A Day We Live For

December 29th skied 13 runs, sunny all day, not a cloud int the sky, one of the types of day we live for. Skiing was excellent, more trails opened, skied top of Hayride a number of times.
December 30, it started snowing hard about 630AM, 5 inches in the parking lot of my office in the village by noon and still coming. Sunday the 31st supposed to be sunny, skiing should be wild.
Ken Libby

Skied 5 Runs This Morning!

Thursday 12/28, Skied 5 runs this morning, fresh snow, about 5 - 6 inches from 7am to 10am. Skiing was very good, limited number of trails with more opening on the 29th. Crowd was close to what you would expect for Xmas Holiday. Firday to be Sunny all day and more snow expected this weekend or Monday. Stowe Realty Rentals has rental properties available on short notice. Had two sets of guests this afternoon who decided to drive in for New Years after hearing abou the snow fall of the last few days!
Ken Libby

On the Gondi

Ahhh, the Gondola! My kids love the Gondi! The long ride up to the top of Mt. Mansfield allows them enough time to get out the Gondola Goodies! What are Gondola Goodies? In our case they are giant sized Rice Krispie treats, coated with chocolate. You can often spot them at the restaurant at the Octagon or at the Market Place at the base of Spruce. They are a treat not to be missed!
To my kids' delight, Gondolier is open from top-to-bottom and Upper Perry Merrill is scheduled to open tomorrow. It snowed today on the mountain and the folks at Stowe Mountain Resort's snowmaking team continue to make snow every moment it's possible. Stowe is reporting Snowmaking Trails Average Base Depths of 24" - 36" and Natural Trails up to 10". Lots of time for "Gondola Goodies!"
The photo above is from the archives at Stowe Mountain Resort's website. It was taken two days ago, December 24th.

All I want for Christmass...

Just checked the Stowe Snow Report and, sure enough, once again, altitude matters! While here at 960 ft. it was "snaining" all day and trying like heck to change over to the white stuff, the Mountain, that Marvelous Mountain, picked up a couple of inches of the real deal. More snow is expected on the Mountain tomorrow. Thanks Santa!
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all!

Heroes of Mansfield

The streets of Stowe lack snow, but look up to the Man. Thanks to the Heroes of Mansfield, the snowmaking team of Stowe Mountain Resort! Yes Virginia, there really is skiing at Stowe this week!

10 Things to Do in Stowe This Week

Skating - Public Skating at Jackson Ice Arena - To hear a recording with the most current information, call 802-253-3721. Admission is $3.00. Skate Rentals are $4.50 plus tax.
Kid's Night Out - On Friday, December 22nd, kids can go to the David Gale Recreation Center in Stowe for inside & outside games, team activities, painting, movies and skating (free skating pass, please appropriately). Check-in between 6:00 and 6:30pm and pick up at 10:00pm. $10 per child, $5 discount if you bring a new unwrapped toy. For more information, call 802-253-6138.
Movies at Stowe Cinema - December 15th - 21st - Casino Royale (PG13), The Pursuit of Happyness (PG13) and Eragon (PG) Call 802-253-4678 for showtimes.
26th Annual Fesitval of Trees & Light - Helen Day Art Center, Exhibit featuring trees decorated to illustrate this year's theme, "Silver Bells." Showing through December 31st. For information call 802-253-8358 or visit http://www.helenday.com/
Wagon & Sleigh Rides at Gentle Giants and Trapp Family Lodge - Looks like Wagon rides this week - For Gentle Giants call 802-253-2216, For Trapp Family Lodge call 802-635-1741.
Lunch at Stowe Dogs - Stop by and see Dave at Stowe Dogs. We recommend the Jake's Special, with Dave's Secret Sauce. Well, make that not-so-secret sauce, since the Stowe Reporter published the recipe last summer. Nobody makes it like Dave though, so leave the cooking to him. Stowe Dogs is at the Gale Farm shopping center on the Mountain Road.
While you're at Gale Farm - Check out the latest exhibit at Vermont Fine Art Gallery - December features Vermont Artist Deborah Holmes. You'll be surprised at how affordable it is to take home a vacation souvenier you'll treasure. Her miniature original framed watercolors start at just $150. Say hi to Elizabeth, the gallery's beautiful and charming owner. She's always happy to share her love for Vermont art and can point out paintings that feature Stowe landmarks. 802-253-9653. http://www.vermontfineartgallery.com/
The Swimming Hole - You missed it and it's back! The Swimming Hole expansion is complete. This non-proft, community pool in the heart of Stowe has a competition sized swimming pool with diving board, a kid's swimming pool with water-slide and a great gym. It's open to the public for a small fee. AND, if you forgot your swimming trunks, stop by Values Down Under in the Baggy Knees Shopping Center for a quick replacement. Swimming Hole, 75 Weeks Hill Road, 802-253-9119, http://www.theswimmingholestowe.com/
Shaw's has a new Life Is Good Store in the basement of their Main Street Store. Stop by to pick up your Life Is Good gear - a great idea for last minute Christmas presents. www.lifeisgood.com/about/genuine-neighborhood-shoppes.aspx 54 Main Street, Stowe, 802-253-4040

Let it Snow!

Put the tissues away and start packing your bags! Dr. Weather is predicting a big change in New England Ski Area weather for before Christmas! Add www.bestskiweather.com to your "favorites" and check Dr. Weather daily for a fascinating look at every aspect of Mother Nature's Wonderful White Stuff and even some manmade substitutes.
Folks who subscribe get more in-depth information plus free tickets at Stowe!