By: Marcia Abrahmson
My answer is: "Southern Vermont resorts are an easy drive on Interstates 89, 91 and Vermont Route 100 and are readily accessible on Amtrak from New York City. The closest to Long Island is Mount Snow Resort on Mountain Road in West Dover, Vt., and can suit every family's desire to frolic in the snow. In fact, I did my first cross country skiing from the backyard of a beautiful rustic inn in Mt. Snow."
My grandkids, Bradley, 11, and Maris, 8, had a wonderful time at the new Grommet Park in Mt. Snow for children 12 and under. There are terrains for the novice as well as for the experienced skier. Experts can tackle the North Face, with its black-diamond runs. Bradley feels that after another day on the slopes, he will be ready for "black diamond." In the interim he will have to be satisfied with the Discovery Area which features its own lift, learning areas and a base lodge where he can improve his skiing or snowboarding skills on two trails that ramble more than two miles from the summit.
The intermediates in my family will take to the wide-open trails like Snowdance and South Bowl. After a few days on the snowy slopes, my family and I look forward to less active snowmobile tours, dog sled rides and possibly some tubing, snow shoeing and the invigorating spa services. The sleigh rides and the three cross-country ski centers a little way off the mountain are also great fun.
There are more than 50 lodging choices, including B&B's, lodges with indoor pools, motels, condominiums and resort hotels. The Snow Tree Condos will house my daughter's family on this trip. You can call Snow Resorts at 800-451-6876 for accommodations or for general information you can call toll-free: 800-245-7669.
For a more luxurious ski experience there is the Stratton Mountain Resort, a short distance north of Mount Snow. I found it to be the ultimate mountain experience with outstanding guest services, the last word in uphill capacity and snowmaking firepower. There are activities and happenings for all ages and an exquisite Slopeside Village for shopping, dining and apres-ski. Stratton has become synonymous with big-mountain skiing and snowboarding from the summit of southern Vermont's highest peak. Dotting the landscape are colorful lifts including four high-speed six-passenger chairs and the summit gondola. About 85 percent of the terrain is blanketed with snow with the help of snowmaking power. The upscale lodging has underground parking and heated walkways at the Slopeside Village. Stratton is the home of the U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships in addition to having snowshoe treks, ice skating, sleigh rides and a great Sports Center. For reservations you can call toll-free: 800-787-2886 or visit www.stratton.com.
From Stratton it is a short drive to Manchester Village with designer outlets and my favorite year-round resort, The Equinox, with the Equinox Ski Touring Center, is a great place for the family. Winter fun is just outside the door at the Equinox Cross Country Ski Center with 35 kilometers of groomed trails and tracked terrain for every skill level. There is also ice skating, snow shoeing and sledding on the resort's village and Equinox mountain trails. Lessons are available by PSIA certified instructors to introduce beginners to cross country skiing as well as additional training to improve your technique on the pristine country trails. Another treat is the guided snowmobile tour. I found the indoor swimming pool and two fine restaurants.
Ski packages are also available at the Equinox for Stratton Mountain and nearby Bromley Mountain. Bromley was ranked as one of the top family resorts in North America by SKI magazine. Bromley may be a little warmer than other ski resorts because it is the only Ski Resort in New England with a southern exposure giving it loads of sun. Bromley has 43 unique and classic New England trails and glades. They are perfect for skiers and snowboarding of all ability levels from first timers to those who are seeking the gravity adrenaline rush. And best of all it is only 3 1/2 hours from NYC. For information on the Equinox, you can contact Tricia Hayes at 8OO-362-4747. The toll-free number for Bromley Mountain is 800-865-4786.
Next week's column will deal with some of New York and Pennsylvania's Ski Resorts within driving distance.
