Route 100, the Skiers Highway

Now you may be wondering why I would be talking about a skiers highway or anything that bodes ill for our fall colors. Let’s face it, the fall colors give way to the snow-covered landscape, and as much as we hate to admit it, “the season that shall not be named” (winter), is integral to the cycle of life.

Route 100 gives us access to all the ski resorts along the eastern flank of the Green Mountains. From Jay Peak (just off Route 100) in the north to Mount Snow in the south, Route 100 gives access to 12 ski resorts with panoramic views of Vermont’s countryside.

Quick History of Skiing

The country’s first downhill ski race was on Mount Mansfield in 1934, and the first ski area with a rudimentary ski tow rope was opened in 1936 (Suicide Six in Pomfret). Skiing didn’t really become a big thing until the 1950s. Snowboards, as we know them today, were invented by Jake Burton Carpenter in Londonderry, Vermont in 1977. Today you’ll find over 2800 ski areas across the country, but you could say the sport was born in Vermont.

Why is this important?

Ok, the first thing that skiing has in common with the fall foliage season is tourism. Millions of dollars (yours and mine) support the state and all the mom-and-pop businesses.

Another important aspect of those mountains is the VIEWS…

Now, I’m not talking about views like this one OF the Mountain, even if it is nice. I mean you can see views of the surrounding landscape FROM the mountain. (all were seen around Bromley Mountain.

Types of activities you can look for from the different ski resorts along Route 100 (actually you should check ANY ski area you pass by) Most of them will at the least be running chairlifts and gondolas to allow viewing of the fall colors in autumn.

I’m only touching on a few of the 12 ski resorts that are along Route 100 and the Green Mountains. I know some have activities for adults and kids, but you will need to check the resort you are interested in to see what they might have and the costs involved.

Here are three resorts that I took the time to look at

Bromley Resort Activities in Peru Vermont

The pictures above are from the area around Bromley Mountain. I don’t actually spend a lot of my time at these mountains because I’m very intent on seeing what else I can see and report on to all of you. If you check their website you will see they have a Mountain Adventure Park which includes a chair lift, Tree Top Adventure Course, and other outdoor activities.

Smugglers Notch Resort

Mount Mansfield is the tallest peak in Vermont.

The Stowe Gondola's heading up to the top of Mount Mansfield — The Stowe Gondola’s heading up to the top of Mount Mansfield. View in my gallery.

On the slopes of Mount Mansfield, you will find Vermont’s most popular, or at least best-marketed, ski resort. If you check the link below you will find listings on their website for foliage bike tours and boat trips with dates and times. The website says their fall activities are running from 6 September to 10 October but there are some late fall activities after that. How late is probably related to when they start making snow… Try this Smuggler’s Notch link to their fall activities.

Killington Ski Resort

Killington is Vermont’s second tallest peak.

Killington Ski Resort has an adventure center and is open to all with some attractions being free like the walking trails. Rides and canopy tours will cost extra. They advertise a harvest faire in October along with mountain biking.

Killington’s gondola ride for fall viewing runs from late Sept to Mid-Oct and from 10AM-5PM, but check the Killington resort website events page, or call ahead to check availability.

Enjoying Your Fall Foliage Vacation

This is just a snippet of the 12 ski resorts along “Vermont’s Main Street,” and also known as “Vermont’s Skiers Highway.” If you choose to add one of these resorts to your plans, you will need to slow down and just enjoy them. Catch a view of the nearby valleys that lay out at your feet.

This requires that you stop and smell the cool autumn air and just take in what nature (and the resort) has to offer.

Jeff Foliage Folger

Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage

Visit my Amazon affiliate store for items that Lisa and I have curated for you. These items are either New England-made or things we think will make your fall foliage trip more successful.