2019-20 Momtrends Family Ski Guide: VERMONT

SNOW

V ER MONT FA MI LY S KI GU I DE | 2019- 20

VERMONT WINTER BUCKET LIST TRY NORDIC SKIING THIS WINTER

EXPLORING THE

MAD RIVER VALLEY

FAMILY-FRIENDLY DINING | MAD RIVER GLEN

VERMONT SKI MAP

it’s time to head for the mountains...

30 5

32

29

41

27

16



26

25

23 1 46 4

40

Montpelier

8 19

36 22

12

39 10 21

43 34

33

14 6

20 15 38 49

White River Jct.

13 35

2 48 18 44

47

9 28

11 45 37

3

7

42 17

Burlington

Rutland 

31

24 Brattleboro 

Visit the Ski Vermont resort finder to find your perfect destination SkiVermont.com/Resort-Finder ALPINE SKI AREAS 1. Bolton Valley 2. Bromley Mountain 3. Burke Mountain 4. Cochran’s Ski Area 5. Jay Peak Resort 6. Killington Resort 7. Lyndon Outing Club 8. Mad River Glen 9. Magic Mountain 10. Middlebury Snow Bowl

11. Mount Snow Resort 12. Northeast Slopes 13. Okemo Mountain Resort 14. Pico Mountain 15. Quechee Ski Area 16. S mugglers’ Notch Resort 17. Stowe Mountain Resort 18. Stratton Mountain Resort 19. Sugarbush Resort 20. Suicide Six

CROSS COUNTRY SKI AREAS 21. Blueberry Hill Ski Center 22. Blueberry Lake XC 23. Bolton Valley Nordic Center 24. Brattleboro Outing Club 25. Burke Dashney Nordic Center 26. Catamount Trail Assoc.

27. Craftsbury Outdoor Center 28. G rafton Trails & Outdoor Center 29. Hazen’s Notch Association 30. Jay Peak Nordic Center 31. K ingdom Trails Nordic Adventure Center 32. M emphremagog Ski Touring Foundation 33. M ountain Meadows XC Ski & Snowshoe Center 34. Mountain Top Inn & Resort 35. Okemo Valley Nordic Center

36. Ole’s Cross Country Center 37. P rospect Mountain Nordic Ski Center 38. Quechee Ski Area 39. Rikert Nordic Center 40. Sleepy Hollow Inn Ski & Bike Center 41. Smugglers’ Notch Nordic Center 42. Stowe Mountain Resort XC Ski Center 43. Strafford Nordic Center 44. Stratton Mountain Nordic Center 45. Timber Creek XC Ski Area 46. Trapp Family Lodge XC Ski Center 47. Viking Nordic Center 48. Wild Wings Ski Touring Center 49. Woodstock Inn & Resort Nordic Center Catamount Trail

letter from the

EDITOR

OUR FAMILY CALLS THE MAD RIVER VALLEY OUR SKI HOME. The Green Mountain State is often overlooked. While it may not have a huge population (with just over 600,000 residents), Vermont offers families a treasure trove of winter playgrounds. Vermont has 20 alpine ski areas and 30 cross-country skiing resorts.

My goal is to share as many of them as possible with other snow-loving families. On a powder day you can find me in the trees at Sugarbush. On busy holiday weekends look for me at Mad River Glen. And when the weather calls for a “wintery mix,” I might be cozied up at one of Vermont’s many inns, working a puzzle with my kids. I hope you’ll join me this year and plan a weekend or a winter in the quirky and wonderful state of Vermont.

Nicole

Editor in Chief & Founder: Nicole Feliciano, CEO Momtrends Media nicole@momtrends.com IG: @skimomsfun | FB: @skimoms

Marketing Manager: Brooke Stewart | brooke@powermomsmedia.com Design & Layout: Jane Maynard Design | jane@thisweekfordinner.com

COPYRIGHT © 2019 MOMTRENDS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

THE BEST GEAR TO

KEEP YOUR KIDDOS WARM AND DRY OUT ON THE SLOPES

ARCTICA FULL SIDE ZIP SKI PANT ($175) ARCTICA CLASSIC DOWN PACKET ($250)

Designed with covered two-way full side zips, making it easy to pull on and take off without having to take off your boots.

