International Friends Jonatan, with us this year from Brazil “Guess who is at the inn right now? “ Manfred called and said to me recently. Wanting to rapidly narrow the guessing game down from every individual on the planet, I said “I don’t know, who?” “Jun-Bo!” he exclaimed. As a seasonal business we have experienced over the years quite a parade of employees. We have been so fortunate to host literally dozens of foreign students over the years, and they have enriched our lives and experiences in so many ways. So many countries have been represented, from Peru to Brazil to Argentina to Costa Rica to far flung countries across the Atlantic like Austria, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and even from the far east-South Korea and Australia and New Zealand. Having studied and lived abroad myself for several years, I have a natural curiosity about other cultures, languages and ideas, and these students have taught us so much. I remember nine years ago we had a particularly diverse and yet congenial trio of students, with Roxana from Peru, Aaron from Australia and Jun-Bo from Korea. At the end of the ski season before they all departed in different directions we enjoyed an international dinner together in our home, a bittersweet goodbye feast. Aaron and Jun-Bo had successfully competed on the Snowed Inn Wacky Winter Games team along with Manfred, with Roxana performing the cheerleader duties (she had actually found pompoms somewhere). So when Jun-Bo, now an engineer with Samsung in Seoul, visiting his fiancé, currently a graduate student at Yale, paid us a surprise visit, there were smiles and tears all around. He brought me a small, beautiful pink silk bag, which he called a “Happy Pouch.” It hangs from my bedpost now and brings me joy every morning when I wake up. This year we have the good fortune to have Jonatan, a chiropractic student, from Brazil with us. A surfer at home, he has completely embraced snowboarding and delights every time snow falls. What a litany of memories we have created!
Categories: Discover Vermont
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Ode to February February always holds special meaning for us, as it marks the start of another year of innkeeping . As we begin our 29th year, I am inspired to reflect on all the previous winters we have experienced here in Killington and realize that each winter has had its own distinctive personality. Snowy winters, dry winters, warm ones and particularly cold ones, El Nina, El Nino, great economic times and lean times-so many variables combine to create a winter season. But one thing has remained very consistent, regardless of who is at the helm of Killington Resort, and this year is no exception: Killington always comes through with top of the line snowmaking and grooming. There is no doubt that the weather challenges have been enormous this year, but just look at the photo of the Killington Basin with all of its snow-covered trails-simply awesome! A local friend wrote an inspired blog last week about his (ultimately completely futile) search for blue ice all over the entire mountain, and his surprise at the superior quality of the skiing has been echoed by our guests here at the inn and certainly by Manfred, who took some great shots of fantastic conditions on Sunday. And the icing on the cake-blue skies, sunshine and temps in the 30’s forecast for the entire week. The word on the street may be that there is no snow in the mountains, but the word on the mountain tells an entirely different story. February marks not only the start of another year for us, but the start of the second and always better half of the ski season. Come on up and enjoy!
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A Little Bit of Snow Last Night; A Lot of Football AND Skiing This Weekend Want in on a secret? Perhaps the best skiing weekend of the season will happen this weekend, on February 4th and 5th. Why? Lots of skiers who are avid football fans will abandon their winter sport passion and become couch potatoes, cheering on their favorite football team to win the Super Bowl. Fair enough, I guess, but for those of you who want great skiing conditions AND fewer than usual crowds on the slopes to contend with, the first weekend in February is tailor made for you. Generally speaking February and March bring us the best skiing days, and when you can have shorter lift lines and open trails, life is good! Add in some later season sunshine and Killington’s new and wildly popular umbrella bars with a perfect view of Superstar Trail and the valley vistas, and great memories are made. And for those who want to ski and experience the thrill of watching the Super Bowl as well, there are terrific Sunday afternoon/evening parties at many of Killington’s finest night spots with large screen tv’s galore. Now that is après ski with panache!
