On Sunday, when it started drizzling, I must confess I didn’t pay much attention to it. However, on Monday morning, as we were inundated with news about another devastating flood in various communities across Vermont, it felt like a sense of déjà vu that struck too close to home.
I have been fortunate enough to have lived near, and worked for, Vermont ski areas for a large part of my life. I lived in Ludlow (pictured above), home of Okemo Mountain Resort, during Tropical Storm Irene and witnessed the aftermath of that storm. Watching it happen all over again to the communities and mountains is heartbreaking. It is a sentiment that I have seen from those near and far who enjoy our ski area communities.
The mountain communities have received an outpouring of support and good wishes. Let’s examine Vermont ski areas post flood to see which ones are open, which ones are closed, and how we can assist in the recovery efforts. Since the situation is continuously changing, please make sure to refer to the provided links for the latest updates on road closures, fundraising initiatives, and the status of resorts.
Should I visit Vermont Ski Areas Post Flood?
In a word, yes. Come to Vermont, support local businesses, and support the resort rebuilding. However, please be careful about where and when you visit. Many of Vermont’s resorts are open and operating, but please check that all roads en route to your destination are fully open using NewEngland511.org. For those resorts in harder-hit areas, book your visit for this fall or winter. Let them know you’re excited for them to reopen and you’re excited to bring your family back when the area is ready.
Open Resorts:
In the northern end of the state, Jay Peak, Sugarbush, Smugglers Notch, and Bolton Valley are all fully open and operational. Down south, Bromley and Mount Snow are also fully open. Killington had some flood damage but was able to reopen as of Wednesday, July 12. Many of the towns surrounding these resorts sustained various levels of flood damage, though waters have been receding and roads reopening.
Magic Mountain and Stratton are both open but with limited operations. The town of Londonderry, where Magic resides, was one of the hardest hit areas of the state, and both the town and resort faced severe flooding. Magic has been able to reopen the Tavern for Thurs-Sun service. Stratton was also impacted by the flood waters and, as of July 14, has reopened select shops and restaurants in its village and will be re-evaluating other operations on a day-by-day basis.
Closed Resorts:
Stowe, Burke, Okemo, and Saskadena Six have all temporarily suspended operations while repairs are made to storm damage. Stowe plans to reopen operations on July 15. Burke plans to reopen its mountain bike park for operations on Thursday, July 20. Okemo Mountain Resort and the town of Ludlow sustained significant damage from the recent storm. The mountain is tentatively scheduled to reopen for summer operations on Thursday, July 20. Saskadena Six’s parking lot was washed out in the flooding, and at this time, they have not announced a reopening date for summer operations.
How can I help?
It’s easy to feel helpless in the face of natural disasters, especially ones that impact the special places in our lives. Ski Vermont has put together a list of resources and information about how to support the rebuilding of these communities.
In Vermont? You can register through the State to volunteer to help. Not able to volunteer? The Vermont Community Foundation has created a fund to support recovery, and Ski Vermont has identified community action agencies throughout the state who are working to help communities get back on their feet.
Vermont and its unique communities will bounce back, especially with the support of those who come to visit and play in the mountains with us. Speaking as someone who lives in this fantastic state, we hope to see you soon.
Sarah Borodaeff is a freelance writer, project manager, and tiny person wrangler. A snowsports enthusiast, Sarah has worked in the snowsports industry for over fifteen years as a ski coach, in marketing, and most recently as an associate editor for Ski Area Management. She is currently endeavoring to keep up with a toddler whose favorite phrase is “go outside!”