Fan guns guard the last piles of snow at Carinthia – holding on for the Peace Pipe Rail Jam on 5/25.

I spent the last 21 days slowing down and trying to be more deliberate, thoughtful, engaged and even creative.  Some days were better than others but overall I have down-shifted a gear or two. The population of Dover dropped from a winter high of 10,000+  to several hundred and as I drive Route 100 today, I am seeing things I have missed before.

Many businesses have signs announcing their long awaited vacation and the date they will re- open.  The local kids are finishing up school and prom-dress-spottings have picked up along with little league games and a healthy showing  of black flies.  Skiers sport goggle tans but their snow pants have sheltered their legs from the sun and there are some shocking white legs (mine included) walking, running and biking the Valley Trail.  With a little more time on our hands there is a definite uptick of yard work , gossip and BBQs.

Like a college or beach town in the off -season there is a secret hush that is relished here right now.  I find that each time I start to grow restless and bored the town swells for the Wardsboro Parade, a Mudder or Christmas  snowstorm and we are reminded that this quiet, unassuming town is capable of great things.  It suits me well, a bit of a roller coaster ride with exhilarating peaks and relaxing valleys.

Once you have lived in a ski town it is hard to get it out of your system and I realize that it is not only the skiing that has held me here for last 28 years but the vibe that it is so easy to hear if you just stop to listen.

Today we have decided to extend the season for ONE MORE WEEKEND.  Yoooo Hooooo!

Here’s the details for April 20 and 21.

We have decided to open for one LAST weekend, rain or shine….we are going for it!

We plan to open Carinthia and run lift #2, the Nitro Express.  One park will be groomed out, with no features (Mine Shaft to Inferno).   In addition, we hope to run lift #14, the Beartrap Double, so we can get some last bump runs.  Did I mention our staff wanted to pay tribute to the 80’s with Reo, Michael, Wham, Journey and AC DC blasting on the Beartrap speakers?  Please dress accordingly! Opening Beartrap will happen as long as the snow holds – it looked good yesterday but we know some warm weather and rain are forecasted for the week.  Fingers crossed everyone!

Carinthia lodge will be open for food and beverage, restrooms and seating.  BBQ on the deck weather permitting.

Please park at Carinthia as there is NO shuttle from the Main Base.

No rental equipment, beginner terrain or lessons available at Carinthia.

Ticket Pricing:  $29 per person – all ages.  5 and under free.  No snow guarantee.  If your mountain is closed, come enjoy all the snow we have at Mount Snow.  Just show your season pass, from any other mountain, and we will take an additional $5 off your lift ticket.

This will be our last weekend.  Just had to throw that out there because I know you will ask!

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So back to my Monday run down of doing things one more time.

Over the radio I hear Mike asking for help pushing bubbles.  This could be our last day launching bubbles,  so I wasn’t surprised to see a big turnout to help.  Pushing bubbles is a good work out and I enjoy helping.

Henry helping out.

But today there was enough help so I headed over to check on the Main Base Lodge.

These young men, from Avon, CT,  found a good spot to watch the bubbles launch – Cuzzin’s Rock.  They were munching on Robin Eggs Candy for breakfast and waiting to buy their Youth Pay Their Age Day tickets.  I was happy to see them and hope many of their peers will show up today.

Usually, when I check on the base lodge in the morning there are a few guests to chat with.  Today it was quiet.  A little too quiet.

Seeing the deserted base lodge put a little lump in my throat.

Did you get your last helping of Mac and Cheese?

I went back to the Bluebird to see how the bubble launch was going and to snap a picture of the bubble crew.

Are you a Kevin fan? Join the club! Luckily, you can visit us this summer and he’ll be here. He looks happy to be nearing the end of the bubble launch.

Mike and Kevin launch the last bubble. Gulp.

Today’s bubbles brought to you by these strong men. Thank guys!

One of my winter rituals is walking to Carinthia using the Season’s tunnel trail.  I decided to make the trek one more time?  Probably not.

Season’s tunnel trail still hanging in there!

At the bottom of the Nitro Expess, Byron (normally a snowmaker but helping with lifts) gave himself a mohawk.  Wow, a lot of people are getting hair cuts!

