The cliff house sits secluded, near the top of Mount Mansfield, surrounded by a winter wonderland. Stowe, Vermont.
Day 2 on the slopes here in beautiful Stowe, Vermont. The crowd was almost nonexistent today, as I casually snowboarded right onto the lift, again and again. I often had my own lift ride up, even though it is a four person lift. I think I had a smile on my face all morning. The temperatures were in the teens and low twenties, which meant that all the snow is still there. And the winds were very light, until you got to the summit, and even then not too bad. Everyone seemed to be in high spirits.
Before my first run, I had to stop at the Octagon to take some of these pictures. The entire area about Mount Mansfield and Spruce Mountain has turned into a winter wonderland. I love looking out into the notch, where just a few months ago people flocked to see all the bright yellow and orange foliage. Now its closed for the winter and also covered in snow. But my favorite view of the morning was looking across the ski slopes to the cliff house. This is where the top of the gondola is, as well as a restaurant. The building looked like something out of a postcard, or travel magazine, as it was just surrounded by nothing but snow covered wilderness.
But I couldn't linger long... because the slopes beckoned. So off I went to enjoy the snowboarding at here at Stowe.
Day two on the slopes here at Stowe, and the conditions are great. A little chilly, but as clear and bluebird of a day as you can get! At least the morning. The clouds came in later. Hopefully some more snow in the forecast.
Rolling up to Stowe Mountain Ski Resort after dropping off the kids in school. Looking like a clear, sunny morning for snowboarding!
Top of the quad lift, looking down. Looks like good, consistent surface for skiing, and not too crowded.
Not too crowded at all in the pic from the top.
The octagon provides a nice respite on a cold day, or a place for a quick restroom or snack break!
I felt like you could see to infinity and beyond this morning. It has been awhile since we've had a day this clear.
2 snowboarders strap in for the ride down.
Beautiful view from the quad lift, looking north towards Smugglers Notch.
Despite the low temps, the sun helped make the overall temperature quite doable.
View down from the quad lift on Mt. Mansfield. Looks like they are making snow across the street on Little Spruce.
I'm pretty sure I had this smile plastered across my face all morning.
The world is a pretty magical place. You've just gotta get outside and experience it!
-Dai Mar