*and special offer for anyone traveling solo. Skip ahead four paragraphs to get to the actual point.
When I was a kid, my mom always gave me a Valentine's card (often involving Snoopy) and sometimes made a heart-shaped meatloaf for dinner. I loved that. And I love my mom. But, aside from the Snoopy cards and the meatloaf, I've never liked Valentine's Day.
My formal breakup with Valentine's Day took place in 1986. I was a freshman in college, and I had the opportunity to visit friends in Philadelphia for a mid-February weekend. I was dating a nice boy, but, between you and me, I really didn't like him very much. When I told him I'd be going to Philadelphia, he was furious. "You can't go. It's Valentine's Day." "Yes I can go. I don't even want to spend Valentine's Day with you." "But you love me." "Actually, David, I do not." I had a blast in Philadelphia. Poor David spent the weekend sulking (or so I heard). And I vowed that I would pay exactly zero attention to Valentine's Day from that moment on (which isn't entirely true, but skip ahead two paragraphs to see what I mean).
Seven years later, I met Mick, and Valentine's Day arrived three months after that. To my great relief, he was on the same page when I suggested that no flowers were needed and that I'd be happy to stay home rather than go out for a prix-fixe Valentine's dinner. I had met my perfect match.
The Actual Point, Finally
Here at the Featherbed Inn, we observe Valentine's Day by celebrating singlehood. If you are unattached, or if you are attached to someone who doesn't share your love of skiing or for whom a trip to Vermont is not currently in the cards, we've got something far better than roses. For the week leading up to and including Valentine's Day (February 9-14), we'll knock ***$100*** per night off the room rate for anyone traveling solo. Sweeter than chocolate. And you'll be able to squeak by all the skiers by jumping into the singles line at the mountain. Call us if this appeals.
And whether you are single or not, you should really consider visiting the Mad River Valley this winter. The snow keeps on snowing, and conditions have been perfect every single day. I'm not exaggerating (which I am sometime accused of, especially by my husband). Perfect. And the outlook points to the perfection continuing. So far, our slopes have seen more than 5 feet of snow since the start of 2025. And, for the first time in memory, no January thaw!
Here are a couple of new perks you might find here. First, depending on which room you are in, we can arrange for you to have an in-room massage from an absolutely phenomenal massage therapist. Second, if you want to get into the woods at Mad River Glen but are afraid you won't know where to go, we might be able to hook you up with a guide. No promises, but we know a guy...
And one last thing, though I'm afraid this really targets couples (or two singles): Our friends at Von Trapp Farmstead will be hosting Cheese: A Love Story, which is a beer and cheese pairing event with a master cheese maker. It's on February 14 at 6:30-8pm.
For all of you who plan to buy the flowers and indulge in a romantic dinner for two, we're happy for you. But for those of you for whom Valentine's Day is just another day, come join us, and we'll make it a very special day indeed.
Karen (and Mick, who will extend his 33 year streak of not buying me flowers)