Back at the Main I hear that #28, the Discovery Shuttle is open.  What?  I thought we were only running Bluebird and Nitro today.  I called Brian to find out why.  I guess Larry Peckham had a 2-hour private and a few other guests asked so he opened it.  Talk about service.  We’ll dock his pay later!

Skiing was a lot warmer than the weekend and a lot of fun.  It was soft everywhere but not heavy….yet.  I followed the left to right rule and started on skier’s right and trail by trail made my way to Carinthia.  Nitro was by far the most populated trail.  There was a nice vibe over there and I took a few laps on skiers left of the Gulch and Inferno.  Even at noon I was skiing the cordoroy and loving it!

I headed in to face my big fat lunch…the chicken tender platter!  It was my only one of the entire year.  With that under my belt (literally) it was time to do some shopping.

The Cupola’s last day until Memorial Day weekend so I went there with credit card in hand.

Snow shoes for me and a new jacket for my husband.  The bike may come later.

I made it back in time for  last chair (or at least I thought it might be last chair.)  And I can honestly say that is the first time I have sat in last chair.

Mark, Vince, Adam, Dick, Kelly and Jeff

Patrol invited me to TCP (trail closing procedure or sweep) and I was thrilled to participate.

Rescue deck – while chatting Dave (12 o’clock – big smile) threw out the idea of opening Bear trap for the weekend. Hmmmm?

Skiing Ego for my last run of the day was fantastic – enough said.  Quick wardrobe change and off to the most important part of the day, our staff party.

Thanks to our food and beverage staff for feeding us well. Read my last blog to see a special tribute to our staff.

I thoroughly enjoyed my Monday of one more times.  That said, I am enjoying my Tuesday of “let’s stay open one more weekend,” even more.

In closing, I would like to thank each and every person who skied, snowboarded, tubed, dined, golfed, biked, ran through the mud, enjoyed a brew,  sang with Bruce, oooohed at the foliage, swam in Snow Lake or hiked to the summit.  You and your enthusiasm to live and play on our mountain are the reason we are here.  Your passion continues to amaze us and drives us to constantly look at new ways of doing things in an attempt to make improvements.

This summer we will work to assure your return will be met with all the things you love about Mount Snow.  In addition, I am confident that you will find improvements that will make your time with us even better.  From the kids who learned in our Burton Riglet park to the Mount Snow loyalists who logged more than 400,000 vertical feet, thank you.

See you on Beartrap this weekend.  I’ve got my neon picked out.  Do you?

We started off the season raising money for Sandy relief.

and finishing up last minute projects

Still hoping for snow.

But willing to make the best of every situation.

With Christmas around the corner our snow makers worked round the clock. And Colin and Gina decorated!

Finally on Dec 27th, Mother Nature delivered.

Gotta love these four handsome guys at Bag Check!

Our custodial staff enjoying some pizza after a busy Saturday.

It was a little harder to squeeze a smile out of our night custodial staff, who were just starting a long shift with much to clean.

Dennis is happy because he got a new sled this year. Dennis is the guy responsible for keeping all our lifts running – let’s just say he’s pretty darn important.

We tried some new things this year.

And Moulton tried to get the rope out of the tiller before someone noticed. Caught ya Dave. You’re not supposed to run over ropes!

Beautiful Maria at Carinthia

We miss Florencia!

Always up for retro dancing

Mardi Gras!

Our very own Jack Jump World Champion – Sue Z

Our snow makers make the BEST snow and hang candy canes in a pinch!

And our snow makers help out with lifts in the spring – very talented.

Carlos at the Grand Summit

Denise and BJ out for a snow shoe.

The lovely Stephanie at Sundance.

You can never get enough of Snow Barn pizza – especially when it is free.

Speaking of a group that can put away some pizza – the Mount Snow Ski and Snowboard School….the blue coats!

Can you name this staff member and trail?

B Ryan and Ryan flipping dogs for our passholders. Confusing, huh?

Samir behind the scenes at the 1900 Burger

The Meeker’s and Shawn product testing at the Tap Room.

Robert pushing bubbles before his “real job”….head of custodial.

