Vermont
Skiing The East? Here’s Where To Find Vermont’s Best Snow
Lots of people make ski journey too difficult. Certain I really like meals and good accommodations and spas and funky ski cities, however the backside line is snow. No snow, no snowboarding. A lot of snow, nice snowboarding. Easy idea.
So, if each resort obtained a lot of snow, you’d have second tier selections to make to dial in your good journey. However in a few years – particularly this one – in the event you ski the Northeast you don’t have that luxurious. Till final week we (I reside in Vermont) didn’t have any snow, as in just about zero that wasn’t artifical, and even that wasn’t good as a result of it hasn’t been chilly sufficient, and artifical snow isn’t pretty much as good to start with.
This all served as a wakeup name and reminder that relating to planning a ski journey, climate is paramount, and within the East, nobody will get extra snow than Jay Peak, interval, yr after yr after yr. That alone is purpose sufficient to place it in your radar.
Jay Peak is hardly a hidden gem or unknown, and it has a loyal, virtually rabid fan base. However personally, I’ve prevented it the previous few years as a result of its former homeowners and managers obtained embroiled in an enormous monetary scandal and a few key gamers went to jail. That’s not the sort of enterprise I patronize. However the excellent news is the Federal Authorities not too long ago bought the resort at public sale to attempt to make among the individuals who obtained swindled complete, and the brand new possession, Pacific Group Resorts, is a well-regarded ski operator with a half dozen ski resorts throughout the united statesand Canada, and for vacationers, Jay Peak is again and higher than ever.
However let’s get again to the snow. There’s merely nothing prefer it within the East, with numbers that rival – and sometimes surpass – the perfect of the West, a surprising common of 359 inches a yr. That’s greater than famed snow pilgrimage locations like Utah’s Alta, and far more than Colorado’s Aspen. Extra importantly, it’s greater than double what among the different large Vermont resorts get, and thrice or greater than another East coast ski mountains. Final week after we lastly obtained our first two important storms of the yr, I obtained about ten inches and 6 inches at my home, and I reside close to Killington and Okemo, two of the preferred Vermont mountains. Jay obtained greater than 38 inches, and was capable of open 100% of its spectacular terrain. Jay Peak is a giant mountain with 81 trails and a whole lot of acres of gladed terrain served by 9 lifts, together with Vermont’s solely aerial tram, which takes passengers from the bottom to the summit, close to 4,000 toes, in a single heat and guarded shot.
The issue with Jay, for the overwhelming majority of East coast skiers, is that it’s between an hour and two hours additional drive then many of the different large resorts you’d contemplate. Once more, if everybody has nice snow, that could be necessary. But it surely’s uncommon in New England that everybody has nice snow, and in current weeks I’ve been befuddled by the variety of vehicles with out of state plates (New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and many others.) with skis and snowboards on roof racks headed north on the freeway. I’ve questioned the place precisely they have been all going, as a result of if it wasn’t to Jay, it wasn’t to first rate snow. And when it’s like that, the additional drive is straightforward as a result of the roads are dry and clear and safer.
Jay can also be the uncommon main ski resort that’s not on both the Epic or ikon passes, the 2 greatest within the ski world, and more and more a driver of the place to go. However once more, if the resorts in your cross don’t have snow, the “free” snowboarding you already paid for isn’t such a cut price in spite of everything. Jay is on the much less standard Indy Cross, a collaboration of smaller resorts (and a few not so small, together with arguably the most important within the U.S., Utah’s fabulous Powder Mountain, which additionally doesn’t take Epic or Ikon).
The tickets are additionally fairly cheap by present ski business requirements, lower than half the value of huge Rocky Mountain resorts, with full day tickets obtainable underneath 100 bucks, multi-day tickets discounted extra, and extra reductions for Vermont residents, Canadians, or anybody who has a season cross at every other mountain, wherever.
It’s uncommon that the mountain doesn’t get essentially the most snow within the Northeast, and that’s a giant deal. However it’s also the one main ski resort within the area with an indoor waterpark. The Pump Home Waterpark is a 50,000 sq. foot facility, and meaning in case you have youngsters, even within the worst ski climate, they are going to be completely happy. It’s not only for youngsters, because the park additionally consists of indoor browsing or knee-boarding on a Flowrider steady wave. I’ve buddies with youngsters who in the summertime routinely make the hour and a half drive as a result of their youngsters love the waterpark. I do the drive in the summertime as a result of Jay Peak additionally has the perfect golf course of any ski resort in Vermont, and in winter they provide a Nordic heart with 12 miles of groomed trails (basic and skate), and full rental and instruction obtainable for individuals who favor cross nation to downhill. There’s additionally a really massive indoor climbing heart, one thing few different ski resorts boast. One other uncommon amenity is the Ice Haus enviornment, an NHL regulation indoor rink that’s host to a whole lot of groups and tournaments annually.
