KILLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – It was over the river and through the snow for many people in our region on Thanksgiving.
Wet, heavy snow fell in Killington, as skiers and World Cup fans started to arrive. They braved the snow like many Vermonters, running off calories before the big feast.
“Well, I have been told, and the quote is ‘They’re Vermonters’ most of them and they’re used to this, this is their backyard, this is what they’re used to. And anybody coming up here, this is what they want, this is a dream. So, it’s actually a win-win,” said Kasie Munson of Connecticut.
Wet, heavy snow blanketed much of the Killington area on Thanksgiving. Those headed to the mountain for dinner dealt with heavy snow but it didn’t stop the festivities.
“They’re coming up from New York and they’re gonna have a bit more travel time but slow things down and get to where you gotta be safely, doesn’t really change plans at all,” said Klaus Weirether of Killington.
Many snowboarders and skiers hit the slopes instead of the dinner table, giving thanks for the great conditions.
“Turkey sandwiches for dinner tonight,” said Walter Perez of New York. “I’m here celebrating how thankful I am about snow and nature and all the good things.”
Visitors like Perez flocked to some of the Northeast’s only open mountains ahead of the busy FIS World Cup weekend.
“I stay to the local mountains like Mountain Creek in New Jersey and the Poconos. There’s no snow there now, so I’ve been watching the snow report all week and Vermont was the only place that had good trails open. So I said, you know what? Let’s do it,” Perez said.
But it wasn’t all fun and games with the heavy snow. Fire officials say West Hill Road was closed for hours due to car accidents and a downed utility pole. Residents say the power was out for a few hours.
Regardless, for seasoned Vermonters, the weather is just another part of the holiday fun.
“Snow never really puts a wrench in our plans. We always welcome the snow, make things look really bright and white, puts a positive spin on the whole holiday weekend,” Weirether said.
The FIS World Cup at Killington this weekend will bring some of the top skiers in the world to Vermont.
All eyes will be on skiing star and Burke Mountain Academy graduate Mikaela Shiffrin, up for her 100th World Cup win.
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