It’s is a pillow, a pack and a jacket all in one.

DARN TOUGH POLAR BEAR OVER-THE-CALF CUSHION ($17) TRANSPAK EDGE JR BOOT BAG ($59.95)

A day on the mountain is more fun when everyone in the family carries their own gear. Pick from 20 different solids and prints on Amazon or shop your favorite local ski store.

HESTRA ARMY LEATHER HELI SKI JR. ($115)

The only glove that delivers whining-free afternoons on the coldest days.

MARKER 4:3 JUNIOR GOGGLES

Just like the adult models, the spherical Dual bionomic lenses are mirrored and feature a high-quality, water-repelling hydrophobic coating. Get details on Marker Goggles here.

SKIDA ALPINE NECKWARMER ($24) A super soft layer in the sweetest prints.

Shop Skida Kids Neckwarmers here.

What’s worse than cold hands? Cold feet.

Get your Darn Tough socks here.

MARKER HELMETS

Marker stands for protection so parents can feel great watching the kiddos learn by doing.

Get details on Marker Helmets for kids here.

MABEL’S LABELS GO ON EVERYTHING!

Get your Mabel’s Labels here and label everything!

I advise ordering the Starter Pack (Save 10% using code MOMTRENDS)

SOREL YOUTH YOOT PACK BOOTS ($59) These boots are rugged and warm.

Get these Sorel boots on Amazon.

STIO BASE LAYERS

A hybrid merino wool baselayer that’s perfect for high-output, cold-weather sports, like riding or skiing. Get Kids’ Basis Power Wool™ Crew ($69) and Kids’ Basis Power Wool™ Tight ($59) here.

DIVERSITY IN SNOWSPORTS

BY SCHERRIE DONALDSON

“I love snowboarding, why haven’t we done this before?” asked my four-year-old after his very first snowboarding lesson a couple years ago. The truth is, I had no real answer for him, except that snow sports were not introduced to me when I was growing up and I really never thought of it as something that was for me. His innocent question and my children’s immediate enthusiasm for these sports sparked a soul-searching quest for the underlying reasons why snowsports had not been on my radar. The eye-opening truth is that I had subconsciously come to the conclusion that skiing and snowboarding were luxury sports for people who did not look like me. You see, all of the images I have seen of professional skiers, snowboarders and even advertisements for ski resorts and gear featured only white people.

After becoming a parent, I pledged that I would diligently expose my own children to everything which would give them a variety of academic and leisure activities to choose from when they come of age. This would hopefully provide them the edge needed to help in bridging the disparity they have been predisposed to just because of their race.

Skiing and snowboarding are sports that they have easily picked up and seem to truly enjoy, so we have taken family ski trips a couple times a year. My three boys look forward to getting out on the mountains and working on their techniques, oblivious to being in the minority, whereas we adults feel that we stick out like sore thumbs.

Our experiences on the mountains, especially in Vermont, have been extremely pleasant. Fellow skiers and snowboarders are pretty helpful on and off the slopes, but we are still aware of the fact that people who look like us are few and far between, and when we spot another person of color there is always an obligatory acknowledgement that often leads to a conversation about where we are each from. These types of meetings definitely make us feel more at ease and are even sometimes initiated by people of other races praising us for exploring these sports.

I have teamed up with a fellow influencer, Tomika Bryant of Life in Pumps, in an effort to encourage more families of color to get out on the slopes. We hope that being the “first ones in the pool” will inspire others to feel that they belong on the mountains and motivate them to try a new sport!

Follow Scherrie on Instagram @thirtymommy #DiversityOnTheSlopes

Cozy Nights at the Woodstock Inn

The Woodstock Inn & Resort is a Vermont treasure. The 142-room, AAA Four Diamond Resort is located at the foot of Suicide Six Mountain and miles of glorious cross-country trails.

To inspire you to create some Vermont coziness at home, The Woodstock Inn shared two of their favorite winter recipes from Richardson’s Tavern, known for its heartwarming fondue made from nearby Billings Farm cheese.

