The latest installment of Chris Dehnel's Snow Business Column.
Nothing like getting a good tip from the marketing director at Stratton Mountain first thing in the morning.
But it might have been the best since I was directed to Saints Cup, who won by 10 lengths in the third race at Saratoga on Travers day in 1999.
"The Meadows are really good," Myra Foster said as myself and my 7-year-old arrived.
Such advice is key because with a young person, you actually have to give some thought to the trail map. The days of winging it on anything from a work road to a double-black are over when a youngster is in tow.
We were destined for the summit because my daughter took one look at the gondola and the words "whoa … that's cool,” came out.
Let me preface everything by saying it's been a great winter this spring and Stratton was no exception last week. There was snow - a lot of snow. Most everything has been open well into April and it has arguably been the best March and April in years.
Last weekend was epic. A little chilly for this time of year - 28 a week ago Saturday - but it meant for a great surface.
So it was onto the gondola and into the Meadows - way to the right looking up. The area is a true haven for families. The trails are among the widest in Vermont and they let the adults cruise and the youngsters frolic.
Two routes down stood out.
One was pure green - Mike's Way to Lower Wanderer, a nice long series of cruises that had tremendous cover.
The other was a series of blues - Janeway Junction - a great opportunity for some turns, then Upper East Meadow to Interstate to Lower Standard and a finish next to the gondola.
There was also nice cover on a short run down Betwixt off the American Express chair.
The day illustrated that Stratton can be quite family friendly.
It's a shame that most of the Eastern resorts are closing over the next couple of weeks.
But that's just economics.
It has truly been a great season - especially the past two months after a relatively slow start.
Let’s see if we can sneak in a few more runs.
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