Bolton Valley, Bolton Valley VT

Bolton Valley casts a rather utilitarian, militaristic feel (maybe it's the voluminous lodge with too few people), but it is the site of one of my top ten ski experiences.

This joyous event occurred on the farthest left run when looking up the mountain. I had this run all to myself, so I did it 3 times in ecstasy. I had disregarded a sign strongly recommending disembarkment at the midway station because the top had thin, icy cover, but I was determined to get the view from the top so I persevered. As I nervously approached the end of the line, I had second doubts but the view from the top was well worth it: Stowe to the east and the Adirondacks to the west.

Other than boarding around some snowless spots on top, the run was splendid. Freshly groomed with no tracks, the snow was like velvety butter as I whizzed down the trail - sunlight dappling the trees under a late winter sun making the snow sparkle like jewels. Blue sky, calm wind, perfect temps, perfect snow conditions and only the sound of my board swishing through the snow....

Topped the afternoon off with a little antiquing - captured a Sadler teapot for my mother's collection.

Perfect day.

Smuggler's Notch, Smuggler's Notch VT

Although 10 minutes from Stowe by the Notch, it's a long 45 minute haul from the south in the winter because the notch is closed.

If you get a chance, take a lunch break at the hut on top of the hill. However, plan accordingly because there are no restrooms available (as of 2005), but you may get the opportunity to dine on venison stew - quite yummy.

Haystack Mountain, Wilmington VT

Wow, Haystack was my first big mountain. Seems to have made the Lost New England Ski Areas website which is sad.

Would love to return and ski the mountain for it is here that I perfected my now defunct (but never retired) "slip and slide" technique. Feigning a slip, I would begin a contrived, controlled slide which took me down many a steep (blue) section. It's called, survival of the fittest.

Pico, Killington VT

Choosing it over it's massive big brother, Killington, I have skied Pico several times. Once, it was AARP day and 1,002 seniors whizzed past me. Pico is simply an enjoyable mountain.

Magic Mountain, Londonderry VT

I like Magic. It's steep and unfortunately, often icy, so it's best to hit it after a good snowstorm. I like the feel of the place. It strikes me as a place where the real people (the locals) ski.

Sugarbush, Warren VT

When the weather is good, the views from atop Sugarbush are magnificent - especially the view of Lake Champlain. While Stowe has the best view from the chairlift, Sugarbush and Wildcat are tied for best mountaintop views.

Also, if you get tired of skiing and just want to enjoy a relaxing ride through the woods, hop on the chairlift to Mount Ellen for a nearly mile long chairlift traverse.

Mad River Glen, Waitsfield VT

Everyone must ski Mad River Glen at least once, if only to ride the single chairlift. There are only three such chairs left in the US, and one is a bit out of reach in Alaska.

Riding the single chairlift is unique and fun, but the weirdest experience is observed from below. While skiing down, take a moment to pause near the chairlift and watch and listen. It's so bizarre. Except for the whir of the chairlift, it's silent. Motionless and expressionless, the bundled figures appear one after another as they are whisked away to some unknown fate not unlike the conveyor belt in some human meat packing plant...

Once over that experience, swoosh on down the slope with moments of solitude, compliments of the single chair skier spacer.