December 10, 2008
Around the Region: Birthday party time
by Marty Basch/
A couple of Vermont ski areas are throwing themselves birthday parties this weekend. Both Sugarbush and Killington turn 50. Sugarbush, which was tagged with the nickname “Mascara Mountain” early on since it attracted New York and Boston elite, opened with $5.50 ticket prices in December 1958. Now, Lincoln Peak’s daring terrain and Mount Ellen’s rolling cruisers each attract its own type of skier. This weekend, Sugarbush is loaded with celebrations, including the inaugural run of the new Cabin Cat.
Hard to believe that when the Big K opened on Dec. 13, 1958, it only had seven trails and two lifts. Compare that to the trails of today. Killington has already sold out of its special 50th birthday commemorative medallions for the weekend, but there will be a Ski Sweater Soiree on Friday, a poker run Saturday night and other events.
Meanwhile, in the Berkshires, Jiminy Peak is throwing itself a 60th birthday party, which will include a free baseball cap promotion Saturday and a demo day on Sunday.
Looking to bail out yourself with bargains over the next few days? In Ludlow, Vt., Okemo is breaking out a $39 Skier and Rider Appreciation Day on Dec. 11 while taking care of the girls on Dec. 16 with a similarly priced $39 lift ticket for the ladies.
Remember learning to ski on those small mountains as a kid? See how King Pine Purity Spring Resort in East Madison, N.H., has matured during its opening day special Dec. 12 with $10 tickets from noon to 7 p.m. That's also the day the 17-trail area kicks off its Military Appreciation Days through Dec. 24 with free skiing to those serving with our troops (with ID to prove it).
"These promotions are just some of the many that we'll be offering this season," King Pine's Dan Houde said. "Our goal is to make skiing, riding and outdoor recreation as affordable as possible for families during these difficult times."
Part of the joy of being a local is scoring discounted lift tickets. Mainers pay only $25 at Saddleback in Rangeley on Dec. 14. Kind of makes you want to move to ski country, doesn't it?
Parents will appreciate Youth Pay Their Age Day on Dec. 14 at Vermont's Mount Snow. This is the first of three such dates throughout the season for young skiers 18 and under.
Hard to believe, but it's time for the popular Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge, which stops at Okemo on Dec. 13.
The onslaught of demo days continues throughout New England. Up in Maine, Sugarloaf has them Saturday and Sunday.
"It's always good for people who come on out and check out the latest gear and try something new since equipment will impact the way they ski," said Sugarloaf communications director Ethan Austin. He said a number of the top ski manufacturers will be on hand to introduce their latest lines to Sugarloafers.
In New Hampshire, try out the latest boards Saturday at Waterville Valley and Sunday at Loon. In Vermont, there's a demo day Saturday at Stowe, and Sunday at Mount Snow and Okemo.
The Snow Barn will be jumping during Friday's Mount Snow premiere of Meathead Films' "Head for the Hills," as the fast-paced shredders travel through the East in search of challenges. It starts at 8 p.m.
