Guide to Fall Foliage Season in the Mountains
Ski Resorts make great spots for viewing fall foliage. Get tips on planning your foliage trip, tracking peak colors and taking good photos.
Fall foliage season in the mountains is the prelude to ski season for alpine communities. We are drawn to the vibrant, yet tranquil scenery. In contrast to the peaceful countryside, the most colorful regions can be busy and congested. For the best visit experience, you should do some planning.
I know a bit about leaf peeping. I used to run the travel information center in the Mad River Valley in Vermont. If you've ever visited Sugarbush or Mad River Glen as the leaves change, you know what a spectacular location it is for autumn colors.
I moved there just before the color absolutely peaked. I was as taken with the leaves as the tourists. I drove to the top of the Roxbury gap on my lunch break on my first day to take photos and was in awe. The views were so stunning, I returned to the top of the gap each day for a week to take another shot. The beauty never gets old.
There's something about combination of a ski town and picturesque autumn leaves that draws us there. You don't have to ski or snowboard to gravitate here.
Why ski resorts are among the best places to view fall colors
When the trees are bursting with color, you can't fully look around while driving up and down winding mountain roads. The road commands your attention and open views can be limited. Here's the solution. Go to a ski area and take a chairlift or gondola ride. You can relax on the ride and look all around you then get off at the summit. The top of the slopes guarantees an expansive view and plenty of clearing to walk around, take it all in and capture photos.
Last week I took my dog for a walk at 2 ski areas that share ridgeline in New York. The leaves were just starting to change at Kissing Bridge All Seasons Resort and Buffalo Ski Center. Besides the scenery, there was plenty of food, music, local vendors and activities to fill the day.
Most ski areas have a full schedule of events you can enjoy while the leaves are at their most colorful. You're likely to find festivals, live music, artisan booths and other activities on foliage weekends. Check the ski area's events calendar for details. Another thing you'll find is plenty of parking. Purchase your lift pass and enjoy whatever is scheduled for the day. This takes the stress out of driving, parking and searching for a perfect vantage point.
After you've fully enjoyed all the ski area has to offer, venture into the surrounding towns and visit the local shops, restaurants and attractions. Leaf season is often a good time to find ski shops and ski swaps to prepare for ski season too!
How to get the most out of your trip to see the changing leaves
Plan ahead. Check foliage reports, events and weather. The closer you are to peak, the more colorful your views will be. However, once those leaves near maximum color, a storm can drop them from the trees pretty quickly. If there's inclement weather in the forecast, move your adventure dates up.
Expect the region to be busy. This is a very popular travel season, so book plans ahead for restaurants, attractions and lodging. If you want to be in specific spots at specific times like sunrise or sunset, time out your route and add some padding to that schedule to allow for unplanned delays or stops. If you plan to hike, read reviews of the trail to find out if there is limited parking and if so, head there early. Think ahead for rest area stops as well!
Bring layers of clothing and sturdy shoes. Mountain temperatures can vary quite a bit by time of day and elevation. If you've got room pack extra layers and something to protect you from wind or rain just in case. When you get off the chairlift ride, you'll be walking around on hills. Sneakers or hiking shoes are recommended.
Explore everything else the region has to offer. Fall is harvest time. Think of apples, cider, pumpkins and more. Enjoy the seasonal flavors and pick up maple syrup which was bottled in spring. Whether you enjoy antiquing, art galleries, chasing waterfalls, or outdoor sports, pick out a few stops and leave time for some spontaneous roadside breaks for whatever catches your attention.
Find peak foliage tracking tools by location
Timing a trip to view September or October colors can be aided by using a foliage report map. Here are some great resources for tracking peak leaf-peeping dates.
United States by State
Canadian Provinces
ToDoOntario
Switzerland
Schweiz Tourismus
Basic tips for taking pictures of colorful fall leaves
If you see cloud-covered skies don't shy away and wait for the sunshine. Cloudy and rainy days actually help showcase the brilliant colors. Take advantage of the natural filter mother nature is offering you.
Look for still water like ponds or slow-moving streams. When you find these areas look down. Catching the reflection of trees in the water creates a beautiful perspective.
Look for objects with colors that go well with the leaf color to put in the foreground. A traditional red barn, bright-orange pumpkins, a brown chipmunk or a yellow tractor all fit with the country landscape and complement the leaves.
When photographing friends and family outdoors pay attention to the wind and sun. Position your subjects so the sun is not in their eyes and hair or clothing isn't blowing in front of faces. The sun should be behind them for backlighting or off the side of their shoulder for side lighting.
When you focus a landscape shot, try setting your focal point at different distances. I'm talking about the point your camera uses to focus. With a cell phone you may set that by tapping the screen. For many digital cameras, push the button down just partway to see the focal point appear in your view. Try setting the focus on leaves that are close, far away and mid-range. Take each shot and see how the colors turn out. Take more with your favorite setting.
The tips above are meant for beginners or basic phone cameras. If you're a hobby or seasoned photographer, or have a camera with wide range of settings or lenses, this topic deserves more in depth discussion. Visit photography sites for advanced recommendations.
You're not alone if you love this season
Kaleidoscopes of red, orange, yellow and amber trees draw spectators from all over the world. Vermont tourism reported last year annual foliage season draws roughly 2.5 million visitors and spending of approximately $500 million. New Hampshire's Department of Travel & Tourism Development estimated 3.9 million fall visitors spending 2 billion dollars.
Why do we love it? The season connects us with nature, reminds us to take a break from busy lives to enjoy our surroundings. It shows us that special moments are fleeting and we have to seize the moment to enjoy them. The mountains and our ski areas are the perfect spots for the season. Naturalist John Muir said it well.
— John Muir
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