Most of us who have been skiing for a number of years have great memories of loading  the car for a weekend road trip to Killington, cramming as many friends as  possible into a condominium, skiing as long as possible, and then staying  out as late as possible. It's also possible that you can no longer maintain that kind of frenetic pace. The problem is, people from all over the Boston and New York metropolitan areas are still doing it. And when you go out after  skiing, it seems that everyone around you is getting younger and younger while  you're getting older and older. There is, however, a more sane and civilized  solution: The Woodstock - Quechee area

Often  thought of as that cute little town which you pass through on your way to Killington (if you come from Boston), Woodstock and its environs may just  be the perfect solution. There are dozens of lodging alternatives of all varieties, some of the best restaurants in Vermont, and chances are you'll never have to worry about having your dinner ruined because your family has been seated next to a table of party animals  who have consumed enough draught beer to drown a large horse.

The  only possible downfall to Woodstock is a decided lack of anything resembling  a party scene and the prices, which can be little on the steep side. But hey,  let's face it, you have a lot less stamina and probably a lot more money than  you used to. And besides, you can't beat the shopping in Woodstock (Another sign of the times is you used to party 'til you passed out, now you shop 'til you drop.) and no place in New England has Woodstock's history. For instance, Woodstock has four churches whose bells were cast by Paul Revere. In Killington,  you might get stuck in a condominium next to four dingalings who'll keep you  up all night.

Don  Phillips