Into the mountains
Resorts get back to beautiful basics for summer fun
Gliding above Okemo Mountain this summer on one of the resort’s scenic chairlifts, you will notice something different dotting the trails: picnic tables.
They’re set out there for you to have a bite as you gaze out at the Green Mountains of Vermont. It’s part of the Vail Eastern Region resort’s reimagining of summer mountain fun. That’s the theme as Okemo, Mount Snow and Stowe in Vermont and Attitash and Wildcat in New Hampshire roll out the summery green carpet to visitors again.
But what they’ve come up with may stir old memories. In an age when more and more resorts are packed with summer activity choices, the buzzword this year is simplicity, with an accent on natural beauty and, of course, social distancing. One thing is for sure: A mountain escape may be just what your quarantined self needs.
“We’ve scaled back our footprint and are focusing on what we know we can do well,” said Jamie Storrs, spokesman for Vail’s Eastern Region. And while that means some of the resorts may not have their coasters running or inside dining, he said, the vibe is lovely. “The mountains don’t have a million things going on, but you can really get out on the mountain and breathe.”
All resorts have amped up their outdoor seating, some adding on-slope picnic tables (like Okemo); others adding more spots outside at base areas and on the mountaintops. With take-away food available, you can have your view and nosh too.
Okemo (okemo.com) is up and running now, with scenic chairlift rides, hiking, golf on its award-winning 18hole course, disc golf up on the mountain and the Mountain Coaster all available. In all cases, safety protocols are in place, including 15-minute stretches between tee times at the course, social distancing in lines and constant cleaning and sanitizing.
Mount Snow (mountsnow.com) has its Bluebird lift spinning, and plenty are taking advantage of getting up there in the summer mountain air. The resort’s golf club is up and running as well.
At Stowe (stowe.com), the famed gondola sky ride opens July 18 and for sustenance, The Waffle will be open for walk-up deliciousness. The mountain’s fabled Toll Road, a meandering ride up Mount Mansfield and back down (including passing by a lovely stone chapel) is open now.
Attitash (attitash.com) will open a chairlift and the Alpine Slide (a mountain escape staple for decades) and will offer outdoor dining with a take-away menu.
Wildcat (skiwildcat.com) will open a chairlift Aug. 1 for scenic rides and hiking.
The bells and whistles may be on pause, but the true foundation of what makes each resort special — the scenery, crisp air, lush green landscape and just plain escape of it all — is still there on the mountains, making a visit worthwhile.
What’s great about lift-accessed hiking is the ability to customize each person’s experience, even in a multigenerational family. The super hardcore can hike up and back down. Those wanting to work up a sweat before a mountain-top lunch but then chill out can hike up and ride the lift down. For a milder hike, ride up and hike down. And of course, for a totally mellow experience, ride up and down.
Riding a chair in the summer is a heady experience for the skier and snowboarder. Without your gear, you feel lighter; like you’re floating. The pristine white trails you ski all winter are now green and lined with trees.
Hotels are open as well, with protocols in place. In Vermont, many Massachusetts visitors no longer need to quarantine at all. You can check your status here: accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/ restart/cross-state-travel. New Hampshire has completely lifted quarantine requirements for fellow New Englanders. You can learn more here: covidguidance.nh.gov/out-state-visitors. And day trips are not impossible. Many an active family have left at sunrise, arrived at any of those spots and been able to enjoy a full day of fun before grabbing great takeout and heading home.
Each resort is operating those lifts and programs on limited hours. Details are at each website.
Said Storrs, the response so far has been encouraging.
“There’s a healthy demand,” he said, “People are loving getting away from the city, or just plain from their home for a while, and hiking, playing or just hanging out.”
For those who ski and ride or who are ready to learn, visits this summer may just help Vail Resorts this winter. The limited openings, Storrs said, is helping them figure out the best way to run things this winter.
“The protocols and safety guidelines we have in place are lessons for us for the winter,” he said. They are expecting a big winter in the east.
“Travel is going to change in the short term this winter,” he said. “People are going to be driving to their destinations more.” Vail, he said, will be ready. “We’re feeling pretty good about the winter,” he said. “There will be a ski season. Things may look a little different, but we will ski and ride.”