Skiing Vermont's Ascutney Resort
Ski a Mountain That Tests Intermediates and Experts, Near I-91
Skiing, riding and family-friendly snowsports with a big mountain feel, are within day-trip reach of Hartford, Worcester and Springfield, right off Interstate 91.
Resort for the Whole Family
Ascutney Mountain Resort has all the things you look for in a Vermont winter vacation: condo accommodations, dining and live music at Brown's Tavern and the Mountain Lounge, and most of all, skiing and boarding on a challenging mountain.
Ascutney has a separate area for beginners and novices, lower on the mountain than the regular trails and closer to the condo units. This makes it handy for their three children's ski programs, Flying DUCKS Childcare and Skiing intro (ages 3-6, Mini Olympians (ages 4-7) and Young Olympians (ages 7-12). Each of these programs costs $74 for a half day or $97 for a full day, including lunches. these and a childcare center for children 6 weeks and older lets parents get onto the slopes alone.
For Beginners
On the main section of the mountain there is less for beginners but there are a few trails available off the Sunrise lift that beginners can access. Sunrise Mountain is a mix of green (novice) and blue (intermediate) trails. Skiers may have to use a blue to access a green, so make sure your skill level matches the terrain. These trails can be a lot of fun and can provide challenge to novice and intermediate skiers.
The mix of trails can also be a problem for skiers on the main mountain. For example, the Snowdance triple brings skiers up to a shoulder where there is a green trail called Cloudspin. It runs down hill into an area where there are black diamond trails off to the left and it is hard to find the continuation of Cloudspin. On that trail skirt the woods and cross under both main lifts to East Wind or Catwalk before heading on down; those are the two easiest routes. Cloudspin does have a couple of steep spots that can get icy, so check your route before descending.
Challenge for Intermediates and Experts
Intermediate skiers have several options from the top: Gateway or Heavenly from the top and then Upper Snowdance or Crosscut, both of which cross under the two main lifts. Raven's Pass will lead eventually to Lower Exhibition, which runs under the Snowdance lift.
For more accomplished skiers the upper and central part of the mountain offers many options. Sidewinder and Otter Slide are single blacks that cross the mountain and end passing through the intermediate and novice area on the left side. The trail under the North Peak High Speed Quad is double black as are a number of trails on the right shoulder of the mountain. Darkside, Cabin Chute and the Neverglades provide a chance to experience double-black diamond glades - at your own risk, of course.
Good Skiing and Quiet Pace
Ascutney is a quieter pace place than some of the bigger resorts further north in the state. For skiers with young families it is a good choice because of the childrens' programs and the lowkey, uncrowded, atmosphere here. Friday and Sunday afternoons New Hampshire and Vermont residents ski for only $27 and on Tuesdays lift tickets are two for one.
To get there take I-91 north to the Ascutney exit, turning right onto Route 131. In a short distance turn left onto Route 5 through Ascutney and turning left again onto Route 44A and Route 44, The resort is on the left.
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