Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports today celebrated the grand opening of the Taff Adaptive Yurt, a new year-round program space at Bolton Valley Resort that expands access to adaptive sports and recreation for athletes with disabilities, veterans, families, and volunteers.
More snow, made faster and more efficiently, in a wider temperature range. The (500) new HKD guns (700+ new and re-nozzled in total) increase Okemo’s ability to make snow by a 10-degree window, raising the minimum snowmaking temp to 28 degrees where new guns are installed. Add in new efficient water pumps, a comprehensive monitoring system and two massive electric air compressors, and you’re looking at a streamlined operation for the coming season.
Ski Vermont congratulates Josh Storino and the Mount Snow lift maintenance team of West Dover, VT on winning the 2026 Rise Up Challenge. Presented by Leitner-Poma of America (LPOA) and Ski Area Management Magazine, the national competition supports the education and recognition of the ski industry’s next generation of lift-maintenance professionals through video submissions. It also celebrates the effort and knowledge it takes to keep a ski area’s uphill transportation infrastructure running.
The State of Vermont has launched its first dedicated tourism brand under the new positioning, “State of Inspiration,” designed to increase visitor intent and strengthen the state’s visibility in one of the most competitive tourism regions in the United States.
Vermont Business Magazine recently recognized Bolton Valley’s CEO and Board Chair Lindsay DesLauriers, Killington’s President and CEO Mike Solimano and Jay Peak’s President and CEO Steve Wright as three of Vermont’s ninety-one most influential business leaders of 2026.
Bolton Valley Resort is proud to announce the next evolution of its executive leadership team, as the resort prepares for its next chapter. Guided by the community-focused values Ralph DesLauriers established when he built the resort nearly 60 years ago, this leadership transition positions family-owned Bolton Valley for growth while preserving its independent spirit.
Jay Peak hosted Ski Vermont’s 2026 Annual Meeting last week (and some play). Our annual meeting is a chance to bring together all Vermont’s ski areas to discuss the season’s challenges and successes, find ways to improve, and foster the outdoor community that makes Vermont Vermont.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort announced today the appointment of Brandon Swartz as its new General Manager, welcoming the seasoned ski industry leader whose lifelong connection to Vermont helped shape both his career and passion for mountain communities.
JAY, Vt. (June 4, 2026) – Ski Vermont capped the 2025-26 ski season at its 57th Annual Meeting at Jay Peak Resort today, highlighting a winter of favorable weather, strong visitation, and continued improvements at Vermont ski areas. Partners, supporters, and friends of the industry joined Ski Vermont’s alpine and cross-country members to reflect on a successful season. Vermont’s ski industry performed well, with alpine ski areas reporting a total of 4.36M skier visits for the 2025–26 season, an increase of 4.7% over the previous year and an 11% increase over the 10-year average. This also marks the best visitation since the 2014-15 season. These totals put Vermont 1.5% ahead of the Northeast region’s 3.2% growth, and 13.8% ahead of the national average, which fell by 9.1%.
Bolton Valley has announced the promotion of Nick Lemire to General Manager, marking the next chapter in a decade-long career at the independently owned Vermont resort.
Tourism Economy Day Brings Industry Leaders to the State House to Advocate for Key Policy Priorities
This week members of the Vermont state legislature and Ski Vermont staff enjoyed conversation and snowy evening turns at Bolton valley resort.
Are you an expert? No? Same here—so come take a ride with the Ski Vermont Crew.
Press Release: Vermont Governor’s Council To Fund Summer Outdoor Sports Activities for Underserved Youth
Each season Ski Vermont coordinates with a member ski area to host Winter Media Day. The annual event invites members of the media, partners, and other ski areas to experience a single resort and learn about amenities, updates, and the area’s plans for the future—and there was no shortage of news at Burke Mountain Resort.
Discover the best spring events at Vermont ski resorts! From pond skims and spring concerts to maple festivals and Easter sunrise services, celebrate the end of ski season in style.
