Vermont Ski Weekend

On Friday, February 3rd, 19 guys got together for this winter ski weekend at the Christmas Tree Inn in Warren, Vermont.  Due to the various arrival times for the guys, everyone was on their own for dinner.  A few smaller groups of guys, who had arrived early did go out to dinner.  Afterwards, we settled back at the Inn for snacks, socializing and ultimately a quiet evening watching "Working Girl".  The last guy to arrive did so by about 10PM.  By about 11:30/12:00, most had turned in for the night.

In the morning we started breakfast fairly early so everyone could start their respective ski days!  After a filling breakfast of a broccoli and cheese frittata with pastries and sausage, everyone was off!  Four of the guys drove up to von Trapp for cross-country skiing, two went to Blueberry Lake cross-country ski area in Warren, three hung around town and the inn and the rest headed up the access road for downhill skiing at Sugarbush.  It was an awesome day to be out...mostly sunny with only a modest chill in the air...and it had snowed maybe an inch overnight.  Still as expected with this winter, good snow was a precious commodity!  The cross-country skiers encountered compacted, fast icy trails and the downhill skiing was a mix of icy trails and some with loose powder (thankfully they were making snow on some of the lower trails throughout the day).

After a pretty full day, everyone got back to the Inn between 4 and 6PM, and we set out snacks along with chili and pizza later in the evening.  Along with socializing again in the living room, some guys also played cards and later everyone watched "Billy Elliot" prior to most everyone turning in for the evening.

On Sunday, we started the day with a breakfast of pancakes, bacon and pastries.  Afterwards, we cleaned up and most of the guys started to head out...it was Superbowl Sunday after all!  Three of us did head over to Mt. Ellen for a short snowshoe on their trails before calling it a day (Sugarbush has separate snowshoe trails on both the Lincoln and Ellen sides set aside for no charge).

 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.  It was great to see a few new faces too!  A special thanks goes out to Joe who took the lead in the kitchen and to Ed for providing a good bunch of movies. 

See you all on future GO activities!

A relaxing, social weekend in Warren, VT for downhill and cross-country skiers.

Back by popular demand, we will once again host 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 22 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.  DO NOT CALL the Inn for Reservations...We have rented the entire Inn and you must register here (see TERMS below).

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.  Of course, if a group wants to head off and snowshoe or just explore the town, that's totally up to you!  An organized snowshoe trip will be planned for Sunday, if there is sufficient interest (so also pack your snowshoes, if interested).  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 $175 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 may receive some money back at the end of the trip.  Also, for downhillers, some establishments (e.g. EMS) offer discounted lift tickets, if purchased ahead of the weekend. 

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.