Vermont ski resorts say they no longer panic at the prospect of mild, snowless winters thanks to other winter sports and activities many have added to broaden their appeal.
Many of these destinations have diversified. From ice skating to snow cat adventures to water parks, northern resorts offer a bevy of weather-proof recreation options.
“By offering other activities, people might stay longer, can bring other members of the family who might not ski or snowboard,” explains Sarah Wojcik, director of marketing and communications for Ski Vermont (skivermont.com).
One example: the popular Pump House indoor water park at Jay Peak. “Anyone who’s ever planned a New England winter vacation knows there’s an element of stress to it, whether it’s too cold, too windy, too snowy, not enough snow,” says J.J. Toland, director of communications, noting that resort employees began to brainstorm ski alternatives in 2008. “We came up with the idea of a water park. It’s been a resounding success.”
The 60,000-square-foot, glass park features four large slides, an action river, a daring chute with a 70-foot free fall and an indoor surfing attraction. “We guarantee exhausted children,” laughs Toland, who says a fairly new ice arena, opened in 2010, has also attracted families for hockey tournaments and recreational skating.
Further south in Ludlow, Okemo Mountain is also tapping into adventure: Its year-round mountain coaster draws crowds. “It’s a great alternative for people … traveling with a family who doesn’t ski but can still experience the mountain. It’s also something that’s fun to do after skiing or during the day, if you just want to do something different,” says Bonnie MacPherson, director of public relations.
Okemo also offers fitness classes, swimming pools, spa services, tubing, snowshoeing and a new ice mat in the skating pavilion that uses similar technology to Rockefeller Center in New York. The surface will stay slick in temperatures up to 50 degrees.
Another cool option? Indoor golf at Okemo’s course located across the street from the ski trails, featuring a putting green and virtual play. “If you’re a die-hard golfer, you can keep practicing your golf swing and play some other courses you might otherwise not see in real life,” says MacPherson.
Visitors can also enjoy a snow cat ride to the mountain’s summit.
Whether it’s snowmobiling at Vermont’s Smugglers’ Notch, skating at Stowe or taking a ride on the 12-passenger Cabin Cat to the top of a trail for a candlelit dinner at Sugarbush, options are plentiful.
Wojcik says the broad approach benefits a lot of people: “Now that there are more activities for families, it’s a win for everybody.”
