Backyard of Birch Ridge Inn blanketed in leaves. 

It is the time of year at Killington where all eyes peak towards to mountain to detect the ski resort firing up their snow making system. Last night, several members of our staff were all abuzz about Killington planning to blow snow overnight. I was asked by a dozen staff members and guests if I was planning to go skiing in the morning. I did my best to discount the rumors, as I had no indication from my sources, who I trust, that last night was the night. But, just in case, I did go to the mountain late this morning to see for myself.

While it certainly was cold enough to test the snow making system last night, I saw no indication that any attempts were made to lay down a "test patch". The mountain looks like most of the slopes have had their summer grass mowed down, so the slopes will be very receptive to the first snow of the upcoming winter, but last night was not the night. When it happens, we will get pictures.

First White on Killington Peak 

For the first time this season, the telltale white of a heavy frost and light snow flurries is visible at midday on Killington peak. While it is not the 2 feet of snow reported in the Buffalo area, it is an indicator of things to come. At noon time, the temperature in the Rams Head parking lot, where todays picture was taken, was 40 degrees with bright sunshine. A little cloud cover was filtering the light on the mountain, but frost is clearly visible on the parts of the slopes which had not seen sunshine.

The fall foliage season is winding down here at Killington. The mountain is basically gone to twig. Reports indicate that the route 4 corridor to the east, and the route 7 corridor to the south west still have nice color, so visitors this weekend should still be able to do some leaf peeping. But I have to admit, I am starting to think snow!

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.