Jake Burton airing it out. Photo: Mark Heingartner

It’s easy to take the snow for granted sometimes, like when there’s a crap ton of it. But other times, like up until this week, we’re sobered up to just how lucky we are that Vermont bestows a season specially devoted to the practice of sliding sideways. It’s nurtured our sport and our love of the outdoors. And now that the snow is finally here, we can get back to what we love most about winter. Snowboarding.

Shots like this 1983 pic Mark Heingartner took of Jake Burton airing it out make you wonder if the people hiking in the background knew they were witnessing history. Hiking to get some laps in Woodstock, Vermont, while riding the Performer — one of the most recognizable boards of the era.

Each Thursday we present a photo from the annals of snowboarding history in Vermont.

If there’s any hope in the old saying “good things come to those who wait,” our number may finally be up friends. The next 48 hours could well be the start of the winter we’ve all be longing for, and we’re sure you whole heartedly agree we have waited long enough.

This two-part system is expecting to see lake-effect snow coming out of the Great Lakes, making it our way overnight Wednesday into the wee hours of Thursday morn. The second system could produce enhanced snowfall for Friday into Saturday. Two-system totals are estimated for anywhere from 9″ to a foot and a half of the white stuff. Hey, we’re all for natural snow enhancement. (Read that again, so you don’t think we’re sickos.)

Plus, without getting too ahead of ourselves with snowfall estimates (we’ve seen what good that does or rather, doesn’t do), there’s tons to do at Vermont resorts over the MLK weekend. So wax up the gear, get out there and keep the winter dream alive.

Stratton
Saturday: Cold Wars Rail Jam
Live music and Apres at Grizzly’s
Fireworks by the Main base Area, 8:30pm

Mount Snow
Sunday: Torchlight and Fireworks , 5:30-8PM
Monday: Grommet Jam

Smuggs
Friday/Saturday: Apres, music, trivia and more, 2PM
Saturday: Gravity Control Rail Jam
Saturday/Sunday: Family Fun Race, 11AM-2PM

Sugarbush
Saturday: Family and apres activities
Free Whistle Pig Whiskey Tasting
Torchlight Parade and Fireworks
Late Night Music in Castlerock Pub, 8PM-12AM.
Sunday: Kids Movie and Pizza Night
East Shore Vineyard Wine Tasting

Magic Mountain
Alakazaam Tubing Park “Apres School” hours on Friday, 4-7PM, Saturday 11AM-7PM and Sunday 11AM-4PM.

Okemo
January White Sale deals
Kids Rock Free – Get one free Junior or Young adult ticket when you buy one Adult ticket for the same day.
MLK Online Ticket Offer: pre-buy a special holiday three-day lift ticket valid January 14-16, for just $185 (Adults)

Dew Tour Superpipe is taking shape at Killington. Photo: Chandler Burgess/Killington Resort.

Look out a window. Any window. We don’t have to remind you what a slow season it’s been, far as natural snowfall is concerned. And with the Dew Tour coming to Killington in less than two weeks, the thought on everyone’s mind is “Will they be ready?”

To ease the stress cases out there, us included, Ride Vermont caught up with Sarah Thorson, K-Town’s own Communications Manager to get the skinny on mountain prep. You can always count on Sarah knowing the score and just like we expected, five minutes on the phone with her and our heart rates were back to normal and the perspiring had all but ceased. Here’s the word.

“Killington Resort is thrilled to host the largest on-snow event in the East and we’ve committed to provide the highest quality of snow for the upcoming event. These low temperatures have allowed our snowmakers to pile up the snow for the Superpipe and Slopestyle course at Bear Mountain and things are looking fantastic. It’s been a rough start for snowmaking, but as long as the temps are there, we are not stopping. We’re looking forward to having the best freeskiers and snowboarders from around the world compete at Killington Resort in the second stop of the Winter Dew Tour.”

Next up: On Monday, January 16, Alli Sports will announce who will be competing here in Vermont. Stay tuned to Ride Vermont for the latest. ‘Til then… Check out live images of the Superpipe construction here.

After patiently waiting for Mother Nature to turn her cold side, it looks like the winter season has finally arrived here in the Green Mountains. And, oh what a relief it is.

Over the holiday week, and following a surprisingly white Christmas, the temps have remained chilly enough for expansive snowmaking at many resorts and low and behold a bit of fresh to find its way to the slopes. Check out this boarder gettin’ some at Killington on Thursday.

Yeeah bro! Photo Courtesy of Killington.

Up at Sugarbush they’ve been droppin’ ropes left and right. We’re talking over 50 new trails open in the last 48 hours. Redonkulous.

Bolton, Stowe, Smuggs and Jay have been feeling the love lately, tallying close to a foot of fresh top to bottom in the last days of 2011.

Sugarbush picked up a foot of flakes this week. Photo Courtesy of Sugarbush.

The images rolling in from the resorts this week are definitely kickin’ up the stoke and more seasonal weather is due as we welcome twenty twelve. Maybe even some lake-effect snow. Keep up the funky snowdances, ancient rituals and all-night Ouija board sessions. They seem to be working.

Snow in the forecast to start off 2012. Image courtesy of The Weather Channel.

There’s a lot on tap in the New Year, so be sure to keep an eye on the Ride Vermont Events page for all the deets.

Enjoy the snow and Happy New Year.

-Ride Vermont