By Karen D. Lorentz
posted
Mar 14, 2013
The days are longer and brighter, the snow softer, and the
events are getting kicked up into celebration mode March-to-May at
Killington Resort and Pico Mountain.
For those that don't have a season pass, the Nor'Beaster Spring
Pass allows all ages to ski Killington and Pico from March 15 to
the end of the season for just $199.
The upcoming line-up of events makes that pass deal even sweeter
this year with the return of the Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge,
family fun activities, live music performances, park jams, pond
skimming, barbecues, and May Day Slalom capped off with a Cinco de
Mayo celebration. Hit your spring stride starting this weekend at
Killington and Pico!
MARCH 16-17
SNO-CAT SLEIGH RIDES: This Saturday, March 16 is the last day for
Sno-cat drawn sleigh ride. It's a special adventure as you undulate
along the trails in your sleigh crafted from chairlift seats and
ski-shaped runners. The 20-30 minute rides depart from Cooper's
Coffee in Snowshed Lodge at 5 p.m.
SHAMROCK SCAVENGER HUNT: On Sunday, March 17, join the Bud Light
Shamrock Scavenger Hunt, a resort-wide adventure hunt for teams or
individuals at Killington Resort. Participants ski/ride around the
resort to find strategically placed Shamrocks hidden on green
circle trails and return to the Killington tent to claim a prize.
Registration is 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the tent outside the Snowshed
or K-1 Base Lodge. There will be an apres-ski party for those who
to continue the festive spirit.
WOMEN'S WEEKEND: For the adventurous woman who wants to be
inspired as well as to improve, March 16-17 is the final 2013
Women's Weekend with Olympic Gold Medalist Donna Weinbrecht and her
team of women pros. The program includes a 2-day lift ticket,
meals, daily coaching and video analysis, and experiencing the
Ledgewood Yurt!
MARCH 21-24
SNOE.DOWN: Snoe.down 2013, is an all-ages Winter Music and Sports
Festival from March 21-24, features performances by moe. in
Killington and the Spartan Arena in Rutland. This is a chance to
see one of the top groups in today's "jamband movement." Moe. tours
have included Woodstock '99, New York's Central Park, Japan, and
Europe.
They have toured with legendary acts like The Dead, The Allman
Brothers, Robert Plant, and The Who. They are critically acclaimed
for both songwriting and studio work with the 2001 studio album
DITHER awarded four stars by Rolling Stone.
The festival kicks off on Thursday, March 21 with two parties:
one features rock pianist Marco Benevento with special guest Mike
Pederson at the Wobbly Barn and the other the jam-heavy Dead
Sessions at the Pickle Barrel. Doors open for both at 8 p.m.
Then moe. will headline concerts both Friday and Saturday nights at
Spartan Arena at 9 p.m. New Orleans funk band Ivan Neville's
Dumpstaphunk will precede moe. on Friday at 7 p.m. and the reunion
of the original members of Vermont rockers Strangefolk join moe. at
7 p.m. on Saturday night.
Afternoon performances will take place Friday at the K-1 Lodge
featuring Brooklyn-based jazz/funk/pop quartet Tauk (12:30-2 p.m.)
followed by the Brasstronica quintet The Primate Fiasco (3:30-5
p.m.). Also performing on Friday at Snoe.Shed (Snowshed) Lodge are
progressive string band Floodwood (12:30-2) and electro-rock band
Jimkata (3:30).
On Saturday at the Bear Mountain outdoor stage, Eastbound Jesus
(noon to 12:45) will warm up the crowd for moe. who will take the
stage at 1 p.m.
The Mallet Brothers are at the K-1 Lodge from 1:30 to 3:30 to
round out a weekend on Sunday March 24.
A portion of all Snoe.down tickets are being donated to Vermont
Adaptive Ski and Sports, Vermont's year-round sports and recreation
organization empowering individuals with disabilities.
ANTIQUE SKI RACE:
March 23, Pico offers a mix of ski history and fun by hosting the
10th Annual Vermont Antique Ski Race. Everyone racing must be on
skis from days gone by and if you didn't save yours, they will have
some on hand to use.
