National Parks Week April 21-29
May 21, 2012 by Peter MacLaren
In Vermont we are proud of our woodlands, our mountains and our waterways. In fact, the mission of our Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is to practice and encourage a high quality of stewardship of Vermont’s environment by managing forests for sustainable use and by providing and promoting opportunities for compatible outdoor recreation. This mission echos the concern for the environment expressed by John Muir in the late 1800′s as he explored the vast magnificence of the natural wonders of the US west.
John Muir, a Scottish born American naturalist was an early advocate of the preservation of the American wilderness. His many writings tell of his adventures in nature and especially his love of the Sierra Nevada. An outspoken supporter and active defender of nature preservation, his enthusiasm for nature was boundless.
An early advocate of the idea of national parks, Muir petitioned the US Congress to pass the Nation Park bill which, when passed in 1890, brought about the creation of both Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. Today the name John Muir graces numerous trails, glaciers, camp-grounds and monuments in national park lands. Founded by Muir, The Sierra Club continues to be one of the most active and important conservation groups today.
If you watched the Ken Burns documentary on the National Parks you will remember the first part focuses on the life of John Muir.
Today in the United States, this Scottish born naturalist is referred to as the “Father of the National Parks”. Thank a Scot and go out and enjoy a national park this week. April 21-29 is National Parks Week.
“Father of the National Parks” John Muir April 21, 1838- December 24, 1914
Relaxation Plus!
March 16, 2012 by Peter MacLaren
- Cat nap
Winter gives way to an early spring
Mountainside snow melts in the warm sun
The ground begins to thaw as we enter mud season
Crocuses, tulips, and irises poke their heads through the soil
Inside West Hill House B&B Smoky demos cat yoga and enjoys a relaxing nap.
Come join Smoky and Snowball, choose your own chair of course, and chill out.
For new bookings made after March 27th for between then and April 26th we are offering these two special deals:
- Stay two nights and have the third night on the house! A 33% discount.
- Stay one night and get the 2nd night at half price! A 25% discount.
These discounts are not available on-line. Please call us to book.
(may not be combined with other discounts)
Ski boots galore!
March 6, 2012 by Peter MacLaren
"We sure had a good day on the mountains."
After a busy day at Sugarbush and Mad River Glen, guests’ boots rest by the fireside while their humans enjoy their steam showers and jacuzzis.
Snow in quantity!
February 25, 2012 by Peter MacLaren
Red Rockers
Come play in the snow! We finally got some significant snow so now it’s time to book your Sugarbush or Mad River Glen ski vacation.
In the past 24 hours we have received 12″ of snow, most of it coming since about 11 AM on Saturday.
Today’s guests report that the mountains are in superb shape and the snowy scenery is stunning.
At the B&B our fences are all snowcapped and even the front porch rockers received a snowy blanket.
We’re looking forward to your visit. Check our Ski and Stay specials!
- Great Skiing!
Valentine’s Day – Romance is in the snow!
January 31, 2012 by Peter MacLaren
Sleigh Ride in the Mad River Valley
A picture postcard Valentine’s Day package awaits you…
A snow covered landscape, a beautiful room with a double Jacuzzi tub in its ensuite bathroom, a sleigh ride to whisk you through the snow, and a delicious dinner at The Common Man restaurant.
We have two all inclusive packages:
- The Logan Suite for any 3 nights including the 14th of February – just $999 inclusive
- The Mountain Room for any 2 nights including the 14th of February – just $649 inclusive
Extra nights can be added at our regular rates less 10%.
Your package includes:
The Logan Suite Master Bathroom
- Your beautiful room and a delicious breakfast each morning
- A wondrous sleigh ride with views over the Mad River Valley
- Dinner at The Common Man Restaurant on the 14th
- 6 Roses – that you can take home with you
- A bottle of Champagne and two souvenir Champagne flutes
- Lake Champlain chocolates
- And most of all – a peaceful get-away among the snow covered Green Mountains of Vermont
Please plan ahead as these packages will doubtless sell out quickly.
Skiing in Vermont – time to act!
