| Maybe more gals don’t ski
because guys are not putting the proper romantic slant on the
slopes. The sport is 60/40, and that’s not skis to snowboards,
or a hat to helmet ratio - that’s men to women. |
Photo: Castle View of Okemo (by Greg Burke)
Maybe guys need to get in touch with the softer side of skiing
and riding – to entice gals to join them on snow. February, the
hallmark “most romantic month” coincides with prime winter
skiing. So, transform the standard ski trip (poaching a couch in
a shared condo) into a romantic retreat at a classy resort. She
may be more enticed to slide or ride with you, and slide on a
ring if you propose on snow.
Here are some dreamy downhill destinations within driving
distance, female approved and fall-line friendly. |
Photo: Castle Hill Resort and
Spa (by Greg Burke)
I fell head over heels (not on
the slopes, fortunately) for the Castle Hill Resort & Spa in
Vermont. This gorgeous 1905 stone Castle was built for the
wealthy Vermont Governor Fletcher (1912-1915) as his
turn-of-the-century party palace. Perhaps you have passed this
remarkable mansion perched on the hillside along Route 103 in
Cavendish Vermont, just 3-miles from Okemo Mountain Resort.
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Photo: Castle Hill Suite (by Greg Burke)
Inside The Castle is richly
decorated and perfectly preserved with a mahogany paneled
library, private dining room and wine cellar. Castle’s 10
upstairs suites feature lush canopy beds, deep wingback chairs,
and rather splendid bathrooms (two have whirlpool tubs). From
the oversized windows, you can see Okemo’s snow covered slopes. Or you can draw the velvet
drapes, light the fireplace, climb into the posh four-poster
bed, and catch first tracks on your next boyz trip.
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If you have a
proposal in your pocket, the Castle would be prime for popping the
question. Perhaps a candlelit dinner by the fire in the Castle’s
elegant wood paneled dining room is your chance to spring a ring.
www.thecastle-vt.com
Photo: The Castle at night (by Greg Burke) |
Another historical hamlet in
Vermont, The Woodstock Inn is fantastic for skiers and
sentimentalists alike – the resort owns both Suicide Six alpine
ski area and expansive Nordic facilities, plus a Health Club.
Photo: Woodstock Inn (by Greg Burke)
Staying at the 142-room
Woodstock Inn, you are treated to elegant country lodging, four
star dining, and live jazz in the 1793 replica Tavern.
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History buffs will love the lore
behind the country’s first ski lift, established on the slopes
of Suicide Six in 1934. Ask around about the legend behind the
name…you are likely to get six answers.
Photo: Suicide Six Ski Area (by Greg Burke)
Here’s a romantic story. The
same year that ski lift was powered up (by a Model T engine),
Laurence S. Rockefeller married Mary Billings French – the
matrimonial merger of two great families spawned a legacy of
land preservation including Vermont’s only National Park in
Woodstock.
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Photo: Suicide Six Ski Area (by Greg
Burke)
By day, you and your sweetie can carve the fun but not fearsome
ski trails (despite how it sounds) at Suicide Six. |
Guests of the Rockefeller’s 1969 Inn
can also cross-country ski around the resort Golf Course or
snowshoe up Mt. Peg or Mt. Tom for panoramic views of Vermont,
including several perfect places to propose.
Photo: Cross-country skiing at
Woodstock Inn (photo by Greg Burke) |
The ski slopes of Killington are
just 20 miles from Woodstock if you long for the East’s most
extensive lift and trail network.
- Photo: Killington
(by Greg Burke)
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For amusing après ski, you can walk
to Woodstock’s covered bridge, cutesy country stores and rather
chic boutiques or just snuggle by the Inn’s mesmerizing 20-foot
fireplace. www.woodstockinn.com
Photo: Covered Bridge in Woodstock Vermont (by Greg Burke) |
If your girl can rip on her board(s),
a weekend at Sugarloaf could be sweet. I have yet to find a really
romantic Inn this far north, but slopeside at the Loaf is as good
as it gets for a vertical Valentine’s.
Photo: Sugarloaf/USA (by Greg Burke)
Not only do you have one big mountain to carve up all day, but
the nightlife in the Village lures an entertaining mix of
passionate locals, and everyone here is a lover (of Sugarloaf –
that is).
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Ski her down the scenic Tote Road,
stop midway to cuddle over cocoa at Bullwinkles. After happy hour
at The Bag, soak in the steamy outdoor hot tub and catch
snowflakes on your tongue. A cozy dinner at Hugs should have her
replete with romance.
www.sugarloaf.com
Photo: Sugarloaf/USA (by Greg Burke)
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Final tips to woo your woman
on snow:
Buy her some hand & foot warmers. At $2 a pop at the ski shop –
you will warm her up for “up to eight hours.”
Photo: Killington (by Greg Burke)
Have chocolate in your pocket for the lift ride. Chics dig
chocolate.
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Pick ego-pleasing trails. You’ll look better, she’ll feel
better. Only go for the bumps on Bubblecuffer or the steeps of
Outer Limits if you are both experienced and excited about the
challenge…
Photo: Superstar at Killington (by Greg Burke)
Keep your
fingers crossed for snow, and keep your schedule open in case
you get “snowed in” with your sweetie in the mountains.
For more ski trips and tips by Heather Burke, check out
www.familyskitrips.com
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