Travel Tips

Complete Snow Report & Deals for the 2013 US Ski Season

Credit: Mount Snow

Last-minute travelers can still book a ski vacation this holiday season and beyond.  The resorts are open but conditions vary throughout the country–and even within states. Check out the latest on what’s open, what remains closed, and where to find the deals at ski resorts across the U.S.

Mount Snow, Vermont

Mount Snow kicked off its ski and snowboard season on Thanksgiving Day. The resort has been making snow for the past couple weeks but due to weather conditions, the summit remains closed. Fifteen trails are open with 10 miles of skiable terrain across two mountain faces. The base depth of snow is 8-16 inches but the primary surface is machine groomed and frozen granular.

Don’t miss the holiday special running from Christmas Eve to the New Year. For $139 per person per day, you receive two lift tickets and two nights lodging. Special events include a torchlight parade, a fireworks show at base camp, and a New Year’s Eve ballroom party

Another option is the inaugural Founders Day celebration on Wednesday, December 12. There are $12 advance purchase lift tickets, a party in Cuzzins Bar and Grill and more  fun activities throughout the day.

The Holiday Jumpstart Package runs from December 19 through 25. Book two nights lodging and two days of lift tickets and the third night of lodging and third day of skiing is free. To book call 800-245-SNOW

Sunday River Resort, Maine

Forty-one trails are groomed and eight lifts are functioning right now at the Sunday River Resort. Skiing operations have been open since November 6, in large thanks to 300 HKD SV10 impulse guns, the latest in energy-efficient snowmaking. This means five of eight mountain peaks are open for business.

December 20 through 25 lodging, lift ticket, ski lessons and breakfast are covered for the $99 Early Holiday Ski and Stay Package. The same deal is available running through December 26 through 31 for an additional $40 per night. Or buy your lift ticket online at Sunday River Resort through their website and save 35 percent below window rates. Call 800-543-2754.

Vail, Colorado

Of the terrain that is available now, eight of 31 lifts are open that access 17 open runs. The snow conditions across the mountains are mostly machine made. The base snow depth is 18 inches and the season total rounds out to about 34 inches.

A one day lift-ticket at Vail cost $95, $63, and $85 respectively for adult, child, and senior tickets. Ski and Snowboard rentals start at $40 a day. The Lodge at Vail offers a room for two adults from $395 per night for midweek trips December 18 through 22.

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