SnoNews

Wondering how to make a snowshoeing outing with the kids fun for everyone? Here's a primer on going snowshoeing with the kids.

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. 

Imagine eating a farm-to-table burger with local cheese and an artisan bread bun atop one of Vermont’s iconic Green Mountains, or a refreshing cocktail or craft brew on a deck overlooking the rolling fairways of Vermont’s many golf courses. Vermont’s resorts understand the important role that the culinary experience plays during a summer vacation, and offer visitors delectable and healthy meals sourced from local ingredients, served up with the atmosphere only Vermont can offer.

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.

The cold may push back closing dates. (Squaw|Alpine/Twitter)

Winter weather will be hanging on for the first week of April in many areas, especially to the north.

Family fun on and off the slopes at Smuggs'. (Smugglers' Notch)

Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Jeffersonville, Vermont opened a 26,000 square-foot one-of-a-kind Family Fun Complex facility that appeals to all ages. This new 4.4 million dollar facility is known as FunZone 2.0.

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.

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.

Angel Fire Resort in New Mexico plans to open December 8 and could get fresh snow just in time. (Angel Fire)

As December begins, some may have wondered, ‘Where is the snow?’ Well, there is some good news ahead for some fresh powder this week.

Monkeying around at Sugarbush. (Sugarbush) 

Adventure seekers can get their thrills in this summer when they visit one of Vermont’s resort adventure parks. Summer is calling and Vermont ski resorts have an adventure for everyone to embark on.

Going for the basket at Gore Mountain. (Gore Mountain)

Want to add a little friendly competition to your mountainside hike? Disc golf at your favorite Eastern resort is a great way to get outside with your buddies, perfect your throw and explore the mountain from a new perspective. Scoring is the same as golf - count the number of throws needed to get the disc in the basket.

Kids hitting the trails. (Fischer Skis)

Kids on cross country skis or snowshoes? It is not only about child obesity, nature deficit disorder, and better brain function – it's about fun.

So many great choices from the top of Madonna Mountain at Smugglers' Notch. (Smugglers' Notch) 

With a slew of awards for family programming in its pocket, Smugglers' Notch Resort is known as a mecca for groms and their parents who are eager to find fun on the snow. But if you only recognize Smuggs as the place to learn to ski, you’re missing out on some of Vermont’s most challenging and interesting terrain.

Jay Peak skiers are ready for Mother Nature to bring it on. (Jay Peak)

Thanks to Winter Storm Caly and the many weeks of early season snowfall, Vermont’s resorts have welcomed over 8 feet of natural snowfall to their slopes this season, and with it, have expanded their terrain offerings and snowmaking coverage as the conditions have continued to play in favor of an awesome 2016-17 ski and snowboard season. 

Find terrain for everyone in the family at Jackson Hole. (JHMR)

With winter about to start in earnest, now is the time to check the SnoCountry snow reports and book a mountain retreat. With so many great options out there, here’s a few of SnoCountry.com’s favorite holiday getaways:

Not everyone who visits a ski resort wants to or is able to ski or snowboard, so resorts offer other activities. Among those options, guests can explore and enjoy the outdoors on snowshoes.

One thing we won’t complain about this spring in the Northeast: it’s not too cold. Bretton Woods' snowmaking team has ensured there will be plenty of good spring skiing still to come.

Three of the nearly 175 Bring a Friend Challenge (BAF) participants won Grand Prize trips to resorts around the country to be redeemed in the 2013-14 season.