February 5th 2013

Recent Artsy Photos of Bromley and Stratton

Like it or not, snowmaking saves..

Words and Photos by Tim Fater

Editor's Note: Fater (of Ski The East Freeride Tour studlyness) went somewhere other than Jay for once. Since this was so unusual for him, he felt like he had to write about it and take some pretty pictures. So that's cool. Nice pics Tim. - AK

Skiing is a lot of work. A scheduled weekend mission starts with pre-planning on Monday and Tuesday, gathering ski gear and food shopping on Wednesday, packing on Thursday, and a long drive on Friday. And how could we forget those lovely Sundays? Sore, bruised, and tired; topped off with some unpacking and laundry. 

Stratton


Luckily, many of those details fade away when big snow is in the forecast. During more lackluster times, it’s often easier to find excuses to not go skiing. How about after a warm front blows through New England on Wednesday into Thursday, sparing none of our eastern mountains, complete with an inch of rain and snow-eating wog (which is short for wind and fog; I just made that up). There goes your favorite stash in the woods, steep zone, and rock bonk.  

Bromley


Vermont and New Hampshire’s southern resorts have built their reputations on providing consistent, quality snow. Stratton has 95% snowmaking coverage and nearby Bromley has 85% coverage, with Magic increasing coverage every year too. Statewide, Vermont has nearly 80% snowmaking coverage. Snowmaking and grooming coverage go a long way when Mother Nature is being mischievous. 


To be honest, you won’t find me in groomed-world when it’s dumping.  I much prefer the natural snow trails and features found at southern Vermont’s Magic Mountain and the mountains of northern New England. Nonetheless, after a crippling rain storm, it’s nice to know views and conditions like this are right around the corner.