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In the dark of a midwinter morning, chef Rebecca Clay jumps onto the back of a snowmobile at Okemo Mountain Resort. As the engine revs into gear, the last remnants of a full moon peek out from behind the clouds.

Alterra Mountain Company has entered into an agreement to purchase Sugarbush Resort in Vermont, bringing the company’s portfolio up to 15 resorts throughout North America.

Vermont is gearing up for the next big influx of tourists: ski season. For resorts around the state, that means adding hundreds of seasonal employees, but Vermont's aging population and low unemployment rate are adding to the challenge. That's led some resorts to offer generous benefits — retirement plans, health insurance, ski passes, housing — for entry-level positions like lift operators and parking attendants.

East coast skiers and riders find gratitude with every day on the slopes, even if the sunny ones have been fewer than we may like this spring. 

As you’re reflecting on another amazing winter, consider all the green you can save by purchasing next year’s pass now. If Vermont is on your list, check out all of the Green Mountain state 2019-20 season pass options.

New this season, Sugarbush passholders will receive a limited number of “Ski with Me Tickets” allowing their friends and family to receive a 25 percent discount on window rate tickets. The lowest rates are available through May 8.

An on-mountain lunch break is a treat you’ll want to savor on your next ski trip, with easy access from the slopes, mountain views, and maybe even a deck for some springtime goggle-tanning. SnoCountry takes a look at some of the best bets for on-mountain lunch.

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.

New England boasts six resorts for Ikon Pass holders, all within five hours of each other. With an easy flight into Boston, you can hit them all in six days. Here’s an inside look at the Northeast’s Ikon adventures.

While we’re waiting anxiously for the snow to fly, resorts across the Northeast are celebrating fall foliage season with fun, food, music and stunning views of the mountains. Here are SnoCountry.com’s top picks for Oktoberfests this year.

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.

Willy Booker, head of Burke Mountain Academy which hones some of America’s finest ski racers, bemoans that kids are less active and athletic today and don’t get outdoors enough. 

One way to remedy that is to have fun at a mountain resort this summer.

Add Revelstoke and Banff Sunshine Village to your bucket list next winter. (Sunshine/Alterra Mountain Co.)

The newest player in the multi-resort pass game has announced pricing for 2018-2019 and has added SkiBig3 in Alberta, Canada, Revelstoke Mountain Resort in British Columbia, Canada and Sugarbush Resort in Vermont, as its newest partners, for a total of over 63,000 skiable acres of unique terrain at 26 mountain destinations in North America.

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.

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.

Join in the fun at Sugarbush's Women’s Discovery Camps. (Sugarbush) 

The dynamic of skiing or riding for a few days with other like-minded women can be very different from skiing with the family or a mixed group of friends. Unlike skiing with the guys, we cheer each other on rather than talk trash. A women's clinic is a great opportunity to gain confidence and see what's possible in a supportive environment.

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.

A green mountain backdrop for Jay Peak's Jeezum Crow Festival. (Jay Peak)

The kids are out of school and it's time to grab your lawn chairs and blankets for some music in the mountains at Vermont ski resorts. Musical offerings range from free outdoor concerts and weekend music festivals to mid-week jams at local bars and restaurants.

 Sunny spring days ahead at Sugarloaf. (Sugarloaf)

Soft spring bumps and goggle tans are still calling many to the mountains in the Northeast, and a stormy March has left a handful of resorts in great shape to make it to May for those who aren’t ready to trade the skis for bikes and boats.