Awards Season

And, the “people’s choice” award goes to…Magic Mountain!

“Oh, we were happy just to be nominated…” And, we were.

32 outstanding Eastern resorts and ski areas were selected by the Boston A-List for the Ski Slope Showdown bracket competition where skiers and riders get to vote the best mountain in each round. But who would have thought that this little “throwback” ski area would best the best. We had a tough bracket starting with Maine’s powerhouses Sugarloaf and Sunday River. Somehow Magic took down the “Down Easters”. Then came to bat some of our favorite Vermont mountains. First was the ever popular Jay Peak, and then came our kindred spirit to the North Mad River Glen. And the folks just kept moving us on until we reached the finals.

Then surprisingly, our toughest competition came against a Berkshire favorite–Butternut–with a passionate and loyal following. Sound familiar? It was great to see two family-friendly mountains with a rich history battle back and forth for 4 days. The people finally spoke and gave the nod to Magic and we came away #1 in the Ski Slope Showdown.

While the Showdown is all in good fun and shouldn’t be taken too seriously, it’s also a recognition that there is something special going on here at Magic and other skiers are beginning to take notice. Things are not always perfect here and there’s no doubt we have some blemishes which we try to confront head-on and make improvements every year. But, this ski area does have something “magical” as well which emanates directly from our skiers and riders. It’s a determined focus on and love of the pure sport of skiing and riding, with little need for the many amenities common elsewhere. There are obviously a lot more people out there who enjoy the big resort scene, but ours is a simpler vision which dates back to the origins of the Vermont ski culture. It’s a positive, “can-do” attitude to overcome the many obstacles to put a ski experience out there emphasizing Magic’s unique natural terrain. Pound-for-pound, our hill provides more interest, fun and challenge than anywhere in the East. And, most importantly, it’s a desire to head down a road less traveled; to be an alternative for winter sports enthusiast to gather together and enjoy the company of kindred spirits.

Magic’s victory is a testament to those who have come here or heard about what makes us different. And we welcome others searching for a place where it really is a home. At Magic, it doesn’t take long to go from “customer” to “family” …and, here’s a quick quote from a post left today on our facebook page from Jason Braza, who came for the first time this weekend, that brings to life what’s real about Magic:

“Made my first trip up to magic this weekend and had an unbelivable time.The staff (Cris,Hanna,and Amy at the bar,Dave at the lift, AJ and his buddy on operations,and Jim at the lodge) were incredible. The staff cares about the future of the mountain and it really shows. It was nice to be included in the magic family for even a little while. I have skied all over the country and never have i felt more welcome than the weekend i spent there.Thanks again guys and i will see ya soon!”