From sunrise services to egg-hiding bunnies, find out what's going on at Vermont ski areas Easter weekend,
Skiing isn't just for snow! Join the party at ski areas across Vermont for legendary pond skims and costume parties to celebrate spring!
This past weekend Ski Vermont traveled to Mt. Ellen at Sugarbush to attend the High Fives Foundation’s annual Shred-A-Thon. Raising over $500,000, the event featured a roster of High Five’s athletes and partners competing for most laps, best costume, and more.
Workforce development continues to be a focus of Ski Vermont, particularly in the winter recreation and snowsports industry. Ski Vermont is pleased to announce that UVM is launching its Snowsports & Outdoor Adventures Recreation Certificate (SOAR), a 15-week certification as part of its Professional and Continuing Education program.
Whether you’re beating the city traffic or looking to get an extra day of turns in, everyone likes to be first on the slopes. For those who are lucky (/unlucky) enough to spend their days in online meetings, a world of first tracks awaits you just outside your new office—the resort base lodge.
The United States hauled in 33 medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, its most ever at a Games outside North America. If you think that’s impressive, consider that more than 20 percent of those went to athletes who grew up or trained in Vermont, a state with fewer residents than many mid-sized cities. How? Peggy Shin explains that part of Vermont's success is based on the old-fashioned concepts of family and community, and a culture that treats winter not as an inconvenience but as infrastructure.
This week members of the Vermont state legislature and Ski Vermont staff enjoyed conversation and snowy evening turns at Bolton valley resort.
Recap of Winter Safety Month Activities at Killington Resort
Very cold days require special consideration. Before leaving for the slopes in severe cold, make sure your prepared for the elements.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort and Bear Den Partners today announced a collaborative ownership transition that shifts the Vermont-based independent resort operator into partnership with Smugglers’ Notch, one of North America’s most celebrated family-focused mountain destinations.
Over 115 outdoor recreation advocates gathered in Montpelier on February 5 for the 3rd annual Outdoor Recreation Day, which highlights the economic, cultural, and environmental value outdoor recreation brings Vermont. Hosted VOREC, Ski Vermont, VOBA, VTGC, and VMBA, the day included addresses by Governor Phil Scott, Lt. Gov. John Rodgers, Treasurer Mike Peciek, and included testimony to the House Environment Committee and strategic breakout sessions to participants.
Study Shows Vermont Adaptive Adds $10.3 Million to Vermont Economy Each Year
Ski Vermont’s Specialty Food Day Tour Returns for 2026 with 17 Stops at Ski Areas Across the State
Speed, Space, and Self: Join the Community of Responsible Skiers and Riders
Snow Angel Challenge Extended Through January as Snow Angel Foundation Tours Ski Areas to Promote Safety Awareness
Touring Vermont Jan–Feb 2026, with youth, community, and on-snow events statewide promoting awareness.
Vermont’s Killington Resort, the largest ski and snowboard destination in Eastern North America, was recognized on Friday with the 2025 Governor’s Excellence in Worksite Wellness Award – Gold Level from the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Members of the Employee Experience team at Killington and Pico Mountain accepted the award today at the Vermont Safety and Health Council’s 29th Annual Expo at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel.
Killington Resort will kick off the 2025/26 winter season on Wednesday, November 12 at 9:00 a.m., exclusively for season passholders, before opening to the public on Thursday, November 13. Marking its second winter under independent ownership, the resort celebrates more than $60 million in recent reinvestments and a record-breaking start to snowmaking operations. Thanks to upgraded infrastructure—including 1,044 new low-energy snowguns and a fully electric air-compressor system—Killington produced more snow than ever using 40% less air and thousands fewer gallons of diesel fuel.
The (scheduled) start of the 2025/26 season is upon as with Killington’s announcement of a Wednesday, November 12th opening date for Killington Winter 25/26, Beast 365, and Ikon Pass holders. The mountain will open to the general public on Thursday, November 13th at 9:00AM and will commence operating seven days a week.
