I did a lot of skiing over the past week, in Maine and Vermont, and while the conditions varied considerably from the first day (icy and wind holds on most lifts) to the last day (almost two feet of powder), I always have fun playing on a mountain. That last day, however, also involved one of my best discoveries of all time: Magic Mountain. This place was around back when I first started learning the sport, though I never went, then closed in 1991. I never heard another word about it until last weekend, when I was informed that it was, indeed, open again. My subsequent research piqued my interest and soon I found myself exploring this incredible mountain on an epic powder day. The vibe is ridiculously old-school, from the 60’s style chalets on the access road to the vintage lodge and lifts–only one double chair was running up the mountain and the folks running it seemed to be Magic lifers. The chair creaks up 1700 steep vertical feet and services some of the most challenging terrain I have skied in the East. The main faces are all legitimate double diamonds and are cut as classic winding chutes and trails, but the real magic happens in the trees. There are tiny wooden hand-painted signs all over the mountain with a diamond and an arrow indicating access points to some incredible glades, which range from wide open cruisers to tight lines over sheer pitches. The only mountain I’ve ever skied that compares to Magic is my beloved Mad River Glen. The challenge is similar and it is also a beautiful throwback to the days before corporate consolidation. The skiing and character of these anti-resorts is honest and refreshing, and while both struggle financially they represent something vitally important to the true nature of the sport.
If you appreciate classic Vermont skiing and riding (unlike Mad River Glen, they do allow snowboards), I urge you to make a trip to Londonderry and enjoy this unique experience.