The ski season is officially launched when the weather grows colder and those first snow flakes start to appear. As any seasoned skier will tell you, each ski resort has its own distinct personality, so choosing the right resort isn’t as easy as throwing darts at a map. From laid back party scene to high end mega resort, America’s east coast lays claim to some of the most unique ski resorts in the world. In order to assist you chose the right resort I’ve decided to share my personal experiences at each of the following three resorts.
Killington, Vermont:
The best of the east coast starts in Vermont at Killington. A laid back resort, located in central Vermont, Killington is set apart from others as the largest ski resort in the eastern half of the country. It also boasts the most vertical feet in New England. Killington averages around 250 inches of snow annually, and has 140 trails for skiers to explore. After skiing, dining and party options abound at one of the nearly 40 nearby restaurants and bars.
My Experience:
Skiing at Killington is a breeze due to its central location and proximity to large metropolitan areas with Boston being a scant three hour drive. Mountain staff are friendly and willing to point you in the right direction. When the day on the mountain is done, there are plenty of eating options available. During holiday weekends in January and February, Killington can get crowded so it is best to avoid the mountain at those times.
Stowe, Vermont:
Stowe is where skiing started in Vermont before World War II, when trails were cut into Mount Mansfield. With an average snowfall of 333 inches there is always enough snow to go around. At Stowe, there are 116 trails for riders of all ability levels to enjoy. Stowe is located in Northern Vermont near Burlington. The most accessible way to get to Stowe is to fly to Burlington, then rent a car and complete the short drive south to the mountain. Stowe markets itself as a multi-dimensional community that caters to those looking for an opulent experience and those whose purpose in life is purely to shred some snow. Unlike Killington, Stowe has a more resort feel, with dining options being located on the property. There are additional dining options in town, but the resort lacks to cohesive feeling of Killington.
My Experience:
If Killington is where you go to party with friends, then Stowe is where you take the wife, kids and inlaws. In terms of downhill, both are about even, with Killington maintaining a slight edge. If you are looking to keep the kids busy while you are on the mountain however, Stowe is the clear choice. Due to location, Stowe will likely have shorter lift lines than Killington on a holiday weekend.
Wintergreen Resort, Virginia:
Unlike traditional ski resorts, Wintergreen is a mountain top resort, meaning all the facilities are built at the top and not the bottom of the mountain. This means that views from rooms and restaurants go on for miles. Unlike other resorts further north, Wintergreen does not benefit from hundreds of inches of natural snowfall, but instead relies on snow making capability to ensure plenty of snow is available all winter long. Set on 11,000 acres, there is room to explore when visiting Wintergreen. Activities aside from skiing include tubing, ice skating, and an indoor game center. Located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, the resort is an easy 90 minute drive from Richmond and 3 hour drive from Washington, DC.
My Experience:
At first, I wasn’t sold on the snow making capabilities of the resort after experience nearly 330 inches of snow further north. However, Wintergreen did not disappoint. Unlike resorts further to the north, Wintergreen stands alone, it is not connected to any town and maintains a 100% resort feel. As a result, guests are dependent on Wintergreen for all of there activities. Luckily, Wintergreen does not disappoint. With its convenient location in the Mid-Atlantic region, Wintergreen is much more accessible than resorts further north.
Choosing the right resort for the perfect winter get away takes a lot more than just luck. Get out and talk to friends and co-workers and see what they liked about their last ski vacation. Check in at local sporting goods stores and see what they recommend and definitely don’t forget to talk to the resort operators themselves.
More Information:
http://www.killington.com
http://www.stowe.com
http://wintergreenresort.com