SMUGGLER'S NOTCH, VT -
Friday won't just be a big day for shoppers in Vermont but skiers.
Thanksgiving Day wasn't ideal for snow but many of the ski slopes are already covered and some skiers and snowboarders are taking advantage of them even before the lifts start running.
Kalin Bucholz and Les Wetmore weren't set on just skiing Smuggler's Notch on Friday, when the official season kicks off.
"I've been waiting for this for so long," Bucholz said.
So today the two snowboarders strapped on their boots and started marching upward, following the trail of the Sterling lift. Wetmore has been skiing the slopes here for years. It's Bucholz first time.
"I'm really excited to show this guy the ropes," Wetmore said.
They took a couple of short runs down the base of the mountain, getting practice for the first time in months, before trudging towards the top. Five different trails are waiting up there for skiers and snowboarders.
"We're set to go for the season," Sales and Promotional Manger Tommy Smith said.
Smith says they've covered their bases at Smuggler's Notch this year after last season's lackluster snow fall.
"The biggest thing last year is we had to open up late and close a little early," Smith said.
This year Smuggler's Mountain Operation team took snow into its own hands by investing more than $1,000,000 in snow making equipment. They also purchased 150 additional snow guns that have been slinging out snow since November 12th. Soon the guns will be moved to other slopes where they'll work on lining the trails with the man made powder.
"People want more snow and that's why we decided to go with those enhancements and we're going to give them a great product," Smith said.
Other options are available too. Mount Snow opened today. Along with Smuggler's Notch, Jay Peak and Bromley Mountain all open Friday.
But some people aren't willing to wait any longer.
"It's definitely worth at least the hike up. The ride down is going to be ridiculous," Bucholz said.
To see the status of the ski resorts you enjoy to ride at visit the SkiVermont web page by clicking on the link.
