looking for advice - killington or wildcat,nh?

Thinking of going on Sunday (03/09/03), haven't been to either Killington or Wildcat ( was also thinking of Waterville Valley but concerned it may be too busy). Anyone been to both? Any preference? I am now at a kind of Intermediate level - comfortable skiing most blues, can manage easier blacks. My other half is more of an adventurous/experience skiier. Thanks. Leah

[Greg]

leahp - Never skied Wildcat so I can't comment there. It looks like a great mountain though.

Killington has a lot of varied terrain for all abilities. It can be a bit daunting however as it's so big. Get familiar with a trail map before you go. One word of advice - don't try to ski the whole place. Find an area that suits your style and stick to it. You'll blow a lot of time skiing from one mountain area to another otherwise. You won't be able to ski it all in a day unless you know your way around, and even then you'll only get in a few runs in at each area.

Snowdon and Ram's head have a lot of intermediate terrain whereas the Canyon and Bear Mountain have a lot of expert trails. Skye Peak has a good mix of blues and blacks.

Be prepared for steep lift ticket prices and weekend crowds. Killington is an experience though. Try to get there early.

Have fun!

[riverc0il]

leahp, wildcat may be straight up your alley... especially if you go for a sunday half day ticket (only $15 to ski noon till close - i may be doing that sunday possibly... i will be at magic on saturday in any case).

wildcat is all top to bottom skiing from the summit serviced high speed quad. you can ski the entire mountain from that one lift. and there's a lot to ski at over 2000 vert feet. no lift lines and lots of great cruising terrain with some occasional stuff to challenge. nothing exessively steep, but some nice pitches can be found. best view in new england at wildcat.

waterville and killington will definitely be crowded i would imagine. both are big name resorts that will have great weather after a dump in the cities.

I have been to both and even though I live on Long Island I pass right by Killington all of the time destined for places futher north. Killington does have the advantage of variety and massive amounts of snowmaking but it is too difuse and too crowded for me. Wildcat can be brutally cold, windy and a little bare but they have been investing in some snowmaking. Check weather & trail conditions before you commit! New detachable quad gives you 2100 vertical. I was doing six runs an hour last year. And bring a camera on a clear day because the view acroos Pinkham Notch to Mt. Washington is awesome. It is also cheaper all the way around with $30 to $40 dollar rooms available in Gorham and North Conway. I got a 14 year old pair of Dachstein boots repaired at Stan & Dans in North Conway. Got one Lange buckle on each of my boots and an extra buckle thrown in for good measure. Cost me $30. Sunday River is less than an hour away as well.

Glenn Stephens