From mid-September through October, you'll find chairlift rides a terrific way to view New England's constantly changing, colorful panorama.
Here's the scoop on some of the ski resorts' offerings in New England and neighboring New York:
> K-1 Gondola Rides at Killington
At Killington, the eight-passenger K-1 Gondola can take you to the highest Vermont peak serviced by a chairlift, where you'll enjoy views that stretch into five states and Canada on a clear day. What a way to see the leaves! The K-1 Gondola leaves from the Killington Base Lodge, located at the top of Killington Road, 5 miles from the junction of U.S. 4 and VT 100 North in Sherburne. The lift runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends only September 12 through October 4 and daily October 5-12. Round-trip gondola rides are $15 for adults and $10 for juniors and seniors during foliage season. There is also a family rate of $39 for two adults and any number of dependent children ages 18 and under. Children 5 and under ride free.
>Ride the SkyRide at Wachusett Mountain
Wachusett Mountain has the only high-speed detachable quad chairlift in Massachusetts. Your view of the scenery from the Fall SkyRide will be breathtaking. The SkyRide is open on weekends and holidays during fall festivals, and festival admission is required in addition to the price of SkyRide tickets. For a SkyRide schedule, call 978-464-2300. Directions to Wachusett Mountain, located in Princeton, Massachusetts, are available online.
> Summit Gondola Rides at Stratton
Soar to the top of southern Vermont's highest peak and enjoy foliage views that defy comparison. Stratton beckons to leaf peepers with its gondola rides, plus hiking, golf, paintball, Jeep tours and more! Gondola rides are $15 for adults, $10 for juniors and seniors and free for kids under 6 with a paying adult. A $39 family rate is available for two adults and up to three juniors. Gondola rides are available between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily from September 26 through October 12. Directions to Stratton are available at the ski area's Web site. Call 800-STRATTON toll free for more information.
> Fall Foliage Scenic Chairlift Rides at Mount Snow
You'll have views of four states from the 3,600-foot summit at Mount Snow Resort in Mount Snow, Vermont. Summit Chairlift rides are available weekends in September and daily September 26 through October 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. To purchase your lift ticket, visit Mount Snow Sports in the Grand Summit Hotel. Cost is $10 round trip, $5 for seniors and children under 12 and free for children 5 and under. Directions to Mount Snow are available online. Call 802-464-4040 for more information.
> Cannon Mountain Scenic Tram Rides
The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway whisks leaf peepers to the 4,180-foot summit of New Hampshire's Cannon Mountain in just about eight minutes. On a clear day, you'll have views of the mountains of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Canada and New York. Rides are offered daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October 25. Tickets are $13 for adults, $10 for ages 6 to 12 and free for ages 5 and under. For more information, call 603-823-8800.
