mountain. “There’s much work to be done, but when you see the smiles and high-fives of skiers and riders enjoying Magic, even in a winter as challenging as this one, we know that the commitment and effort ahead will be rewarding.”

About Magic Mountain Ski Area

Magic first opened in 1960 and will be celebrating this season its 50^th anniversary of peak to bottom skiing dating from 1962, which to this day, is still one of the most exciting, challenging and authentic Vermont ski experiences. Different than the corporate resorts, Magic has stayed true to the original Vermont ski culture.  Magic skiers enjoy a mountain emphasizing natural, diverse ski terrain in an atmosphere of shared camaraderie for the sport both on the slopes and in the lodge after a long, rewarding day. Magic has an authentic vibe because, in reality, it still remains first and foremost a ski area, not a “resort”—and a distinctly Vermont one at that. It’s a community spirit that keeps Magic thriving for those committed ski and riding enthusiasts who want to “take the road less traveled” and experience real snow and obstacles that mother-nature puts on the hill. And, it’s why Magic skiers love the mountain so much that they have invested in the ski area via The Magic Partnership in order to enhance and preserve it for future generations to enjoy.

Please visit us at www.magicmtn.comand “like us” on facebookfor updates. 

President’s Week Powder Prevails at Vermont Ski Resorts

MONTPELIER, Vt. - Resorts in Vermont have received upwards of 8 inches of fresh snow in the last 24 hours and the Green Mountain State is celebrating as the National Weather Service has called for three more days of snowfall across Vermont to be followed by sunshine and comfortable temperatures for enjoying the slopes. The Vermont Ski Areas Association is formally giving the Vermont legislature credit for the coming snow, as the Vermont House of Representatives today unanimously passed H.365 to designate skiing and snowboarding as Vermont’s official state winter sports. 

“We needed another snowstorm to top off the great conditions we had for our skiers and riders over the first part of the Presidents’ week holiday period,” said Ski Vermont President Parker Riehle. “The Vermont House of Representatives responded and came through quickly with unanimous passage of this critical recognition of Vermont’s unrivaled historical connection to both skiing and snowboarding, which now heads to the Senate for their approval. The Snow Gods have responded and more snow is on the way in time for the second week of school vacations. With our ski areas wide open for skiing and riding, the word is out that Vermont has all the snow that people would normally have in their backyards and they are flocking to our mountains to enjoy conditions that are far better than many would expect.”

Visit skivermont.com for fresh updates on trail conditions and events. Some activities this weekend include:

Black Magic Extreme Challenge, Magic Mountain
February 25, 2012
Competitors tackle the hardest trail at Magic to celebrate the best skier/rider on the mountain. Visit www.magicmtn.com/event.php?day=25&month=02&year=2012.

Bud Light Mardi Gras, Mount Snow
February 25 & 26, 2012
Bud Light Mardi Gras Celebration featuring our skiing jesters, lift line giveaways, 10,000+ beads, après parties at Cuzzins and a huge Bud Light Concert at the Snow Barn. Visit www.mountsnow.com/events.

Stowe Derby
February 26, 2012
The Stowe Derby is the oldest and original downhill cross-country race in North America. It started in 1945 as a personal challenge between two amazing skiers- Austrian, Sepp Ruschp and Erling Strom, world famous mountaineer from Norway. The challenge was the same as it is today - a race from the top of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak to the historic village of Stowe. The course has a total vertical drop of over 2,600 feet. www.stowe.com/mountain/resort_calendar/

The 10th Annual Mardi Gras, Jay Peak Resort
February 27 -  March 2, 2012
Jay Peak brings the wild verve of the Big Easy up to northern Vermont with a week’s worth of on and off-hill debauchery. Visit www.jaypeakresort.com.
 
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This Saturday 2/25 will be a WinterFest event celebrating winter sports, winter fun and winter fundraising at Magic Mountain. There will be competitions, great food, music, torch light parade and fireworks. The day begins with the Magic Vertical Challenge to see who can rack up the most 1700 foot vertical runs off the mountain’s west side from 10am-3pm. The contest is free to enter and prizes will be handed out to the top 3 vertical finishers during après ski.