Thyme Will Tell! Cocktail Ingredients: • 2 oz Vermont Spirits No. 14 Bourbon • 1/2 oz Vermont Maple Syrup • 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice • Thyme Directions: Muddle thyme then combine ingredients and serve on the rocks. Garnish with a lemon peel.

Vermont Farmstead / Billings Farm & Harpoon Brewery Cheese Fondue Serves 4

Ingredients: • 4 oz shredded Vermont Farmstead “Governors Cheddar” • 4 oz shredded Billings Farm “Butter Cheddar” • 4 oz Harpoon IPA • 1/2 tsp garlic, chopped fine • 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with a small amount of water • Diced hard-crust King Arthur sourdough baguette Directions: • Open the Harpoon IPA and pour 4 oz in a small stainless steel pot.

• Pour the remaining beer in a glass and consume it at will.

• Add the garlic to the pot and bring the beer to a simmer.

• Add the shredded Vermont cheddar cheese to the pot and stir in a single direction with a wooden spoon until the cheese is completely dissolved.

• Add the cornstarch and water mixture and allow it to thicken the fondue, cooking an additional 1-2 minutes.

• Pour the cheese mixture in to the servicing vessel and serve with the hard-crust bread.

GOING FOR THE

GOLD The right gear can give you that inspiration to ski a little harder. This ski gear from Arctica is podium worthy.

Arctica Women’s Gate Master Down Jacket 4.0 ($450) This down jacket in gold is designed specifically for gate training in early morning or frigid conditions.

But it’s also great for moms who love to shred!

Arctica Full Side Zip Ski Pant 2.0 ($195)

Cordura scuff guards for durability, and articulated knees for movement make this the perfect pant for moms with little rippers.

To an outsider, Vermonters might seem prickly and peculiar and sometimes prone to doing things the hard way just for the fun of it. This rugged individualism leads to the creation of some pretty cool things, like Mad River Glen (MRG).

This mountain is not a great spot for beginners and snowboarders aren’t welcome, but it is an incredible place to carve out time with your family and friends and connect with the roots of skiing. For experienced skiers, MRG offers plenty of vertical (2,000 feet) and loads of ungroomed runs.

If you like earning your turns and hate long lift lines, this is your spot.

Mad River Glen was founded in 1947 by Roland Palmedo.

Palmedo was one of the founders of the Mt. Mansfield Lift Company, which built the first chairlift at Stowe Mountain Resort. As legend has it, Palmedo became “disenchanted with vying commercial interests” at Stowe and wanted to create a ski home where “sport, not profit, would be the objective.”

Palmedo would be happy to know his vision has met the test of time. MRG is 100% anti-commercial. In 1995, MRG became the first and only cooperatively-owned ski area in America. It has more than 1,800 individual skier-owners who have purchased more than 2,200 shares.

THE CHARMS OF MRG The Single Chair Lift: There’s something wonderful and meditative about the solitary (and long) single chair lift, one of only two single chairs lifts left in the country.

General Stark’s Pub: There is a great selection of Vermont microbrews (anything from Lawson’s is a safe bet) and you can’t beat a bowl of classic chili as you swap tales from the trails Bumper Stickers: In the Pub you will also find the “Wall of Fame,” where photos of Mad River Glen’s iconic “Ski It If You Can” red and white bumper stickers from around the world are proudly displayed. Get yours for a dollar at the General Store.

AprĂŠsAnyone?

While Vermont may not be as flashy as Aspen or St. Moritz, Vermont knows how to enjoy aprés ski.

Instead of champagne, enjoy a Sip of Sunshine from Lawson’s. However you enjoy your evenings, these stylish picks from SKHOOP are perfect.

The Celine Tunic ($159 USD / $199 CAD)

Combine this long, warm, and comfy sweater with your favorite tights and you’ll kick your aprés up a notch.

