'Ski Good Or Eat Wood' At Blue Knob

Blue Knob's first day of its 45^th season was, in the words of Mountain Manager Andy Himes, "a bluebird day.

"It's gorgeous today, and this is a good early start for us," Himes said.

Blue Knob attracts family skiers, largely from the Baltimore-D.C. metropolitan area.

"We do have a lot of dedicated high-end skiers and riders due to the fact that, as I like to put it, we're kind of the Mad River Glen of the South," Himes said.

"We can't compete with Seven Springs as far as amenities go, but our terrain is outstanding. Until you get into at least southern Vermont you won't find any better terrain than we have," he said.

Blue Knob's loyal fans sport bumperstickers that read, "Ski Good or Eat Wood," somewhat similar in spirit to Mad River's "Ski It If You Can."

Himes said the area has a fine offering of glade skiing, marked and unmarked, maintained in the off season with the help of many locals.

Himes has skied at Blue Knob since it opened Dec. 7. 1963.

Web special: Six lift tickets for $225, 25 percent savings over regular prices, offer ends Dec. 24. The six tickets are good for any eight-hour session any day the area is open, including holidays and weekends. Use them one at a time, or bring five friends and use them all at once.