With the start of the 2019 ski season just around the corner, Ski Vermont along with a handful of ski partners came to Toronto for an intimate media mission at the Thompson Rooftop in Toronto. During the event, TravelPulse Canada had the chance to talk with Ski Vermont and its partners to learn about all things ski, including the latest news and improvements. "Vermont ski areas have seen more than $51 million in improvements this off-season… Improving all different facets of the experience from infrastructure to services, and environmental initiatives", explained Adam White, Director of Communications at Ski Vermont.
Coming off a huge winter last year, Ski Vermont is hoping to once again welcome over 4 million skiers and riders to the state this ski season. With almost half of Vermont's visitors being Canadian, I asked Mr. White in a one-on-one interview what he thought the main draw was for Canadians to cross the border to ski. "I think a lot of it is the character of the mountains because honestly I have met a lot of these skiers and riders and they drive past Canadian ski areas to come to Vermont," said White. "So they are not doing it just out of proximity, they are doing it because they are getting something in the experience they aren't getting at home.
'Character of the Mountains' is not the only attractive factor Vermont has to offer Canadians though. With 20 alpine ski resorts to choose from within a 4-hour drive (the time it takes to cross the state), Canadians can maximize both their experience and time by being able to easily visit more than one resort. "It's not like Canada where people are used to driving much longer distances. So once you get to Vermont you can really maximize your time there and visit different areas," said White.
Variety is also another attractive factor when it comes to skiing in Vermont. With resorts running the spectrum of rustic to luxury, there is clearly something for everyone no matter what your style, budget, or skill level. "We truly have the whole gamut," elaborated White. "There are luxury destinations, some of the best in the industry - Stowe Mountain, Sugarbush Resort - wonderful hotels and spas, fine dining, and then you have Mad River Glen which is like a throwback. It's like going back in time 50-60 years to what an old ski area used to be like and that's part of its charm. So whatever you are looking for you can find one of our members that cater to that."
When it comes to family ski vacations Smugglers' Notch Resort seems to constantly take the cake as the best 'kid friendly resort'. "I myself have three young boys and I am teaching my kids to ski at Smugglers' Notch Resort… it is repeatedly voted the #1 family-friendly destination by Ski Magazine. They really have a wonderful learning area - self-contained - so there aren't skiers coming into it from the top at high speed, so it's very safe", noted White. Located 30 miles east of the Burlington International Airport and 93 miles from Montreal, Smugglers' Children's ski programs are divided in small age increments to better serve children's learning capacity and development stages. All-day ski and snowboard camps are available for kids as well as advanced and private lessons for more experienced skiers.
For those looking for a budget friendly ski getaway, both Smuggler's Notch and Jay Peak Resort, offer deals to Canadians to help make up for an unfavorable exchange rate. "Jay Peak Resort, which happens to be the closest one to the border, offers all their deals at par, so that makes them a tremendous attraction. Smugglers' Notch Resort gives 25% off across the board to Canadian customers to reflect the difference in currency and exchange rate," shared White.
When it comes to the best aprés ski, dining and nightlife experiences, Killington Ski Resort is the most popular spot amongst millennials skiers. "Killington is the biggest resort in the state. It has an access road with more than 20 bars and restaurants on it with a great nightlife and aprés scene. It also has the biggest ski area, so you can spend 2-3 days there on end with your buddies and go riding and feel like you are not skiing the same run twice," explained White.
With Vermont ski's season already underway there is no better time than now to start pitching east coast ski getaways to clients. Flights are available to Vermont's Burlington International Airport on carriers like Delta, American Airlines, United, and Jet Blue with connections through New York, Detroit, Philadelphia, and Chicago. To learn more about Ski Vermont and their partners visit skivermont.com.
Topics From This Article to Explore
