The season of guns and hoses has begun, with central Vermont’s Killington ski area achieving Eastern bragging rights for first to open, doing so Oct. 25.
As ski areas roll out the opening day carpet throughout the month, there are still plenty of “twig season” events at resorts, highlighted by Killington’s alpine World Cup on Nov. 26-27, the first World Cup at an Eastern venue in 25 years. Stellar U.S. Ski Team members Lindsey Vonn, former Lyme resident Mikaela Shiffrin and Julia Mancuso are expected as Killington lays out its man-made white carpets for the women’s giant slalom and slalom races.
Tickets are sold out. But there’s free standing room admission—some 7,500 spectators per day— near the base of the Superstar Trail outfitted with a jumbo screen. Expect free parking and a beefed up shuttle service during the weekend. An autograph session is set for Nov. 26 at 4 p.m. at the K-1 base area.
“The expo village will have approximately 50 vendors set up, offering everything from local artisan food and craft products to the latest ski industry hard goods and technology,” says communications manager Michael Joseph.
So find those cow bells and let ‘em rock.
There are also grassroots rail jams to Thanksgiving runs.
Sugarbush and Mad River Glen team up for the Nov. 19 Big Kicker at Waitfield, Vt.’s Lareau Farm Inn with a rail jam, ski movies and a bonfire.
“It’s a way to bring the entire Mad River Valley ski community together before the season to party down and get pumped up for the season,” says Mad River’s marketing director, Eric Friedman.
The University of Vermont Freestyle Skiing Team’s Triple Crown series starts Nov. 19 with its Design and Ride Rail Jam at Stowe.
The night 11th annual Cease and Desist rail jam at Loon in Lincolnm N.H., on Nov. 26 features a $1,000 purse. It’s a chance for the park staff to unveil their offseason creations.
“We always work hard to create new and exciting features in our parks, so this event really sets the tone for winter,” said Loon communications manager Greg Kwasnik.
Wildcat’s Holiday Jib Jam Nov. 26-27 is an open event where you can buy a hike-only ticket for $3.
Before that comes the 35th annual Boston Ski and Snowboard Expo at the Seaport World Trade Center on Nov. 10-13. The show’s a fine spot to load up on free stocking stuffers, pick up equipment deals, find some lift ticket steals, discover ski areas new to you and check out some crazy sideshows from trampoline to slackfline athlete. Save a few bucks on a ticket a www.bewisports.com.
Head to a Gear Swap: The Okemo Mountain School annual Ski and Snowboard Swap is Nov. 18-20 in the Clock Tower Base Lodge at the Ludlow, Vt., resort. The Waitsfield Ski and Skate Sale on Nov. 12-13 at Waitsfield Elementary School saves you money on clothing and gear.
Gobble, Gobble Run: Ski areas get into the racing habit around T-Day with many participants making it fun with a holiday costume. Make room for turkey on Nov. 24 with the morning Thanksgiving Day 5K run on the Nordic trails at King Pine in East Madison, N.H. Also on that day is Stratton’s annual Gobble Gobble Wobble 5K and Killington’s Turkey Trot 5K.
Of course there are those who feel guilty about gaining all those calories. So start running them off. Okemo’s Trot It Off 5K on Nov. 25 has runners and walkers churning those legs from Jackson Gore Village. Mount Snow’s Turkey Hangover Hillclimb is a free event on Nov. 25. Sprint, or not, up the mountain. Beginners climb to the bottom of Yard Sale. Intermediates go to the top of Yard Sale using the Exhibition Trail. Experts huff it to the top of Yard Sale using the Exhibition and Yard Sale trails.
Better yet, eat more salad and have fruit for dessert (Yeah, right).
Warren Miller’s films have been pumping up winter lovers for nearly seven decades. Homecoming weekend at Bretton Woods (N.H.) on Nov. 25-27 includes a screening of Miller’s latest, Here, There and Everywhere, brew tasting and more. At Waterville Valley, N.H., the Welcome Back to Winter Party is Nov. 25. Santa arrives by dogsled on Nov. 26 in Town Square followed by a tree lighting but it’s also the date of the fourth annual Cold Turkey Plunge where participants throw themselves in frigid Corcoran Pond for charity.
Now that’s a frosty start to the season.
Marty Basch can be reached at mbasch@gmail.com