By Phil Caracci

Two weekends in a row??? Yes!! For me it was back to back Miramar weekends. It hit 80 degrees in NYC but northern VT had a winter storm warning and it delivered. I believe Sugarbush saw close to 10 inches of new snow while a bit south of us, Killington had mostly rain. We got lucky!!

24 club members and 12 guests signed up to get in on one of the final weekends of skiing and riding for the season with a forecast that was far from convincing. I called it “the bus of optimists”. My analysis was as follows… I do want to ski this weekend but if there is some rain I’ll do less skiing but still have fun. After all these years I’ve learned that I ALWAYS enjoy the Miramar weekend bus trips. Building new friendships, great meals (prepared by Matt, our chef) and fun parties are all components that factor into a good time. But our snow dance paid off as the storm started just as our chartered bus pulled up to our lodge on Friday night.

You won’t find many groomed trails when a storm rolls in overnight and continues into the ski day. Basically this was a different look than we are accustomed to and it seemed everyone enjoyed the challenge. Even the green trails had moguls by the end of the day! Fun!

Of course fun continues off the slopes too with a great aprés ski party, gourmet dinner, dancing or maybe just chilling with a glass of wine on the couch by the fireplace.

The plan was to ski Killington on Sunday but we were getting reports from friends who were there that we should reconsider. Trip Leader Kim made the call on Saturday night that we’d return to Sugarbush the following day. This turned out to be the only option as Killington lost power from a fallen ice-coated tree and the resort was closed all day. It’s rare that we change up the plan but so glad we did. We got lucky once again! Sugarbush has two base areas. The smaller of the two is Mt Ellen Sunday was the last day of the season for this section so it seemed fitting that our driver Al should drop us off there.

The winter storm was ongoing but today it was what is kindly termed a “wintery mix”. A bit of snow, a bit of rain, maybe some sleet but the big headline was FOG!

Visibility at times was just enough to see the chair in front of you on the lift. You can hide inside or take on another challenge. Our group sort of split with one wise soul hitting the spa instead of the slopes.

Spring skiing is always an adventure. You might get snow, There could be rain. The sun often shines brightly. You rarely need a sweater. More likely you’ll need sunscreen. But above all, always pack a positive attitude….. and maybe a swim suit for the spa, 😁

By Phil Caracci
Spring Fling Trip

I write about our ski weekends often. They follow a well-defined pattern: fun bus ride to VT; amazing breakfast; ski Sugarbush; aprés ski party; world-class dinner; nighttime dance party; another killer breakfast; ski Killington; loud bus ride home with many smiling faces.

As the writer, it’s incumbent upon me to find other aspects of the trip to highlight in order to avoid repetition. I was among the group of 35 skiers and snowboarders that signed up for the Spring Fling Trip.

Let’s talk about Saturday at Sugarbush. It was the first weekend of Spring and this day lived up to expectations. Glorious sunshine from beginning to end. The bluest sky you can imagine!

My typical routine is to ski the mountain from left to right. Start off on Snowball, then Spring Fling, then take the Super Bravo, Downspout Trail to the Heaven’s Gate Chair. We rode up the newest lift spying the conditions on Ripcord (which was great!) and then back up for my favorite summit run – Jester.

What made this special for me was that I was skiing with my friend Chris. He normally skies with other friends that ski more challenging terrain but this day it was just he and I sticking mainly to Blue trails.

Our desire to do some runs off of the North Lynx Chair was thwarted by a temporary mechanical issue so after bombing down the Waterfall Trail, we jumped on the shuttle to Mt Ellen (aka, Sugarbush North), 2 miles away.

This turned out to be winning move as we heard others say the lift lines were getting long back at Lincoln Peak but we had none at all AND the snow was probably better here. It was fantastic in every aspect!

We made a stop for a later lunch hoping there would now be room for us in the tiny Walt’s Cabin (Glen House) midway up the mountain. Indeed there was. We grabbed 2 seats looking out the window and walked over to order lunch from the bartender. I left my reading glasses in my jacket so Chris, reading the menu, told me they had several burgers with a variety of cheese toppings and we both ordered The Goat which featured Vermont Goat Cheese, which I absolutely love. In a few minutes, the server delivered our food to the counter where we were sitting. Chris gently lifted one slice of bread and said alarmingly “they forgot the burger!”. This was met by laughter on both sides of us as we were informed that they only have grilled cheese and soup here! No burgers…. Too funny!