The Osa Vest ($249 USD / $209 CAD)

Whether it’s an added layer on your trip in the mountains or something you throw on to go to the brew pub, the Osa vest is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Enter SkiMom at checkout to receive 15% off your order at skhoop.us or skhoop.ca (Expires April 1, 2020)

ROADTRIP ESSENTIALS

WATERPROOF OUTDOOR BLANKET ($69.95)

EMERGENCY RATIONS: ($25 FOR 24-COUNT BOX)

You’ll be glad to have this rugged L.L.Bean blanket on hand for any roadside emergency (or impromptu picnic).

Vermont Smoke & Cure jerky is our favorite nonperishable car snack.

SPORT UTILITY SHOVEL ($39.95) Whether building a backcountry snow shelter or digging your car out, you’ll use this rugged aluminum utility shovel all winter long.

ZOJIRUSHI MUGS ($22.95) A stainless mug from Zojirushi is a ski mom’s best friend.

FIRST AID KIT ($59) This handy first aid kit has everything you need to treat minor injuries, blisters and discomfort.

HAND WARMERS ($25 FOR A 40 PACK) Slip these hand warmers into gloves and get up to 10 hours of continuous warmth.

PORTABLE POWER ($49.99) The most powerful portable charger from Belkin, the Power Bank is powerful enough to recharge a smartphone up to 5 times on the go.

AAA MEMBERSHIP (MEMBERSHIP STARTS AT $54/YEAR) AAA membership provides roadside assistance, including towing, fuel and battery service.

TOP 5

FAMILYFRIENDLY

DINING

SPOTS

IN THE MAD RIVER VALLEY

Kids

seem to be welcome just about everywhere in Vermont, especially in the Mad River Valley. With world-class skiing available at Sugarbush and Mad River Glen, kids can work up quite an appetite. In the Mad River Valley, family time begins on the mountain and carries on to some great meals.

American Flatbread

Don’t call it pizza (even though it’s pizza). We love the classic Medicine Wheel (a cheese and red sauce pizza loaded with herbs).

Momtrends Tip: Go early or mid-week as it is a tough table to get on weekends. They do not take reservations, although they do take names in person starting at 4pm for dinner that night. In the summer, there’s plenty of space to roam while you wait for your table.

46 Lareau Rd, Waitsfield, VT

Mad River Barn

American Flatbread

American Flatbread

The Mad River Barn serves dinner in the upstairs Pub & Game Room and the downstairs Dining Room. Both locations offer the same menu. The upstairs pub area has air hockey and open seating.

Route 17, 2849 Mill Brook Road, Waitsfield, VT

Pitcher Inn

The Relais & Chateau property may be a little pricey for most families, but tucked downstairs is the more casual Tracks restaurant that’s perfect for an early family dinner. The pub has a huge fireplace warming up the room and the atmosphere is lodge chic. Kids can get upscale mac and cheese or a hearty burger, and the parents can get a glass of wine and a gorgeous local cheese and charcuterie plate.

275 Main St, Warren, VT

Lawson’s

Mad River Barn

Pitcher Inn

Oh the irony, a tap room that’s incredibly family friendly. Kids love the pretzels and the Full Monty (it’s a plate of local cheese and charcuterie) and parents love the awardwinning beers. Lawson’s has stocked the tap room with games for the kiddos as well as the classic game corn hole outside. If it’s sunny, grab a table near a fire pit as you sip.

I love the option for a 6-oz pour–we’re all for drinking responsibly!

155 Carroll Rd, Waitsfield, VT

The Sweet Spot

FIVE FOR FAMILIES

If you want a great coffee and something sweet, this colorful spot is a must. Note: We’ve heard them say, “We make it how we make it.” This isn’t Burger King–no special orders! We love the BLTs and the macaroons.

Sit outside and enjoy a Mad River view in the summer.

40 Bridge St, Waitsfield, VT

Lawson’s

Lawson’s

SNOWSHOEING AT

SUGARBUSH Snowshoeing in the woods is a great way to experience the quieter parts of winter.

There are two ways to enjoy Sugarbush woods on snowshoes: either on a self-guided adventure (get a map at the information desk) to designated terrain or on a guided tour. Guided tours last 1–1.5 hours and are perfect for kids 9 and up.