November 6, 2011 by Peter MacLaren
West Hill House B&B in Winter
Imagine a Christmas Card snow scene, a house surrounded by snow on a quiet country lane, a quintessential red barn, snowshoes, sleigh rides, shushing down the slopes or gliding on trails through the trees on your skis… Then comfortable beds, Jacuzzi tubs, steam showers, amazing breakfasts, and of course a cat or two curled up in front of a blazing fireplace…
Your imagination can become reality when you book this year’s ski holiday at West Hill House!
To make things even simpler this year, while we will be happy to put together a custom package for you for two or more nights, we have two inclusive deals you can choose from:
- 3 nights of B&B over the weekend and 3 days of skiing at Sugarbush
- 4 weeknights of B&B and 4 weekdays of skiing at Sugarbush
All you have to do is choose your room and the same all inclusive price (including taxes) applies:
- Queen Room Package – $899
- King Room package – $999
- Suite package – $1099
You can add dinner for two at The Common Man on any of Tuesday through Saturday evenings for just $99 including tax and gratuity (drinks are extra).
So time to stop imagining, and start planning. We are looking forward to seeing you at West Hill House. Smoky and Snowball are standing by!
Note that these package prices are not available over Christmas/New Years, MLK weekend and Presidents Week, although of course we will be pleased to have you stay at those time as well!
Sugarbush – Mad River Glen
October 27, 2011 by Peter MacLaren
A Wilson Bentley snowflake photograph
OK everyone… IT’S SNOWING HERE TODAY!
Time to think about getting those skis tuned up and making those ski holiday reservations.
Vermont photographer, “Snowflake” Bentley, was the first person to photograph snowflakes. Check out the website dedicated to his works.
Also check out our skiing specials.
Thank you Vets – Remembrance Day
October 18, 2011 by Peter MacLaren
As a special ‘Thank You’ to US and Canadian, retired and active military, West Hill House joins with many other B&Bs across Canada and the US in offering one free night of accommodation for military personnel on November 10, 2011 in either the Garden Room or the Highland Room (occupancy 2 people per room). We are also offering additional nights at a 50% discount. Of course our wonderful breakfast is included.
Come relax and enjoy Vermont hospitality in the peaceful surroundings of the the Mad River Valley in the heart of the Green Mountains. Our regular cancellation policies apply and a cc is required to hold the reservation. Proof of status may be requested upon check in.
This ‘Thank You’ Special is valid for the nights of Nov 9 – 13, 2011. Call to reserve. See you soon.
SIPtemberfest 2010
August 15, 2010 by Peter MacLaren
SIPtemberfest 2010 brings back the tradition of a fall brew fest to the Mad River Valley!
SIPtemberfest will take place at Mad River Glen on Saturday, September 25 from 12 pm to 5 pm. Featuring specialty brews from some of Vermont’s premier breweries including Warren’s own Lawson’s Finest Liquids, paired with foliage rides on the fabled Single Chair, awesome local food and the spectacular fall foliage backdrop of the Green Mountains. Many of the brews are not available in stores and/or of limited nature.
There will also be live music with the Gordon Stone Band and Abby Jenne and The Enablers.
If you enjoy fine beers and beautiful fall colors, this is the event to come to West Hill House for.
Tickets are $25 and include 10 tastings and a souvenir glass. Check with us for details.
The Long Trail’s 100th Birthday – and cake!
August 2, 2010 by Peter MacLaren
Long Trail 100th birthday cake
To Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the start of the building of the trail, a month long Relay Hike up the entire Long Trail started on Saturday, July 17, 2010 with day hikes led by GMC Sections, board members, and local volunteers.
To ensure this is an end-to-end event, Prickles the Porcupine, the Trail Mascot, will be carried along each section and then handed off to be carried section by section all the way along the trail.
To mark the arrival of the Relay at the Lincoln Gap on August 2nd, West Hill House baked a cake. The arriving hikers enjoyed it along with water and soft drinks. Prickles of course had a photo op!
Golfing at the Sugarbush Robert Trent Jones Sr. course
Kayaking on the Winooski River
Warren Falls
Skiing at Sugarbush