Towards the end of winter, as New England leaves frigid temperatures behind, we anticipate the last few ski weekends of winter. This year we’ve had abundant snow and the snowpack continues to be perfect for skiing, snowmobiling, and more. Yet, more snow is predicted!
These last few weekends are always particularly welcome. On the warmer days we can almost ski with t-shirts while enjoying the sunshine, then hit the lodge for hot chocolate, cocktails, and snacks. These runs are particularly enjoyed as we know soon we won’t ski again for many months.
The other joy of this time of year is sugaring season. As the temperatures get above freezing during the day and below freezing at night, maple sap starts running. Maple producers are already in the early stages of collecting the maple sap that is turned into our beloved maple syrup.
New Hampshire and Vermont maple producers each have one weekend a year when producers are open, boiling sap, offering maple treats, and of course selling maple syrup. For 2026 those weekends are the same, March 21 & 22.
Many of us visit multiple sugar shacks during maple sugar weekends. Walking into the shacks is intoxicating. They are generally warm and filled with maple steam from the boiling process. The smell perfumes you and remains with you throughout the day.
Each shack is different and they run the gamut from large commercial productions to family-run and dedicated maple syrup producers. Visiting a few gives you the opportunity to experience the different processes, learn about maple sugaring, and taste the treats they offer such as “sugar-on-snow,” pancakes with syrup, and maple donuts.
Tasting the syrup at each is a bit like wine tasting. The syrups are different depending on the sap, the process, and when you visit. Syrup is graded four ways from Amber with a delicate taste to Very Dark with a strong taste. The early runs are lighter and get stronger towards the end of the season. Sugar shacks generally have several grades for sale regardless of what’s boiling at the time, so you can stock up on your favorites. There’s nothing quite like walking out of a sugar shack with a jug of warm just poured syrup.
Now is a great time to visit us at the Lyme Inn, and visit several of the sugar shacks in our area. And of course, do some skiing in between!