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Location, location, location… How many times have you heard that in your life? 28 years ago, when Manfred and I were scouting out potential properties for us to start our brand new ski lodge venture, we were vaguely aware of the importance of location. When we found this little (and I mean little) vintage 1960 ski house just a mile from Snowshed, it seemed like a reasonable option to pursue. As the years went by, and our little ski lodge and our dream continued to grow, the primeness of our location really began to sink in. Talk about the best of both worlds. Just a 5 minute drive from the best skiing and riding in the East is only the beginning. Guests’ eyes light up when I tell them that they can easily walk to the Wobbly Barn, the Pickle Barrel, Casey’s Caboose, Charity’s, the Killington Market, Sushi Yoshi. And now right at the base of Miller Brook Road, just a stone’s throw from the inn is the newest addition to Killington’s prime off-mountain offerings -Liquid Art, a simply awesome coffee house/martini bar/art gallery/aquarium. It has very quickly captivated the imagination of Killington patrons and for good reason-it is absolutely cool! Add to all of that the fact that our proximity to these fine Killington establishments is enhanced by what we don’t have-namely traffic and its accompanying noise, as we are 550 feet off the Killington Road on a small dead end road. Does it get any better?
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Holiday Cheer! I have always said that innkeeping in a ski resort community is akin to being a farmer-so very dependent on the weather for our livelihood. Lately weather conditions have certainly fluctuated, but cold temps are on the way, and the snow guns will continue to roar. And it is a good thing, as we are ready and raring to go. Our Christmas decorations are up, as well as the strings and strings of white lights that make the inn look simply magical. I have slaved over the details of our tree entry into the annual Chamber of Commerce Vermont Holiday Festival and am anxious to get this year’s creation in place at the Killington Grand Hotel on Wednesday. Last year I swooned over our “Chocolate Eve” tree, a brown and gold beauty, and this year I am venturing into the more avant garde realm with my “It’s Not all Black and White” entry. I’ll let you use your imagination until Thursday when I can post a photo. It is a super event taking place this weekend, December 9th and 10th, with close to 100 artfully decorated trees, all of which become “take home” prizes for the lucky winners. There is holiday music, a Santa’s Workshop for the kids, Holiday Marketplace, and more. This past Sunday Manfred and I checked out the two brand new outdoor umbrella bars on a heated deck at the Killington Base Lodge, and they are awesome. Just another reason to make an early season ski getaway to the Beast. And if you need a couple more reasons, consider booking a room and making a trip to Paxton Farms to pick out and cut your own Vermont grown Christmas tree, and hop over to Woodstock for the annual Wassail Parade and festivities. Low season rates and high Killington adventure. If you are tired of the holiday shopping crowds at the mall, but a getaway right now isn’t possible, at least let us help with the gift conundrum- call us and arrange for a gift certificate for a stay at the inn, or put it on your wish list and make someone else’s shopping easier. Who needs more stuff, when you can give or receive memories!
Categories: Killington,Packages
Tags: holiday shopping, Killington, Vermont Tree Festival, Wassail Weekend Woodstock
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From Jet Lag to Insight Switching roles can be an educational exercise, and in this case, also a very fun experience. I just returned from a two week trip to Europe, seeing three cities that I had not visited before, each with its own personality, highlights and quirks. It was great fun, exploring the unknown, seeing sights that I had dreamed about for a lifetime. And above all, being a guest and realizing the importance of comfortable lodging when you are away from the familiarity and comforts of your own home. The significance of a smile and a friendly, welcoming face cannot be underestimated, regardless of what language is being spoken. It is critical in the hospitality industry and beyond, not just because it is good for business, but because it is good for humanity. What a valuable reminder that my guests are just like me, away from home, grateful for the warmth of a caring host. Speaking of being grateful, especially with Thanksgiving on the horizon and Irene in our rearview mirror, we have to give thanks for the spectacular recovery efforts and preparations for the ski season that have been underway. Killington Resort has been working feverishly to repair the damaged section of the base lodge and is installing the innovative Umbrella Bar, putting a positive, fun spin on the damage inflicted by Irene. Snowmaking has been pretty consistent in spite of fluctuating temperatures, prompting Manfred to make his first turns of the season today, pronouncing the skiing quite good. I think all of us in our resort town are grateful that Killington Resort once again recognizes the value in being the first ski resort to open, and we all understand the value of that welcoming smile. Come on up-we are ready for your arrival!
