Pico Mountain opened for the season Saturday, Dec. 7, the earliest opening in the past 20 years and on the heels of installing a 16,850 foot pipeline to bring snowmaking water from Killington.
Since installment of the new pipeline, Pico ponds have been refilled twice, allowing the mountain to recharge the snowmaking system faster and produce more snow. Rather than relying on streams as was done in the past this gives Pico the ability to make more snow, for longer periods of time and deliver a better guest experience.
On opening day, Pico season pass holders enjoyed complimentary lunch while the Golden Express Quad, Summit Express Quad and Little Pico Triple ran through the weekend.
Pico closed Monday but will reopen Friday, Dec. 13 for normal operations.
Pico will hold the seventh annual Food Raiser on Dec.14-15, offering discounted lift tickets in exchange for food donations for low-income Vermonters.
The Food Raiser is a partnership with Pico Mountain and local nonprofit organization BROC Community Action, which feeds 600 families each month through the BROC Community Food Shelf. Discounted single-day lift tickets will be available Saturday through Sunday at the Pico Sales Center for $45 (regularly $85) for all ages with a donation of three non-perishable food items.
“We’re excited to welcome back skiers and riders to Pico Mountain early this year! In addition to our early opening and snowmaking upgrades, we also get to celebrate another year of partnering with BROC Community Action,” said Rich McCoy, director of operations at Pico Mountain. “They’re dedicated to improving the lives of Vermonters in our community, and every contribution helps feed a neighbor in need. We at Pico Mountain are proud to support their efforts and grow awareness of food insecurity in southern and central Vermont ahead of the winter holidays.”