The free shuttle delivered us back to Lincoln Peak where a dance party was well underway in the plaza. Sugarbush declared this Pride Day and you know the outfits and the energy were something to behold. I felt fortunate to locate an empty seat at a prime table near the DJ with folks I didn’t know. They soon left and I claimed the table for our group (via our WhatsApp chat) resulting in a dozen others who came by to enjoy dancing and drinking beers in the warm afternoon sun. This was a classic spring skiing experience. An awesome day.

Sunday was different. I woke up to see the Real Feel temp was 1° (air temp was 14°). A warm sunny afternoon followed by an overnight deep freeze could only mean one thing…. Ice Ice Baby!

Thus skiing was a bit of a challenge on Sunday and if you didn’t have sharp edges the challenge was even greater. However it was again a day featuring brilliant sunshine which did help soften things up later on.

I told one of our guests that after a few runs on the fast & firm slopes of Killington, that I went in for some Clam Chowder. This inspired him to write the following:

◦ No fresh snow today, just ice on the hills,
◦ So Phil took one run and was done with the chills.
◦ “I can’t ski on this, I need some damn powder—
◦ I guess I’ll stay here with this bowl of clam chowder.”

Thanks Johannes!! LOL

Some more tidbits from the trip:

There was a guest who came with her 14 year old son. He was way better than his mom and was quickly adopted by other expert skiers/riders while mom found others at her level to ski with.This is an additional bonus to skiing with a club. If the person you came with is at a very different level you can each find your tribe.

Aamir, my best friend in the club, wasn’t on the trip but lives about an hour away from Killington. He met up with Chris and I on Sunday. After so many years together on and off the slopes, I regard them as brothers. Skiing with Miramar brings people together.

Near the end of the day I told Aamir & Chris that I as done and heading to the base. An older gentlemen overheard the discussion re the best way to get there and offered helpful advice. By coincidence this man, Jerry, had been a Miramar member back in the 70’s! This club goes way back to 1949 and our members are everywhere!

By Elizabeth Ernish

On March 14—Pi Day—thirty-plus spirited travelers boarded the Hampton Jitney coach bound for Miramar’s Ski Lodge in Waitsfield, VT. Led by group leader Tom F. and staff member David W., the trip was a true family affair! Parents brought their children, including a pair of twin teens and some full-fledged adults (if there is such a thing). Three married couples traveled with built-in bus companions. We even had “work spouses” — two first time guests (G1s) joined Miramar after their planned office ski trip fizzled out. Outgoing solo travelers quickly embraced the Club’s esprit de corps, and we even saw the return of two prodigal Miramartians, Nancy and Margaret. MIA for most of the season, we were thrilled to have them back!

On winter’s last Saturday—but daylight savings’ first—we encountered unseasonably warm weather (nearly 60°F in the U.S. and 15°C everywhere else) and snow with the consistency of a 7-Eleven Slurpee at Sugarbush’s Lincoln Peak. On balmy days like this, it can be tempting to search for snow off the summit lifts (Heaven’s Gate, Lynx, and Castlerock), but it’s important to stay within your limits. Luckily, G2 (second time guest) Amy’s trip down Upper Jester in the ski patrol bucket was more of a joyride than a medical emergency — things can go awry. Ski safely! Unsure of your skill level? Take a lesson or sign up for one of Sugarbush’s legendary women’s sessions.

Après-ski in Sugarbush’s courtyard took on a Daytona Beach spring break vibe, with outdoor drinking and revelry continuing back at the Miramar Lodge. Resident firestarter Alan M. cranked up the firepit in addition to tending (with some slight hiccups) to the lounge’s fireplace. Meanwhile, G1s Mona and her sons relaxed in the Adirondack ski chairs.

