Snow Report: Spring Skiing Is in Full Swing

Waterville Valley in January 2016 courtesy of Waterville Valley

It’s officially spring in New England, which means it’s time for pond-skimming contests, outdoor barbecues at ski resorts, and last-minute giveaways. Of course, it also means our mediocre winter is coming to end, so it’s your absolute last chance to hit the trails. A number of big New England resorts closed for the season before this weekend, so your pickings for spring skiing adventures are down significantly from where they were this time last season. But a handful of resorts are still open—so get out there while you can.

Closing This Weekend

Gunstock in Gilford, New Hampshire is hosting its final weekend of skiing with $30 tickets all weekend and offering free live music in the afternoon at its Powder Keg restaurant and bar. On Sunday, kids are welcome to participate in the mountain’s Easter egg hunt near the resort’s main hall area.

Still Going Strong

Bretton Woods is hosting its 29th annual Beach Party on Saturday, featuring pond skimming, live music, food, and all kinds of competitions for the kids. Tickets for the day are just $30. Bretton Woods is still going strong with over 30 trails and one terrain park still open. They plan to close for the season next weekend.

BodeFest is this Saturday at Cannon Mountain in Franconia, New Hampshire. The annual celebration of Bode Miller, New England’s most famous skier, is a must-attend event for all families with aspiring Olympians. Kids can ski with Bode himself on Bode’s Run and later participate in a photo and autograph session with the gold-medal winner. All proceeds from the event go to the the Turtle Ridge Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting innovative and adaptive and youth athletic opportunities.

RadioBDC is hosting their final apres-ski party of the season at Wildcat on Saturday. The Boston alternative rock station is giving away lift tickets and all kinds of ski equipment at their party in the Wildcat Pub. Lift tickets are just $59.

Waterville Valley is hosting a special early morning Easter Sunday service on the mountain. Participants should meet at the White Peaks Express Chair at 6 a.m. At the conclusion of the service, participants are welcome to enjoy free first tracks skiing for the remainder of the morning. Lift service normally begins at 9 a.m. Waterville is hosting a huge pond skimming contest next weekend as their season wraps up.

With one of the best bases in all of Vermont, Jay Peak is offering the best skiing in all of New England right now. On Saturday, Jay Peak is hosting a demo day featuring next season’s gear at Alice’s Patio. Definitely check it out to get the low down on next season’s best gear.

When you think of jam bands you think of Vermont and California, not Maine, but Sunday River is zigging where everyone zags and hosting a battle of the bands that features Phish and Grateful Dead cover bands. South Ridge Lodge will play host to Pardon Me, Doug and A Band Beyond Description on Saturday as the two face off for Maine bragging rights.

Saddleback’s Future In Doubt

A giant cloud continues to hang over the future of Maine’s third most popular ski area. Saddleback Mountain never opened this season, after its owners failed to raise enough money to finance the purchase of a new chairlift. Then, the owners, the Berry family, announced they had a buyer for the resort, but there’s been no news on the progress of the sale since the announcement. The resort’s failure to open this year came as a major blow to the Rangeley area and the latest reports on the resort’s future are not exactly optimistic.