For Vermont ski areas, snow is well-timed

JAY, Vt. (AP) -- Vermont's winter resorts are celebrating what's shaping up to be a terrific holiday week, thanks mainly to the weather

Jay Peak President Bill Stenger says his northern Vermont resort was already in good shape, with more than a foot of natural snow in recent days and excellent weather recently for making snow. With a big new storm hitting the state, Stenger says that's making for superb conditions as the New Year's weekend approaches.

Many Vermont resorts are reporting that most or all of their skiing and riding trails are open.

The snow is also expected to be a boon to cross-country ski areas, after a tough winter last year.