SKIING COCHRAN’S SKI AREA IN VERMONT
The map of the ski area at the summit.
For the last few days, I’ve ended each blog post saying I really needed to go to Burlington, Vermont, to return a Christmas gift. This afternoon I finally returned that gift and then I went skiing. As I rode the ferry across Lake Champlain from northern New York, my original intent was to head to Sugarbush. However, as I drove into Burlington, I thought about visiting Cochran’s Ski Area, a place I’d never skied before. A little while later, I was buying my $10 ticket online and booting up for my first day ever at Cochran’s.
Looking up at the ski area from the base.
I’ve driven by Cochran’s many times. The ski area is visible from Intestate 89, which I find myself on frequently in the winter and every now and then in the summer. Any time I see a ski area, I’m curious as to what it’s like. I’m definitely not a skier who only likes to ski at one mountain, as evidenced by the fact that I’ve already skied at 9 different ski areas this season. All of this to say, I was excited to finally check this place out.
Cochran’s has a rich history, which I won’t dive into (but you can read more about it HERE), but just know that it’s a non-profit ski area that’s been in business since 1961. It has 300 ft. of vertical, multiple rope tows and a T-Bar. In total, there are seven runs. All of them were open today.
Cochran’s lodge seen from the parking lot.
The T-Bar. There is a rope tow on each side of this lift.
Looking down I-89 from the summit.
The mountain was open 3–6 p.m. The last two days have been very cold, but today was much more tolerable. Plus, the sun was out at times to help warm you up. It also helped that it wasn’t too windy.
Taken moments before I grabbed on to the rope tow.
As mentioned, there are multiple rope tows at Cochran’s. I’ve never ridden a rope tow and I knew I had to try it at least once. As I stood there looking at the rope, a kid offered me some guidance. He told me to ditch the poles, which I did, and he also told me how to grab onto the rope. Even with his help, let’s just say that was an experience. The rope tow moved so fast. My legs hurt. I don’t know what I was expecting, but that was not it. I’d definitely do it again, but once was enough for today and from then on I stuck to the T-Bar.
The Racing Trail.
Allison’s Alley.
Conditions varied from trail to trail. I found the run I-89 to be in great shape. The snow was mostly packed powder. The Racing Trail was pretty firm and had spots of full-on East Coast Ice. The Face trail, which they had set up gates on, was also in a similar state. The other runs were similar to I-89.
I’m so glad I finally checked out Cochran’s today. It’s such a cool spot. It reminds me a lot of Mount Pisgah in Saranac Lake, New York, except it has more terrain. It may even be a little steeper. This is a ski area I will definitely be returning to in the future.
- Lincoln
A welcome sign on the lodge.