Minus 15 degrees here in Mad River Valley this morning, and news from the Statehouse indicates that Vermont is looking at a $100 million budget deficit for this fiscal year. The magic of  Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley aside, Vermont winters can be a bit cold, dark, and, let’s face it, depressing. That’s why we @ Vermont independence HQ invented #VT99. When we’re not advocating for a Vermont public bank, greater food and energy independence, and “2nd Republic” status for the great state of Vermont, we’re all about celebrating one of Vermont’s most fantastic commonly-held assets: our SNOW. Anyone can jump on snow and play. #VT99’s goal is simple – get on Vermont snow 99 times this winter for at least 30 minutes of ANY sort of activity. Walking. Skating. Running. Hiking. Snowshoeing. Biking. Shoveling. Sledding. Snow Angels. Luge’ing. Ice Fishing. Ice Climbing. Hunting. Skiing. Snowboarding. Slike’ing (yes, a combination of winter hill/mountain ascent and slide down fun). Randonee (just ’cause we wanted to sound French.) Whatever! As long as you are ON snow for 30 minutes or more – you are IN. Keep a log. Encourage your family, friends, and neighbors. And yes, you can be on snow several times a day and rack up the #VT99 a’go go – each separate activity counts! Capture and share your #VT99 “mojo” (mobile journalism) moments at the #VT99 hash tag on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, wherever. Need one of our sexy #VT99 stickers? Contact us and we’ll mail you one or more, courtesy of 2VR. And most of all, have a BLAST enjoying one of Vermont’s greatest commonly-held natural treasures. See you out there!