New England Is Home To A Great Spring Skiing Mountain

Is there anything better than hitting the slopes in a t-shirt? If you're on the slopes in short sleeves, it means the sun is likely shining, you've endured most of what winter threw your way, and you can still enjoy a day skiing. On The Snow detailed the best places in the country for spring skiing, and a New England mountain made the list.

"For some, spring skiing is only in March, while in other destinations, the spring ski season can go into May and beyond," On The Snow states.

So, this begs the question, what makes spring skiing unique? Well, for enthusiasts of the sport, you simply just don't want the opportunities to end. Warmer conditions could give you the chance to practice in comfortable temperatures.

Spring skiing is also important for the mountains, lodges, and affiliated resorts. With the past two winters being mild, some folks have skied less. Having the extra weeks to remain open allows these businesses to make more money.

In New England, this Vermont mountain is great for spring skiing. It has also conquered the challenge of creating decent powder for people to ski on during these months.

"Killington regularly offers a spring pass good from mid-March until the end of the season," On The Snow explains. In fact, in certain years, Killington has had some trails open until mid-May.

Of course, this means you do have to be selective, as not every run will be open that late. The conditions can get harder to maintain, so the expectation is that skiers should be able to handle non-beginner trails.

Killington also has a Pico Mountain within reach. Many spring passes can also be used at Pico. Currently, Killington is offering a spring pass. They say it is "for unlimited skiing and riding from March 15, 2024, through the very last day of the season."

As much as I love my south shore area of the Northeast, sometimes there is nothing better than a quick pause. We are fortunate in New England that there are so many great options that are a short drive away. It's not hard to embark on that perfect weekend getaway escape.

With summer coming to a close and the hustle and bustle of all the fall activities kicking into overdrive, here I will look at some of the best places for a weekend getaway in New England based upon all of those I have visited.

Many factors can be considered when nailing down that perfect two-day plan. We, of course, are graced with all four seasons of the year, so depending upon when you are traveling, different activities may be available to you. Then again, perhaps you don't want any activities at all.

Food options are important to me. However, I don't make trip plans based around what place has the best restaurants. I tend to lean towards exploring the local area in hopes of tripping across a local gem.

Driving distance is another thing I heavily weigh. Although I don't mind the occasional long road trip, my preference is to maximize my time on a weekend adventure. Therefore, time in the car is ideally under four hours. Cost is always a factor.

Lastly, I must preface this list by stating I am an outdoorsman. A good book or movie can certainly do the trick. I always opt for great ocean waves, a rope swing, or mountain over an extra hour of sleep.

In recent years, I have been to each of the places on this list over various months of the year. They each have their own unique characteristics. Their common bond is that they are all great destinations for a New England weekend getaway.

Cape Cod is an obvious location. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend, there is perhaps no place that is more popular in Massachusetts. To me, it's about finding that specific corner of Cape Cod that is right for you. You can camp or find cottages along Cahoon Hallow Road that will enable amazing trips to the beach. Trekking those sand dunes, hitting the three-foot waves (yes, sometimes there are shark warnings), and then getting food at the Beachcomber while listening to the great live music, is my perfect day.

There is never a bad time to visit this charming town. You can ski Cranmore in the winter. Hike, hit the waterfalls, or visit Storyland in the summer. Either way, you will be graced with some amazing local restaurants. In fact, North Conway flies under the radar as one of the best pizza towns in New England. The hotels like Eastern Slope in accommodate any season, and are right in the middle of town where all the bars, restaurants and stores are. This weekend getaway is probably the least "quiet" but has the most amount of options at your fingertips.

The river that runs through Woodstock has a way of speaking to you. It's serene but can also provide a thrill of pushing you down stream. It's calming to provide that fresh water cleanse to rid yourself of all that comes with the lights on the city. Lastly, the various rope swings scattered around the town provide a liberating rush. From the climb up the rocks to the swing, to the plunge, you focus on nothing but the joy of that ride. Ramunto's Brick Oven and Brews is also an essential stop upon each visit.

Lake life just hits differently. Depending upon where you go around Lake Sebago you get the feeling that nowhere else on the planet exists while you there. Frye Island has the magic of no public cars, local watering holes, and the ability to bike incredible dirt roads. There's a history there to learn about and local taps to enjoy. It's common to see jet skiing or pontoon boating anywhere you look within the glistening waters. Furthermore, certain towns offer that one and only general store that has everything you can imagine, from household cleaning supplies to steaks to grill for dinner.