If you feel adventurous, try the Lockwood Loop Trail that originates from Mt. Ellen. This hike will take you about two hours (maybe three with kids). Start at the south edge of Snowflake Trail. Be sure to keep a look out for bear-marked beech and animal tracks!

Snowshoe Rental Rates: $30/pair per day at The Farmhouse skier services building at Lincoln Peak and the Rental Shop in the Mt. Ellen Base Lodge. More details at www.sugarbush.com/activities/snowshoeing

TIPS FOR SNOWSHOEING If you can walk, you can snowshoe... it’s as easy as putting one foot in front of another!

Here are some beginner tips.

GET THE GEAR Dion snowshoes are made in Vermont.

Unlike skis and boots, snowshoes are adjustable and don’t need to be replaced every year. Build you own by picking the frame, the binding and the cleat. Shoes start at $150. www.dionsnowshoes.com

• Poles help you stay balanced.

• Stay hydrated. You can burn some serious calories snowshoeing as well as break a sweat. Be sure to bring along water.

• Dress in layers. It’s easy to heat up on climbs.

Retractable poles are easy to store and really help with balance.

Click here to get these Atlas Elektra Lockjaw poles at Amazon.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING in the mountains of vermont

“REAL SKIERS SKI UPHILL”

is an old expression in Vermont, where cross-country skiing is as much a winter tradition as hot chocolate and making snow angels. Here are some favorite spots to get some exercise and take in the gorgeous natural beauty that Vermont is known for.

Trapp Family Lodge | Stowe

Home to the first cross-country ski center in the Americas, the Trapp Family Lodge combines European-style accommodations and cuisine, with amazing access to 37 miles of groomed trails and 62 miles of backcountry trails suitable for cross-country skiers of all ages and abilities.

Ski Moms Tip: Plan to ski to Slayton Pasture Cabin, where you can warm up at the hearth of a roaring fireplace and replenish your energy with homemade soup, sandwiches, and hot chocolate. Click here for more info.

Catamount Outdoor Family Center | Williston

Located just 8 miles from Burlington, Catamount Outdoor Family Center offers a very wide variety of trails for all abilities.

Ski Moms Tip: Try the lighted night loop. COFC offers 4 kilometers of trails for skiing and snowshoeing after the sun goes down. Click here for more info.

Craftsbury | Craftsbury Common

With 105k of trails connecting Northeast Kingdom villages, farms, fields and forest this is the place to fine-tune your skills. They have amazing kids learning programs starting at age 4.

Ski Moms Tip: Thanks to snow saving operations, Craftsbury is one of the first cross-country ski locations to open each season. They are guaranteeing at least 1.0km on November 15th. Click here for more info.

Rikert | Ripton

Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest, the Rikert Nordic Center is fully ADA accessible, offers a full service rental shop, and a PSIA certified ski school.

Middlebury students can take cross-country skiing for credit during the January term.

Ski Moms Tip: Rikert is also stocked with Pulk Sleds, allowing moms (and dads) to go for a ski with the little kids in tow (literally). Click here for more info.

Dashney Nordic Center | East Burke

Want to really get away from the crowds? Head to Burke Vermont and explore the Dashney Nordic Center. These remote trails are just what you need to reconnect with nature.

Ski Moms Tip: Don’t miss the moonlit evenings on the trails.

The Dashney Nordic Center is open for evening hours on BIG MOON nights from 6–9 pm. Headlamps recommended.

Click here for more info.

VERMONT SKI LODGE STYLE CHORD BRASS LOG HOLDER ($99.95)

From CB2, this brass-finished iron log holder adds flare to your rustic home.

Minted: Foil Art Vermont Map ($36 unframed) Gold foil Vermont map by Eric at GeekInk Design.

Homesick Candles ($29.95)

Mongolian Lamb Pillow Covers ($79 and up) From West Elm, these fluffy pillows are perfect for curling up by the fire.

Fall foliage and the smells of baked apples kissed with a touch of maple take us back to the Green Mountain State.

Minimalist Ceramic Dinner Plate ($30)

Handmade in Vermont from white stoneware, these rimmed plates are glazed in a classic, creamy white that goes with absolutely everything.

