Killingtonblog snow stake ready for another season! 

The next couple of weeks at the inn will see us doing outside work almost every day as we prepare for the upcoming winter. Between raking leaves, bringing down gardens, tuning up the snow blower... the list is pretty long as we begin the annual process to change seasons.

Today, the Killingtonblog Snow Stake made it's return in preparation for winter. No we do not expect measurable snow in the next few days, but by the time it does snow, it is a little late to put the snow stake out. At this point, I anticipate daily pictures of the snow stake will begin the week of October 23rd. Hopefully, I am not measuring the grass growing for too long.

It's raining leaves! 

It's raining leaves at Killington. The brilliant reds of several weeks ago have given way to burnt orange and muted yellow as the trees transition their summer coats to prepare for winter. Around the inn, the maple trees are rapidly dropping their leaves. The oak trees have completed the move from green to orange. The birch are bright yellow. The poplar trees are a faded green with hints of yellow.

On the mountain, twig season is in full swing at the higher elevations. There is still some color at the base lodges, but even that is on the wane. Snow season is fast approaching with flurries expected later this week.

In the area, fall colors are reported to still be going strong in the Champlain Valley to the west of Killington along Routes 7 and 73. We have not had reports of the Route 4 corridor towards New Hampshire, however, Mary is due to go to Lebanon New Hampshire today so we will have a first hand report on Route 4 tomorrow.

Mary hiking on "Catwalk"
to Killington Peak 

My partner in life, Mary, celebrates her birthday today. Falling in the busy fall foliage season, it is always challenging to celebrate (like mine in February during the height of ski vacation season), but we always manage to raise a glass or three to acknowledge the event. Happy Birthday Mary!

Today at Killington is damp and overcast. There is a cold front stalled out to the west of us. When it goes through, the weather service is predicting that we may see the first snow flurries of the coming winter season. Although nothing really will come of it, at a ski resort, snow flurries are a good thing!

Mary during hike to Killington Peak 

You absolutely could not ask for a nicer Columbus day weekend in Vermont. And today was no exception. Beautiful blue skies, crisp fall temperatures, and lots of color all around.

Mary and I took a little break from the inn this afternoon to hike up to the top of Killington. It is something which we don't do often, but every time I do it, I wonder why? The view's from Killington Peak are fantastic. The 360 degree panorama from Vermont's second highest mountain peak is just stunning. It was a great way to spend the afternoon.

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.