Crowds gather at Snow Shed Base Lodge
for Killington Ski Swap 

Colorful leaves and cool fall temperatures have translated into full hotels throughout the Killington region this Columbus Day Weekend. Vermont is greeting guests on this most important travel weekend of the fall with an amazingly colorful display of natures transition for summer to winter. The trees through our the area are resplendent, and visitors to the area are responding.

In addition to fall visitors, today also kicks off the "unofficial"start to the 2006-2007 ski season. The Killington Ski Club is hosting their annual ski swap and ski sale at the Snow Shed Base lodge. American Ski Company will also be holding the Killington Brewfest this afternoon at the same venue. As of late Thursday, about 500 tickets were pre-sold for the event, which can accommodate up to 1000 people. Because of a combination of great weather, natures fireworks on the mountain, and anticipation for the upcoming ski season, ASC officials were predicting a sell out for today's event. On my quick trip to the mountain late this morning, I have no reason to doubt that that will occur.

Vista over the 11th green
on the Killington Resort Golf Course 

Last night we had our first true hard frost throughout the Killington region. Temperatures dropped into the high 20's last night for the first time this season. It is a sure sign that the season is rapidly changing away from summer.

The cold temperatures pushed the tree's to polish up their act for the Columbus Day weekend visitors that are preparing to descend upon Vermont. Yesterday's winds did knock many of the leaves off of the trees near the top of the mountain. But the Killington basin area is just beautiful. Reports are coming in from guests that the Route 4 corridor from New Hampshire, and the Route 100 corridor from Ludlow to Stowe are also lit up with color. Wherever you turn, it should be a very pretty weekend in Vermont.

Colorful backdrop graces the 5th green
on the Killington Resort Golf Course 

The weather at Killington changed dramatically during the evening hours. Where yesterday saw temperatures in the mid 70's, today the thermometer is barely getting over 50. A large Arctic air mass driven by a high pressure system out of Canada has rapidly cooled off the area.

Ahead of the cool front, we had heavy rain and moderate winds last evening. Mary and I were a little concerned that many of the tree's would have lost their foliage during the storm, but on our walk around the neighborhood today fall foliage colors were still brilliant. In addition to the red maples and orange oaks, the cold weather is starting to turn the birch trees yellow in places. Only the poplars are maintaining thier green shades for now. Sunny skies and cool temperatures are forecasted for the area through the Columbus day weekend. It should be a great weekend for viewing the fall foliage colors in Vermont.

Fall Foliage behind Rams Head Base Lodge at Killington 

The big fall foliage Columbus Day weekend is almost upon us. The Killington area is resplendent in bright fall colors. But if leaf peeping is not your thing, there is also a lot of other activities in the area which may be of interest.

Columbus Day weekend is the "unofficial" beginning of the ski season. There will not be any skiing at Killington this Columbus day, barring some freak snowstorm, but skiers and riders from all over New England will descend upon Killington to partake in the Killington Ski Club Ski Swap which takes place over the weekend at the Snow Shed Base Lodge. To go along with the ski swap, local ski shops will also be hosting their Columbus Weekend Ski Sales. If you want new equipment for the 2006-2007 ski season, you will find some of the best deals of the season this coming weekend.

The Killington Brewfest also returns this weekend. 13 local brewers will be sampling their libations in the Snow Shed Base Lodge on Saturday afternoon. This is the 11th year for this popular event at Killington. Tickets to the brewfest are available for advanced purchase on Killington's web site or at the Snow Shed Base Lodge on Saturday.

Killington in it's Fall Foliage Splendor 

Today was definitely a bonus day at Killington. Fall showers, predicted for all day long, held off until sunset. Temperatures were moderate(I put shorts back on for the day to work outside). And the fall color is spectacular

I went up to a friends house on a mountain ridge line overlooking Killington and took today's picture of the Killington basin area. The colors throughout the valley are vivid. The red maples, and orange oaks, cause the valley to glow with color. Cloud cover today kept things somewhat muted, but the colors were still quite beautiful. And with reasonable weather forecasted for the rest of the week, the colors should hold through the upcoming Columbus Day weekend.

Championship Tee's, Hole 5,
Killington Resort Golf Course 

After a very busy weekend, Mary and I had an opportunity to take a walk on our usual loop around the neighborhood of the inn. On normal days, it is usually a very nice walk. We meander through parts of the Killington Resort golf course; on quiet back country roads; all with great views of the mountains as a backdrop. Today, however, the nice walk was downright beautiful.

Fall colors in the Killington basin area, are starting to approach peak. Virtually all of the trees have started to change color with the diminished sunshine and cool temperatures of the last couple of days. It was a very pretty walk indeed.

Birch Ridge Inn with a colorful fall backdrop 

Just a quick update....Saturday is a working day around the inn, so we don't usually get a chance to roam around town very much. Today, unfortunately, is no exception...because it is just beautiful outside.

Cool crisp fall air infiltrated the area overnight. Skies today are a deep royal blue. Fall foliage is nearing peak. Just a postcard perfect fall day in Killington.