MONTPELIER, Vermont — The combination of snowguns and the hefty snowfall that Vermont has seen this season guarantees resorts will be running full tilt as travelers make their way to the mountains for this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. ski weekend.

“In addition to the blizzard-filled winter, Vermont ski areas have been making their own snowstorms with snowmaking systems running full tilt,” said Ski Vermont President Parker Riehle. “Vermont’s ski resorts boast 4,000 acres of terrain served by over 600 miles of snowmaking pipes and guns — that’s enough capacity to fill Gillette Stadium with over 40 feet of snow in one hour.”

Winter in Vermont features immense snowfall coupled with easy highway access for all skiers and riders who live within a day’s drive of our mountains. That means people can ski and ride more, travel less and get here safely with all their luggage intact. And, Vermont resorts provide the perfect learn-to-ski/ride experience for those thinking about jumping into the sport with a quick weekend getaway ??“ the perfect way to take advantage of the MLK long weekend.

For a schedule of events and lodging information, please visit Trip Planning at www.skivermont.com. Here’s just a few of the many activities this weekend at various resorts in the state:

BURKE MOUNTAIN
January 17 – Singer/songwriter Series with Ellen Tipper, Bear Den Lounge, 6:00 p.m.
January 18-19 – Live Music at the Tamarack Grill with South Mountain Pass at 8:00 p.m.
January 19-20 – Family Fun Race, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the Bunker Hill slope.
January 19 – Family Photos with Burkie the Bear from1:30-3:00 p.m.
January 19 – Enjoy Miller Light Apr??s Ski Party at 3p.m.
January 19-20Night Sledding on Carter Country, 5:00 ??“ 8:00 p.m.
January 19 – Junior Torchlight Parade at 6:00 p.m. on Carter Country

JAY PEAK
January 19 – Apr??s Ski Party with the band Blue Fox, Saturday, from 3:30 – 6:30p.m.; sponsored by Shipyard Brewery

KILLINGTON
January 18-20 – Enjoy New Jersey’s Big Bang Baby at the Wobbly Barn

MOUNT SNOW
January 20 – Torchlight Parade and Fireworks 5:30 p.m.
January 21- Grommet Jam (terrain park coaching and competition for 12 and under)

OKEMO MOUNTAIN RESORT
Okemo celebrates the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend with on-snow family events, apr??s ski parties and even a fireworks display! And Okemo kicks off National Safety Week this weekend with contests, prizes and super deals on helmets in the Snowsports Shop.

STOWE MOUNTAIN RESORT
January 18 through January 26 – Stowe Winter Carnival
January 18 through Monday January 20 – Women in Motion Camp #1
January 19 – Torchlight Parade & Fireworks
January 19 – Cliff House Summit Series Dinner
January 19 ??“ Live Music all around the Resort
January 19 and Sunday, January 20 – Interactive Ice Carving in the Spruce Peak Plaza
January 20 ??“ Arts & Crafts with Vermont Rock Candles, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

SUICIDE SIX
January 21 – Bunny Bertram Masters race