Your Picks For This Weekend
With three freestyle parties, a ski swap, a Santa-themed 5K and nine resorts opening, this weekend may mark the real start of winter, Vermont-style.
Opening Days, Statewide
Lifts are starting to turn, snow is blowing and trails are looking white. In the next ten days, nine resorts will open across Vermont. Here are the dates:
11/23: Stowe, Sugarbush
Before Thanksgiving: Okemo
11/24: Mount Snow
11/25: Smuggler’s Notch, Bromley Mountain, Stratton
Weekend After Thanksgiving: Jay Peak
11/28: Burke Mountain
*Note: because of recent warmer temperatures, these dates are still subject to change.
Rail Jams and Opening Parties
19 | The Big Kicker, Waitsfield, Vt.
To kick off the season, Sugarbush and Mad River Glen will throw a freestyle party on Saturday, hosted by Lareau Farms and American Flatbread. Head over for raffles, ski movies, yard games, food and drink. Admission is free, food and drinks will be sold separately, and proceeds benefit the High Fives Foundation. sugarbush.com
19 | First Trick Rail Jam, Stowe, Vt.
Stowe’s season will be set off with a rail jam and party, open to all ages of skiers, riders and telemarkers. Anyone who has purchased a lift ticket can enter, and lift tickets will be discounted to $32 for the day, plus a $20 registration fee. Don’t miss music, raffles and giveaways. stowe.com
20 | Loaded Turkey Rail Jam, Killington, Vt.
The low-key pre-cursor to Killington’s esteemed Rails to Riches, the top two winners of the Loaded Turkey gain coveted spots in next month’s big show. But even better–winners of each category are presented with turkeys, cranberry sauce, gravy and pumpkin pie. killington.com
19 | Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museum Honors Hall of Fame Inductees
On Saturday, the Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museum will honor its 2016 inductees with hors d’oeurvres, dessert and a silent auction. Vintage-ski-sweater-casual attire is encouraged. Tickets are $75. Act fast, they go quickly! vtssm.com
19-20 | Cambridge Rotary Ski Swap & Sale, Jefffersonville
Drop consignment gear on Nov. 18 at the Cambridge Community Center in Jeffersonville from 6 to 8 p.m. The sale will take place on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.
20 | Santa Hustle 5K & Half Marathon, Newport, RI
Santa Claus is making an early stop in Newport for the Santa Hustle Rhode Island 5K and Half Marathon. Put on a Santa suit and join thousands of Santas as they race along the streets and oceanfront path. Jingle all the way through the course with candy and cookies, festive music and more. santahustle.com
