It may be mid-October, but the ski season is beginning. Resorts in the Northeast are announcing that trails will be open this weekend.
Vermont's Killington resort has become the first winter resort in the east to open for the 2013-14 season. The ski mountain began making snow on Tuesday and by Friday between seven and eight hundred season pass holders were on the slopes. Killington opens officially to the public Saturday for advanced and expert skiers and riders on its Rime Trail. President Mike Solimano says it is an early opening, but recalls that it’s not as early as last year.
Killington aims to have the longest season among eastern winter resorts. Skirack Manager Joe Bekaert says Killingon’s opening is a signal that ski season is here and they begin to see a surge influx of business.
Vermont League of Cities and Towns Executive Director Steven Jeffrey notes that the state’s economy is dependent on tourism, winter sports in particular. But with the unpredictable nature of ski seasons, surrounding businesses and communities find that the earlier resorts can open the better it is for the bottom line.
The early season skiing at Killington Saturday, according to Mike Solimano, will be on a base of 2 to 3 feet of snow on 2 trails.
Sunday River Ski Resort in Maine has also announced that it will open two trails for skiing and snowboarding this weekend.
