VERMONT MAGAZINE Winter 2022 | Page 64

Let ’ s Go Skiing !
Jet Triple Chair and Bonaventure Quad allow experienced riders to access some of the most challenging terrain on the mountain . The trail system features several long and winding intermediate routes that offer breathtaking mountain vistas from Jay Peak ’ s highest ridgelines . Established riders in search of an unparalleled adrenaline rush will luxuriate in the thrilling experience offered by Jay Peak ’ s highincline glades , which are scattered throughout the mountain . Jay Peak Resort is also home to three progressive terrain parks , which are thoughtfully designed in a matter that allows trick riders at all stages of athletic development to hone and perfect their skills in a safe and gradual manner .
Ski and snowboard rentals are available at their convenient Tramside and Stateside rental shops , and repair services are offered exclusively at the Tramside rental shop . In addition to standard skis and snowboards , Jay Peak also offers specialized Burton “ Learn to Ride ” ( LTR ) snowboards . Made with flexible material that is intentionally contoured to make stopping and carving easier , the LTR snowboards are ideal for novice riders . Private and group lessons , kids ’ instructional programs , guided mountain tours and seasonal camps are available for booking on the resort website .
Stowe
5781 Mountain Rd ., Stowe , VT 05672
Trails : 116 Lifts : 13 Summit Elevation : 4,395 ft . Vertical Drop : 2,360 ft . Skiable Acres : 468
Stowe . com
Cultured vacationers in search of an elevated winter sports experience will fawn over the magnificent ski trails , dining options , and lodging accommodations at Stowe Mountain Resort . The resort is located in an enchanting village at the base of two majestic mountains – Spruce
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Peak and Mount Mansfield . As the tallest mountain in the State of Vermont , Mount Mansfield offers some of the best skiing on the East Coast . As Stowe celebrates its 85th anniversary of continuous operation , it continues to build on its already stellar reputation through a series of targeted improvement campaigns . The new high-speed quad at Mount Mansfield provides proficient skiers and snowboarders with swift access to their electrifying double-black diamond trails , and a recently-completed inter-mountain transfer gondola allows guests to move from Mount Mansfield to Spruce Peak with ease and comfort .
Those who are newer to the sport and looking to hone their skiing skills will enjoy a leisurely descent down the lower slopes of Spruce Peak on the Meadows Quad . Intermediate skiers and snowboarders who long to savor a spirited descent down Mount Mansfield should take the gondola lift from the base . After disembarking from the gondola lift , meticulously-maintained cruiser trails abound , offering priceless panoramic views of the surrounding region . Multiple freestyle terrain parks are replete with fun and creative obstacles , such as jumps , ramps , bonks , funboxes , rails , and other natural and constructed features . Private and group lessons for kids , adults and first timers can be booked through the resort website , and seasonal instructional programs for kids and teenagers such as StoweBusters and the All Access Adventure Program provide wonderful opportunities for young skiers and riders to reach their athletic goals . Ski and snowboard rental and repair services are available at several on-campus shops , including TrueNorth Retail & Rental , Front Four Retail & Rental , and Spruce Rental & Stay Tuned Repair . The shops are staffed with friendly and polite ski experts , who are happy to offer advice and guidance to riders of all experience levels .
For fashionable , high-end winterwear , head to TrueNorth Retail & Rental to browse through a curated selection of name brand ski apparel . Guests with a fondness for sugary sweets should stop in at Spruce Peak Toy & Candy Company , and The Stowe Shop houses a vast arsenal of Stowe-branded goods and clothing . Down the road , the town of Stowe offers extensive additional dining options and shopping options , which include farm-totable bistros , artisan coffeeshops , rustic gift shops , and renowned custom and estate jewelry boutiques .
Okemo Mountain Resort
77 Okemo Ridge Rd ., Ludlow , VT 05149
Trails : 122 Lifts : 20 Summit Elevation : 3,334 ft . Vertical Drop : 2,200 ft . Skiable Acres : 669
Okemo . com
Outdoor enthusiasts have flocked to the storied slopes of Okemo for decades , creating a vibrant winter sports community that continues to grow and blossom . Okemo ’ s ski terrain encompasses the faces of two separate mountains : Okemo Peak and Jackson Gore Peak . The two mountains are linked by several interconnecting trails , and the well-structured lift system allows riders to access all corners of the resort from any starting point .
Skiers and boarders who start their day at the Jackson Gore Base Area can begin their ski journey on the Coleman Brook Express Quad lift , which leads to several easy trails that serve as perfect training grounds for novices . From there , more enterprising riders can proceed down a linking trail that leads to the Quantum Six