its snowing in vermont, with more on the way. where can i get better updates on current conditions, which mountains are planning early openings, etc. i have tried the individual ski areas websites and they just dont update often enough, even killington. there must be message boards like this one for vermont. anyone have a url?

www.epicski.com

The Epic archive is especially useful for digging up insights on New England skiing.

Also, many of the DCSki regulars have skied a lot in New England and can probably offer some ideas on specific places.

In terms of the drive, Killington and the resorts of Southern VT are the closest big NE places from DC, but most of us prefer the harder to get to places such as Stowe, Jay, MRG, Sugarbush, Sugarloaf, Wildcat, Cannon, etc.

also check the forum at www.snowjournal.com
that is mostly new england people and they may be able to give you real time info on current conditions or near term developments.

You may want to try http://alpinezone.com/ There is a lot of good info there.

If you haven't already seen this thread at epic, it contains a list of ski websites (and their focus/utility)that would take a year to fully explore: http://forums.epicski.com/showthread.php?t=27255

The best and most reliable info is here,
http://list.uvm.edu/archives/skivt-l.html

That said, the first and last tracks of the year are always backcountry. You have to climb for them. Mt. Washington, NH has had 44" so far and may get another 2 feet from the wraparound from Wilma. However it is a dangerous place in winter* and I would not recommend going there unless you have years of experience on that mountain in all seasons.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1929173067/002-6972275-9083269?v=glance

Mad River has been skied already. It is a far more sheltered and safe place to earn turns than Mt. Washington.
http://list.uvm.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind051....com&P=3257

* winter here is defined as Columbus Day to Memorial Day. During that time no shelter is open on the mountain.