Eastern Spring Skiing Options

While public relations often push ski areas to open as early as possible despite less than wonderful conditions and packed slopes, the race to stay open the latest is far-less heated in the east than in previous decades. After the announcement that Powdr Corp would run Killington, the Park City, UT based company advised that they would not operate the ski resort into May like all previous owners and operators had done. Killington is still scheduled to close in April this season despite extensive snow pack. Two seasons ago, Bretton Woods not only made a play to stay open the latest in the east, they pulled it off by operating a novice trail on the second weekend of May, but the scheduling of “Bodefest” was one determining factor. Under new ownership since last season, BW’s philosophy on late season skiing has changed back to a more traditional model. For skiers and riders looking to make late-season lift serviced turns, there will be at least a few options in the east. The last few years Sugarbush in Vermont has made their faithful happy by having one of the longest seasons in the state – this year should be no different. New Hampshire sliders were able to either hike Tuckerman Ravine or just watch others doing it last season as Wildcat Stayed open into May by making week-to-week operational decisions and offering up over 2000 feet of vertical on their closing day. Finally, in Maine, both Sugarloaf (notice the lack of “USA”) and Sunday River stayed open till the end of April last season with the former having good cover all the way through May for hikers to enjoy. This year promises to be much of the same. Sugarloaf has announced its’ intention to operate into May, conditions permitting. Sunday River announced yesterday that they plan to shoot for April 27th, again conditions permitting. While tough ecomonic times may keep most resorts from runnings lifts past the point of profit, this skier looks forward to a long spring season and is happy to drive to the last open resort. After that I'll strap the skis to my back and head for Tucks!