April 7, 2004 -- At a posh restaurant in Stowe, Vermont recently, the owner told me his busiest month was August, not in winter, when some skiers may not wander far from their digs after a strenuous day on the slopes. In any case, many ski resorts count on those snowless and skiless days that represent more than half the year for more income than before. It's fashionable, now, to use mountain spots at ski resorts and nearby for just hiking, wildlife viewing, biking, and otherwise simply having fun outdoors.
Here are some representative samples of what major and minor resorts and their neighbors are doing this summer:
At Whistler in British Columbia, which the London Daily Telegraph claimed is "the best ski resort in the world," you'll find packages for spring and summer. The "Life's a Beach and a Mountain" costs from just CDN $156 (US $119) per person and is available from May 1 through June 6. For that price, you get a room for two nights and two days of a 3-day lift ticket comped. You can still ski if you like during that period in the bowls, but you could also just get out and explore. The "2 Night Ultimate Rush Package" runs from May 28 through July 8. You get your two nights of lodging and a mountain bike park ticket, costing from just CDN $119 (US $95) per person. Whistler says the mountain becomes a giant playground for bikers, where you can explore a system of trails, make use of skills centers and jumps available to riders of all levels. Contact them at www.whistlerblackcomb.com or at 888/403-4727.
The resorts in Stowe were getting ready for summer when I was there recently. There's plenty to do, with a visit to the Ben & Jerry Factory at the top of the list. Among other activities available during summer are whitewater paddling through Kumiak Outfitters, rounds of miniature golf at Stowe Golfpark, regular golf at Farm Resort Golf Course, or a visit to the Rock of Ages Quarries. Year round activities include visiting health spas like Stoweflake and the Best Western Waterbury-Stowe; using an indoor rock-climbing facility like Action Outfitters; fly fishing via Catamount Fishing Adventures; or touring the Grand View Winery, Cabot creamery or Little River Hotglass, a glassblowing studio.
Grey Fox Inn & Resort is offering a "Romantic Getaway" that includes your lodging for two nights, with full breakfast each day, a bottle of champagne on arrival, and use of all facilities. This offer runs through June 17, September 6 through 16, and again from October 17 through December 16, 2004. Rates are per couple from $170 for the two-night package. Contact them at 800/544-8454 or by visiting www.stowegreyfoxinn.com.
Also at Stowe is the Topnotch Resort, which has a special going through June 17 called "Simply 2 Good 2 Miss," costing $180 per person per night, based on double occupancy for stays from Sundays through Thursday nights, excluding holiday periods. You get your luxury room, a big breakfast, and two 50-minute spa services, access to the spa, including exercise facilities and fitness classes. Some restrictions may apply, and the offer is based on availability. Price does not include taxes or tips. Contact Topnotch at www.topnotch-resort.com.
It's not just the big guys who have summer packages at their ski resorts. Smaller spots, like elegant inns in Vermont, have seasonal offerings, too. Especially notable is the Inn at Mountain View Farm, near East Burke, which has a "Farm Fresh" package that cuts 20% off their usual price, starting at $499 per couple for a two-night deal. You get the lodging in an air-conditioned room with private bath, daily Vermont country breakfast and afternoon tea and sweets; two candlelit three-course dinners for two persons; trail maps for self-guided hiking on the Kingdom Trails; a horse-drawn wagon ride (weather permitting); a gourmet picnic for two; and all taxes and tips. If you want to stay longer, you can extend that 20% discount. The farm has 440 acres; the Inn 14 rooms, with breathtaking hilltop views.
Perhaps of more interest to active travelers is a "Hike/Bike the Kingdom," starting at just $99 per person per night available Sundays through Thursdays May 14 through September 9. You get the room for one night, your breakfast and afternoon tea, one candlelit dinner for two, the trail map (the famous Kingdom Trail is right outside the door) and all tips. Taxes are not included in this package. There's an animal sanctuary on the farm, with horses, cows, miniature donkeys, sheep and pigs. For more information, visit www.innmtnview.com or phone 800/572-4509.
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