Christmas is coming
Get into the holiday spirit, Vermont style, with the “Nights Before . . .” package at Stowe’s Topnotch Resort and Spa. The one-night deal includes a visit to a tree farm — pick a complimentary tree or a wreath to take home — fireside story time (with cocoa and cookies, of course) and shuttle service to the shops at Stowe Village. Packages at the resort, part of Preferred Hotel Group, start at $166. topnotchresort.com
Collective bargain
Interested in eight days of skiing at four top resorts for one low price? Check out the Mountain Collective Pass, a new collaboration between Alta, Aspen/Snowmass, Jackson Hole and Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows. For $379 ($239 for kids 12 and under), you get two days of skiing at each resort, plus the option to purchase unlimited half-price lift tickets and discounts on lodging, too. Bonus: No blackout dates. themountaincollective.com
Gondola with the wind
Nothing says “happy anniversary” quite like a super-speedy gondola ride. In honor of its 50th anniversary this season, Vail is debuting One, a truly one-of-a-kind gondola that travels at a speed of 1,200 feet per minute. The comfy ride — the cabins seat 10 passengers, and boast WiFi and cushioned, heated seats — whisks skiers from Vail Village to mid-Vail in 7½ minutes. vail.com
Room at the inn
After being closed for renovations, the historic Bear Mountain Inn in New York’s Hudson Highlands is once again open for business. While the revamp of the hotel, built in 1915, isn’t fully complete — the main restaurant and spa are set to open early next year — you can take advantage of low, off-season, mid-construction pricing: Midweek rooms start at $169 per night. visitbearmountain.com
Big Sky, real fast
Last year, Montana’s Big Sky resort opened new ski trails and added additional acres. This year, New Yorkers can hit the slopes there more quickly than ever before: United Airlines is now offering nonstop winter service from Newark to Bozeman. bigskyresort.com, bozemanairport.com