The cloud descends on Superstar as seen from the K1 parking lot 

Like the final curtain coming down on a Broadway Show, the Killington Ski Resort entered it's last day of the 2011-2012 ski season with a curtain of cloud draping Superstar, the last trail standing.

To pretend that this has not been a strange winter season at Killington would require a feat of self delusion worthy of an ostrich with it's head in the sand. From the catastrophic ending to last summer literally rained down on the area by Hurricane Irene, to the dearth of cold air this winter combined with a paucity of natural snow fall; Mother Nature has been quite unpredictable at best and down right cruel to Killington during the 2011-2012 ski season. And with torrential rains once again predicted to sweep the area for the next couple of days, the Killington Resort announced late yesterday that the time has come to move on.

Looking back on the season, there were a number of bright spots which raise hopes for the future of the ski resort. The response of the local community, both it's businesses and private citizens, combined with the actions of the State of Vermont and a wide variety of federal agencies in the wake of Hurricane Irene reminded us all that Killington is a special place to call home, and to visit regularly. Hurricane Irene's destruction at the Killington Resort saw the birth of the Roaring Brook Umbrella Bars at the K1 Base lodge; clearly a shining example of how a business can turn lemons into lemonade. In the next few years it will be very interesting to see how the resort and the community take advantage of this Phoenix that rose from the ashes of Irene.

The "Stairway to Heaven" built last season to connect the top of the North Ridge area to Killington Peak proved it's value many times over. Without it, there would have been no early season skiing and riding at Killington. And the resort turned to it again last week to re-open the top of Killington Peak after the largest snow storm of the season struck the area two weeks ago.

And speaking of that snow storm two weeks ago, the resort threw caution to the wind and "looked the other way" as skiers and riders alike "re-opened" previously closed terrain covered in newly fallen snow. The resort usually takes a very conservative (some would say aggressive) stance in enforcing trail closures. But for this one storm, the resort let skiers and riders enjoy the spring gift from Mother Nature. While I doubt it would be a long term trend, it does provide a glimpse into the overriding principles on how the resort is run; at it's core the Killington Ski Resort is about people having fun on snow!

But it is time to move on. Thursday, Mary and I had our first round of golf for the season at Green Mountain National Golf Course. Yesterday, I went back down to the course and hit a bucket of golf balls at the driving range, just to "air out" my swing. Spring yard work is well underway. Websites have been recoded to summer. (Check out our golf packages this year at both Green Mountain and the Killington Resort Golf Course.)

Many of my local friends will be hiking Superstar over the next couple of weeks; squeezing out the final turns for their personal 2011-2012 ski seasons. But for aficionados of lift service skiing, the 2011-2012 ski season at Killington is "in the can".

Kudo's to the Killington Resort Community for making the most of 2011-2012 ski season. When you have a chance these next few weeks; raise a toast; hail the approaching 2012-2013 ski season. It will be here before you know it!

Let it snow..

Killington Peak 

I just received this message (4:00 PM) from the Killington Resort through the Killington Chamber of Commerce:

Operational Update from Killington Resort for Saturday, April 14th:

We are pleased to announce the K-1 Express Gondola and the North Ridge Triple will operate Saturday, April 14 along with the Superstar Express Quad from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The trails on Killington Peak and in the North Ridge area are for advanced skiing and riding only on ungroomed terrain.

There is adequate snow coverage at the top of Killington Peak and in the North Ridge area, however, as you ski or ride down from the North Ridge area, 300 yards of walking will be necessary to return to the K-1 Express Gondola.

Lifts are scheduled to open at 10:00 a.m. with the last K-1 cabin at 4:30 p.m. Additionally, the K-1 Lodge will be fully open and the Roaring Brook Umbrella Bars, at the base of Superstar trail, are open daily from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Lift tickets will be $49 for Adults (19-64), $42 for Young Adults/Seniors (13-18/65 ) and $34 for Juniors.

--- Commentary ----

The Killington Resort is taking advantage of the late season snow we received early this week to re-open portions of the resort that were closed due to the summer like heat we received at the end of March. Kudo's to Killington for taking lemons and making lemonade!

In addition to skiing and riding off of the Superstar Quad, the resort will also be running the K1 Gondola and the North Ridge Triple. While skiing and riding is for advanced intermediates and experts only, I am sure that the skiers and riders will approve of Killington's effort to extend the ski season in the North East.

Let it snow..

Snow covered Killington Peak 

I blame it on our mothers...

On my side we have Irish-Catholic guilt. On the Mary's side we have Swedish fortitude. Combined, Mary and I don't have a prayer at ever stopping work....

While heavy wet snow was falling across the Killington Resort yesterday, we were dutifully fulfilling our obligations to the State of Vermont and the US Government by working on our tax package to give to our accountant. It was day 3 of a 4 day project we had planned for a couple of weeks. The first pass goes to the accountant today, so he can complete his work for next weeks "Tax Day"... so it goes.

