Killington Peak waiting for snow.

Killington Peak waiting for snow.

As todays picture of Killington Peak highlights, the Killington region is on the cusp of entering twig season...that magical time of year when the area is devoid of color between the time the leaves fall off the trees and the first snow falls. While many trees in the area still have colorful foliage for visitors to enjoy, some time in the next 5 to 10 days a cold wind will blow through town causing foliage season 2010 to become just a memory viewed in photo galleries by future generations.

Around Killington, locals are catching their breath and getting ready for winter. All the while, we are looking at the mountain wondering when the first snow will make an appearance signaling the start of ski season. Whether the snow is natural, or the result of the resort turning on their snow making system for the first time, the appearance of the first snow on the mountain lifts everyones spirits with it's foreshadowing of the arrival of winter.

Mary and I have a whole list of activities around the inn to complete as we transition seasons. I have a ton of marketing work to finish to launch our winter season (you do want to visit us at the Birch Ridge Inn this winter don't you?). We also have a "Green" initiative we are working on which I will be writing about in the next few weeks.

Stairway to heaven visible on Killington Peaky Click to enlarge..

While I was out taking pictures this morning of Killington Peak, I discovered something which surprised me...you can see the "Stairway to Heaven" walkway from the North Ridge Triple to the K1 Gondola along Heavenly Traverse from the upper Snowshed parking lot. Right in the middle of the second picture in this blog post you can see the walkway crossing Catwalk. On the far right of the frame at the top of the Double Dipper Quad, you can see the stairway leading up the trail. To the left, you can follow the walkway all the way across to the top of Downdraft. Since the wood used in the construction has not weathered yet, it is still very light colored; contrasting with the surrounding green pine trees. I would guess that once the wood ages some, it will disappear into the mountain side. Of course, throw some bright white snow (soon) on the mountain top and it will become invisible as well..

Where ever you may be, enjoy the change of seasons. And start thinking cold and snow!