After the vertical competition, the scene shifts to Magic’s beginner area where the skis and boards are traded in for outdoor boots and volleyballs for Magic’s renowned Outdoor Snow-beach Volleyball Tournament at 4pm. Digs, spikes and snow rashes will be all the rage with the games open to all comers. While the Snow-Beach Volleyball is being held outside, there will be a silent auction fundraiser from 4-7pm in the lodge for the Magic Alpine Training Center supporting both the race and freeskiing teams. There will be great food and drink at the Black Line Brew Pub and a dinner beginning at 5:30 for the fundraiser.

Once the silent auction closes at 7, the night takes over and Magic will be transformed into a festival of lights as skiers and boarders descend the mountain for our annual Torch Light Parade. The spirit and community of winter at Magic is celebrated with fireworks and more great music long into the night.

“Our WinterFest day-long event brings the winter sports community together to share the spirit and fun of the season”, said Jim Sullivan, president of Magic Mountain. “Winter can never last long enough for those who call Magic home during the winter. We welcome visitors to come experience what makes Magic different.”

About Magic Mountain Ski Area

Magic first opened in 1960 and will be celebrating this season its 50^th anniversary of peak to bottom skiing dating from 1962, which to this day, is still one of the most exciting, challenging and authentic Vermont ski experiences. Different than the corporate resorts, Magic has stayed true to the original Vermont ski culture.  Magic skiers enjoy a mountain emphasizing natural, diverse ski terrain in an atmosphere of shared camaraderie for the sport both on the slopes and in the lodge after a long, rewarding day. Magic has an authentic vibe because, in reality, it still remains first and foremost a ski area, not a “resort”—and a distinctly Vermont one at that. It’s a community spirit that keeps Magic thriving for those committed ski and riding enthusiasts who want to “carve their own trail” and experience real snow and obstacles that mother-nature puts on the hill. And, it’s why Magic skiers love the mountain so much that they are personally investing in the ski area via The Magic Partnership in order to enhance and preserve it for future generations to enjoy.

Please visit us at www.magicmtn.comand “like us” on facebookfor updates.

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Disney FamilyFun Winter Carnival, Smugglers’ Notch Resort
February 23, 2012
Smugglers’ Notch Resort and Disney’s FamilyFun magazine team up to host the Disney FamilyFun Winter Carnival, an afternoon of games, giveaways, face painting, music, a free barbecue and family fun on the snow! Visit www.smuggs.com.

Black Magic Extreme Challenge, Magic Mountain
February 25, 2012
Competitors tackle the hardest trail at Magic to celebrate the best skier/rider on the mountain. Visit www.magicmtn.com/event.php?day=25&month=02&year=2012.

Bud Light Mardi Gras, Mount Snow
February 25 & 26, 2012
Bud Light Mardi Gras Celebration featuring our skiing jesters, lift line giveaways, 10,000+ beads, après parties at Cuzzins and a huge Bud Light Concert at the Snow Barn. Visit www.mountsnow.com/events.

Stowe Derby
February 26, 2012
The Stowe Derby is the oldest and original downhill cross-country race in North America. It started in 1945 as a personal challenge between two amazing skiers- Austrian, Sepp Ruschp and Erling Strom, world famous mountaineer from Norway. The challenge was the same as it is today - a race from the top of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak to the historic village of Stowe.Today, the race attracts more than 800 competitors, for 20km of challenging terrain, racing down Mt. Mansfield's Toll Road and along the entire length of the Stowe Recreation Path before reaching the finish in the village. The course has a total vertical drop of over 2,600 feet.www.stowe.com/mountain/resort_calendar/

The 10th Annual Mardi Gras, Jay Peak Resort
February 27 -  March 2, 2012
Jay Peak brings the wild verve of the Big Easy up to northern Vermont with a week’s worth of on and off-hill debauchery. Visit www.jaypeakresort.com.

