Stowe Opens for Season
by Josh Laronge
(October 14, 1996)

Rider Kevin Quennan rock and rolls Stowe's opener. Photo: Josh Laronge

The long awaited season on Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's Highest Peak 4,393 ft., began today, as riders were whisked to the top by the quad lift. It had been snowing all week prior to the blue-bird sky received for day one. About two feet of snow had riders hiking the hill during the week before opening.

The Burlington crowd was in the hood, picking up their Big Passes and ruling a quarter-pipe hit built with blood and sweat from Burton rider Joah Buley. Burton Dealer Services guru Kevin Queenan grabbed a little off-piste action as he dropped an eight footer for a number of lurkers.

The relatively warm 30 degree temperature and the sun, were as much a highlight of the days as was the snow pack. Rod Kessler, director of mountain operations at Stowe, and posse made so much snow, not only did the mountain open a week earlier than usual, but with more terrain as well. Kessler was also seen on the turf getting the goods.

If day one is an indication of what's to come this winter, than it's going to be a sick year.