The original print page of this article contains this picture with this caption:

"Knee Deep opinion editor Emil Corsillo, gettin' nutty at Killington's new half-pipe"

February 1960 Blast from the Past

Compiled by Julia Lang- 10/11

More by Julia Lang

Many people are thinking about ski season with the upcoming Christmas break just weeks away. For this month’s Blast from the Past, it is interesting to see that many of the top ski spots have not changed. However, one big change has been the prices. In 1960, the top accommodation ran $250 per night, a price that has been easily eclipsed by 2010 ski price standards.

Winter Wonderland: Four East Coast Mountains

February 1960

By Mike Harrington-Howes and John Evans

Since the beginning of this generous winter season, there have been many opportunities to indulge in America’s true past-times, skiing and snowboarding. This year, Killington, a formerly skier-oriented mountain, set a new standard for all other ski areas of Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts, with their purchase of the “Pipe Dragon”, a $500,000, revolutionary half-pipe groomer. Stratton demolished an antiquated set of double chairs and installed the American Express, a six person, high-speed, detachable chair lift. The resources available to ski resorts are constantly increasing and with a record setting winter expected, they are shelling out the big bucks to attract our money.

To get the most out of your ski day, ski weekend, or ski vacation, the staff of Knee Deep has visited and reviewed our four picks from Vermont and Massachusetts and rated their performance. So get ready for a great winter and get ready to head for the mountains.

Killington- Located ½ hour from Rutland, Killington is one of the largest and most diverse mountains in the east. And at $48 for a one-day pass, it should be. From its newfound support of snowboarding, Killington is taking on a better, more in-touch reputation. New this season are the “Pipe Dragon” and 2 new glade areas. Based on the focus of the brochures and the word done over the summer, Killington is trying to attract snowboarders and a younger, more aggressive skiing crowd. We visited Killington once in the very early season and it had, as usual, an excellent man-made base with a dusting of natural snow. Killington promises some steep skiing with an even steeper ticket price. No special information was available on lodging at Killington other than the top of the line Inn at Six Mountains runs about $250 per night, peak season. Across the street is a Red Roof Inn whose prices range from $80-$160 per night.

Mount Snow- Located 20 minutes from exit 2, off I-91, Mount Snow has a reputation for being a challenging mountain that keeps getting better. A giant snowboard-only area is constantly expanding and being redesigned. For skiers, the Corinthians area and the North Face offer steeps and chutes that challenge and thrill. Mount Snow also joins the club of high priced mountains with the price tage on a day of skiing at $47. Lodging at Mount Snow ranges from slope-side condos at $250 per night to the Red Cricket Inn (15 minutes south) at $60 for four people and full sauna privileges. Not: Both Mount Snow and Killington offer the Peaks of Excitement card which gets you one free day-pass after skiing six days at one of their six affiliated mountains.

Stratton- Located an hour from exit 2, off I-91, Stratton has long been the bench mark for snowboard pampering. Voted “Best Half-Pipe In the East” by SnoBoard Magazine, Stratton attracts a large number of snowboarders and gives them much to do. The new American Express serves more form than function and is a sad disappointment. The gondola still delivers you to the top quickly and warmly with access to every trail. The $35 Frequent Skier Card gives you $23 lift tickets on non-holiday weekends and offers an economical solution to weekly trips. Stratton is touted for its Rocky Mountain ambiance and its parent company, Intrawest, Inc., owners of Mont Tremblant and Blackcomb/Whistler, keep us coming back for more.

Jiminy Peak- Located 2 hours north on the Taconic Parkway, Jiminy Peak offers a great day of skiing and snowboarding and affordable ticket prices. Jiminy’s base area is reminiscent of Stratton’s with shops along the cobblestone walkways and hotels above. A large snowboard park and halfpipe cater to snowboarders, while challenging mogul runs excite the best skiers. A surprising plus for Jiminy Peak is their excellent cafeteria facility. The Pub across the way offers old English style atmosphere and killer chili. Tickets cost $42 and lodging on the mountain is reasonably priced between $100-$240 per night.