Mt. Hook Up
The best spots to find sex on the slopes
BY CHRISTINE WALSH

You've got the board. The snazzy goggles. The pom-pom hat. You're ready to breathe in that mountain air and launch yourself into a wintry oblivion. That's the only reason you visit the slopes. When you're on that board or on those skis, you're one with nature.

Quit kidding yourself.

Okay, some of you will be heading north strictly for the slopes. But the rest of us have an ulterior motive. I'm talking, of course, about booty. No resort stay would be complete without the right snow bunny or buck to cozy up to. It's difficult to tell who's sexy and who's a dud when everyone is bundled up in those bulky jackets. But when night falls and those ski pants have been retired for the day, it's only appropriate that you take full advantage of being in mountain country. To that end, here are nine places to get snowed.

Stargazing and groping
The Lookout Bar and Grill
2910 Killington Road, Killington, Vermont; 802.422.5665; www.lookoutvt.com Not only does the Lookout have a huge bar area that pulls in some of the sexiest skiers in the North, it also has an incredible view. When you've met your perfect match, grab a glass of wine, lead him or her over to the huge windows, and ponder the world as you take in the fantastic view of the peaks of Killington. Make a bold statement about life, or drunkenly compliment your partner's ability to ride. Darts, pinball machines, and a huge menu will be there if you strike out.

Finding your snow bear
Shooka Dooka
13 Evelyn Street, Rutland, Vermont; 802.773.6969 One of the area's newest and hottest gay bars is located in Rutland, a short skip from Killington. Friday nights are steady, featuring DJs and Top 40 hits. But Saturdays switch it up: the first of each month belongs to the women, the second to the leather crowd, the third to singles, and the fourth to the Bears. The hook-up possibilities are only limited by whether you prefer leather, lace, or burly men.

Chair lift
Loon Mountain
60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln, New Hampshire; 603.745.8111; www.loonmtn.com For starters, tubing by yourself is lame. But tubing with a group at this night venue is the best way to get close on the slopes. Laugh as the bodies fly after you hit that first big bump and congratulate yourself on deciding to be on the bottom of the heap. Still, at the end of the night, your bum and the rest of your body will be horribly sore, and you'll need someone to cure all that ails you. Find a cutie, hop on the chair lift, ride through the starry night, and lean in for the perfect winter kiss. Just make sure you have enough Blistex - if your lips don't stick together you'll be forced to call in the paramedics (awkward).

Bump 'n' grind
Pickle Barrel Night Club
Killington Road, Killington, Vermont; 802.422.3035; www.picklebarrelnightclub.com The best rock-and-roll club on the mountain. Rusted Root, The Samples, and Virginia Coalition are all making appearances at the Barrel. When the bands exit stage left, you can grab a pizza to go and jump in the Barrel Rider, which offers free rides home if you've had eight too many.

Just add beer
Woodstock Inn Station and Brewery
135 Main Street, New Hampshire; 800.321.3985; www.woodstockinnnh.com Stay at the cozy inn if you wish, but definitely visit the pub at the Woodstock, which brews its own beer. Take your sweetie to the bar and turn up the pressure as you force him or her to decide on one seasonal ale. The young crowd hits karaoke on Tuesdays and acoustic musical acts on weekends.

Just add Jell-O
Club 550
2025 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, New Hampshire; 603.356.7807; www.theclubnh.com When a place says their house specialty is Jell-O shots, you know there's a good chance of meeting someone. Club 550 backs it up with Washington Valley's largest dance floor. Twelve billiard tables (play for free on Tuesdays), a full bar, and bar food round out this Hampshire hideaway.

Barn lovin'
The Wobbly Barn
Killington Road, Killington, Vermont; 802.422.6171; www.wobblybarn.com The restaurant's favorite expression, "Are you feeling wobbly? If not, you should be!" explains the general ambiance of the Barn. Killington residents and visitors alike rave about the steak, seafood, and tall drinks. It's a great place to chill - and after a night of flirting up a snowstorm, you can go make out like mad in your heated car.

Couples only
Viaggio Spa at Loon
60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln, New Hampshire; 603.745.8111; www.loonmtn.com If you've come up with a partner, do yourself a favor and add a little something extra to guarantee some post-slope action. At Viaggio Spa at Loon, ladies can order a luxurious body-scrub treatment called the "Tiramisu," which rubs you down with a mixture of crushed almonds, crushed espresso beans, and vanilla.

The Inn of the Six Mountains at Killington
2617 Killington Road, Killington, Vermont; 802.422.4302; www.sixmountains.com If you're heading to Killington, the Inn of the Six Mountains has a licensed massage therapist, indoor and outdoor pools, and Cedars, voted best restaurant in the 2004 Taste of Killington.