SASKADENA SIX DETAILS
The name: Long called Suicide Six (because, back in the 1930s, ski racers who practiced on what was then called “Peak Six” proclaimed that taking on it’s headwall, a trail now called The Face, would be suicide, the resort changed its name this year to Saskadena Six. The new name means “Standing Mountain” in the language of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation, who have lived on that land for centuries.
Skiing and riding there: S6, as folks now call it in shorthand, is owned and operated by the nearby Woodstock Inn. They offer ski and stay packages, but day skiers and season pass holder options are readily available. Booking on line for lessons and tickets is smart: you can save money and know you’re all set before heading out. It’s affordable: an upcoming Saturday ticket came in at under $70, a bargain in today’s market.
Woodstock Inn connection: If you choose to stay at the Inn, not only can you scoop up ski and stay (and lesson) packages, there’s a handy shuttle that zips back and forth all day long, meaning you can avoid the parking scene and even savor an apres cocktail without worry. It’s ideal, too, for families that may have non skiers: they can meet you easily for lunch or apres while enjoying other things around the Inn and town.
Lessons: Private, semi private and group lessons are available to all three years of age and up for both skiing and riding. And if you’ve been pondering joining the “uphill” movement, they offer lessons to give you a great base for a future of skinning and skiing.
Events: Like all good ski hills, S6 has traditional and special events. A great upcoming one is their annual Torchlight Parade, this year on Feb. 18 from 6-9 p.m. The torchlight parade snakes down The Face, in full view from the base and base lodge. That’s followed by live music and other family-friendly fun.
Other fun: Do stay for the apres scene, it’s a good one for all ages there (and ask the bartend for the drink specials; they’re great). Should you crave more, the nearby town of Woodstock has it all: dining, shopping and even the incredible Billings Farm Museum, where you can learn about the land, snowshoe and even take a lovely horse drawn carriage ride through the snowy region.