As has become standard, Chef Matt threw down some tasty chow, including St. Patrick’s-inspired corned beef & kraut egg rolls. After dinner, the guests’ post-supper testimonials ranged from heartfelt to hilarious. G2 (second time guest) Evangeline brought down the house with her origin story—turns out she found our little club through Reddit’s *NYCbitcheswithtaste*. Who knew? The evening continued in the lounge with dancing, shenanigans, and even a few Cirque du Soleil-like moves.

Sunday morning, after completing our chores and enjoying a tasty French toast breakfast, we headed to Killington Ski Resort. As the bus meandered south on Route 100, we saw Moss Glen Falls gushing due to the quickly melting snow. 😞 Along the way, we also learned how the Mad River got its name—unlike every other moving waterbody in the Winooski River Basin, the Mad River flows from south to north.

Despite the warm temps, the “Beast of the East” did not disappoint, offering conditions many, many notches above *meh*. A highlight of the day was the Miramar *mishpacha* dining en masse at Peak Lodge, while a select group of foodies indulged in mountain-inspired haute cuisine at the ski-in/ski-out Ledgewood Yurt. After lunch, yours truly led a group of five skiers on the Peak to Creek run—a 3.46-mile trail from Killington Peak to the Skyeship base.

The day wrapped up with everyone piling onto the New York-bound bus at the crack of 4:30 PM, enjoying our traditional bus snacks and cocktails as we traveled south of Rutland, Vermont.

By Phil Caracci

I’ve been a part of Miramar since 1997. Still the anticipation of the trip ahead gripped me as I met the group on West 23rd Street in NYC. I looked around – there were MANY new faces.  I learned this trip included 17 first time guests… G1’s as we call them. That’s a lot!

Saturday followed the traditional schedule… breakfast, skiing at Sugarbush, happy hour, dinner, dancing and chats by the fireplace. As I type this sentence it sounds outstanding without hearing any details. But the details make it even better!

We have a new chef who recently celebrated his one year anniversary with the club. Chef Mathew is amazing, turning out French Toast, eggs, bacon along with yogurt, muffins, fresh fruit and so much more. When you hear that breakfast is included, you don’t necessarily expect this!

Now let’s talk about skiing.  Vermont is experiencing one of it’s best winters in a very long time.  No giant blizzards but instead frequent snowfalls and more importantly no thaws. Freeze/thaw is what produces ice and I think it’s been below freezing for 6 consecutive weeks.  However, Saturday was also a day of total sunshine and no wind from start to end! And if you stuck to the singles line, no waits for the lifts either. If you didn’t enjoy a day like this you are probably in the wrong sport.

When I’m on a trip I always offer what is often called the “Uncle Phil Tour”. After skiing I take first time guests to Bridge Street to see the shops and I tell a few stories along the way. About a dozen trippers signed up for the 20-minute walk with me through the historic covered bridge with some returning with purchases from the Artisan Gallery or the beer cave (awesome craft beer selection in the gas station!)

At 6PM we kicked off the evening’s activities with the Happy Hour featuring some more of the chef’s creations and open bar. It’s a LOUD room!  More than 40 people riding a high from our sunny day on the slopes and meeting people for the first time. As an old-timer in the club, I often go to one corner of the room and just soak in the scene and it warms my heart to see the interaction.  It’s a warm welcoming community.  Nobody is staring at a cell phone!

I doubt I’ve ever ordered cauliflower soup before but I wasn’t surprised at how good it was.  Everything that comes out of our commercial kitchen has been top notch.  The Salmon Florentine was killer!!!

The Miramar  lodge setup is really ideal.  Nobody is going out into the cold night. No driving anywhere.  After dinner you join the party downstairs by the fire or on the dance floor until fatigue tells you it’s time to get some sleep because tomorrow is another day of skiing or riding.

On Day 2 at Killington, I decided to ski with two G1’s which eventually expanded to a group of 6. I enjoy taking photos on the slopes and I found a group on the same wavelength.  One benefit of group trips is that you can probably find a compatible partner regardless of how you choose to attack the mountain; fast, slow, steep, mellow, breaks, no-breaks, bumps, trees, etc….

I was sipping cocktails on the bus ride home, enjoying a tasty meal from Panera Bread and chatting with all my new friends and feeling so happy.  It was an amazing weekend.  This is why the Miramar Ski Club has been part of my adult life for this long and hopefully for many more years to come.

