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Where Skiing Still has its Soul Skiing Vermont:

STORY BY SHELBY CARROLL PHOTOS COURTESY OF MAGIC MOUNTAIN SKI AREA

Experienced travelers of all ages have embraced the all too familiar feeling of tourist hotspots across the United States defined by crowds, noise, and chaotic conditions. In an age of tourist traps, Magic Mountain Ski Area in Londonderry, Vermont offers a unique experience that is characterized by authenticism, leisure, and strong ties to community and tradition. We had the opportunity to speak with Magic Mountain’s President, Geoff Hatheway. Hatheway describes Magic Mountain as a “throwback resort”. The spotlight is on skiing, without the extravagant add ons and distractions that many resorts possess. Travelers can explore the unique wonders of the mountain without getting trapped in excessive spending and diversions. Hatheway said, “We really focus on the sport of skiing. When you come here, you’re really on the ski area itself … It’s definitely a road less traveled and a place where people get in touch with the soul and spirit of skiing.”

Magic Mountain offers a one-of-a-kind experience through its slopes. It has more glades and natural slopes than many ski resorts. This includes 50 trails, 205 skiable acres, and a 1,500 foot vertical drop. This is just one of the reasons that Magic Mountain was voted The Top Overall Ski Area in North America in 2017 by Liftopia, the largest online sales platform for ski resorts. LEARN MORE AT WWW.MAGICMTN.COM

“Magic is different than the other more commercial ski resorts. The challenging terrain is more fun and exciting, but the environment is friendly and comfortable,” said twenty-year Magic Mountain enthusiast Mark Haight. The ski area is regarded by avid skiers as a place to seek new adventures, push past comfort zones, and tackle daunting mountain slopes. However, Magic Mountain is not just for experienced skiiers. With 26 easy and intermediate trails and ski lessons for both adults and children, Magic has the perfect option for everyone.

To Hatheway, the most rewarding part of his job is “seeing happy skiers and riders coming down the hill.” This is just part of what a typical day at Magic Mountain looks like. He described the day as getting up early, riding the red chair (ski lift), skiing incredible terrain down the mountain, and gathering at Black Line Tavern for music, food, and fellowship at the end of the day.

These moments never grow old to Hatheway, who has been skiing Magic’s slopes since 1999, before becoming president in 2016. He said, “Some of my best friends that I would have never met anywhere else come from Magic.” It is a place to build friendships, foster them over the years, and revisit all of the memories they create. The heart of Magic Mountain lies in its slogan: “Where skiing still has its soul”. This year, choose to forgo the same tired and packed vacation locations. Instead, delve into all of the enriching features that encompass Magic Mountain Ski Area. Just like it did for Geoff Hatheway, there’s a good chance it will become your “home away from home.”