Rooted in Killington’s new era of independent ownership, Upward & Outward reflects a clear philosophy: we rise by lifting others. The commitment brings together existing efforts in sustainability, community giving, and employee support under one purpose-driven banner—ensuring every initiative we take moves our people, our partners, and our mountain forward.
At Jay Peak Resort, Mission Affordable is a guiding philosophy shared by Jay Peak and its parent company, Pacific Group Resorts, Inc. (PGRI), built around a simple idea: that skiing and snowboarding should remain within reach for everyone.
Snowmaking operations began at Jay Peak this past weekend, signaling the official start of preparations for the 2025-26 winter season. As temperatures continue to drop, snowmaking teams are focused on the Stateside base area where the resort traditionally begins operations.
Snowmaking has come a long way (even in the past few years), and Vermont’s snowmakers are on the leading edge of snowmaking technology with decades of experience and a constant desire to increased efficiency and make more with less.
Vermont ski areas are always looking for new ways to provide flake-filled fun for visitors. This season is no different with updates to lodging, lifts, and further expansion of snowmaking, new activities, and sustainability programs at areas across the state.
Ski Vermont kicked off the 2025-26 winter season with its annual New York City Media Reception, held in early October. The event brought together Vermont ski areas, industry partners, journalists, broadcasters, and influencers to highlight what makes the Green Mountain State the East’s premier winter destination. Attendees enjoyed updates from ski areas across Vermont, insights from Vermont Adaptive, and raffle prizes including overnight stays and gear from Vermont-based brands. With record attendance, the 2025 Media Reception reaffirmed Vermont’s reputation as the heart of East Coast skiing.
On August 2nd, we invite our neighbors from the north to ride with us for free at an assortment of Vermont’s premier mountain biking Ride Centers and Bike Parks.
MONTPELIER, Vt. (June 5, 2025) – Ski Vermont’s 56th Annual Meeting at Sugarbush Resort celebrated a 1.1% increase in skier visits, totaling 4.16 million for the 2024–25 season—surpassing regional averages and reinforcing Vermont’s status as the top ski state in the East. Average snowfall reached 218 inches, with ski areas operating an average of 117 days. Cross-country skiing also surged, up 37% from last season with 322,353 visits, thanks to a consistently cold winter. Meeting highlights included panels on workforce development, outdoor recreation strategy, and mental health in the ski industry. The event recognized long-serving industry professionals with Career Achievement Awards and honored Kelly Pawlak with an Industry Achievement Award. Despite late-season weather setbacks and declining Canadian visitation, the industry remains strong, resilient, and committed to community investment and inclusive outdoor access.
Burke Mountain Resort has appointed veteran ski executive Tom Day as Interim General Manager, marking his fourth return from retirement to lead a ski area through a major transition. The announcement comes as the resort emerges from nine years of receivership under new ownership. Day joins a strengthened leadership team including newly hired CFO Keith Fortier and longtime GM Kevin Mack, now Vice President of Transition Services. The team is backed by a lineup of industry consultants aimed at solidifying Burke’s long-term vision and operational success.
Stratton Mountain Resort has earned the 2025 Best Overall Safety Program Award from the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), marking its ninth national safety recognition. This year’s award highlights Stratton’s commitment to a culture of safety, with programs that span guest education, employee training, youth outreach, and mental health awareness. Key efforts included interactive safety tools for kids, creative public safety events, enhanced incident prevention protocols, and robust mental health initiatives, such as suicide prevention training and accessible counseling. Resort leadership emphasized that expanding the definition of safety to include mental well-being was a direct response to employee feedback, reinforcing Stratton’s holistic approach to resort safety.
After nearly a decade in receivership, Burke Mountain is turning the page with new ownership, major investments in snowmaking and infrastructure, and a bold vision to become a premier year-round destination in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
Vermont ski areas lead in sustainability with 750+ efficiency projects since 2000, saving over 1 billion kWh and reinforcing the state's legacy of environmental stewardship.