If you have never been on a Miramar trip, what are you waiting for???

By Karen McFarlane

On the bright, cold early evening of January 10, 2025, 24 hearty souls boarded the Miramar luxury limousine (aka bus) for a wonderful trip up to the lodge. 6 equally hearty souls were already ensconced in the lodge. At the helm was our driver, Mike, filling in for Al, who had the nerve to be spending the weekend working in sunny, warm Florida, instead of freezing his patooties off with the rest of us. Our trip leader was Blythe, ably assisted by Kaz as staff and SIT’s Laura and Alan – on his first trip as an official member!!.

We woke up Saturday morning to a balmy temperature of 15 degrees, plus the sight of beautiful snow, drifting down upon the trees, meadows and mountains. We all had a lovely day of packed powder skiing, followed by a fabulous happy hour, during which Bill Bernsten stopped in directly from his world tour to say hello. As usual, our chef, Matt, prepared a spectacular dinner of vegetable soup, salad and rolls freshly warm out of the oven, followed by giant sized slabs of delicious chicken parmesan, creamy pasta, succulent squash (I’m guessing a lot of butter and garlic,,,???!!!) and chocolate pudding cake for dessert. The evening’s entertainment was a rousing game of left, right, center with 14 participants and a lot of spectators. Ethan Strell emerged as the victor, coming home with $39, which he generously decided to donate to… oh well, maybe I got that wrong…!!!

As is lately sometimes the case, Miramar apparently did not shtup the Killington overlords enough, so we were not granted a parking pass for our bus for Sunday. Instead, after another 4 star breakfast by Matt, we had dropoffs/pickups at both Sugarbush and Mount Ellen. Everyone had a great time in the frosty 18 degree weather, which included gale force winds at Mt. Ellen (note to self: next time, check the weather conditions before saying, “oh, it doesn’t seem windy, so I won’t wear my facemask…!!!”). With everyone safely packed up on the bus, we proceeded home. At our happy hour, we had a Miramar innovation (so hard to come by sometimes…): Janice decided to eschew making the usual bottle of screwdrivers and, instead, surprised us all with Tequila Sunrise, which went down very handily and was much appreciated by all!! This was followed by our delicious dinner, carefully curated by chef Daniel Boulud at the gourmet kitchens of Panera.

A lovely time was had by all and it was discovered by some (and secretly known by others) that when the bus parks on 24th. St. to avoid the cops, we can actually enter through the 24th. St. door to get to our locker. Thanks again to Blythe and her crew for a great weekend!!

By Evelyn Konrad

FIRST 2025 MIRAMAR WEEKEND

My son Robert drove us up to the lodge a few days before the bus trip on empty highways until we got to the mountain road, at which time we would have loved to have someone’s red brake lights to follow. The road was icy and lousy. Snow came at our windshield horizontally in a thick, white-out blizzard. I was panicked. Rob was thrilled. In fact, he even took pictures of the snow coming in wind-speed assaults on our car. “It’s snowing,” he said, cheerfully, as the car lurched dangerously close to the snow-covered ditch alongside. “How beautiful,” he added. “How dangerous,” I said.

Others, who had also had the misfortune of hitting the mountain road in the storm, agreed with me, but we were all thrilled to pieces to see the full cover of Sugarbush Mountain the next day. But, the snow was sticky, and I was unsteady after my three-week trip to Thailand, Lagos, Cambodia and Vietnam. My lengthy trip was terrific, but how the hell do you get back down to earth? The first day on skis, I didn’t, except for an embarrassing fall, due to lousy skiing.

My friend on the mountain sharpened my edges and wiped hot wax on my skis. The next day, the snow was packed and no longer sticky, but I was heading downhill like a bat out of hell. Didn’t know where I was going nor how to get there, but boy, my skis were fast.