The resort is designed to be a turnkey spot for vacationers, with three base space accommodations and quite a few slopeside or golf course condominiums and townhomes, and virtually all lodging is ski-in/ski-out. Probably the most luxurious is the trendy Resort Jay, with the hooked up waterpark, a number of eating choices, retail, a health heart and a family-friendly arcade. It additionally has many rooms and suites with kitchenettes or full kitchens. The Tram Home Lodge will not be a lot of a step down, and a few friends favor its vibe, a New England-style boutique property, with Vermont supplies and craftsmanship and 57 studios and 1-3 bed room flats, extra eating places and the resort’s spa. The finances decide is the Stateside Resort, so there’s something for each finances. The Stateside can also be house to the favored Bullwheel Bar and its après scene, together with reside music on Fridays and Saturdays.
If you wish to go exterior the field, there’s a really good independently owned upscale mattress and breakfast only a few quick miles away that I’ve stayed at and might heartily advocate, the Inn at Montgomery Middle. It has been 7 years since I visited and wrote in regards to the Inn for Forbes, however it’s nonetheless underneath the identical pleasant and welcoming possession.
There are many ski resorts within the Northeast I really like, particularly approach up in Maine the place Sugarloaf and Sunday River are two of the perfect and largest – and snowiest – resorts east of the Mississippi (and on the Ikon Cross). However if you would like reliably standout situations, particularly in Vermont, it’s arduous to argue in opposition to Jay Peak.
Vermont
Vermont Green FC announce more women’s matches, return of Sam Mewis
UVM soccer: NCAA championship parade on Burlington’s Church Street
Fans flocked Church Street to celebrate UVM men’s soccer’s historic national championship with a parade and rally.
Sam Mewis and the Vermont Green Football Club women’s team are returning to Virtue Field this summer.
Following 2024’s successful debut, the former United States national team star will once again coach the Vermont Green women for a pair of exhibition matches, the Burlington soccer club announced Thursday. Last summer, Mewis’ squad defeated FC Laval 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation in front of a sold out crowd at Virtue Field.
The 2024 event was established in hopes of adding a full-time women’s franchise. Adding a second exhibition game for this summer is a positive step in that direction, said Adam Pfeifer, the club’s sporting director.
“(Last summer) was an unforgettable experience for our club, community, and team, but it was just the beginning of our commitment to the women’s game,” Pfeifer said in a news release. “We’re very happy to be doubling our training and match experience for the women’s squad in 2025 as we continue to sustainably build our infrastructure with the goal of a permanent women’s team playing in a league as soon as possible.”
The women’s team will play Flower City 1872 of Rochester, New York, at Virtue Field on Wednesday, June 11 at 7 p.m. Then on Saturday, June 14, they will play AS Blainville of Montreal at 6 p.m.
“Coaching with Vermont Green last summer was one of the highlights of my year. I am so happy to be back with the club this season and I can’t wait to offer my perspective and experience playing professional soccer all over the world,” Mewis said in the same news release. “Vermont Green is made up of an incredibly thoughtful and intentional group of people who are actively growing the soccer scene here in Vermont.
“The fans of this club have blown me away with their support, engagement, and passion. With two games this summer and an entire week of training, we will set our players up for success both with us and beyond, and we’ll set the stage for Vermont Green Women to grow into something even greater.”
The team’s full roster and staff will be announced in June during training camp. To purchase tickets for the exhibition matches, visit tickets.vermontgreenfc.com.
The Vermont FC men’s squad embark on their fourth season in the USL League Two with the Maple Cup vs. FC Laval at Virtue Field on Saturday, May 24.
Taylor promoted to Vermont Green FC head coach
Chris Taylor has been promoted to head coach of the Vermont Green FC men’s squad ahead of the 2025 season, the club announced this week.
Taylor, who has served as assistant coach with Vermont since 2022, is the current head coach of SUNY-Plattsburgh. Taylor replaces three-year head coach Adam Pfeifer, who will continue in his role as sporting director, according to a news release.
“I am deeply honored to be named as the next Head Coach of Vermont Green FC,” Taylor said in a statement. “Joining the club in 2022 was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I am excited for this next step. Following Adam is a big task, but his support and that of the club will make this transition work. I am grateful to Adam for not only bringing me in, but trusting me from day one with numerous responsibilities. I am determined to help the club succeed and give our fans another great summer.”
Peifer caps his tenure as head coach with a 39-11-4 record in all competitions. That includes a second-round appearance in last year’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter: @aabrami5.
Vermont
Vt. education officials weigh in on Trump’s trans student-athlete ban
MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont education officials are assessing what President Trump’s executive order banning transgender student-athletes means for local schools and federal funding.
The Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports executive order allows federal agencies to withhold funding to schools that allow transgender athletes to compete in sports. And like other executive orders, it’s pitting federal rules directly against Vermont law.
Gregory Thayer formed the group Vermonters for Vermont to push back on what he sees as problems in public education, including programs promoting diversity and transgender athletes competing in sports. He supports the president’s order, saying that biological males competing in women’s sports is unfair.
“We’ve seen a lot of people unhappy for being disenfranchised in their respective sports and the physicality to some of these women around the country,” Thayer said.
But others say the order erases transgender people from public life. Amanda Rhodenberg with the LGBTQ advocacy group Outright Vermont says trans youth participating in sports can foster self-esteem and a sense of belonging. She describes the new executive order as a slippery slope to broader discrimination.
“Doubling down on those exclusionary practices is creating schools where not all young people have the same rights to participate and exist as they are,” Rhodenberg said.
Vermont law bars schools from discriminating against students based on race, sex, or other identity. The Agency of Education has interpreted that law as meaning transgender students must be allowed to participate in sex-segregated activities like sports in a way that matches their gender identity. Asked whether Vermont will change its policy in the face of the president’s order, the AOE released a statement saying: “The agency will continue to protect all students and their ability to access the full educational experience, including sports participation.”
Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark says she will fight to protect trans athletes’ ability to participate. “I want to reassure them that I have their back and I will put the full force of my office to protect them and take action if necessary,” she said.
It remains to be seen whether the Department of Education will withhold funding from Vermont schools over this issue.
Copyright 2025 WCAX. All rights reserved.
Vermont
The 7 Best Vermont Events This Week: February 12-19, 2025 | Seven Days
Illuminated Manuscripts
Saturday 15
Winterdeep, Treewild’s family-friendly sound, light and art installation at All Souls Interfaith Gathering in Shelburne, enhances the outdoors with projections of seasonal poetry. As folks of all ages saunter down the meandering trail, ambient music, illustrations and larger-than-life paper lanterns adorn the landscape — all generated by Vermont artists and musicians.
Funny Girls
Thursday 13-Sunday 16
Richard Curtis’ 2003 rom-com Love Actually begins with a simple plea — open your eyes to love. Homegrown all-female comedy group Stealing From Work leans deeper into that request with Love … Well, Actually at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts in Burlington. The offbeat, irreverent sketch show asks viewers to confront the deluge of messy and weird that love brings with it.
Sensory Special
Friday 14
Epicurious valentines revel in Dining in the Dark, Gold Restaurant’s unique culinary experience in Burlington. The multisensory adventure affords foodies the rare opportunity to abandon sight (via low lighting or blackout mask) in pursuit of heightened gastronomic enjoyment. Partial proceeds benefit the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Waiting in the Wings
Friday 14-Sunday 16
Northern Stage’s New Works Now festival in White River Junction and Hanover, N.H., reinforces the org’s mission of developing, nurturing and mounting works by up-and-coming American playwrights. This year’s staged readings include taut drama Intimate Surveillance by Catherine Stewart and farcical madcap comedy Wonder! A Woman Keeps a Secret by Talene Monahon.
Sowing Seeds
Saturday 15
Vermont educator and “horticulture therapist” Maggie Herskovits launches her first book, An Urban Field Guide to the Plants, Trees and Herbs in Your Path, at the Hive on Pine in Burlington. The guide introduces readers to more than 50 plants found within the confines of concrete jungles — and inspires folks to consider with wonder how life still teems in unexpected places.
Oh, Sappy Days!
Opens Saturday 15
Prepare your taste buds for late winter’s gooey gift, ’cause it’s that time of year again. During the weeklong Magic of Maple event at Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock, guests learn about our region’s maple traditions and history, witness sap flowing straight from the source, and delight in sugar on snow demos.
Cold Play
Through February 23
The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center showcases the annual “Artful Ice Shanties” outdoor exhibit at Retreat Farm, a place-based honoring of New England’s ice fishing history, coupled with innovative artistic talent. From dawn to dusk, visitors drop in to admire the expressive structures. February 22 brings a lighthearted awards ceremony for more notably inventive efforts.
-
Politics1 week ago
Tulsi Gabbard confirmation fate to be tested with key committee vote
-
Technology1 week ago
Trump’s first 100 days: all the news affecting the tech industry
-
News1 week ago
'Beyond betrayal.' Venezuelans in Florida are angry at Trump immigration policy
-
World1 week ago
Montenegro pursues values-driven EU enlargement process
-
World1 week ago
Trump says US will ‘own’ Gaza in redevelopment plan
-
News1 week ago
Congressional Democrats to Trump: Changes can't be done in secrecy
-
Politics1 week ago
CIA offering buyouts to its entire workforce: report
-
Education1 week ago
Trump’s Orders Could Drain Millions From Universities, but Few Protest Openly