TORONTO — Ski Vermont showcased the amazing mountainous terrain, accommodation options and the large variety of winter activities Vermont has to offer at a recent event in Toronto.
With borders fully open, Canadians can easily explore the many ski resorts available in the state, all of which are ready to welcome back guests for a full winter season. Whether they want to carve turns on freshly groomed corduroy slopes, ride fresh powder in the trees, or snow tube at the base, Vermont’s resorts have it covered.
OPENING DATES
Below you’ll find the planned opening dates of Vermont’s ski areas. Dates are weather-dependent and are subject to change.
Mount Snow Resort, Killington Resort: TBD
Stowe Mountain Resort: Nov. 18
Okemo Mountain Resort, Stratton Mountain, Sugarbush Resort: Nov. 19
Bolton Valley, Bromley Mountain, Jay Peak, Smugglers’ Notch: Nov. 25
Burke Mountain: Nov. 26
Mad River Glen: Dec. 10
Saskadena Six Ski Area: Dec. 14
Magic Mountain: Dec. 15
From l-r: Molly Mahar, President Ski Vermont; Travis Bobley, Marketing Manager, Ski Vermont; Brian Rivard, Director of Communications, Ski Vermont
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2022-23
Killington:
After three years of construction, Killington’s new K1 Base Lodge is set to open in November. The new lodge boasts an indoor/outdoor seating capacity of over 900 guests, doubling the previous lodge’s capacity. In addition, the lodge has multiple bar and restaurant options, and numerous zones to truly enjoy the apres vibe.
This year Killington has increased the size of its Woodward Mountain terrain parks as well as its snowmaking system to ensure the resort continues to hold the title of the longest ski season in the state.
Mad River Glen:
This resort has completed a year-long project to replace old snowmaking infrastructure to ensure better coverage on the lower mountain and other high traffic areas. The improved system will increase snowmaking efficiency while using less water.
Magic Mountain:
Magic Mountain has spent over $1 million on infrastructure improvements this summer. The resort has doubled the capacity of its snowmaking pond, and added a brand new quad chair, doubling its uphill capacity.
This year the ski area will be limiting daily lift ticket sales to 1,500 per day to keep crowds down, protecting its great skier experience. Plus, Magic is now offering night skiing on its new terrain park, open Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.
Saskadena Six/ Woodstock Inn:
The famed Suicide Six ski hill now has a new title: Saskadena Six. This name honours the ancestral land of the indigenous Western Abenaki people. The word ‘Saskadena’ translates to ‘Standing Mountain,’ and symbolizes a deep connection to the land, the original inhabitants, and the 86-year legacy of this classic resort.
Stratton Mountain:
This season Stratton has added a brand new terrain park and two extra lanes of tubing to its Coca-Cola Tuber Park, with new food and drink options. The resort has also created Next Step Lessons, a lesson package dedicated to helping newer skiers/riders refine their skills to progress to the next level.
Stratton’s village is now under new ownership, so visitors can expect many new activities and amenities to explore when off the slopes.
Sugarbush Resort:
Over the summer Sugarbush has invested heavily into its already impressive snowmaking infrastructure, with pipe and snow gun replacements throughout the mountain greatly increasing snowmaking reliability.
This year the resort has added a new cabin cat to its fleet, featuring a luxurious, heated 12-person cabin with cushy seats and a flat screen tv. These Cabin Cats can be booked for first tracks sunrise catskiing, sunset grooming tours and remote fireside dining excursions to Allyn’s Lodge.
Jay Peak:
Legendary Jay peak resort recently announced that it’s been purchased by Pacific Group Resorts Inc., an international resort operating company, opening a new chapter for the resort.
Jay Peak is Vermont’s closest resort to the Canadian border, located less than a two hour drive from Montreal. The resort has always had a close relationship with Canada and takes Canadian funds at par.
Jay Peak is well known for its abundant snowfalls, receiving an average of nine metres of snow annually (the most snow east of the Rockies). It operates nine lifts including Vermont’s only aerial tram, which together access a large variety of terrain for every level.
Along with excellent slopeside accommodation and dining options, Jay Peak has a first-class indoor water park, indoor skating rink and an extensive recreation centre.
Deals and packages
Jay Peak is offering a new deal called ‘Mission: Four’dable,’ a four pack of fully transferable tickets with no blackout dates starting at $259. Canadian guests can purchase at par with Canadian cash. https://jaypeakresort.com/M4
Sugarbush is offering The Quad Pack, four unrestricted and transferable tickets costing $449.
https://www.sugarbush.com/plan-your-trip/deals-and-packages/quad-pack
Smugglers Notch is offering great deals for its Brew and Ski Weekends taking place Dec.8-11, 2022 and March 24-26, 2023. Vermont has the highest number of Breweries per capita, and Brewfest is a great chance to sample the resort’s fine beer and craft ciders. Packages include mountainside lodging, lift tickets, access to indoor pools and hot tubs, village activities and events.
https://www.smuggs.com/pages/winter/groups/brewfest.php
Vermont resorts with Epic and Ikon pass affiliation:
Epic Pass: Stowe, Okemo, and Mt. Snow
Ikon Pass: Stratton, Sugarbush, Pico, Killington
Main image: From l-r: Michelle Ramirez, Marketing Manager, Bolton Valley Resort; Patrice Cleaves, Marketing and PR manager, Trapp Family Lodge; Rob Aiken, Sales Director, Smugglers’ Notch; Molly Mahar, President, Ski Vermont; Brian Rivard, Director of Communications. Ski Vermont; Mike Chait, Communications Manager, Jay Peak; John Bleh, Public Relations Manager, Sugarbush; Travis Bobley, Marketing Manager, Ski Vermont