Welcome to winter. We live for this time of year and invite you to experience why we love it so much. Starting with America's first alpine ski tow, built on a Woodstock farm in 1934 and the first chairlift used in the nation on Mt. Mansfield in 1940, Vermont has been leading the way for skiers and snowboarders ever since. Vermont has 20 alpine ski resorts and 30 cross-country touring centers throughout the state. With 6,052 acres of alpine terrain, 1,269 trails, 179 lifts, and 885 miles of Nordic trails, Vermont skiing and riding accommodates every level, from the advanced downhiller to the training toddler, from moguls and snowboarding to quiet cross-country jaunts on skis or snowshoes. The average annual mountain snowfall is about 225 inches, and the majority of Vermont’s terrain is covered by state of the art snowmaking. Vermont offers terrain to suit every ability level from gentle teaching slopes, miles of novice and intermediate trails, wide open boulevards for cruising and gladed terrain, steep mogul fields and technically demanding terrain for experts. Vermont is home to the first U.S. Olympic gold medal winner in Nordic skiing, Bill Koch, as well as Olympic medal winners Ross Powers, Hannah Teter, Billy Kidd, Andrea Meade and so many other successful Olympians. The Green Mountain State is a haven for skiers and riders of all tastes and experience levels. Welcome to winter. The Vermont Ski Areas Association has joined a nationwide collaborative effort to help new skiers and riders learn easily and affordably by designating January as National Learn A Snow Sport Month with expanded learning programs available at most ski areas. The free learn to ski and ride week (usually in early January), which includes free lessons, rental equipment and limited-lift tickets to first-time skiers and riders. Beginning in mid-December, sign up for your choice of more than a dozen Vermont locations at www.skivermont.com. For more information, visit www.skivermont.com. |