Lots of great food for our awesome staff at one of the employee parties

Let’s hear it for the girls.

and more girls – Camilla, Tania, Noelia and Ximena at the Marketplace.

LB, Chelsea, Megan, Willi and Mark at the January staff party.

Tubing party.

Hot dog crew

Event crew

Bubble crew

and the Brew Crew.

Our beloved mountain delivered superb conditions, week after week.

As the season progressed, the snow started to pile up.

March brought even more snow, with no signs of Spring.

So our staff celebrated! Al serenading the Carinthia crowd.

We had fun with our March events.

Henry, Molly and Laura helping the Easter Bunny

Mariano and Nicolas

Winter persisted through March. On April 12 we received freezing rain and snow and our lift mechanics were forced to de-ice the lifts, one more time.

Hank and his signature “winter beard.”

And you know another season has come to an end when Hank shaves.

Pretty amazing group of people and not enough photos to show you each and every staff member.  Thank you to our staff and volunteers for sharing another winter with us and for helping to create wonderful ski trips for our guests.  I hope you all have a safe and fabulous summer and I look forward to seeing you next Fall.  My hat, helmet and goggles off to you.

For all the passholders who have Patriot’s Day off and asked if we could stay open…

For all the Boston Marathoners who are ready to cruise downhill instead of Heartbreak Hill…

In honor of all you crazy, die hard, snow lovin’, goggle-tanned fanatics, we have decided to throw out one more Youth Pay Their Age Day on Monday, April 15^th. 

Kids 18 and under pay their age, so a 13 yr old can ski for just $13!  Anyone over the age of 18 will enjoy a $39 full-day lift ticket.  5 and under always ski free and there will be no snow guarantees given.  Our operating hours will be 9 am to 4 pm and only 2 lifts and 2 mountain faces will be open.

Lift #2, the Nitro Express will service Carinthia Area and Lift #17, the Bluebird Express will service the Main Face.  Sunbrook and North Face will be closed.  The only beginner terrain will be the Long John trail and that may not be very “beginner friendly” by Monday so please check the snow report before traveling.

If you are coming up this weekend, no problem….we have you covered too!

TICKET PRICING FOR SAT AND SUN, APRIL 13 and 14 

$55 for 1-day  (all day Sat or Sun)

$65 for 2-day  (all day Sat & Sun)

 Add on Sunday for just $10!

Same price for Adults, Youth and Seniors.  5 and under always free.  No snow guarantee.

We will also offer the Sunday afternoon deal on Saturday and Sunday!

$29 Saturday or Sunday Sleeper –$29 lift ticket valid 12-4pm

$99 Family Four Pack – Get four of your closest friends together and enjoy an afternoon at Mount Snow for less than $25 each. Lift ticket valid Saturday or Sunday 12-4pm

So what happens after Monday?  Good question!  We will be closed Tuesday through Friday.  We will let everyone know, no later than Wed, if we will re-open for the weekend of April 20 and 21.

Final housekeeping note – we will be closed this Friday, April 12th due to inclement weather.

Wow, for the end of the season, we sure are busy!  Keep up – I dare ya!

I absolutely love the change in seasons.  Most would agree that mud season is the least desirable but I like it!  It is the time of year that I start eating healthier, exercise more and reconnect with family, friends and dog.  So as much as I love ski season and having the best playground outside my office, there is something to be said for mud and snow melt.

So folks, I am transitioning.  I am trying to take full advantage of the last days of the 2013 ski season.  I am skiing the natural snow trails because I know they will go first.  I am grabbing photos of staff before they leave for the summer and I am allowing myself to have a few more helpings of my favorite base lodge food – onion rings!

Our projected closing date is Sunday, April 14.  Will we stay open longer?  Possibly.  It will depend on the weather and if a decent crowd shows up this weekend.  Based on the trail coverage (see below),  we could open for one more weekend. Many of you said your good-byes this weekend and I fear you’ve already transitioned to mowing the grass and baseball games.  I hope I am wrong.  Please come up this weekend and help us extend our season.  Need some incentives?  See the photos I snapped today.

We headed out today to check snow depths. Cascade – 4 thumbs up!

Freefall is also wall to wall goodness.

