With roughly 30 years of skiing under my belt, there have only been a few times that I have not skied on President's weekend. I know, your probably thinking, "Rich, why the hell would you fight those crowds!?" Well, when you grow up a basketball player and work as a teacher, this is one of the few weekends all winter where you can actually get away for a decent amount of time. Thus, it must be taken advantage of, and I have, visiting many different ski resorts over the years.
The Skiing is Only the Beginning of Why Mount Snow is Our Top Choice for President's Weekend
Lately though, Mount Snow has become our go to spot over over president's weekend. Having cemented itself as our home Vermont ski resort, I know it well enough to navigate the mountain and avoid the crowds. This is a task that I have found rather challenging at most other locations that I've visited on this particular weekend.
Crowded as it is, the trails at Mount Snow itself do not get chewed up like others that I've visited. This is in large part thanks to their new snow making system. Arguably the most powerful in the east, it gives Mount Snow the capability of laying down some serious snow prior to and during the holiday weekend. Doing so helps maintain their coverage and keeps the trails in good shape despite the continuous downhill traffic.
Let's be realistic though, yes we do actually ski and yes, we will get our fair share of laps in this weekend, but you know we are really All About Après. That is where Mount Snow distances themselves from the crowd on this particular weekend. Highlighted by craft beer, live music and competitions, Mount Snow is creating an experience that is not to be missed at their annual President's Weekend Winterfest.
Craft Beer Pairing Dinner With Allagash Brewing
Friday happens to be Valentine's Day and there is no better way to say I love you than with one of Mount Snow's popular beer pairing dinners at 1900' Burger. The people at Mount Snow know their craft beer. Regularly featuring some of the region's best at The Station Taproom, Canned, Iron Loft and The Bullwheel you will be hard pressed to find another ski resort that does craft beer better.
Having experienced Mount Snow's craft beer dinners before, I can speak first hand on how well executed they are.
There is no doubt that this coming culinary event will be next level as it features delicious beers from Maine's Allagash Brewing. Consistently rated as one of the top breweries in the country, Allagash brews some tremendous craft beer including their famous, and highly rated, Allagash White. Mount Snow's amazing food and beverage crew will, no doubt, take this one along with four others and expertly pair them with a delicious five course meal. The end result, a dining experience to remember and the ultimate way to kick off your holiday weekend.
Live Music on the Cuzzins Patio and at Snowbarn All Weekend Long
Live music makes après ski better and Mount Snow will have plenty of it all weekend long. We're all about early après, especially when the music is rocking Cuzzins deck a little after noon. Grab some beers from the drive through window at Canned, post up near a table and get ready to do some serious boot dancing. Wyld Nightz will have you rocking to their classic rock and dance music on Saturday while Creamery Station lays down a series of bluesy jams on Sunday.
When they finish, there is no question where to head, right inside Cuzzins to see Bruce Jacques and his famous après ski party. There, the table dancing will begin in minutes as the raucous crowd sings along to his zany act. The people watching is something special and you will not be able to pull your eyes away until he finishes up.
No need to head home though, that's exactly when your night begins. Head over to the Snowbarn for some of their tasty pizza and then hang out for the live music that kicks off around 9. If you dig the Allman Brother's or just some good old rowdy rock and roll then The Peacheaters (Saturday) and Wild Adriatic (Sunday) are worth the price of admission.
Fireworks, S'mores and Competitions Only Add to the Fun
Après Ski fun is not just for the adults. My daughters do love themselves a good Bruce Jacques show. How could they not? They've been regulars for about four years now. That said, there are other more, kid based, activities for them to partake in, none more so than making their own s'mores.
Sunday at 4, just as Creamery Station is wrapping up their set, Mount Snow will have a s'mores station conveniently set up for you on Main St. There the kiddos (and you too, of course) can indulge in the world's greatest après ski dessert. Hopped up on sugar and flying around the base area they'll be waiting in anticipation for that night's Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Display. Always a cool display, it is our traditional ending to the Sunday fun.
I do recommend getting them in a bit earlier that night. This way you won't have any trouble getting them out the door the next morning and over to the mountain to check out the Grommet Jam. Watching kids their age get crafty on the features in Carinthia park is a sight to see. These youngins tend to be pretty impressive and it is a super cool way to cap off what will certainly be an amazing President's Weekend at Mount Snow.
