SnoNews

The 11th annual Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, going on now, has a new twist. Resorts across the U.S. are gearing up for a special celebration Friday, Jan. 11 – the first National Learn to Ski or Snowboard Day. 

A family trip to the mountains is an investment in time together, where many of us treasure memories of racing each other down the hill, hot chocolate breaks, and taking a dip in the pool at the end off the day. SnoCountry found some of the best destinations for the whole gang to rest their heads after a fun day on the slopes. 

The first indoor real-snow 365-day-a-year ski and snowboard center in North America is opening in New Jersey next spring. 

Hitting the rails at Mountain Creek. (Mountain Creek)

Mountain Creek has entered a long-term partnership with SNOW Operating in the resort’s winter ski, snowboard and snow tubing businesses as well as the mountain biking operation.

The resort plans to remain fully operational during the bankruptcy process. (Mountain Creek)

New Jersey’s Mountain Creek  last week filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 that will allow the company to restructure its debt and attract new outside investment.

Sunday River enjoyed a bluebird day in the wake of Stella. (Sunday River/Facebook) 

Northeast skiers and riders got their snorkels out in force this week, with Winter Storm Stella dropping as much as four feet of snow on the slopes. Winter is back and there’s going to be plenty of snow still to be found as we head in to the second half of March.

Here’s the rundown of snow totals from Stella as of 4 p.m. Wednesday for resorts that received two feet or more of new snow. Be sure to check SnoCountry’s latest snow totals to find the goods.

Hunter Mountain, New York: 43”

McCauley Mountain, New York: 36”

Belleayre, New York: 32”

Big Boulder, Pennsylvania: 30”

Elk Mountain, Pennsylvania: 30”

Jack Frost, Pennsylvania: 30”

Middlebury Snow Bowl, Vermont: 28”

Sugarbush, Vermont: 27”

Mad River Glen, Vermont: 26"

Killington, Vermont: 26”

Pico Mountain, Vermont: 26”

Camelback, Pennsylvania: 24"

Woods Valley, New York: 24”

Sunday River is still loving the season with sweet corduroy turns and bluebird skies as of late. Sunday River has over 450 acres of open terrain to enjoy. (Sunday River/Facebook)

Each week, you have been (hopefully) enjoying our weekly "snow finding" weather blog, SnoCast with me, Kerrin Jeromin.  But, this week, I'm going to let a few other folks take the forecasting reigns to find out where the best ski and ride conditions will be for the week of March 8-13.

West Coast ski resorts had seen a lack of snow for a few years and in the winter of 2015-16, it was the east and central regions’ turn. Alpine ski areas have been making snow for decades but it is relatively new for cross country ski areas.

Many American towns adopted the popular Munich festival of Oktoberfest due to their German immigrant populations. Ski resorts have followed, offering celebrations with traditional Bavarian music, dancing, beer, food, and activities. Most offer free admission and lodging specials.