Kind of first tracks on Olympic – yes!  For a natural trail, she sure looks good.

Everywhere we went, plenty of snow. Especially on the snowmaking trails. Plummet did not disappoint!

I cannot tell a lie. Uncle’s was showing a good amount of bare spots. But skier’s right was still a lot of fun.

Last run of the day, One More Time. At 2:03 pm and we are still some of the first tracks down. This is a day I will remember!

Did you notice there weren’t many skiers and riders in these pics?  Just saying – you should get up here and be your own king or queen of the mountain.  After being on the hill today, I am ready for a little more winter.  The Christmas decorations can wait.

And here you can see why those decorations will have to wait – the snow is still piled high in my yard. There is a garden under there….somewhere! Pet peeve – dirty snow.

To keep you coming, here are a few deals.

FOR SEASON PASSHOLDERS

• As of April 1, any season pass is valid 7 days a week.  Meaning, midweek and Sunday only passes can be used any day of the week.
• Two additional $29 Bring a Friend tickets valid for the remainder of the 12-13 season have been added onto all passes (2012-13 and 2013-14) with the exception of Child Passes (5 and under) and Higher Education Passes.
• 50% off appetizers in Cuzzins after 3 pm Sunday-Thursday (must show pass) through the end of the season.

LIFT TICKET DEAL

Purchase a full priced lift ticket on April 6 or 7 and receive a bounce back valid for a FREE matching lift ticket that must be used by Dec 25, 2013. If you purchased a 2 day ticket, come back and get a FREE 2 day ticket.

How does it work? Just show up to a ticket window *with your April 6 or 7 lift ticket* any time before Christmas, and you’ll get a free lift ticket on the spot. Deal is not available online.

STOCK UP ON GEAR FOR NEXT YEAR

This is the time of the year that I like to browse through the ski shops and get some of the things I know my family will need, at a discount.  There are sales as deep as 50% off.  It is also a great time of year to purchase skis and boards, if you don’t mind being one year behind the latest models.  I pack stuff away in the  closet and pull it out in time for the holidays – sure cuts down on my Christmas shopping!

There are many deals that take place all year long.  Click here to see more:  http://mountsnow.com/deals/

Deals are great, but the most compelling reason that I can share to get you up here this weekend is that along with great snow, forecasts are calling for temps hitting the 40′s with sunny skies.  On Saturday we have the perennial Glade-iator Mogul Event http://mountsnow.com/event/?detaillink=6467 followed by the Winter’s Brewer’s Festival (Mmmm….beer) http://mountsnow.com/event/?detaillink=6466.

I am pretty sure this is going to be one of those weekends that we talk about all summer.  Cheers to you.

I really must be a New England girl because I find myself staring up at the spectacular sun wondering what happened to all our overcast, foggy days?  Yes….I know a few of you superstitious types are yelling, “stop jinxing us Kelly!”  But it had to be said – I feel like someone just picked Mount Snow up and dropped us into a Rocky Mountain movie set where day-after-day we find ourselves making sun-drenched laps.

Recently, friends who made trips to resorts north and west of us tell me Mount Snow has the most snow.  What?  Whether it is true or these Mount Snow loyalists are just prejudiced, it doesn’t matter.  This spring is one of the best I can remember and it is so good to see all of you taking full advantage of it.

Continuing with my broken record theme, let’s talking closing dates.  Here is the official statement.  We plan to stay open through April 14^th.  Mount Snow reserves the right to close for a day or two if we are experiencing unfavorable weather. 

What is unfavorable weather?  Think crappy, hot rain, freezing rain type days.  You know, those days when you walk down Main Street and 12 brave souls (and Larry Peckham) are out skiing.  My best advice is if you plan to come up after April 7^th, check the snow report before making the journey.  Hopefully, we will continue to experience great weather and there will be no need to alter our schedule.

And for those of you who are asking about April 21….no comment.

No wonder why I haven’t been blogging – all this skiing takes time!

Sun rising, moon setting.

Snow Golf on South Bowl

Speaking of Larry – here he is squeezing in a round before his next lesson!

Happy spring everyone.  Keep pointing em’ downhill.  You have all summer to sleep!