Categories: Discover Vermont,Latest News
Tags: hospitality, Killington, skiing, Thanksgiving
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Returning from a week in Florida and Killington is open! The past week has definitely been a study in contrasts. Manfred and I were very fortunate to be able to slip away for a week to the sun and sand of Florida. The weather was so kind to us-a cold front had chased away the humidity and presented us with hot, but not oppressive temps, and we appreciatively played and relaxed to our hearts’ content. When we flew home last Wednesday we left behind 80 degrees and sun. On our first day back in Killington we were greeted with an all-day snow storm, the forecast is now for a major storm to hit us last night, and Killington Resort has opened for skiing! Extremes? Yes. Manfred is busy finishing up the “fall” clean-up in the snow, and at the same time getting us winterized. He’ll be tuning our skis before you know it. The perfect transition to the winter season? Absolutely! Returning to normal on an accelerated schedule is just what the doctor ordered, and we are soooo ready to welcome winter and all of our guests who love the Vermont and Killington winter experience. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, as is the terrific Killington Festival of Trees. I have a fun idea for our tree theme this year and am gathering the decorations to put it all together for the weekend of December 10th at the Killington Grand Hotel. So bring it on, Father Winter-we are ready for you!
Categories: Killington,Latest News
Tags: East Coast October snow, Killington Resort, October snow, skiing, snowboarding, Snowed Inn
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Lemons to Lemonade I have a friend who is battling cancer, and she appears to be winning the battle. Her secret? In her words, an “attitude of gratitude.” What a mantra for any difficult situation. Here in Killington, and in other parts of Vermont, we have been put to the test. But we are finding that in spite of the hardships, there is much to be grateful for. For us for starters, Irene caused no loss of life or bodily harm, and our inn and our home were undamaged. Yes, business has suffered, but here’s the lemonade part—folks are informed about the quick rehabilitation of our roads and infrastructure, and they are coming toVermont. They have become much more aware of the tenacious aspect of the Vermonters’ character and are rewarding us with their presence, often because they want to help us back on our feet, knowing their experience will be vintage Vermont—beautiful views and warm hospitality. Yes, Irene dumped a lot of water on us, but it turns out that’s good for the quality of the foliage colors (more lemonade). We are in turn more grateful than ever for the faith our guests have in us and in this beautiful state. Killington Resort is squeezing those lemons as well. First of all, Killington Base Lodge was NOT destroyed by Irene. Damage to one small section, yes; destruction, no. As a result, the damaged section has been removed and will be replaced by a brand new deck topped by two European custom built outdoor bars, fully heated, with adjustable walls and windows to adapt to the changing weather conditions, offering prime views ofKillingtonPeakand Superstar. What a great, brand new way to savor the après ski experience at the finest ski resort in the East! Lemonade, anyone?
Categories: Discover Vermont
Tags: Irene, Killington, skiing, Vermont, Vermont Foliage
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Cliché of the week-“Yes, you CAN get here from there!” But it’s true-Killington is officially no longer an island. If I had decided for some reason before Irene not to leave Killington for three weeks, it wouldn’t have been an issue, but when you realize you CAN’T leave, it becomes a whole different story. In a mere 18 days an unprecedented collaboration of local contractors (our unsung heroes), state agencies, FEMA workers and National Guardsmen rebuilt the east-west corridor through Vermont, Route 4. What an accomplishment! Going to the grocery store has taken on a whole new significance. Now the new buzzword for me is NORMAL, and step by step we are getting there. Normal means celebrating and enhancing our brand new website, supervising the design and production of our soon to appear new brochures, creating fall and winter packages, buying mums for fall decoration, and (hopefully) welcoming lots of fall foliage guests, because YOU CAN GET HERE FROM THERE! It even means welcoming the surprise visit from the AAA inspector and gratefully hearing that not only have we passed with flying colors and maintained our 3 diamond rating, but we have once again earned an “A” grade for housekeeping, which he told me is a relatively infrequent accomplishment. Even building a giant elephant out of hay feels oddly normal, and that feels really good.
Categories: Discover Vermont
Tags: Irene, Killington Vermont, Snowed Inn, Vermont Fall Foliage
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