Vermont Wood Stump ($395)

Harvested from solid Vermont Basswood, each stump is a seat, coffee table, pedestal or end table.

Vermont High Peaks Print ($19.99)

Family Established Sign ($159)

Designed for you and your love of family memories and skiing.

From Etsy, this print showcases 30+ high peaks with elevations over 3500 ft by using bright earth-tone colors and tall pines to capture the beauty of the Vermont outdoors.

SNOW MUCH

There’s nothing like a cozy night in at your ski condo. It’s time to make popcorn and snuggle up by the fire with some old school fun.

Backgammon is a great game to practice counting and strategy.

Click here to buy!

FUN AT T H E CONDO

Flannel PJs for everyone are a MUST. Click here to see my favorite flannel PJs from Lands’ End. Vermont Nostalgia Puzzles

“I love Vermont” 1000 pieces | Click here to buy

“Ski Badges” 1000 pieces | Click here to buy

Snow Play Do the kids still have some energy after a day on the slopes? Try this signature snow toy from Color My Worlds. The Sand and Snow Coloring Art Kit includes durable snow brick maker, spray bottles, color tablets, tote bag and a Creative Building Guide.

Pop in a movie. Wintery favorites include: 10 and under Frozen The Mighty Ducks Happy Feet

12 and under Eddie the Eagle Miracle

Teens The Cutting Edge Blades of Glory Warren Miller’s Steep and Deep

Make breakfast the night before. This delish slow cooker recipe will have your condo smelling divine as you prep for another great ski day.

Slow Cooker Overnight Pumpkin Oatmeal From Tammilee Tips

Ingredients: • 6 cups water • 3 cups uncooked pumpkin • 1 1/2 cups uncooked steel cut oats • 1/2 cup honey

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/2 tsp table salt • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Directions: • Put all ingredients in crockpot, stir well.

• Cook on low for 8 hours; stir before serving.

• Top with raisins, craisins or any topping you love on oatmeal!

FAMILY FUN AT

MOUNT SNOW Mount Snow is Vermont’s closest big mountain to the Northeast’s metropolitan areas. Nestled in the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont, Mount Snow is a member of the Vail Resorts family and on the Epic Pass.

There is a ton to do at Mount Snow. They boast four mountain faces of downhill skiing and snowboarding–86 Skiable Acres, 600 Total Miles of Trails, and 20 lifts.

For kids and grown-ups who want to catch some air, head over to Carinthia Parks. Teens love the nine different terrain parks with more than 200 features. New to Carinthia Parks is a gorgeous new base area. The $22 million dollar development includes the Iron Loft restaurant (with table service) and cafeteria. There is also a big outdoor space for soaking in the sun on blue sky days. If you are ready for aprés, try out the High Timber Lounge with tons of tasty brews on tap.

The most important thing Mount Snow has going is their ability to make snow. They specialize in “gun powder” glorious manmade snow that keeps the mountain ice-free and a joy to ski.

While it’s great to take a few runs with the kiddos, I believe in letting the pros teach them. Mount Snow has a wonderful ski and snowboard school. Children as young as three can get up and sliding in no time with the small groups and friendly instructors. There is plenty of green (easy or beginner) terrain to start on, and Mount Snow has a great series of intermediate runs as a next step.

The Grand Summit Hotel is perfect for families. Each room boasts an efficiency kitchen and plenty of space to spread out. In addition to the Grand Summit, Mount Snow has condos with 1-4 bedrooms.

HEAD TO

WWW.MOUNTSNOW.COM TO BOOK YOUR TRIP!

SKI WEEKEND PACKING LIST* 2 base layers for each child, bottom and top 3 pairs of socks 1 fleece or ski sweater 1 pair of pants or bibstyle overalls 1 waterproof jacket 2 pairs of ski gloves or mittens 2 hats 1 balaclava 2 turtles/neck warmers 2 pairs underwear per day of skiing 1 pair goggles 1 helmet 1 pair ski boots 1 pair winter boots

MOM TIP:

1 pair fleece bottoms or sweats for lounging after skiing 2 long sleeve t-shirts 1 pair pajamas hand warmers and toe warmers lip balm & sunscreen swimsuit & flip flops (for après ski hot tub) sunglasses *Items listed are per child for a three-day weekend. For a week-long trip, bring quarters and laundry detergent!