The Black Pearl came very close to walking away with a trophy. I loved this ship.

Last entry of the day – the Moby Richard had awesome team spirit!

Alien Ab-duct-tion won most creative. I could swear that was a real alien!

Mista Boat told us they almost missed the boat. They built their sled last night at midnight.

The Tundra pulling the space shuttle Endeavor was a riot! Very creative.

Melissa and Rick must be very proud of the boys, who built this Reggae inspired cake.

Another favorite of mine is the Grand Summit Stage Coach. These girls told me they started building in December – great work ladies!

The Flintstones was a popular theme. Wilma’s necklace is a string of styrofoam balls – great idea.

Undead – a somber group!

Here’s a young man who knows how to keep things simple. Nice style.

The costumes on this Viking ship were hilarious, giving a whole new meaning to the brown bath mat.

Employee Trophy goes to Josh and Miranda with his pizza wedge – yes, a reference to teaching how to ski.

The M&M girls were giving out samples. Thanks ladies!

Best Kids creation went to Metamorphosis – their sled was a caterpillar and they emerged as butterflies.

The Devil Dogs took on the Angel soft Angels and guess who won?

Judge’s Pick went to the Flintstones – this picture does not do their float justice. The detail was remarkable and the costumes were perfect.

I didn’t snap a picture in time (they were too speedy) but the best slide went to Swamp People.  They hit the B-net….well done!

And how do we decide when to close?  It is a pretty simple formula.  We will stay open as long as the snow holds and we have a decent turnout.  Historically, after Easter, interests shift from skiing to other spring activities.  With all this snow I hope to buck that trend.

So I don’t want to put any pressure on you but if you and your friends could fit a few more ski trips into your spring routine, it will help with our closing date decision.  If you need a little convincing, here are my Top Ten Reasons to Keep Skiing.

1)  We are 100% open!  We have received over 3 feet of snow in March and the conditions are the best of the season (that is actually three reasons but who’s counting?)
2)  Great ticket deal on Good Friday (March 29.)  Advance online tickets for $29 or $49 at the ticket window.  Click here for details and to purchase:  http://mountsnow.com/deals/
3)  The Easter Bunny is hiding a golden egg on the mountain – if you find it, you get a season pass.
4)  A beer on Cuzzin’s deck after a day of corn-snow turns just tastes better.
5)  The Glade-i-a-tor bump event on Ripcord on April 6^th.  This event has been a Mount Snow favorite for decades.
6)  Bathing suit season is just around the corner – we all need the exercise!
7)  If you buy a ticket on April 6 or 7, we’ll give you a FREE ticket to come back any time on or before Dec 25, 2013.
8)  The Winter Brewer’s Festival – we have so much fun with this event on Labor Day that we decided to throw one onto our winter calendar!
9)  In August you will be kicking yourself for not skiing more.
10) We can’t stay open if you stay home.

Last year on this day Vermont hit a high of 80 degrees.  What a difference a year makes.  I encourage you all to take advantage of what is turning out to be a fantastic March.  Any skier knows that you have to grab it when it is good and savor every turn.  That is what gets us through the summer.

One of the best powder days and I am stuck in meetings! I asked Jack to grab a few pictures and he happily accepted the task. Wonder why?

I wonder what that fog disc says? Beware of Snow!!!

Enjoy the snow and the first day of Spring!

I’ll see you at the Duct Tape Derby – don’t forget to wear your tie dye.

P.S.  At the end of the day, Denise asked me if I was up for a snow shoe.  YESssssss!  So I made it out on the mountain after all.  It was just us and a few groomers and it was so beautiful I felt privileged to have the experience.

As we started up Illusion Denise stopped to chat with Jeff, who was making his last run of the day.   It was still snowing.

The woods are loaded up with the softest snow. We pledged that we would buy skins for next year. Skiing down would have been the icing on the cake.

Denise showed me some glades I had never been in. Can’t wait to give them a try on skis.

While we were snow shoeing our groomers were busy on the hill and in this photo you can see they were winching Plummet. Photo by B. Ryan

Heading home I caught this in my rear view. I love that his first pass was right up the middle.  I later found that Brendan left this signature stripe.