Spring Skiing in the Northeast with Ikon Pass
Hi guys!
As I’m sure most of you know by now, winter is my favorite season! I attribute this mostly to my love for skiing. This year, I made it my mission to have my longest ski season yet, which has definitely happened, thanks to my Ikon Pass! Here’s a little guide to some of my favorite places to ski in the Northeast, well after the Spring thaw sets in.
Mont Tremblant
This was my first season skiing at Mont Tremblant in Québec, but it most certainly won’t be my last! The charm of the village alone is enough to keep me coming back for more. The mountain is large enough to offer a little something for everyone, no matter your experience level. Some of you may recall my trip here back in December, so this time around, I explored different parts of the mountain (like the Versant Soleil area).
Favorite Trails
Like Spring skiing on any mountain, conditions change day to day! Our first day of skiing we explored Versant Nord. I loved Andy Moe (this was actually one of my favorite trails back in December, too) and Banzai. Our second day of skiing was a bit warmer, meaning trails were icy in places and bumped up in others. We stuck to Versant Sud and Versant Soleil. I LOVED the Refuge hut (aka cocoa cabin!) off of the Toboggan trail!
Favorite ways to Après
Mont-Tremblant is home to maybe my favorite après-ski spot in the Northeast, the Scandinave Spa. Located just a short drive from the village lies the most tranquil setting of thermal spas. I highly recommend carving out an afternoon (or day!) from your trip to relax and rejuvenate along the Diable River.
Explore the village! I love the charming, brightly colored buildings that line the way up to the mountain base. Also enjoy an aerial view via the cabriolet.
Dog Sledding in the Laurentian forest. Snowmobiling, horse drawn sleighs, and cross country skiing are also amazing ways to explore the surrounding woods.
Killington
Killington is known for having the longest season in the Northeast. Even now, in the middle of May, they’re still open on weekends! It definitely feels ambitious to ski/ride this giant mountain in a single day. Luckily, there are tons of charming New England towns nearby that you can stay in to turn your Killington trip into a weekend long (or even longer!) adventure.
Favorite Trails
I started my season at this mountain back in November, and while at the time the limited trail options hardly mattered, that didn’t mean I wasn’t stoked to get back and properly explore come Spring! I really liked spreading out, which meant getting far out from Skye Peak to Bear Mountain, and then over to Sunrise. One thing I love about Killington is their CRAZY long trails on either side of the resort - i.e. Great Northern and Great Eastern! Both are awesome options for getting around the mountain, and offer pretty insane views of the surrounding peaks. Also, in the spirit of cute, ski-in eateries, I made a point of heading down Snowshed Slope to check out the Ledgewood Yurt!
Favorite Ways to Après
Killington is near one of my favorite towns in all of Vermont - Woodstock! A short drive will bring you to this quintessential New England haven, where shops like the Vermont Flannel Company and Woodstock Farmer’s Market reside. Make sure to grab some Vermont maple syrup and check out one of the covered bridges before you hit the road! Also nearby is the beautiful Quechee Gorge. I love this place so much in Fall, but in colder months? It becomes pure magic with a layer of snow.
Stratton
This resort has become something of a home mountain for me this season! I’ve loved getting familiar with its layout and always make time to explore the village. Aside from skiing, Stratton hosts some really fun events, like Wanderlust Festival in June, and WinterWonderGrass - which took place in December and April. Every time I come to this mountain, I know I’ll be in for a unique experience.
Favorite Trails
Possibly because it always felt a little quieter, I really enjoyed the trails that led to the Sun Bowl Lodge. Upper and Lower Kidderbrook makes for a great, long run, and Polar Bear was always a favorite to the Ursa Express.
Favorite Ways to Après
One thing I love about this mountain is that I don’t view it as just a place to ski. This season, I snowshoed on the summit and even went on an after hours hike to the fire tower (and still had enough daylight to ski down afterward!). The village also offers an abundance of options for both sit down meals, a quick bite, or even just a cup of coffee - make sure to stop by Coyote and grab a cookie to go along with your caffeine fix! There’s really no shortage of things going on at the mountain, so make sure to check their events page before heading up!
This wraps up my ski experiences with Ikon Pass! However, the adventures aren’t over just because the snow is gone. Can’t wait for warm months to return to these slopes for some classic summer experiences. Stay tuned!
xo
J.