Nearly 30 percent of Vermont's trails were open Tuesday as compared with 2.2 percent on that date in 2006, and 14 percent in 2005, reported Ski Vermont.
The snow enabled Sugarloaf to double its open terrain overnight while Sunday River plans on opening 70 trails this weekend.
"Several areas have called to say that they may open earlier than planned if these winter conditions continue," said Ski Maine executive director Greg Sweetser.
Fresh tracks
Cross-country areas benefited nicely, too. Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vt., officially opened Tuesday under sunny skies and temps near 20 degrees after about 15 inches of new snow fell.
"It looks more like Jan. 4 out there," said director of skiing Charlie Yerrick. The plan was to open about 10 kilometers a day.
"This is certainly a pleasant change from last season," he said.
Across northern New England, touring centers are getting going. Among those open are Vermont's Blueberry Lake, Mountain Top, Bolton Valley, Craftsbury Outdoor Center, and Wild Wings.
In New Hampshire, the Balsams, Bretton Woods, Great Glen Trails, and Jackson Ski Touring are operating. Great Glen expects more than 100 racers - high school to master - for the Atomic Sprints Saturday.
The Balsams has been open for skiing since Thanksgiving weekend and about 2 feet of snow fell Monday and Tuesday, according to Nordic director Jonathon Dodge.
"I can't imagine us having less than 80 kilometers open this weekend," he said.
Deneriaz to retire
Olympic downhill champion
Antoine Deneriaz of France announced his retirement, a week after withdrawing from an event in Beaver Creek, Colo.
"I've lost confidence and I prefer to quit of my own doing rather than finish in the hospital," said the 31-year-old Deneriaz.
He has struggled since a crash in March 2006, a month after winning the downhill at the Turin Olympics.
