SnoNews

A storm that may end up being the largest from coast-to-coast is already underway. From blizzard conditions in California to feet in the East, we’ve got the entire breakdown here for where to ski and ride in the coming week.

As we bid a fond farewell to 2018, the editors at SnoCountry take a look at the news that shaped skiing and riding at mountain resorts across North America over the year.

Whether you want to take your skiing and riding to the next level, tackle fears or just take time for yourself, there’s a women’s program at a Northeast resort that can fit the bill. 

That’s right, it’s only November and the Northeast is having one of the best starts to the season in recent memory. If you haven’t already headed for the hills, get your sick day excuses ready and make your way to your nearest mountain.

It’s a snow lover’s dream this week across the Northeast as several resorts will start turning lifts for the season, thanks to the combined forces of Mother Nature’s snowmaking temperatures and natural snowfall.

When John Myers’ soon-to-be married daughter said the three-bedroom condo at Vermont's Okemo wasn’t going to be big enough, he purchased a five- bedroom slopeside townhouse where the extended family of 18 enjoys time together. Every week 30,000 baby boomers become grandparents so it’s not too surprising that there are multiple generations enjoying vacation homes at the country’s ski resorts. 

The State of New Hampshire has approved the transfer of the lease of Mount Sunapee Resort to Vail Resorts.

Those in the market for 2018-19 season passes at Vermont resorts still have time to save big, thanks to fall deadlines on some of the best deals in the business. 

It’s just as fun to go up the mountain as it is to go down thanks to Vermont resort’s well maintained and sprawling trail networks. Thousands of acres of wilderness offer both challenging and meandering trails with beautiful views and the ability to choose between half-day hikes complete with summit dining, to overnight hikes and the opportunity to connect with Vermont’s iconic Long Trail system and the longest hiking foot path in the world, the Appalachian Trail.

Warm weather visitors to Vermont will find a plethora of activities at its mountain resorts to discover what the green mountain state is all about. From golf, mountain biking, and disc golf to expanded music, event and dining options make exploring Vermont the perfect summer getaway.

Vail Resorts launched another salvo in the battle to own the winter destination market and a larger slice of the ski marketplace with the purchase of Vermont’s Okemo Mountain Resort, Mount Sunapee in New Hampshire, Crested Butte in Colorado and Steven Pass in Washington Monday.

Even though it might still feel like February as snow continues to fall on mountain resorts across the country, Northeast mountains are celebrating end-of season runs as they look ahead to summer activities and construction. Thanks to snowmakers and some great March snowfall, bases are still deep for those spring runs.

Epic skiing and riding under the orange bubble chair at Okemo. (Okemo/Facebook)

Mount Sunapee, New Hampshire, Okemo, Vermont and Crested Butte, Colorado have entered into a multi-year season pass partnership with Vail Resorts and the Epic Pass, bringing the total number of Epic Pass mountain resorts to 64 in eight countries.

Lunch at Epic is a not-to-miss meal at Okemo. (Okemo)

While Okemo is a feast for the snow-lover in all of us, skiers and riders can also savor the many Vermont-inspired specialties found across the resort after working up a healthy appetite on the slopes. Mountain life is just that much sweeter when you add in a dozen dining options across the mountain, ranging from grab-and-go cafeterias to full-service, fine dining – and everything in between.

Apres-ski singing was popular with folk tunes joining ski songs in 1950s and 1960s. (Dick Smith/State of NH)

Early ski trips were largely couple- and singles-oriented affairs, with 1930s’ snow trains popularizing the social connections and good times that became associated with the sport. Many joined ski trips just for the fun of the après-ski life — skiing was optional if looking for a mate.

Just in time for Presidents' Week, Killington Resort received 16" of snow Monday, Feb. 5. (Ski Vermont)

Pair extensive snowmaking coverage at Vermont resorts with several significant storms from Mother Nature this week, and the slopes will be in top condition for one of the most popular vacation periods of the season. Off-slope activities will be equally exciting during Presidents week with plenty of free live music, great food, parades, games and family activities.

Keeping it fun at Shawnee Peak. (Shawnee Peak/Facebook)

As a skier who taught two sons to ski and then had the youngest son and a grandson take their first lessons in children’s programs, I know there is no one best way or age for all children to learn a snowsport.

Santa delivered an early Christmas present of more than three feet of snow on slopes throughout New England over the past week. And as a stocking-stuffer, cold temperatures wrapped up with all that new snow, allowing for round-the-clock snowmaking.

Now is a great time to bring the family to Sugarbush. (Sugarbush)

Vermont’s resorts have prepared a slew of deals to get skiers and snowboarders to the hill this December. Start off the holiday season with discounted vacation packages, learn-to-turn programs and more.

November cold allows Sugarloaf to open early. (Sugarloaf/Facebook)

In a flurry of openings, Northeast skiers and riders had their pick of 11 resorts to choose from this past weekend, thanks to a cold snap that set the snow guns blazing from Pennsylvania to Maine.