Over the weekend, we had the usual number of terrific guests, who introduced themselves at dinner. They were a cheerful lot and took part in all the club activities, from bussing their tables, to skiing or snowboarding, to drinking at our cocktail hour, and inhaling our wonderful new chef’s terrific hot appetizers. I seem to have been done of my usual crudité-cutting chore by his generosity, one of my rare domestic skills. (The other is packing and unpacking extremely well and fast, which came in handy in Southeast Asia, where we did not stay in any hotel more than three nights, and a couple of times, just one night. I kept remembering with gratitude the years of training for efficient group activities that I have in 25 years of Miramar membership. P.S. Guess what? One of the Southeast Asia groupies was a former Miramartian! We do get around.)

On our last day, the snow was especially fast and terrific. Nonetheless, I wimped out because I can’t take the wind when I’m on skis. I was blown up the mountain one windy day and have never forgotten it. Anyhow, no apparent injuries to members or guests on the weekend, except to my pride.

A mandatory tribute to one of my favorite Miramar skiers, a very pretty lady. Lo and behold, she had a knee replacement at the start of last summer and has been skiing for several weeks already. She showed me her knee with its vertical scar, and she bent and stretched the leg like a ballerina. I was particularly impressed because I’ve seen other knee replacement folks who could barely bend their knee a year and more after their operation. Yes, I know that there have been immense improvements in knee surgery, but I raise my hat to determination and will power.

My friend did intensive physical therapy and urged me to go to her physical therapist, who, she says, isn’t very nice, but is damned good. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. So, I’ll keep on skiing with my trusty knee brace! We have had some 25 years together, and I hope for a few more.

By Jodi Garner

26 members and guests gathered at our lodge in Waitsfield, VT for an
unforgettable New Year’s midweek holiday trip. With three full days of
skiing, delicious chef-prepared meals, cozy evenings by the fireplace, and
plenty of fun activities, this trip had it all.

We couldn’t have asked for better conditions at Sugarbush, which offered up
a variety of runs for all skill levels. Whether you were carving down the
mountain, exploring the tree trails, or just taking in the stunning views,
the slopes were perfect. With three full days of skiing, there was plenty
of time to enjoy everything the mountain had to offer.

After a long day on the slopes, it was time to relax and indulge. Our
talented chef prepared mouthwatering meals each night.

Evenings were just as memorable as the days. We gathered by the fireplace
in the lodge, enjoying cocktails, stories, and laughter. Our Après Ski
cocktail party was a hit, with drinks flowing and everyone sharing their
favorite moments from the day’s adventures.

Of course, no trip would be complete without fun and games. We kicked
things off with a raucous round of Left, Right, Center—an always-popular
Miramar game. The dice rolled and fortunes were made (and lost) in an
instant.

To ring in the New Year, we hosted a dance party that was the perfect way
to celebrate the season with great friends and new faces. With tunes
blasting and everyone in high spirits, we danced the night away,
celebrating the year gone by and the exciting adventures ahead.

It’s safe to say this trip will go down as one of our best yet. Whether you
were hitting the slopes or relaxing by the fire, the camaraderie and fun
atmosphere made for a truly unforgettable experience. Huge thanks to
everyone who joined, and we can’t wait to do it all again next year!

By Maureen Cavanaugh

Miramar Ski Club’s first ski weekend of the 2024/2025 season was a great start! The weekend of December 13th-15th was filled with excitement and camaraderie. Blythe Austin leading the trip showed the strength of the club’s leadership, and with Maureen Cavanaugh as Staff and Elizabeth Ernish as Staff-in-Training, there was plenty of support to go around. Al, the Hampton Jitney bus driver, was an invaluable part of the team, always ready to help.

Matt and Maddie were key players in making the weekend even more special! Matt, as our fantastic chef, kept everyone well-fed with delicious meals, adding to the overall experience. And Maddie, our new trusty dishwasher, played an equally important role in keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes—her help made the meal times easier and more enjoyable for everyone. It’s great to see such a supportive and hardworking team behind the scenes, contributing to a memorable weekend for all.

Saturday at Sugarbush was a fantastic day for the Miramar Ski Club. The conditions were solid for mid-December, and skiing with a group makes the day even more enjoyable. Ending the day with apres-ski drinks at Rumbles was a great way to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures. At dinner, the surprise birthday celebration for Gail Tuzman added a fun, personal touch to the weekend, and her win at the ‘Ugly Holiday Sweater Party’ was a highlight, especially with her creative, hand-decorated sweater.

