The Mountain Times

Local businesses thrive with terrific snow over the holiday weeks

Many in the Killington region are enjoying a brief moment of respite after the most successful holiday period in recent memory. The snow gods smiled upon local businesses and visitors by bestowing dry, fluffy snow that was measured in feet, not inches. Schools were closed for the holidays and winter sports enthusiasts were chomping at the bit. After one of the warmest winters on record last year, skiers and riders were overjoyed to see this season start out on a more promising note.

With the perfect timing of the storm, visitors arrived in droves. It almost seemed like there were barely enough hotels and condos to house everyone and just enough seats in restaurants to feed everyone. "I can tell you we were just about as busy as we can possibly be," said Claude Blais, owner and Chef of Choice's Restaurant. "We've been here for 30 years and this year's holiday period is as busy as it gets. Every night, we were booked from the time we opened until closing time." 

The feeling of being as busy as possible is echoed by Owen Murphy, bartender and server at The Inn at Long Trail. "It was great to see a smile on all the guests' faces. The snow really made it a special trip for people. Everyone was happy and excited," Murphy said. "After the mild season last year we really earned this."

As far as Killington and Pico are concerned, parking lots were overflowing and cars were parked all along the access road all the way down to Santa Fe Steakhouse. Sarah Thorson, communications manager for Killington said "last week was great on many levels: lots of snow and lots of guests! I can tell you that Killington Resort was up 14%."

Resorts all over the state benefitted from the fortuitous holiday storm.  Parker Riehle, from the Vermont Association of Ski Areas said in a press release "many resorts are reporting record business levels… Most resorts are reporting anywhere between a 20% and 50% increase from last year, which is off the charts."