BROWNSVILLE, Vermont ??” The nation’s longest covered bridge resides just minutes away from Ascutney Mountain Resort, but visitors to the region could easily miss it. However, guests at Ascutney Resort won’t because Activity Director Jonathan Robinson will share his knowledge of the natural and historical beauty of Vermont. Custom activity-specific brochures are also available for guests.

“We created this position so that guests can explore all the activity options they have while staying with us and then choose those that really appeal to them, getting the most out of their Vermont summer vacation” said Steve Plausteiner, co-owner of the resort with his wife, Susan. “We’ve become an anchor for summer visitors with some of Vermont’s most unique attractions within minutes of the resort. By asking Jonathan all the questions before they leave for a day of sight-seeing, guests don’t spend all their time trying to research their options. They just choose them based on Jonathan’s information and go enjoy.”

Robinson is a ski history buff. With the celebration of Ascutney’s 60th anniversary this past winter, the Ascutney Marketing Director looked to Robinson to document the resort history from its inception in 1946 to the present. Robinson hails from Sunapee, NH and as a local and outdoor recreation enthusiast, Robinson is able to recommend activities to guests based on his own first-hand knowledge and experience.

Some of the attractions Robinson will tell guests about are just a short drive from Ascutney and include: the Vermont Constitution House; the nation’s longest covered bridge; the American Precision Museum; Saint Gaudens National Art Colony; Simon Pearce Glass Blowing; the Montshire Museum of Science; Harpoon and Long Trail Breweries; Billings Farm and Museum; plus various antique shops, art galleries, and quaint villages.

For those seeking a more recreational adventure, Ascutney offers hiking, mountain biking, road biking, tennis and tennis lessons, and outdoor and indoor Olympic sized pools at the resort. In the region, reservations can be made for horseback riding excursions, tee times, Orvis fishing guides, canoeing and kayaking tours, and hang gliding lessons. Or discover famous swimming holes and out-of-the-way scenic spots to simply sit and relax in the beauty of Vermont.

At the core of “Vermont Summer Adventures” is the home base accommodations; Ascutney’s fully appointed one-, two- and three-bedroom condominiums and mountainside lodging in the Resort Village at the base of the ski trails. Each condo is equipped with a full kitchen, dining area and living room with fireplace and balcony. The condos form a u-shape with the Resort Hotel at its center and picturesque pond, complete with resident ducks.

Ascutney Mountain Resort is located six miles off I-91 in southeastern Vermont. The ski area offers diverse skiing and snowboarding terrain for all family members and six lifts including a high-speed quad to the summit. With 100 percent slopeside accommodations, innovative kids’ programs, three restaurants and a Fitness Center and Spa with Olympic size indoor pool on-site, the resort delivers the perfect Vermont Vacation for everyone all year long.

ASCUTNEY REGIONAL SUMMER EVENTS 2006

May 7 Plowing Match at Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock.
Watch as dozens of teamsters compete with their draft horses and oxen in the 20th annual competition. Call 802-457-2355 for information.

May 27-28 Sheep Shearing Weekend at Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock.
Spring shearing of the Southdown flock, plus carding & spinning wool, planting the heirloom garden, historic games, and more. Admission includes a 21st annual original design commemorative button. Call 802-457-2355 for information.

June 4 Covered Bridges Half Marathon, Woodstock.
Course travels from Suicide Six Ski Area to River Road to Quechee Main Street and finishes at the Quechee Polo Field. Course passes several covered bridges.

June 16-18 Quechee Balloon Festival, Quechee.
The 27th Annual Quechee Balloon Festival returns to the Quechee Polo Fields this June for a dazzling display of bright, vibrant balloons set against the morning fog and evening sunset. Watch balloons as they launch in the early morning hours, then enjoy live music, entertainment, crafts, plus food and Vermont microbrews and wine. Lodging packages available from $69/adult/night. For more information call 800.243.0011.

July 1 Vermont Symphony Orchestra 4th of July Weekend Performance.
Ascutney Mountain Resort.
The VSO, the oldest state supported orchestra in the country, has been performing in communities around Vermont for 70 years and will do so again at Ascutney Saturday, July 1, 2006. It is a long-standing tradition in Vermont and weather permitting, will be held outside at the base of Ascutney with the mountain as the orchestra’s backdrop. As is tradition, the concert will conclude with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture complemented by fireworks over the mountainside. Lodging packages available. From $79/person/night.

July 7-9 The Republic of Vermont Celebration: Windsor Heritage Days
The Official Celebration of Vermont’s Independence. The independent Republic of Vermont existed from July 8, 1777-1791. A wonderful family oriented event that entertains and educates. The Republic of Vermont Celebration features vendors, food, juried crafts, car show, motorcycle show, children’s games, parades, carriage rides, antiques, living history, reenactments, historic encampments, house and museum tours and much more. Lodging package includes 2-nights lodging in mountainside suite. From $69/person/night.

July 22-23 The Harpoon Championship of New England Barbecue, Windsor.
Fresh beer, live music and the best barbecue around. Free tours of Harpoon Brewery in Windsor and BBQ 101 classes. Lodging package includes two weekend passes to the festival and 2-nights lodging. From $139/person.

August 26 34th Annual Scottish Festival. Quechee Polo Field.
Festival includes highland games, 4 pipe bands, 100 highland dancers, a piping competition, sheepdog trials, athletic events, Scottish and American foods and vendors of Scottish products. Lodging package includes two tickets to the festival. From $135/night. For more information call 802.496.2213.

September 23 Rock, Blues & Brew
What better way to kick off the fall than with delicious food, great music featuring renowned rock & blues bands and the best microbrews on tap. Plus fun for the kids with rides and children’s entertainment.

September 24 The Vermont 50 Mountain Bike Race to benefit Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports. Ascutney Mountain Resort.
Every year, Ascutney is host to this grueling mountain bike race. Runners participate too. The “Vermont 50” attracts more than 3,000 participants and spectators from around the country. Come support the participants and Vermont Adaptive. For more information call 800.243.0011 for lodging packages or visit vermont50.com to register.

Sept. 30-Oct. 1 Shades of Fall Arts & Crafts Show. Ascutney Mountain Resort
Arts & crafts show featuring the handiwork of local artisans put on by the West Windsor Historical Society.

All events are subject to weather and change. For more details or an updated schedule,
visit ascutney.com.