Label everything with personalized, waterproof labels from Mabel’s Labels. These labels are the perfect way to avoid mixing up or losing expensive ski gear. (Save 10% using code MOMTRENDS.)

OUR TWO FAVORITES ARE:

Mini Custom Labels: Perfect for labeling skis, boots and poles, as well as water bottles, goggles and helmets.

Personalized Bag Tags: Perfect for identifying ski bags, boot bags and lunch bags, just to name a few!

LEARN TO AT STRATTON Stratton Mountain has taught millions of city slickers how to ski. Drawing families from New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts, they’ve come to specialize the learning experience.

Stratton has a one-acre parallel teaching area crafted to eliminate the fear factor as beginners build a foundation with basic skills, including stance and balance, before heading up the 550-foot magic carpet.

Learn to Ski and Ride is available every day at Stratton and includes freshly-tuned equipment, “Learning Zone” lift access, and a 1 3⁄4 hour lesson, all for $109. The new “Take it to the Top” is the next step in progression, designed to get novice skiers and riders to the summit for a view clear across three mountain ranges, for only $159. For kids, snowboarding has never been easier with the addition of a new Burton Riglet Park for 2019-20.

Click here for more information about lessons and camps at www.stratton.com

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO LEARN? Now! Aside from that, January is “Learn to Ski and Snowboard,” a month dedicated to spreading the joy of skiing and snowboarding Get more information at learntoskiandsnowboard.org

RAISING A RIPPER

IS YOUR KID THE NEXT MICHAELA SHIFFRIN?

Race programs are a great way to encourage kids to take their skiing to the next level and make lifelong friends. For kids 6-18. Programs are available for freeski & freestyle, alpine racing, and snowboarding.

Since 1972, Stratton Mountain School (SMS) has helped 46 athletes go on to compete in the Olympics. For kids who want to train harder and go farther with their skiing, SMS is a great option that combines world class training with a college preparatory high school.

Get more details at www.stratton.com

Get more details at gosms.org

VERMONT BUCKET LIST 1 2

RIDE THE OKEMO MOUNTAIN COASTER | LUDLOW, VT momtrends.com/travel/plan-okemo-ski-vacation

SPLASH AT THE PUMP HOUSE, JAY PEAK’S INDOOR WATER PARK | JAY, VT momtrends.com/travel-2/family-trip-to-jay-peak-vermont

3

EAT ICE CREAM IN WINTER AT BEN & JERRY’S FACTORY STORE | WATERBURY, VT

4

GET CHEESEY AT THE CABOT VISITORS CENTER | CABOT, VT

5

CUDDLE A TEDDY AT VERMONT TEDDY BEAR | SHELBURNE, VT

6

TAKE IN HISTORY AT THE AMERICAN FLY FISHING MUSEUM | MANCHESTER, VT

7

GOBBLE UP WARM DONUTS AT COLD HOLLOW CIDER MILL | ATERBURY CENTER, VT

8

LEARN SKI HISTORY AT THE VERMONT SKI AND SNOWBOARD MUSEUM | STOWE, VT

9

GET CULTURED AT THE SHELBURNE MUSEUM | SHELBURNE, VT

10

Okemo Mountain Coaster

Okemo Mountain Coaster

benjerry.com/waterbury

cabotcheese.coop/cabot-visitor-center Jay Peak Water Park

vermontteddybear.com/visit-vermont-teddy-bear

amff.org

Vermont Teddy Bear Co.

coldhollow.com/cider-donuts

vtssm.org/visit

Vermont Teddy Bear Co.

shelburnemuseum.org

FLIP OUT AT GET AIR SPORTS TRAMPOLINE PARK | WILLISTON, VT getairsports.com/williston American Fly Fishing Museum

If you choose to not find joy in the snow, you will have less joy in your life, but still the same amount of snow.

- Anonymous