Fall in New England is wondrous, even for the locals. This past Columbus Day weekend had to have been one of the most spectacular displays of foliage I have ever seen. Not only is autumn a feast for the eyes, it also signals the coming of something even more glorious: snow. Of course, being the winter addict that I am, I can’t wait to see those first snow falls that actually stick. Sure, the first snow has already come and gone in my area, but it’s the ones that come to stay that are truly exciting.
Despite the fact that actual winter is still several weeks away, two ski resorts have already battled it out for the right to be the first open in the region: Sunday River and Killington. Killington has been the reigning champ for many years. With that in mind, it came as no surprise that when Sunday River declared their opening day on October 19th 2015, it had to be one-upped. It’s official, Killington got their lifts turning today, October 18th. In their words: “Winter starts when we say so.”
It’s good to be bold.
Though I am eager to get on the slopes, I have learned the hard way that it’s best to stay away from those first opening days. To be frank, duking it out with the masses for one white, shiny strip of a “trail” is no longer on my list of priorities. I am spoiled? Perhaps, but I do value my life. Therefore, I will wait until several resorts have opened their doors and the novelty of the “first day” is over. No white strip of death for me, thanks.
(The) White Strip of Death [(h)wīt strip əv deTH]
noun
A sparsely and artificially covered ski trail (singular) that is necessarily overcrowded, icy and overrated
Instead, I will bask in the fiery goodness of my home mountain until snow graces its trails. The reward, I’m sure, will be worth the wait.
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Winter is coming,
K
Photo credits to Todd Ainsworth, photographer extraordinaire and great friend to boot.