The White Elephant Gift Exchange was a blast, with plenty of surprises and plenty of laughter—especially with popular items like the bottle of Bourbon, the 1000-piece apres-ski puzzle, and the ski boot dryers – a hit for anyone heading into winter’s chill. What a wonderful way to bond as a group and kick off the ski season.

Sunday at Killington wrapped up the weekend perfectly, with great conditions to keep the momentum of the trip going. Big kudos to Blythe for organizing and leading the trip—her leadership clearly set the tone for an enjoyable weekend. Elizabeth Ernish also deserves a shout-out for staying on top of all the communication via WhatsApp, ensuring everyone was in the loop for each day’s activities.

With 21 people at the lodge, including six guests (four of whom were first-timers), the newcomers integrated seamlessly with the group. They were friendly and cooperative guests who respected ‘The Miramar Way’. A harmonious group dynamic always adds to the experience, and it seemed like everyone had a wonderful time from start to finish.

Lauren Haegele’s work on the mural in the lodge dining room was a wonderful addition to the weekend. Her industrious effort over both Saturday and Sunday, especially with the intricate details of the lodge doors and ski-fence and her Renoir-esque landscape – has brought a unique and creative flair to the space. It’s always special when someone contributes their artistic talent to a shared space. Lauren’s mural not only enhances the dining room but also adds to the overall vibe that the lodge is our home and Miramar is a family. Lauren’s hand painted mural is a thoughtful and lasting touch to the lodge.

Here’s to a fantastic ski season ahead!

Quote of the weekend: ‘Pro tip: Don’t follow Hildingur.’ By Ethan Strell.

From Phil Caracci on April 11 2024

April 5-8, 2024 Trip : What can possibly Eclipse this weekend???

Sorry but I had to get that word in the title… This 3-day car trip to our lodge was offered for skiing and for viewing the solar eclipse from within the Path of Totality. The day would become night and night would become day all in a 2-minute span. That’s rather unique by itself but combine that with excellent spring skiing conditions and you really have something memorable!

This is Miramar’s 75th year and it’s most likely the first time that a total solar eclipse would occur in the Mad River Valley. What should we expect? How should we manage the lodge usage? The wise leaders decided a bus trip would not be best since there might be multiple options for experiencing the eclipse and thus a car trip gave everyone an opportunity to do it their way. We wanted to have our cook on duty as the small local restaurants would never be able to handle the crush.

March of 2024 was very kind to the Green Mountains. There were several major storms measured in feet of snow in the weeks leading up to the eclipse, the last storm ending Friday morning.

Over the three days we had various groups skiing Sugarbush, Mad River Glen, Stowe and Killington. That’s one heck of a lineup! In addition the nordic skiers enjoyed the Von Trapp trails and some hikers found hills to conquer too. (and others went snowshoeing)

Spring skiing for those unfamiliar is a bit different. Generally the snow starts off firm and gradually softens to the point that by 2:30pm, most people would rather sit out in the sun with a beer than ski or ride on the “slush”. The cold winter wind is replaced with a gentle 50 degree breeze.

As the eclipse day approached the frenzy (everywhere) grew. Lawsons was even brewing a Path of Totality IPA just for this occasion!!! Every bed in the Miramar lodge was spoken for. A full house…. 53 people. Wow!

What may not have been completely anticipated is the number of cars to get all those people up here might exceed the number of parking spaces. We have more land but it was all covered in snow and blocked by the barrier created by the snow plow one day earlier.

The weekend was a sunny one… except for the actual moment of the eclipse! OK, not to overemphasize this…. But there were thin clouds following 2 days with no clouds at all. Some members & guests watched the eclipse from the lodge. Some “chasers” raced north and east to outrun the clouds and view it in clear skies.

I decided it was a ski day and decided to watch it halfway down from the summit on a completely empty trail. I was set up with a zoom lens and a tripod waiting for totality listening to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon album played by a live band at the Sugarbush base off in the distance.

… And if the cloud bursts thunder in your ear
You shout and no one seems to hear
And if the band you’re in starts playing different tunes
I’ll see you on the dark side of the moon