In early March, Ski Vermont President Molly Mahar joined more than 80 national companies and organizations at Ceres LEAD on a Clean Economy 2025 in Washington, D.C., advocating for the continuation of clean energy and electric vehicle tax credits. Representing Vermont’s winter tourism economy, Mahar joined leaders from Vail, Alterra, Boyne, and other ski industry stakeholders to highlight how federal clean economy policies support business growth, climate resilience, and energy security.
Vermont’s strong sense of community is at the heart of a statewide ski safety initiative led by the Snow Angel Foundation in partnership with Ski Vermont. For two seasons, Founder Chauncy Johnson has traveled to nearly every alpine ski area in the state, engaging with visitors, mountain staff, race teams, and students to promote collision awareness and responsible skiing.
Killington Resort President and CEO Mike Solimano has been honored with the 2024 U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy Trailblazer Award by the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance. Recognized for his visionary leadership and transformative impact on Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy, Solimano has redefined Killington as a year-round, community-driven destination.
This winter, Vermont’s historic Brattleboro Ski Hill—one of the first to offer lift service in the state—celebrated a revitalizing partnership with Stratton Mountain Resort. In a nod to the hill’s community-driven mission and affordable pricing, Stratton provided two high-efficiency HKD snow guns to bolster early-season snow coverage. Thanks to this support and local dedication, Brattleboro Ski Hill opened for the season on December 31st, continuing its legacy of making skiing accessible to all.
Ski Vermont President Molly Mahar has been elected Chair of the Vermont Travel and Recreation Council, bringing ski industry expertise to a key role shaping statewide tourism and outdoor policy.
Press Release: Jay Peak Resort Introduces the All-New Sunday Funday Women’s Ski & Ride Camp
Press Release: Pico Mountain opens for the 2024/25 season on December 13th
Press Release: Vermont Governor’s Council To Fund Winter Outdoor Sports Activities for Underserved Youth
Press Release: Jay Peak Resort to Open Early for Season Passholders, Mission Affordable Passholders, and Teammates.
Press Release: Killington Receives Positive Snow Control for Audi FIS Ski World Cup Races Nov. 30-Dec. 1
Press Release: Killington Resort Opens Nov. 14th, 2024 as an independent ski area
Skiing, coming soon to a ski area near you.
Press Release: Killington Resort to Replace Superstar Quad with Six-Passenger Lift
A good deal is exciting; a great day of skiing is even better. So when there’s a deal on a great day of skiing—that’s something that’ll make anyone slide downhill with a smile. Vermont’s ski areas understand the value of hard-earned bucks and offer a multitude of special offers, packages and other incentives that help lower the price tag for those looking to build some priceless memories on the mountain.
Vermont’s alpine ski areas reported 4.1 million skier visits for 2023-24, down less than half a percentage point from the 2022-23 season. Visitation this season remains 4 percent above Vermont’s 10-year average and outpaces a 6.2 percent decrease in Northeast region visits (12.4 million) and a 6.6 percent decrease in national visits (60.4 million).
Save the date! Join members, partners, and industry professionals for VSAA's 58th Annual Meeting at Killington Resort, June 2-3, 2027.
While the few ski areas affected by the 2023 floods recovered quickly, many local family farms that suffered catastrophic damage are fighting for survival. Many farms endured the loss of essential equipment, livestock feed, and entire harvests that are required to fund the next season’s operations. Vermont ski areas are asking you to join us in supporting the local family farms that make Vermont the special place it is. Please join us in supporting our neighbors.
Fifth graders can access more than 90 days of skiing and riding at participating alpine and cross-country ski areas for a $30 administration fee.
More than the mountains are green in Vermont. Ski areas across the state have a long history of improving sustainability and protecting the environment that brings happiness to residents and visitors alike.