Marchdi Gras
March 3, 2012
Stratton Mountain Resort
Come to the Village block party that’ll redefine your sense of fun, March 3, 3pm til you can’t take it anymore. The Stratton Village will be lined with food and drink vendors, including an ice bar where you’re encouraged to take a shot off the luge, and a day full of live music. We’ve got the beads; now bring your friends to enjoy a day into night of music, drinks and just enough naughtiness to keep you on Santa’s nice list next year.

30th Burton U.S. Open of Snowboarding, Stratton Mountain Resort
March 4-11, 2012
The 30th U.S. Open is the final stop of the Burton Global Open Series. Voted by the Vermont Chamber as one of the Vermont Top Ten Winter 2011-2012 Events, the USO is the longest standing snowboard event on the planet. Whether coming as a competitor or a spectator, this weeklong contest offers something for everyone. Amateurs will compete on the same platform as the world’s best riders including Stratton Mountain School alum Louie Vito. Photos: www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150149556709467.332921.9189524466&type=1

USSA Hole Shot, SBX NorAm Tour, Killington Resort
March 6-8, 2012
Visit www.killington.com for full event details.

North American Telemark Festival, Mad River Glen
March 10-11, 2012
Visit www.telemarknato.com/festival.htmlfor full event details.

Nordic Relay for Life, Trapp Family Lodge
March 10, 2012
The Relay for Life is a fun-filled, overnight event that enlists volunteers to help fight cancer by raising money and awareness to support the American Cancer Society mission. Last year the event raised $102,000. Visit www.relayforlife.org/nordicstylevt.

Spring Fling Weekend, Magic Mountain
March 17-18, 2012
A fun filled day featuring a free fun race on Show Off, live music and a Rocking Après Party. Visit www.magicmtn.com/event.php?day=17&month=03&year=2012.

U.S.Freestyle National Championships, Stratton Mountain Resort
March 20-26, 2012
Stratton is excited to announce the return of the U.S. Freestyle Championships! The contest will bring the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team as well as the best of divisional skiers from across the country to Stratton to compete for the top title in moguls, aerials, halfpipe and dual moguls. Come watch as Vermont native and Olympic Gold Medalist Hannah Kearney defends her title and champions are crowned. Photos: www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150162762824467.337260.9189524466.

Pond Skimming, Bolton Valley Resort
March 24, 2012
Pond skimming takes place on a man-made pond created especially for the event, right in front of the Base Lodge. Competitors, fueled only by gravity, technique and the desire to stay dry, will attempt to skim across the pond for special prizes and awards. Join the after party of this great spectator event with music, a DJ and good vibes all around. Visit www.boltonvalley.com.

Sugaring Time Festival, Sugarbush Resort
March 24, 2012
Sugar on snow, pancake eating contests, mountain-wide scavenger hunts in search of maple syrup nips, live music, and more. Visit www.sugarbush.com.

ReggaeFest, Mount Snow
March 23 – 25, 2012
MountSnow’s annual spring celebration has grown to epic proportions!  Thousands of folks come out every year to witness other guests dressed in costumes to skim on a pond, slide on cardboard and enjoy some great live reggae music in and around the base area.  Live reggae performances kick off Friday night at the Snow Barn, continue all day Saturday and Sunday on Cuzzins Deck and reach a fever pitch on Saturday night with the headliner performance back at the Snow Barn.  Accompanying the Bud Light ReggaeFest will be the 10th Annual Sink or Skim pond skim competition on Saturday and Duct Tape Derby V on Sunday. Visit www.mountsnow.com/events.

Spring Fling Weekend – Bromley Mountain
March 24-25, 2012
Saturday features live Reggae from the Equalites and a pond skimming contest. The Trampoline Things will be on hand from Vermont’s Summer Adventure to liven up both days, and don’t miss the Fourth Annual Duct Tape Derby on Sunday!  In addition, there’ll be two-day E-coupons available at www.bromley.com.

