Silent slopes: skiing holidays in Vermont

The play-hard ski holiday

The boutique ski mountain: Pico, Killington, VT.
Pico Mountain is part of the sprawling ski area known as Killington Resort which consists of seven mountains in all. Pico benefits from many of the things that make Killington a premier New England resort - including its expansive snowmaking system - but it saves you from the hassle of a large mountain system: getting lost or separated due to a dizzying network of lifts, trails and base camps. Its 50 trails of moguls, glades, double-diamonds and gentle greens all lead back to one main base camp, perfect for the couple who may want to go their separate ways on the mountain and reconnect after each run. The base lodge is warm, inviting and traditional, and Killington fans often cite Pico's Last Run Lounge as their favourite watering hole.

The resort ski mountain: Killington.
Even if you decide not to ski at Killington, take a drive along Killington Road to the K-1 Lodge just to get a sense of the vastness and variety that is Killington with its 1001 acres of trails. For couples staying longer than two or three days, it might be worth spending a day on Killington after getting acquainted with Pico. But be warned: choose a clear meeting place before you head down the mountain, or you may spend part of your day looking for your loved one!.

The nightlife:

• The Wobbly Barn: The Wobbly Barn is perhaps the best-known and most frequented apres-ski bar and restaurant in Killington, and was voted number one bar/restaurant in the east by readers of SKI Magazine. It features a laid-back, full-service steak-house restaurant downstairs and a bar with live music upstairs. The crowd is 20s, 30s and 40s, so you won't feel out of place no matter what decade you're in.
• The Picklebar. This is more of a nightclub than a pub, attracting a younger crowd (mostly 20-somethings). The Picklebar offers live music every weekend night, and if you've had too much to drink, take advantage of Barrel Rider, their free-ride-home-service for inebriated patrons.

Where to stay:

• Fox Hollow Condominiums: Granted, you may not need the extra bedroom unless you're travelling with another couple (the renovated 2-bedroom/2 bath condos are far nicer than the 1-bedroom units), but you'll still get your money's worth, thanks to the fully-operating fireplace, full kitchen, and spacious, modern living area, plus the master bath comes with a two-person Jacuzzi tub. The condos are next to an entrance to the Appalachian trail for snowshoeing aficionados and a stone's throw from Pico ski resort.
• The Vermont Inn. A ten-minute drive from Killington, this quaint traditional guesthouse is everything you'd expect a New England inn to be. From elegant, cosy guestrooms to an old-fashioned games room - and modern touches like a hot tub and wireless internet access - you're sure to have a unique and relaxing stay. The inn's award-winning restaurant features continental and Vermont-specific cuisine.

Where to eat:

• Hemingway's Restaurant. Don't let its place on Killington's busy main strip - populated by dive bars and low-end eateries - fool you: this restaurant offers a fine dining experience that consistently rates high with locals and visitors alike. The menu offers a number of organic ingredients, fresh East Coast catch, and Vermont goodies - apples, cheese and even rabbit.