Ascutney Outdoors plans Winterfest: Powder, Pig, and Party

By JEFF EPSTEIN
[email protected]
BROWNSVILLE, Vt. — Ascutney Outdoors is planning a big party for Feb. 23, with food, games, and winter outdoors activities.

The organization calls the all-day event “Ascutney Outdoors Winterfest: Powder, Pig, and Party” and is designed to be a fundraiser for the non-profit that hosts activity areas including tubing and hiking trails. 

“User and event fees pay for much of the costs of our programs and activities,” board member Steve Crihfield said in a statement to the user community last year.  “We have few part-time staff members, but we predominantly rely on a large group of invaluable volunteers.”

The event will have various activities available in the afternoon and evening. Here is the rundown from the organization:

Both the rope tow and the tubing hill will be open from noon–4 p.m., and tubing will also be open for an evening session from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

A giant slalom ski course will be open from 2-4 p.m., with registration open for a half-hour from 1-1:30 p.m. They will have three classes, Alpine, Snowboard and Telemark, and various age groups. All abilities and ages are welcome, the organization says.

Also at 2 p.m., a guided, 90-minute snowshoe hike will step off (for those with snowshoes).

Brownsville Butcher and Pantry is involved as well. The restaurant and store that has become popular with local residents will serve pig roast from 3–6 p.m., along with accompanying side dishes. Plates will be $15 ($8 for kids 8 and under). A cash bar with beer and wine will be available. 

Finally, Ascutney Outdoors plans an evening dance party from 7–10 p.m. at the main center building, at a cost of $45 per person. Entertainment will be the Upper Valley jazz and soul combo Frydaddy, that has performed multiple times in the area.

Brownsville Butcher and Pantry is catering this party with a chili bar, again with a beer and wine cash bar.

There will also be a couple of raffles, and perhaps other events added to the program. For full prices and details, see the Ascutney Outdoors website.