A look at the Week’s Winners & Next Week’s Place to Be
Opening days and first runs: Such a treat to have powder conditions on our initial days of the season!
I am happy to report that Stowe Mountain Resort (my first day of ’24-’25) offered up great conditions from the first-tracks powder runs, to ungroomed moguls, and firmly groomed intermediate trails. It was better than most first days I’ve experienced.
I will always count a win if I am hobbling sore the next day.
The winner this past weekend may have not necessarily have been open, but I bet they are fostering local young passion for winter-sports (and hence need to be highlighted!).
The open destination with the most snow last weekend is one of the most legendary resorts in Europe. We are talking about bucket list trips. While only 2 inches of snow separated these winners, they couldn’t be more opposite in every other respect.
Next week, we get to check out the Pacific Northwest. Pillowy powder anyone?
Central New York state offers beautiful rolling mountains and could be the destination of all those city girls heading to Christmas rural destinations…
Forget Vermont, Hallmark! Check out Woods Valley!
This place topped the list of snow accumulation with 28” over the weekend.
Just like last week’s Peek ‘N Peak, Woods Valley offers short 500 vertical feet but makes up for it with low ticket prices (maxed out under $70 for a full day and night!) and tons of charm.
This resort is 25 minutes north of Utica, NY (home of SUNY Polytechnic Institute and Utica University), an hour east of Syracuse, and an hour and a half west of Albany.
You’ll do best to stay at the Utica Hotel as there is no on-resort lodging available. You’ll be in good company staying at the Utica Hotel (operating under Hilton’s DoubleTree line). It’s foyer’s been graced by FDR and Judy Garland.
I imagine, though, that this resort is best for Syracuse and Utica locals who visit for the day. Still, I would drive up from Syracuse and stay in Utica to ease up on the morning trip to the mountain.
Ah, the Alps. While Chamonix is a bit closer to Geneva Airport (1hr), Val d’Isere is the heart of the French alps (3 hrs). The resort shares terrain with Tignes, providing more acreage than you would ever need.
The glaciers, the views, the quaint French towns, and all the snow. This weekend they received 26” of fresh. It’s still early season but Val ‘D Isere is sure to guarantee a beautiful snow season.
Can you say Nightlife?
This is the place to eat, drink, and be merry. From slopeside La Folie Deuce where international DJs are often found dealing out tracks of music to Dick’s Tea Bar in town for an all-night dance-a-thon.
Going with friends or family who aren’t into snow sliding?
Check out their indoor sports plex with pools, indoor climbing, and spa. Or check out ice skating, dog sledding, snowshoeing, sledding, and even paragliding.
Val ‘D Isere is also home to a driving school so you can improve your rally skills on snow and ice. I hope they have heated seats. Looks like 100-300 euro depending on the vehicle.
Next Week’s Powder
Next weekend is going to be rocking in the Pacific Northwest.
Resorts like Baker, Whistler/Blackcomb, and Stevens Pass are projected to get 1-2 feet of snow over the weekend.
If you are like me, you have drooled over so many ski and snowboard videos showing riders flying through powder up to their necks. You can feel their smiles (closed smiles so they don’t choke on the snow!). Hells yes. Ready for the resort I’d be making next weekend’s destination to be?
With 2 feet of snow on the way, and less than 2 hours from Seattle Airport, this place is primed for a great weekend. If you live in the stunning town of Leavenworth, your drive time is around 40 minutes to Stevens Pass. Get your boards ready!
This resort has 1125 skiable acres with 1800 vertical drop. Its longest trail is a mile long! I am not in shape for that right now, but it’s something to shoot for. For now, let’s just say there is plenty of terrain to ride here.
Got an RV or maybe a truck camper?
You’re gonna wanna bring it up. This is your place. I’d be remiss, however, to remind you of safety protocol in terms of heavy snowfall. Ensure your rig is winter ready. Don’t try to do car camping. There are lodging options nearby that will ensure you survive the night to wake up and enjoy those powder conditions.
I would highly recommend finding lodging in nearby Leavenworth to make as your home base. This town is an alpine village in the PNW. You will feel you were dropped right into Austria. Charm Galore.
And as always, I would be even happier to help you plan your own vacation to any of these destinations.
Message me @maketracks2travel
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