Vermont Ski Weekend

On Friday, January 28th, 22 guys joined us for this weekend.  Most of the participants got up to Warren, VT early where we were staying at the Christmas Tree Inn, just off the access road to the Sugarbush Ski Resort.  About 16 of us went out for a nice dinner at Terra Rossa Ristorante around 6PM.  Afterwards we came back to the inn for some socializing...some just hung out in the great room and some went to play pool downstairs in the game room.  The remaining guys showed up before 9PM.

In the morning, we started breakfast early so everyone could start their days as they wished.  We prepared pancakes with bacon and pastries from the Green Cup Cafe.  Most of the downhill skiers had left the inn for the day by 9:30AM with the cross-country skiers leaving shortly thereafter.  The downhillers spent the day at Sugarbush up the road, while six guys drove up to Von Trapp for cross-country skiing (one of these guys actually snowshoed at Von Trapp).  After a great day skiing (conditions were good and it wasn't too cold), everyone congregated back at the inn for snacks before an evening of pizza and a couple of movies (Sordid Lives and Borat).

On Sunday, we again got up and put together a breakfast of a broccoli and cheese frittata, hash browns and sausage.  Afterwards we cleaned up the inn and some of the guys went home, four guys went skiing at Sugarbush again and about ten of us went over to Blueberry Lake cross-country ski area for a short snowshoe.

This was again a wonderful weekend spent with a great group of guys.  It was relaxing and everyone seemed to have a nice time.  Thanks to everyone for making it such a special gathering.  A special thanks goes out to Alton and Joe who took the lead on preparing the breakfasts.  I'm looking forward to doing this again next year!

Thanks to Joe, Tom, Alton and Wayne for pictures from the various activities.

NOTE:  This trip is FULL and at this late date, I'm NOT accepting any more participants.  Thanks!

Join us for this hugely popular weekend from the past.  The weekend will be based at the Christmas Tree Inn in Warren, VT.  We have once again rented out the entire inn.  The weekend is a chance to relax, enjoy Vermont in winter and connect with old friends and hopefully make some new ones.

The Inn:  The inn offers a large kitchen and common dining area, a great room with fireplace and large screen TV and a recreation room with pool table/bar.  There are 14 private rooms...all with single beds (the beds can be pushed together for couples).  The inn is set up to accommodate up to 40 people; however, we will cap the limit at about 25 guys.  Note:  We are renting out the entire inn and it will therefore be self-service.  There is no inn staff.  We are responible for communal cooking and just having a great time!  See www.christmastreeinn.com for more information about the inn.

Activities:  In the past the group has been split somewhat evenly between downhill and cross-country skiers.  The main events will take place on Saturday, where groups will either go up to the Sugarbush Ski area for downhill skiing or in the past to Von Trapp for cross-country skiing in Stowe (Ollie or Blueberry Lake are other choices for cross-country skiing).  Of course, if a group wants to head off and snowshoe or just explore the town, that's totally up to you! 

There will be a Friday evening social and both evenings will be a good time to enjoy movies, games or just socializing with the other guys.  The weekend is all about enjoying the winter with a great group of GO members!

Bring along:  Your favorite beverage(s) for the weekend, movies, games and of course your ski equipment (rentals are available at the ski areas).  For Saturday evening, bring along something to share (or get something at the local grocery store), which can accompany the provided pizza (salad, cookies/dessert, munchies, etc.).

Price:  The weekend will cost $180 per person.  This will include the room, supplies for 2 breakfasts, supplies for the Friday evening social (cheese/crackers/chips/other munchies/etc) and for the Saturday night pizza.  Note:  The cost is based on 20 participants right now...if additional guys sign up, then you will receive some money back at the end of the trip.  Also, I am also in the process of looking for discount lift tickets...I'll notify you if this is an option.

Directions to the Inn:  From points in New England, take Rt. 91 to Rt. 89.  On Rt. 89, take the Middlesex Exit (#9) - Rt. 100 south to Warren, VT.  After passing through the village, you'll come to the main access road to Sugarbush Ski Resort.  The Christmas Tree Inn is located on the right about 0.25 mile up the access road.

IMPORTANT TERMS:  Only sign up if you are serious about the weekend.  The inn has been rented and I will email you with payment instructions when you sign up (you should let me know at this time if you have a room/roommate preference and whether you downhill or cross-country ski).  You will be required to mail payment to me within 10 days or risk being removed from the list, as we cannot afford to eat the cost.  This is non-refundable; however, you may elect to find a substitute for your reservation, should you not be able to attend...this will be your responsibility.  If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know before signing up.