Killington getting ready for the season, Friday October 21, 2005 

We had the first general hard frost in the Killington region last night. At the inn, the roof and cars were covered with a heavy frost build up. When I left about 10:45 AM, the shadows around the inn were still frosted over, so I was optimistic that when I got to the mountain, that I would see white again. However, it was not to be. My partner Mary went up to the mountain around 7 AM to try to take an early morning picture. She reports that the mountain peaks (Killington, Skye, Pico) were all socked in with heavy clouds. Perhaps there was an inversion last night which kept the peaks frost free. It's hard to tell. The only thing I know for certain was that by 11 AM the peaks had no sign of any frost or crystalline precipitation.

The Killington resort is continuing to get ready for winter. This picture shows Snowshed. All of the grass has been mowed to allow efficient capture of the first snow, and facilitate snow making operations. Hopefully that happens in the next week or so. This picture was taken from the Upper Snowshed Parking Lot, looking up-slope with Skye Peak just out of frame to the upper right. It was taken at approximately 11 AM.

First White at Killington Peak, Thursday October 20, 2005 

Killington Peak appears to have had a real frost last night. In recent days, I have been going to the mountain to try to record "First White". The resort had been reporting "Snow Flakes" at the peak, but nothing was visible at the base. Today it was different. Killington clearly was frosted with a beautiful white cap this morning. With a killer frost predicted for this evening, it looks like winter may finally be announcing its imminent return. This picture was taken on the the Killington Road at the Rams Head Entry Sign, looking towards Killington Peak. It was taken at approximately 11 AM.

Killington Peak, Wednesday October 19, 2005 

The rain has appeared to have cleared out, at least momentarily. Temperatures dipped into the low 40's over night at the 2000 foot level, which is still very warm for this time of year. The Killington Ski Resort has reported snow in the air at the top of Killington Peak. However, as you can see from the picture for today, no snow is visible from the Base. This picture was taken on the Slope Side of the Killington Base Lodge looking towards Killington Peak. It was taken at approximately 10 AM.

South Pond, Friday October 14, 2005 

If you really look through the haze, fog, rain, hail, and wind that we have been experiencing in Vermont over the last 2 weeks, you could see some spectacular fall colors. 2 weeks of rain can put a damper on a lot of things, but the trees mother nature planted do have a schedule to keep as they prepare for winter. Going into the weekend, the maples are still showing red, although they are thinning out. The Oaks are turing golden, heading towards rust. The poplar are still on the green side, but they are beginning to turn towards yellow. The season is running very late. The weather forecast for the area predicts cold temperatures for next week. Assuming we do not get a lot of wind, the cold temperatures should bring out the remaining color. This picture was taken on Route 4 West of the Sherburne Pass overlooking South Pond. It was taken at approximately 12 noon.

Killington Columbus Day Ski Sale and Swap at Snowshed base lodge, Saturday October 8, 2005 

Inclement weather has not kept away skiers and riders looking for equipment bargains at the annual Columbus Day Weekend Ski Swap and Sale at Killington. The event is held each year at the Snowshed Base Lodge to benefit the Killington Ski Club. I spoke directly with several ski shop owners who were promoting their wares at the event. They were reporting that in spite of the rain, that the number of people buying merchandise at the sale seemed consistent with the last several years. I saw many people walking out of the base lodge with new and used ski's and snow boards. Now all we need is some cold weather to turn the Non-Crystaline Precipitation, AKA "NCP" we are experiencing into something white, light, and fluffy.

Fall Colors at Killington Welcome Sign on Route 4 at Killington - Mendon town line. This picture taken on October 6, 2005 at approx 7:00 AM 

Colors have really started to pop around Killington. Maples are coming our with brilliant reds; the oaks are a nice burnished orange. Hopefully the rain predicted during the weekend does not wash all of the leaves away. This picture was taken on October 6th, at approximately 7:00 AM. at the Killington welcome sign on Route 4 at the Killington - Mendon town line.

Fall Colors at Sherburne Pass. This picture taken on October 5, 2005 at approx 1:45PM 

One of the interesting aspects of life at Killington is that there are few stores which carry commercial quantities of goods. So you find yourself traveling to Rutland Vermont over the Sherburne Pass on Route 4 quite frequently. During the winter, this ride can be interesting, too say the least. But during the fall, when the colors explode on the mountains, the ride is down rite pleasant. We keep the camera in the car and just shoot pictures, if we have a few spare minutes. This picture was taken from an overlook on one of the side roads from the Pico resort, looking back towards the Sherburne Pass. The rock outcropping at is Deers Leap. This picture was taken mid-day, Wednesday afternoon, October 4rd, at approximately 1:45 PM. As you can see, the haze from the previous day had diminished. It is a glorious, warm fall day.