We have started a bunch of spring projects weeks earlier than normal under the theory of turning lemons into lemonade. The more we get done now, in theory, the more time we have for golf later in the spring. We are making good progress and starting to talk about chasing that little white ball down a green fairway in the coming weeks. Unless, of course, that guilt thing raises it's ugly head again!

Killington reported 18 inches of snow yesterday on Killington Peak. They have re-opened the K1 Gondola, at least for now, to take advantage of the spring gift from Mother Nature. If you are interested in making some turns this weekend, Killington is the place to be. Our inn is open to provide lodging should you need a place to stay. Our mothers would not have it any other way.

Let it snow..

Birch Ridge Inn being blanketed in white by spring snow storm. 

Maybe the Mayans were on to something? Maybe all the work being done by Doomsday Preppers is worthwhile after all? Has the earth started to tilt to a different center point on it's axis? The signs are all there!

Yesterday was a perfect example. A cool, crisp, Easter Sunday in Killington. Mary and I went to brunch with some friends in Woodstock. Then we came home to watch the annual rite of spring, "The Masters" golf tournament from Augusta National in Georgia. Augusta National, the staid repose of the plutocracy. And low and behold, someone named "Bubba" from Bagdad wins the tournament. With a Pink Driver no less. The earth must have begun it's off axis tilt

OK... so it's just a random event you say...

This morning in Killington it looked to be a damp day. Light r@!n fell starting after midnight. At around 7:00AM the precipitation changed to snow. It has literally been puking snow outside for 5 hours as I write this blog. After a basically snowless winter, and weeks in the 80's in March at Killington, we now get snow!... Maybe tin foil hats are in order.

But of course, I am writing tongue in cheek. Early spring snow storms at Killington are natural phenomenon. We have them almost every year. And this year is no different.

And Bubba Watson, this years winner of "The Masters"....he is a consummate professional golfer who has been honing his craft for years. He is from Bagdad... not Bagdad Iraq but Bagdad Florida. And that "Pink Driver" he plays. It's part of Bubba's efforts to raise money for charity called "Bubba and friends drive to a million". The driver is part of a year-long campaign sponsored by Ping. Every time Bubba drives the ball over 300 yards, Ping will donate $300 dollars to his charity. At $300 per drive for his first 300 drives over 300 yards -- that's a lot of 300s -- Watson stands to rack up $90,000 for his foundation, just for doing what he always does. We should all be so dedicated to helping others.

So I guess all is still right with the world after all... at least for today.

Let it snow...so it goes..

Killington peak with a fresh coat of pixie dust.
Click for a full panoramic view of the mountains at Killington. 

Proving once again that weather in Killington is anything but consistent, the region was visited last night by a fine dusting of snow. More like a pixie dust raining from the heavens, it was just enough this morning to cover roof tops, coat windshields, and cast a white frosting on the tops of the Green Mountains all around the Killington Region

Now so we don't get ahead of ourselves, we are talking dust... not an epic snow fall. If you already put your skis away for the season... leave them there....think of last nights dusting as Mother Natures way of fertilizing golf courses all around central Vermont. If you have not put your skies away yet, you understand that there is still intermediate and expert skiing to be had at Killington from the Superstar Quad. Not much, mind you... The resort is reporting 4 trails... but enough to allow for an hour or 3 of fun on the snow followed by a celebratory beverage at the Umbrella Bars if that is your shtick.

Around Killington this weekend, Snoop Dog rolls into town with 2 shows at the Pickle Barrel Nightclub. This is Snoop's third year visiting the establishment with his entourage. The first show starts at 4:00 Pm and is 18 and older. The second show is scheduled to go off at 9:00PM and is for people over "21". Tickets to Snoop Dog are available on the Pickle Barrel's website.

For those of you who are just coming up to Killington to enjoy the area, the Killington Art's Guild is holding an exhibition in their gallery on Route 4 upstairs at Base Camp Outfitters and Cabin Fever Gifts. "The Art in Your Life" exhibition will be on display at the Killington Arts Guild through May 20th.

At this inn this weekend, we are serving dinner on both Friday and Saturday night. So as you head to the mountains for some weekend R and R, stop in if the mood fits.

We look forward to seeing you in Killington this weekend. and don't forget your sun screen!

The mountains of Killington, resplendent in bright sunshine. 