There are several divisions with prizes are awarded in each. In
keeping with the historical motif of the day, many or the racers
wear period ski clothing with awards presented for best vintage
attire.
Race registration is from 7:30 to 10 a.m. in the Sunshine Room
on the first floor of Pico's base lodge with race start at 11 a.m.
and awards at 3 p.m. The fee of $29 includes lunch and a
commemorative pin with $20 of the fee benefiting the Vermont Ski
and Snowboard Museum.
PASSHOLDER PARTY: The My Pico Season Passholder party (for those
with 2012-13 or 2013-14 My Pico season passes) will also take
place, March 23, with live music on the deck (weather permitting)
and complimentary barbecue.
TUBING: Tubing at the Killington Tubing Park is also open just a
few more days-Thursdays through Sundays, through March 24,
conditions permitting.
MARCH 30-31
PARK JAM: On Saturday, March 30, the Nor'Beaster continues with
The Hibernation Park Jam and party at Bear Mountain. The events
include moguls, big air, halfpipe, rail jams, retail closeouts,
barbeque, and prizes, including a 40" Flat Screen TV.
VT FOOD SAMPLING: For a tasty treat for the entire family, Ski
Vermont's Specialty Food Days Sampling Tour visits Killington on
Saturday, March 30 and Pico Mountain on Sunday, March 31. Skiers
and riders can sample a variety of Vermont products, from maple to
cheese from companies like Cabot, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters,
Ben and Jerry's, Kimball Brook Farms, and Vermont Peanut Butter
among others.
EASTER SUNRISE: Easter is celebrated with a Sunrise Service at
Snowshed on Sunday, March 31 with the doors opening at the Cooper's
Coffee entrance to the building at 6:30 a.m. for access to the
third floor Chandelier Room where the 7 a.m. service will be
followed by beverages and baked goods. Pastor Bev Anderson of the
Sherburne United Church of Christ leads the service.
EGG HUNT: The annual Easter Egg Hunt follows with colorful
plastic eggs with candy inside hidden around the Snowshed and
Ramshead base lodges. The "golden eggs" will contain prizes. A
special area at Ramshead will be offered from 9 to 10:30 for the
tiny tots - look for the red-coated Ambassadors to help the little
ones find their treats!
APRIL 6-7
MOGUL CHALLENGE: The iconic Bud Light Bear Mt. Mogul Challenge
returns a great spring tradition to Killington with live music, a
vendor village, and the king of bump amateur competitions on April
6 and 7 with great prizes for division winners on Sunday, including
New Balance footwear for all finalists. Pre-registration online is
available to amateurs only (USSA members or anyone who has been a
member as a racer in the past five years is ineligible). The first
200 pre-paid registrants will be issued bibs with Saturday drawing
for unclaimed bibs. Don't miss this event! It's the party of the
year on snow as mogul mania hits Outer Limits!
APRIL 13
PASSHOLDER BBQ: On April 13, Season Pass Holders can enjoy a free
BBQ lunch at the Roaring Brook Umbrella Bars Vermont Brewfest
featuring Long Trail, Otter Creek, Harpoon, and other Vermont ale
companies. Local shops will be offering demos and selling skis and
boards at a discount.
APRIL 20
POND SKIMMING: The wacky, wet and wild Pond Skimming contest on
April 20
at the bottom of Superstar is another great participatory
and spectator event that should not be missed.
APRIL 27
MAY DAY SLALOM: April 27 features a barbecue outside the Roaring
Brook Umbrella Bars with live music. The traditional May Day Slalom
will see the whales of snow put to good use on Superstar.
MAY 4-5
TRIATHLON: The May 4-5 Killington Triathlon and Cinco De Mayo party
will test those who can ski Superstar, bike the Killington work
roads, and run down to the Snowshed Base Lodge and back up to the
Roaring Brook Umbrella Bars.
The Roaring Brook Umbrella Bars will be the place to celebrate
Cinco De Mayo in style with live music and drink specials.
