language_buddy

We're thinking about planning a ski trip to VT over the holidays in December. I've only skied there in early March and we're not quite sure the conditions will be great in December. Thoughts on this? Obviously, the weather is unpredictable

Also, I'd love to hear any recommendations for lodge/vacation rentals either near Killington or Stowe that are pet friendly. We will have our two dogs with us and are having a hard time finding an appropriate rental...

Many thanks and happy Monday!

bm

Skiing in December in Vermont is very iffy. Most likely, you'll be skiing on man-made snow and have somewhat limited terrain open. Some years we get lucky and have a lot of natural snow early. Obviously, we can't tell what mother nature is going to do!
Anyway, be prepared for busy slopes and possibly limited terrain.
Hope this helps.

Raleigh_NC

Conditions will not be good as there won't be a sufficient base, even with snowmaking. That early, best bet in eastern North America is Mont Tremblant (90 miles north of Montreal) or, even better, Mont St. Anne, near Quebec City. (Maybe Sugarloaf, ME?) Depends on where you're coming from and how far you're willing to go.

KMK

Well, in late December, conditions most likely won't be like March. You COULD get lucky - but, you probably won't. If you are content with intermediate, groomed slopes, odds are there will be enough open to keep you satisfied - but, don't count on a lot of black slopes open & don't count on a lot of fresh snow.

We used to try to take annual Christmas ski trips to Vermont, but it just wasn't worth it. I think we lucked in to one or two truly good days of skiing in about 5 trips! At least if you ski right before and up to/on Christmas Day, the slopes probably won't be too crowded. But, between Xmas and New Year's, you will likely get the joy of both crowds AND bad conditions.

If you're intent on this, try to go as far north as you can....maybe Jay Peak, maybe Sunday River (Maine)...this will also thin out the crowds some.

If you are taking this trip INSTEAD of a ski trip later in the season, I think it's a mistake. If you're just trying to fit an extra trip in around the holidays or you are an obsessive skier - heck, give it a try. I said we gave up on Vermont at Xmas - but, heck, we're obsessive, we just went West instead!...but, I'd probably still go to Vermont instead of sitting home!

(Best early season out west...if you have to book early, suggest Utah...otherwise, you can sit tight & see who the snow gods bless! This doesn't really work with VT, because they can get dumped & then have it all melt in a rainstorm the day before you get there - but, once the western resorts get snow, it just keeps accumulating)

language_buddy

Thanks for all the advice!

We considered VT for the skiing because we could drive there with the dogs... Since it sounds really iffy, we'll see what the conditions would be like out west instead.

wliwl

Consider Mont Tremblant. It is probably still within driving range and it is a GREAT place. Lots of condos - but you might have to search a little to find one that will take dogs. Try VRBO instead of the regular 1-800 Mt Tremblant number.

bmw732002

Hey Language:

December is iffy in many places! The only insurance is to fine a Good Snowmaking resort. That would probably be Killington! "If it is cold...they will make it" And...if there is no real snow by your date....that resort will be crowded as well!

Go West young man..Go West! But..that is not a guarentee for snow-sure either!

High Altitude like maybe Crested Butte!
JOHN