Killington Resort, Stratton Mountain Resort and Stowe Mountain Resort, all ski and snowboarding destinations in Vermont, have announced multimillion-dollar improvements for the upcoming winter season. Killington, slated to open November 16, enters the 2007 ski and snowboard season with more than $5.3 million in resort improvements and new programs. In addition, it is implementing environmental initiatives in an effort to reduce the resort's "carbon footprint."
Killington facilities that are being upgraded include the snowmaking system, lifts and lodges. The Long Trail Pub at the Snowshed Lodge has been remodeled, and the Killington Grand Resort Hotel and Spa underwent some $2 million in upgrades. New programs include a kids' ski and snowboard school and Burton Learn to Ride.
The winter season at Stratton Mountain Resort is set to get under way November 21 with more than $2.1 million in on-mountain improvements, including a 560-foot covered magic carpet-the longest in the U.S., the resort claims-and more than 100 new snow guns, as well as 45-plus redesigned acres in the Tamarack beginner area. Another highlight is the new Burton Progression Park designed to teach park riding in a lesson environment while introducing the concepts of Stratton's two-time NSAA Safety Award-winning SES program.
Stowe Mountain Resort, also due to open November 21, has completed tens of millions of dollars in on-mountain improvements and invested hundreds of millions more in the base area, including the addition of inter-mountain transfer lifts, trails, a beginner area, high-speed detachable quads, fully automated snowmaking, mountainside residences and Audubon Signature Sanctuary. In the spring, Stowe Mountain Lodge and Spruce Peak at Stowe will gradually roll out, featuring a pedestrian plaza and village green, dining, shopping, spa and fitness facilities, championship golf and a performing arts center. Visit [www.killington.com], [www.stratton.com] or [www.stowe.com]. (DB)