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 Bromley's predominant southern exposure means it's a must to bring your sunscreen, even on those short December and early January days. The sun may not shine long on such days, but it will shine on Bromley. The Terrain Intermediates have the central part of the mountain nearly to themselves, and can turn laps happily up the Sun Mountain Express and down Twister, Sunset Pass, or Shincracker to their hearts' delight. Beginners get to survey the view from the summit, and then take Run Around #1 down to the base, but most of the easier terrain is lower down, off the Plaza or East Meadow doubles. The eastern aspect of Bromley is devoted almost entirely to advanced skiers and riders, who can ride the Blue Ribbon fixed-grip quad until it's time to head down to the lodge. Trails like Blue Ribbon, Pabst Panic, and Avalanche Glade offer a surprising challenge to those who have only seen the front side of Bromley while driving past. With 80% snowmaking coverage and a 1,950 foot base elevation the mountain's southern exposure doesn't mean soggy snow, just more sun. 10 lifts serve forty trails (fourty-four if you include the glades), about evenly divided among ability levels. Bromley maintains three terrain parks for the freeriders. Bonanza Park is for novice skiers and riders, with hits and features made a bit smaller so that you can learn the tricks of the trade more easily. Then there's the Unforgiven Boardercross course, which features hips, tabletops, and banked turns for all of you looking to combine some speed with your air. Finally, there's the Halo Freestyle Park which has tons of hits, and Blue J Rails to get you that jib fix. Families and larger groups looking for convenience and a homelike setting look no further than Bromley Village Clustered around two ponds in a wooded setting at Bromley's base, the homes and condominiums that comprise the village are individually decorated, have fully equipped kitchens, linens, cable TV and telephones. Guests may use the heated outdoor pool and exercise facility. A bit further away, Manchester, Londonderry, and other nearby villages offer a wide choice of classic country inns, B&Bs, lodges, motels, and motor inns. Off-slope Fun Believe it or not, the closest place to go cross-country skiing is in Peru. It's true. Right down the road in Peru, Vermont is Wild Wings, with 27 km of classic-groomed, rolling terrain. Other Nordic choices include Hildene (Robert Todd Lincoln's home) in Manchester, Tater Hill in Windham, and Viking in Londonderry, which also offers snowshoe trails. For snowmobiling, two nearby outfits run tours; for a more traditional ride through the snow there are several locales that offer horse-drawn sleigh rides. If you prefer a sharp edge to your family fun, try out the Riley Rink at Hunter Park in Manchester. In fact Manchester, just a few miles west of the resort, is chock-full of restaurants, shops, high-end outlet stores, and historic homes. While it's the destination of many mountain guests after the day is done, the smaller town of Londonderry, a few miles east of Bromley, has its own charms and a slower pace. Inside Line No need to remember which lift serves what type of terrain at Bromley - the Sun Mountain Express runs base to summit and provides access to the entire mountain. But better skiers and riders will want to stick with the Blue Ribbon Quad once they're on that part of the mountain.
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Ski Report
Vermont
