Evan
Active member
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2024
Every once in a while, a deal comes along that you just can’t pass up. The kind that feels like a well-earned reward for loving the sport. Skiers enjoy getting the best bang for their buck — and on Wednesday, Swain delivered just that with their legendary $1 lift ticket day. A true bargain that made hitting the slopes even sweeter. Such a good deal, skiers were committing larcen-ski. I’m sorry, I could resist with that one — the joke was as corny as the ski conditions.
I’ve seen this promotion offered at the end of many seasons, but this year, my schedule lined up to finally cash in. As a big spender today, I proudly handed over my crisp dollar bill at the ticket booth and asked the staff member how long this deal had been around. She, being more than twice my age, chuckled and said, “As long as I can remember.” That’s some serious ROI for local skiers who invest to be there, and a tradition worth celebrating!
With my budget-friendly ticket secured, I hit the slopes with my buddy Dan. Swain was set to open at 1 PM, and luckily, we had the afternoon free to enjoy it. The weather? Priceless. It was 50°F and sunny at the start, climbing up to a balmy 75°F. I had my party shirt and sunglasses ready, but what I didn’t pack was sunscreen—something I realized later that night, seeing my sunburn skin had paid the price.
Snow pants vents open, gloves off—spring skiing at its finest. In typical fashion, we parked by Quad 3, which is where we spent most of the day. The core trails in the center of the mountain were holding up the best. We made our way over to Quad 1 as well. Swain had been stockpiling snow piles on Upper and Lower Robinson — I imagine they’ll tap into that snow-bank soon, to diversify their investment and cover their bases for the weekend.
Conditions were "cents"-ational. At one point, we even got a surprise fly-by from US Army personnel in a Black Hawk helicopter. I bet they didn’t expect to see skiers ripping turns in 70-degree weather! Maybe they were checking out the ultimate display of winter dedication or — checking out the best deal at local mountains.
After nearly four hours of soaking in the sun and soft snow, it was time to cash-out and kick off the boots. The deck at Shawmut Grille was packed with après enthusiasts, all making the most of the warm afternoon. As I wrapped up what was likely my last visit to Swain this season, I couldn’t help but be grateful—for the good times, the great season, and of course the unbeatable deal. Swain made a solid deposit into my memory bank.
