Wilmington

Ski Area

Mount Snow. The closest major ski area to all of the Northeast's big cities, Mount Snow, is also one of the state's premier family resorts and has a full roster of year-round activities. The almost 800-acre facility encompasses a hotel, 10 condo developments, an 18-hole golf course, a health club and spa, 45 miles of mountain-biking trails, and an extensive network of hiking trails.

Mount Snow prides itself on its 250 snowmaking fan guns, which let it open earlier than any ski area in the state. More than half of the 80 trails down its 1,700-foot vertical summit are intermediate, wide, and sunny. There are four major downhill areas. The main mountain is mostly beginners' slopes, especially toward the bottom, while the north face includes the majority of the expert terrain. Corinthia used to be a separate ski mountain, but is now connected with a mix of trail levels. The south face, Sunbrook, has wide, sunny trails. The trails are served by 20 lifts, including three high-speed quads. Snowmaking covers 85% of the terrain. There are 98 acres of glades. The ski school's instruction program is designed to help skiers of all ages and abilities. Mount Snow also has eight terrain parks of different skill levels and a 400-foot half-pipe with 18-foot walls. Skiing programs start with the Cub Camp, designed for kids age 3. Snow Camp teaches kids 4 to 6, and Mountain Camp and Mountain Riders are for kids 7 to 14; there's also a well-organized child-care center. 39 Mount Snow Rd., West Dover, VT, 05356. 802/464-3333; 802/464-2151 snow conditions; 800/245-7669 lodging. www.mountsnow.com.

Two cross-country ski centers near Mount Snow provide more than 68 mi of varied terrain.

Timber Creek. This appealingly small cross country ski and snow shoe center has 9 miles of groomed loops, equipment rentals, and ski lessons. R1 Tomber Creek Rd., at Rte. 100, north of Mount Snow, West Dover, VT, 05356. 802/464-0999. www.timbercreekxc.com.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Canoeing and Kayaking
• Fishing
• Fishing
• Hiking

• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Ski Area
• Skiing
• Snowmobile Tours
• Sport Tours