What’s There To Do When You Don’t Ski?

 It’s an excellent ski day and everyone can’t wait to hit the slopes...except you!  Like the others, you want to get out and enjoy the fresh clean mountain air, so what else is there to do?

Our winter snowfall ranges from 15 to 25 feet per year, making the Mount Snow Valley an excellent choice for many winter activities.

One of the fastest growing winter sports is snowshoeing.  Every winter more people enjoy traveling through snow-filled forests at a slow, non-strenuous pace.  We did this last year and found it to be easier than hiking!  We are fortunate to have 5 locations where you can rent snowshoes.  Two have trails with various degrees of difficulty and one offers a guided tour with a stop for hot cocoa in their log cabin in the woods.

Tubing is another thrilling activity that has taken off with non-skiers and skiers alike.  Tubing is offered on the lawn of the White House Inn or at the base of Mount Snow.  Neither tubing nor snowshoeing requires previous experience or lessons.

Make time for a trip to Adam’s Farm to take advantage of the region’s beauty when seen from an old-fashioned horse drawn sleigh.  Besides the pleasure of the ride, the stories and discussions provided by the driver are entertaining as well.

There’s always something going on.  Ask what’s on the Calendar of Events when you book your stay!

Midweek’s Hidden Treasuer

By Jim Knabe

The Mount Snow Valley has always been a favorite winter recreation area for both outdoor and indoor enthusiasts.  If you haven’t visited for a while, you will notice dramatic changes that have taken place.  The mountain has expanded in many ways with more advanced lifts and trails, new facilities for the beginner.  The Valley has more snowmobile trails that lead to almost anywhere you might want to go, and the Adams Farm has grown into a whole new adventure center.

Restaurants and nightspots keep popping up, Valley-wide events are no longer casual happenings, and the free MOOver bus will usher you around to enjoy them.  Yes, the Mount Snow Valley is a great placed to visit—but there is a way to make it even better!

When I began visiting this area 18 years ago it was to escape from the pressures and traffic of the city, and the job.  (With corporate downsizing) the trend has been shorter weekends, and less time off.  Southern Vermont has seen the effect of this with the mad rush on Friday night to get to snow country, and then the mad rush 36 hours later to get home.

Folks try to compress as much as they can into that 36 hours, and sometimes need a rest when they get home.  With a little planning it does not have to be that way.

Midweek is a hidden treasure some people are beginning to discover.  In many cases, things are less expensive, service is better, and so are the recreational trails.  You accomplish a lot more and also have time to sit by a fire with a nice bottle of wine and some great conversation.  In addition, you’ll avoid traffic and save time driving between here and home.

Picture this:  purchase your lift tickets for less money, rent your equipment less expensively with no waiting.  [See Accompanying article:  Midweek Marvels.]  There are no lift lines and you have the mountain almost to yourself.  Enjoy a leisurely lunch followed by a snowmobile tour with advance reservation — many operators have midweek specials.  Relax by the fire before dinner.  After dinner, a moonlit sleigh ride at Adams Farm will put into perspective what visiting this area was meant to be.  When you’ve had your fill, and I doubt that will happen, head home without traffic and enjoy the weekend without fuss.

[Jim Knabe owns Taddingers Store and the Orvis® Fly Fishing School in Mount Snow.]

Dinners are very special at the Mountaineer and have received national recognition.  If you sign up for our dinner plan, each night you will be treated to a four course, candlelight dinner.  Nightly we offer a meat, fish, fowl or vegetarian entrée and the choices change daily.  Our dinners include warm bread, homemade soup, a salad with freshly made salad dressing, your entrée selection and a variety of seasonally available vegetables.  A delicious dessert and coffee or tea completes the meal.  Examples of our fabulous entrees include Yankee Pot Roast, Honey Lime Seared Tuna, Veal Marsala, Spinach & Feta Cheese Stuffed Pork Roast, Chicken Francaise, Vegetable Lasagna, Stuffed Portobello Mushroom, Parmesan Crusted Tilapia and Vegetable Lo Mein to name just a few.  Don’t forget to place your order at breakfast or no later than 4:00 P.M.!