Ever see a Norman Rockwell painting come to life? The base of Ascutney thrives after dark with a tubing hill and frozen pond where folks ice skate to music flowing from outdoor speakers. Ascutney claims to be the East's tallest monadnock (freestanding mountain) at 2,520 feet, with 1,800 feet of vertical. In an effort to expand its family image, a new high-speed quad over the summer was unveiled 2000-01, and the resort regularly hosts racing events and a Reggae Fest.
Ascutney receives only about 200 inches of annual snowfall, thus Ascutney blasts the hill with the man-made stuff to keep riders happy. A network of winding, classical New England trails exists on both the left and right side of the mountain to challenge the more advanced skier (Touch-N-Go, Terminator, Sidewinder, Ledges). More contemporary, wider runs occupy the center of the slope and skier's left with cruisers like Upper Snowdance, Cloudspin, and Lower Terminator. Off to the left of Cloudspin lay advanced gladed runs for anyone ready to take their skills to the next level. The chief drawback is Ascutney's limited skiable terrain (only 150 acres, plus approx 50 acres of tree and glade skiing), yet there is room to roam because of the lack of lift lines and crowds.
Unique to the resort is a 10-acre, self-contained family area on the lower part of the mountain, easily accessible from the generous slope-side lodging. Notable programs include the Mini Olympians (ages four to six), the Flying Ducks (ages three to six), and the Young Olympians (ages seven to twelve), both devoted to ski instruction within a fun, supportive atmosphere. Cheddar the Mouse, a six-foot gray furry mammal, cruises the slopes on Saturdays, slipping invitations to kids for his Happy Hour pizza party, face painting, dancing with a DJ, movies, and games. Travel time from New York City is an easy four hours straight up Interstate 91, from I-95; from Boston, it's only two.
* Resort expense has been estimated by rating the cost of a daily lift ticket during the prime, non-holiday season (
$60 or less;
$60-75;
$75 or more ), this basis also offers some insight to approximate lodging and dining costs, but transportation (airfare, car rental/shuttle, etc.) has not been factored into account.
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