Guess What? It's Snowing!!!

Hello,

As if on cue, just as I sat down to write the snow started swirling outside my cozy kitchen. It's been like this all week, snowing on and off for days. And it's been really flying on the mountains, with more than a foot of snow already on the upper slopes. I just checked out the webcams at Mad River Glen and saw fiver skiers (more intrepid than I) skinning by the single chair mid-station. For some balance, I then peeked at the Sugarbush webcams, and I suggest you do this as well, paying particular attention to the Gadd Peak Scenic webcam, where it looks like the middle of winter.

This is, of course, the big build-up to my reminder that winter is just around the corner, and it's time to get your skis tuned and start making your plans. If you lived here, you would need no such reminder; but if you are still able to go outside without your scarf I'm here to tell you that we are all wearing scarves already in the Mad River Valley. I really hate being pushy, but our weekends and vacation weeks are already starting to fill up, so you might want to get on with it and get yourself a room.

Opening day at Sugarbush is November 22, which is just a couple minutes away. Stay tuned for Mad River Glen's opening day announcement. And keep an eye on the forecast. I don't mean to make you feel dumb, but, let's be honest, last year you were really dumb. The early-season skiing, just after Thanksgiving and right through December, was phenomenal. And approximately zero of you came to take advantage of the gorgeous conditions and lack of crowds. It looks like this season will get off to a similar start, so do not hesitate to drop everything at the last minute when you see the snow forecast and spend a day or two on the hill.

A few announcements:

• From now until Christmas week, we are welcoming one-night stays. Two nights, of course, is better, and three is even more better. But if one is all you can manage, then come for one.

• We've reconfigured our two-bedroom suites (the lovely Susan and Beatrice). You now have a choice of either two twin beds and one queen, or a king and a queen. Let us know how you want the beds set up when you book your suite.

• We will once again be offering a ski-and-stay package. If you don't have an Ikon pass and want to ski at Sugarbush, give us a call so we can arrange discounted day passes for you. I don't yet know the exact price, but it will be far below the ticket window price.

• Our Nordic spa continues to be fabulous. I (Karen) have become quite adept at coaching people for their first cold plunge. It's truly thrilling to witness people pushing through their anxiety and experiencing the exhilaration and sense of calm that comes with their first (and subsequent) cold plunge. If you are cold-plunge curious and feel like you could use some support, let me know. I'd love to help.

I think that's all I've got to say right now. We're getting ready for a big Rookwood family Thanksgiving, and we're hoping that you have much to be thankful for. We sure do. Including the joy we get from your presence and friendship. Thanks for that.

Karen