Spring Skiing Means Sunny Days, Fun Events and Maple Syrup

The Spring Equinox is just a few weeks away, which gets “the winter that wasn’t” closer to being part of our collective history and further from our current reality. But wait; that does not mean it’s time to stow your skis and board. Despite having  somewhat lackluster all-natural conditions, snowmakers across New England pounded the slopes with man-made flakes whenever they had the chance this winter, which has provided a nice base for springtime. Thankfully, the snow patterns have changed a bit in the last few weeks. Resorts have reported freshly fallen snow pretty consistently. And now that it is March, we can hope that this month will continue the  historical trend of being one of the snowiest times of the year. Spring skiing is delightful, and this year we really deserve to enjoy it. That means, in addition to perfect corn snow and sweet bump lines, we should also get lots of bluebird sky days. Pretty please, Mother Nature. Puh leaze.  (Note: I decided to take back the last bit in case Mother Nature is like most moms and does not like whining.) Spring will soon be in full swing. From pond skimming parties, to beers on the deck, to maple syrup open house weekends (cold nights + warm days=flowing sap), we deserve to celebrate spring in New England’s ski country. Here’s a short list of some events that will round out the “winter that wasn’t” into the “spring that is!” Happy Spring! Happy Skiing! Wednesday Child’s Ski Race at Waterville Valley (NH) – March 10 Head to Waterville for a race to benefit Wednesday’s Child, a non-profit organization that supports special needs adoption. Find out if you can ski as fast as Jack Williams, WBZ-TV’s news anchor. Vermont Adaptive Annual Ski Challenge at Pico Mountain (VT) – March 10 Help raise money by participating in this race to benefit Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, a non-profit that provides sports and recreational opportunities to individuals with disabilities/handicaps, regardless of their ability to pay.Spread Eagle World Championships at Attitash Resort (NH) – March 11 Calling all hot doggers. If you skied prior to the ’90s, you know what this is.  Find out if you are as flexible now as you once were.Pats Peak Pond Skimming and Garage Band Party (NH) – March 17 You can participate, or just watch. If you participate, you’ll probably get wet. If you just watch, you’ll probably laugh. Maple Open House Weekend It’s tree tapping time. After making some turns, visit a local sugar house to sample maple.

• New Hampshire (March 24 – 25)
• Vermont (March 24 – 25)
• Maine (March 25)

Mueller Cup Mogul Thing Race at Mount Sunapee (NH) – March 18 Once a Mogul Queen, always a Mogul Queen. See if you can beat the local favorites.US Freestyle Championships at Stratton (VT)  – March 22- 25 Be prepared to be impressed.Bud Light Reggae Fest at Mount Snow – March 23 – 25 Beer and reggae, mon.FestEVOL at Okemo Mountain Resort (VT) – March 24 – 25 Ski all day, then jam out with Barenaked Ladies, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, and Guster.Spring BrewFest at Smugglers’ Notch Resort (VT) – April 7 Beer.Easter Sunrise Service at Stowe Mountain Resort – April 8 You’ll need to wake up early to board the gondola for Stowe’s 58th annual non-denominational Easter Sunrise Service, held at the Cliff House.