March 10, 2010
March is the month
by Heather Burke/
Pond skimming at Sunday River is one of many springtime activities that can be found at New England ski resorts. (photo: Greg Burke)
Winter was late to make it to the dance, again. It’s proof that the best skiing is not always in winter – but often in spring, speaking from a calendar perspective.
March is the snowiest month at many New England ski resorts. Just as folks are writing off the snow season entirely, Ma Nature dumps her guilt on us – in the form of fresh snow – finally. Still, I find myself annually telling fellow skiers not to pack up their ski gear just yet.
For families, I think March is the best month to ski. Gone are the cold, dark days of December. The finger-freezing temperatures of January and February mellow and the sun comes out, prompting us to ski with sunglasses and sunscreen instead of hand warmers.
Families can find good deals in March too, as resorts try to make their budgets and fill their beds. And kids who typically get cold find the warmer weather and brighter days far more enjoyable.
Stowe is offering discounted ski and stay packages at many of its Mountain Road lodging properties. With a ton of recent snow, Stowe is looking great for spring skiing. Go to www.gostowe.com for the latest deals.
Jay Peak is offering a $59 lifts, lodging and meals package at the Hotel Jay through April 19, before it demos the old place to move ahead with expansion plans. Kids 14 and under stay and ski free, certain dates include free daycare. Jay Peak is calling it the Brokedown Palace special, so book it before it’s gone – literally. Go to www.jaypeakresort.com.
If you can’t squeeze in an overnight getaway this spring, at least make day trips. Resorts are planning all kinds of fun spring events for the whole family from beach parties to theme days – discounts apply if you dress up for some of these festivities. So let your kids put on silly sunglasses and crazy Hawaiian shirts over their standard ski togs. Call it March madness, it beats staying home doing household chores all weekend.
Cardboard Box races and Dummy Downhills take place all over Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Kids love these zany events, especially pond skimming. Often prizes or lift tickets are at stake for getting a little silly or completely soaked – it’s worth getting wet given today’s ticket prices.
Pat’s Peak is celebrating its 19th annual Hawaiian Weekend March 13-14, so let the kids ski in grass skirts. Attitash is hosting The Spread Eagle World Championships March 13, including kids age categories with prizes for best jump and best dressed. Gunstock has its Spring Fling weekend March 20-21 with Cardboard Box races and live music.
Waterville Valley has a Beach ’n Bumps party March 27. Bretton Woods holds its 23rd annual Beach Party that same weekend, while Black Mountain in Jackson holds Spring Splash pond skimming. Okemo hosts the 2nd annual Joey Jam March 27 with three prize divisions: jump, rail and costume. Don’t know how to dress like a ‘joey’? Ask your kids.
There are more family ski parties this month than I can possibly mention. So ‘march’ your family to the mountains. Just warn the kids about changing conditions, snow can go from fast to glue all in one run. Also, teach your kids to wear layers and to lather on the SPF.
For more family ski articles by Heather Burke, go to www.familyskitrips.com.
