MONTPELIER, Vermont — Vermont’s ski and ride season has not only started early, but is off to a stronger start than the last four years combined. 369 trails are primed and resorts like Bolton Valley that planned to open next week have groomed over night and joined the other 10 Vermont resorts that are already open.

“We’re off to the strongest start in many years with the trail count rising daily,” said Ski Vermont President, Parker Riehle. “The snow is showing no sign of stopping and we’re well on the way to having all our areas nearly fully opened by mid-December.”

TRAIL STATS

DATE, OPEN TRAILS, TOTAL TRAILS, % OPEN
12/4/07: 369, 1242, 29.7%
12/4/06: 26, 1186, 2.2%
12/4/05: 165, 1167, 14.1%
12/4/04: 99, 1163, 8.5%

Two days of powder-rich precipitation has passed, leaving as much as 24 inches new snow and a five-foot base in the mountains of the state. Bolton Valley opened at 9:00 a.m. this morning and Mad River Glen’s Single Chair is welcoming passengers Thursday.

“This is the best Christmas present we could ever imagine,” Eric Friedman, Marketing Director at Mad River Glen said.

In the Northeast Kingdom region, David Gwatkin, Director of Sales and Marketing explained that the storm is great news, but much like the resorts that opened more than two weeks ago, technology and near-perfect snowmaking conditions have already paved the way for groomed trails.

“The stars aligned for Burke in November. Obviously, the weather has been excellent for making snow,” he said. “So, even without the blizzard, we anticipate one of the best opening days in memory. Now, bring this blizzard in to sweeten the dessert, and we’ve basically got a continuation of last spring’s epic conditions. In the words of the Blues Brothers, ‘Let the good times roll.'”

Nordic destinations are opening as well, with several slated to be open by this weekend. Both Trapp Family Lodge and the Mountain Top Inn and Resort reported that the fresh snow on top of their base will make for ideal conditions. “We will be able to open on our target date of December 8,” Diane Dickerman, Director of Marketing and PR said.

Stowe, with 55 inches of base, intends to have nearly every trail open by week’s end. “While we are off to one of the best starts in several years, Stowe has consistently opened in late November for as long as I can remember,” Jeff Wise, Communications Director said. “So this season is no exception.”

Bolton Valley, Jay, Killington and Smuggler’s Notch each received more than 20 inches of fresh powder in the last 48 hours.