So... we already established that you were going to come up to Killington this weekend; ski a few runs; partake of the umbrella bars; get your season pass for next year; buy some new equipment to go with your new seasons pass; and play your first round of golf for the season in Vermont. Your weekend is not done, there is still a lot to do. Here are some other activities to put on your list:

1. Attend the Tweed Winter Carnival at Pico: Running Friday March 23rd through Sunday March 25th, the eponymous Tweed River Music Festival held in August each for the last 3 years in Stockbridge Vermont has decided to branch out with a spring concert series at Pico Mountain in Killington. Featured musical acts at the festival will include Bow Thayer, Perfect Trainwreck, Waylon Speed, Pistol Whipped, Holy Plow, Goldtown, Crunchy Western Boys, Andrea Gillis Band, Township, Jabe Beyer, Flowting Bridge and White Dynamite. Tickets are $20 per day. Further information about the festival can be found at tweedrivermusicfestival.com

2. Picnic Lunch on Deers Leap: As you are heading towards Pico for the Tweed Winter Carnival, if you still need exercise after skiing, consider a hike to the top of Deers Leap. It's a beautiful scenic vista on Route 4 at the top of the Sherburne Pass. It is a great place for a picnic lunch on sunny days. If you go, wear proper hiking shoes, be careful of the mud on the trail (snow is still melting you know), and clean up after yourself by bringing out what you bring in so others may enjoy the hike as well.

3. Enjoy the sweetest time of the year in Vermont - Maple Sugar Season: This weekend also happens to be "Vermont Maple Open House Weekend" where sugar shacks all over the state will be converting maple sap into the sweet maple syrup we all love on my partner Mary's pancakes at breakfast. Activities are planned state wide to celebrate the sugaring season. A great place to partake of the events is the New England Maple Museum in nearby Pittsford Vermont.

4. A little Rock and Roll Nostalgia: if the new music at the Tweed Music Festival proves too eclectic for you, the Paramount Theater in Rutland will be featuring the Shirelles and the Drifters this weekend on Saturday evening. Tickets are on sale at the Paramount Theater Box Office (802 775-0903) or online at paramountvt.org.

5. Be Trendy: or not. How can you avoid the hype. Even in our little corner of Vermont the new movie "Hunger Games" is making a buzz. If you have been sucked in the hype, never fear, you don't need to stay comfortably ensconced in your home town to be the first to catch this new "It" movie. If you drive up Thursday Night, you can actually catch the Midnight Showing at Rutland's Flagship Cinema. One night only. (actual show time is 12:05 AM on Friday Morning which just squeezes this event into the weekend!)

And of course on Friday and Saturday nights, Chef Frizzie and our team will be here at the Birch Ridge Inn to delight you with great food and beverages. Merisa will be holding court in the Great Room Lounge, fresh from a trip to Tuckerman's Ravine earlier in the week. If you are still dreaming of powder, we will play a ski movie of two on the big screen, in between some of the March Madness round ball we have all come to enjoy.

We look forward to seeing you in Killington this weekend. and don't forget your sun screen!

Long march to the sea for the snows of Killington 

OK... you planned on coming to Killington this weekend, but you think a week of 70 degree days has reduced skiing and riding at Killington to boogie boarding and surfing. But you still want, dare I say need, to get that one last mountain fix before the onset of panic sets in caused by having to spend lots of time with family during Passover, or Easter. Don't just sit there....get going and come up to Killington. There is a lot to do. Here is the short list:

1. Ski or Board: Killington still has tons of snow on Superstar. If you have the cajones, and a great pair of legs (what ski bum/bumtress doesn't at this time of year!) then come up and challenge the bumps on Superstar. Every linked turn through the bumps will be greeted with a cheer from your fellow snow surfers riding the Superstar Quad. And don't forget the adulation you will receive from people enjoying Killington's new Umbrella Bars at the base of Superstar.

2. Umbrella Bars: while we are on the subject... Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, Hurricane Irene's lasting gift to the Killington Resort just might turn out to be the pair of giant umbrellas planted at the base of Superstar to replace the Superstar Pub room which tragically floated away during the storm. They have been a big hit with skiers and riders this spring. The combination of warm sunshine, adult beverages, and live entertainment (both musical and visual from Superstar) have turned the Umbrella Bars into the place to be on a lazy spring afternoon.

3. Save Money - Buy your season pass for next year: The Killington Resort announced last week that they were selling season passes at a discounted rate for next ski season. Of course you could go online and buy your pass, but for the full Killington Experience, nothing beats a trip to the Season Pass Office at the Snow Shed base lodge to get a new picture taken for next years ski pass.

4. Go Ski Shopping: while we are on the subject of saving money, now is the time to hit the Killington Road and strike a deal with the ski shops on new equipment. With the ski season coming to an early close, there is a deal to be had on every coat hanger and ski rack. You will probably save enough money to pay for your weekend trip to Killington and then some!

5. Play Golf: what you say. Heresy in Killington to talk about golf in March. Well not really. Killington's own Green Mountain National Golf Course will be officially opening for the season this weekend. It is the earliest opening for the course on record. Play for the season will begin with the opening of the front nine. If you ever wanted to golf and ski the same day, you can easily do it this weekend in Killington.

And these are just a few of the things you can do in Killington during the day. I have not even gone into the "social" activities still in full swing along the Killington Road at night. At Birch Ridge, our restaurant is still serving dinner on our regular winer schedule. We plan to keep that up for a few more weeks as the ski season continues to wind down.

We look forward to seeing you in Killington. and don't forget your sun screen!