FestEVOL 2012 with Guster, Barenaked Ladies and Big Head Todd
March 24 – 25, 2012
Okemo Mountain Resort
This two-day celebration of  snowsports, mountain lifestyle, live music, innovative natural brands and a sustainability-focused eco-village, will feature concert performances by Barenaked Ladies and The Pete Kilpatrick Band on Saturday, March 24, and Big Head Todd and the Monsters and Guster on Sunday, March 25. In addition to skiing and snowboarding at Okemo Mountain Resort, FestEVOL attendees can enjoy the Reverb Eco Village in the Jackson Gore courtyard. Reverb includes local, regional and national environmental non-profit groups alongside alternative-energy and transportation exhibits. The Eco Village also highlights all-natural and organic food sampling, and ski and snowboard equipment demos with Ramp, Nordica and Burton Snowboards. For more information, visit www.festevol.com.

SnowMont Festival with Snoop Dog, Kaskade, The Flaming Lips, Big Boi, Diplo, Borgore, Railroad Earth and More
March 30 – April 1, 2012
Killington Resort
Combining the world’s best musicians with the world’s best snow conditions, the 2012 SnowMont Music Festival is the East Coast edition of the S.N.O.W. series, which proposes the ultimate marriage: music and mountains. With multiple stages showcasing the talent of some of today’s most exciting artists, the live music at this year’s SnowMont Festival is sure to satisfy thousands of hungry music fans. SnowMont is guaranteed to bring your average festival experience to new heights – both on and off the mountain. Mark your calendars and  get ready for the experience of a lifetime – for one fun filled weekend, this all ages festival will show you all what Killington, Vermont has to offer.

Okemo Slush Cup, Resort: Okemo Mountain Resort
April 2, 2012
Costume-clad Slush Cup competitors schuss toward an 80-foot-long slushy pond and try to make it across without falling in. It’s a chilly spring dip for those who don’t make it. Open to the first 125 participants. Entry fee is $20. Participants win fabulous prizes in various categories. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the pond skimming starts at 11 a.m. Call 802.228.1600 for more information or visit Okemo’s Calendar Listings.

Pond Skimming Celebration, Burke Mountain Resort
April 7, 2012
Join Burke’s wet and wacky annual spring ritual. Watch 50 brave contestants ski the pond for a chance to become the King and Queen of the Pond. Visit www.skiburke.com. 

Winter Brewer’s Festival, Mount Snow
April 7, 2012
Celebrate the end of winter with beer!  This popular festival returns for the third straight year and will feature some of the top breweries from across New England and the Northeast including the likes of Long Trail, Woodchuck Cider, Magic Hat, Allagash, Harpoon, Rock Art, Red Hook, Stone, Olde Burnside, Brooklyn and Budweiser.  Located right in the main base area, admission is $10 for adults from the hours of 1pm- 6pm.  Your paid admission gets you a souvenir Winter Brewers Festival pint glass and your first drink is on Mount Snow.  An outdoor BBQ and tons of vendors make this an event not to be missed.  Enjoy great spring skiing and then enjoy some great spring beers! Visit www.mountsnow.com/events.

Sugarbush Adventure Games
April 14-15, 2012
Into it’s fourth decade, the Sugarbush Adventure Games host a kid’s triathlon on Saturday and an adult triathlon on Sunday that includes a run, a kayak/canoe down the river, a road cycle, and a cross-country ski leg. A great event for family teams, corporate teams and individuals, followed by a lunch, awards and live music. Visit www.sugarbush.com.

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Snowshoe to the Chapel and share a valentine thought of love for one another, family & friends. Or ski to the Slayton Pasture Cabin and enjoy a warm bowl of soup by the fire sharing stories of your adventure and appreciation towards one another. Savor a romantic dinner in the Dining Room with a delightful Valentine Day's menu from our new Executive Chef Kim Lambrechts.

Trapp Family Lodge offers many amenities that will complete a Valentine's Family Winter Mountain Escape and fill everyone's hearts.      www.trappfamily.com  -  800 826 7000