A look at the Week’s Snowfall Winners & Next Week’s Place to Be
Today is the U.S. Holiday of Thanksgiving.
I enjoy celebrating a holiday where you gather with loved ones to eat and give thanks.
Bonus if you get it ski or snowboard on the holiday weekend!
However, I would be remiss to leave out that for many Native Americans, this holiday is not celebrated. This day marks the beginning of colonization, and the oppression of their cultural heritage.
I look at the dichotomy of this holiday as I do powder days. I love powder days, but I would be remiss to not be mindful of the dangers- avalanches for example-shredding on powder days can have.
Today I will give thanks to all past powder days I have been able to experience. I am so grateful to be able to get outside this winter and ride.
I am especially grateful as this marks the first year my father will not be able to ski. He has hung up his equipment for good. He was a kick ass skier and because of him I was able to learn at the tender age of 5. This was a difficult decision for him to make, even if it was the best for his future mobility. I am sad that I can no longer ski with him on the mountain, but I am thankful for all the memories.
This week I have two mountains I am highlighting. One just received 87” of snow from Saturday to Wednesday this week! The other resort is one that I have spent many times skiing with my dad at and looks to receive a foot of snow over the next 2 days.
What a wonderful start to the ’24-’25 winter season!
Mammoth Mountain
Monday and Tuesday kissed Mammoth with over 50” of fresh snow!
And today?
A beautiful sunny day to enjoy the 7+feet of snow that has fallen on the slopes since Saturday.
If you have never been to this mountain, It is time you plan to get there. The slopes have just about everything from steeps, bowls, award winning terrain parks, luscious groomers, and killer views.
This resort is located in the Sierra mountains just south of Yosemite. I highly recommend you take time to combine your trip with a visit to the iconic national park. You will pinch yourself at the breathtaking nature surrounding you.
The best part about Mammoth?
The resort boasts the longest season open. I visited in mid-July of 2017 and it closed in early august of that year.
Single day tickets will cost you around $220 but Mammoth is on the Ikon Pass family of resorts.
Don’t have an Ikon Pass?
Book your trip as a package that includes the hotel stay. Give an agent like myself a call to make sure you have the best value and experience. We often use reputable outfitters with consistently exceptional reviews from past customers.
The town of Mammoth lakes offers a robust nightlife along with amazing restaurants for any diet. One of my favorites is the Good Life Café. I loved the down-to-earth atmosphere and especially the hearty breakfast menu.
Next Week’s Powder
As I sit writing this report, I am watching the beautiful snowfall accumulate here in Vermont.
The storm is rolling in and while the nearby resorts like Stowe, Bolton, Sugarbush, and Jay Peak are all expected to get around 8-9” of snow, it’s our southern Vermont resorts who will benefit the most coming into the weekend.
Stratton is projected to get a little over a foot of snow today. Perfect to set up their opening on December 1st.
This resort is also on the Ikon Pass and for those who want to plan a trip in December, kids under 17yrs ski/ride free from the 7th-13th. Adult tickets vary in price based on the day. For the month of December, they ranged from $114-$159.
With 99 trails and 670 acres of skiable terrain when fully operational, you are certain to find the terrain that suits your tastes. I skied as a child with plenty of beginner and intermediate slopes to choose from. The parks and expert terrain keep you on your toes too.
Just be sure, when in the parks (in any terrain park for that matter) to take a run to check out features before you just huck yourself off the first jump you see.
Need a break in the day to rest before hitting the slopes again? The Stratton village is right at the bottom of the mountain for you to get the most out of a sunny lunch break or an alpine après afternoon.
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