STOWE, VT ??” This Thursday January 6, the Northeast’s longest and most impressive night skiing and snowboarding operation opens for the 2005 winter season. Serviced by a high speed 8 person Gondola, the night runs at Stowe Mountain Resort feature top to bottom cruisers that will satisfy any intermediate to highly advanced skier and rider. The Perry Merrill and Gondolier trails offer 2,160 non-stop vertical feet of groomed snow illuminated by stadium lights and the moonlight of Vermont.

“It’s a mystical experience. The trails are re-groomed between 4 and 5 PM, then after the sunsets you ride great snow amidst the glow of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak,” says Jeff Wise Stowe’s communications director.

Night skiing/riding takes place Thursday through Saturday each week (weather permitting) through March 19. Tickets can be purchased at the Midway lodge; the cost is $24 for adults and $18 for juniors and seniors. Free night skiing tickets can be acquired through Stowe’s vacation reward program. Friday night skiing on January 7 will feature a torchlight parade and fireworks.