Top Stories

Northeast skiers and riders don't have to hop a plane to reach some of the best terrain in the country, and they don't have to limit themselves to just one mountain. Multi-Mountain 2019-20 season passes are now on sale, and early birds get the best prices.

As the years pass by, mountain visits can blur or even fade from memory. To make a trip stand out, try one of these memorable activities for après time, a day off, or a unique experience.

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.

We LOVE this forecast! The SnoCast 2019 Valentine’s Day edition features what we love this week. Give it a read to find out!

We watch Olympians on TV every four years, but you don’t have to wait that long to rub elbows with skiing stardom. Several mountain resorts around the country offer opportunities to ski with their most prominent athlete ambassadors, and learn the slopes from a pro perspective.

Heading through the Christmas holiday, multiple storms will make their way across the U.S. and Canada. Question is, will these bring the gift of snow to your favorite spot?

We’re turning the calendar to November in this SnoCountry SnoCast, and with that comes more signals that winter is coming. A weather pattern featuring frequent storm systems will impact both the western and eastern areas this week.

Stoke was high this week for east coast skiers and riders, as the power of snowmaking and the fortune of cold weather combined for October openings at Killington and Sunday River, with Mount Snow and Wildcat spinning lifts this coming weekend. 

When visiting a ski resort for the first time, most people check out the trail map to plan their day. But whereas 30 years ago it was a paper map, today it is likely to be on a smartphone or computer. 

New York's Whiteface may be a little biased when it comes to their favorite season (WINTER...of course), but this summer has been top notch too.

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.

Snowy and still cold through April 20-21? Absolutely! This colder-than-average weather pattern for much of the East will stay through the weekend (21-22) with a gradual warm-up for the final week of April (24-27). That said, with cold air in place we’ll have a better chance at keeping and getting more snow. 

Loading the new Belleayre gondi. (Belleayre/Facebook)

Skiers and snowboarders loading Belleayre's new 60-cabin Catskill Thunder gondola can now make it from the lower mountain's Discovery Lodge to the summit in seven minutes. The eight-person cabin can move about 2,000 people per hour, at a maximum speed of 1,000 feet per minute.

Whiteface Mountain on Thanksgiving week. (Twitter/Whiteface)

A changing weather pattern across the West will alter storm tracks across Canada, while several cold shots hit the East.

Whiteface Oktoberfest welcomes Bavaria to the Adirondacks. (Whiteface/Facebook)

It’s time to dust off our lederhosen, fire up the oompah band and enjoy a tall mug of German beer at Oktoberfests across Northeastern ski resorts.

Belleayre, Gore and Whiteface are the first Eastern resorts to partner with The Climate Reality Project I AM PRO SNOW Project. (Whiteface/Facebook)

On the heels of announcements for $28 million in investments at Whiteface, Gore and Belleayre, the three New York-owned ski resorts have pledged to be powered by 100 percent renewal energy by 2030, joining The Climate Reality Project I AM PRO SNOW 100% Committed campaign.

New project will create state-of-the-art skiing, lodging, dining and retail and year-round activities at Gore and Whiteface Mountains. (ORDA)

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the state will invest up to $20 million for major upgrades at Whiteface and Gore Mountains to attract more visitors and build on Northern New York’s bourgeoning winter tourism industry.

Skate with the stars at Sun Valley (Sun Valley/Facebook)

Downhill skiing and ice skating have been linked closely during the cold winter months, and a number of winter resorts around the country link with outdoor ice rinks.

Most stay open into the evenings, and typically charge a fee for a couple of hours of skating, offer skate rentals that are sometime free if you’re staying at the resort, and have food and drink nearby.

SnoCountry.com took a look around the country, and came up with some ice rinks of note for some skating enjoyment:

Squaw Valley. You have to take an 8-minute cable car ride to 8,200-foot High Camp to reach a 100x200 foot rink, with Olympic Museum and mind-blowing views of the Sierra and Lake Tahoe. Cost includes tram ride.

Sun Valley. Outdoor rink next to Sun Valley Lodge in main village, the 77-year-old sheet hosts popular Sun Valley Ice Shows. Individual or group lessons available, and world-class skaters often stop by for practice and autographs.

Keystone. Colorado resort has two skating venues: A five-acre lake in the heart of the resort’s village with Zambonis putting down new surface; and, the more traditional Dercum Square Ice Rink near the base of the ski and snowboard mountain.

Guidant John Rose Oval. While not at a resort, this 110,000 square-foot sheet in Roseville, Minn., is close enough for skiers and snowboarders from nearby Afton Alps, Hyland Hills and Buck Hill to stop by apres-ski. Rink has hosted U.S. and international speedskating competitions.

Liberty Mountain. The Pennsylvania resort opened a new skating pond this season, located in the newly renovated pedestrian core of the base area and open daily till 10 p.m. Courtyard Pond has seating for viewers.

Whiteface. Take a turn on the same ice as Olympic champ Sonja Henie, and where annual Stars on Ice Tour features top skaters. The Speed Skating Oval has skate rentals and a fir pit in the middle. Or glide onto Mirror Lake for some old-fashioned pond hockey.

The First Tracks program offers a free guided morning run. (Whiteface/ORDA)

New York's Whiteface Lake Placid boasts the greatest vertical drop of any resort east of the Rocky Mountains as well as the culture and mystique of having hosted two Olympic Games. The deep-rooted traditions and the Adirondack charm will make Whiteface a favorite.

Furry friends enjoy the snow and fresh air on a snowshoe trail at Stowe. (Stowe Mountain Lodge)

For many of us, our dogs are part of our family, and many resorts across the country welcome our four-legged friends with enthusiasm. Rather than leaving the pup behind, enjoy the company of wagging tails on the trails.