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Has anyone skied all of New England's Ski Areas in One Season?

bzrperfspec77

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I have thought about this a little last year during the season but got to thinking with maybe a little planning (over the summer), I could attempt it this year... Wiki shows about 60 ski areas in New England. It would be cool to group in NY as well, but I think 60 would be plenty!

What do you guys think the criteria should consist of? I don't think skiing one trail would be considered "Skiing XX Mountain", but a whole day at one ski area could waste some opportunities to ski a couple mountains in a day. Maybe a time limit? Amount of trails? Certain Type of trails? Amount of vert?

Basically I'm just curious if its been done before and what people think could be a good criteria to go by. I'm always looking for cool ideas to try and accomplish something that may not be done very often (and something within my capabilities and resources).

Thanks guys! If I don't try it this year, it will more than likely be 2015/16 season until I get a chance as I'm getting married next October (2014) at Killington and with over 100 guests my fiance and I get a free seasons pass each, so I will be spending a lot of time at K during the 2014/15 season.:flag:
 

Abubob

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Anyplace missing on this 61 location list? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_New_England_ski_areas_by_vertical_drop

Whaleback can be discounted unfortunately. :-( Don't see Black in Maine but that's closed too.

Powder Ridge is supposed to open this season.

For arguments sake lets say one run for reach trail? Many smaller areas could easily be covered in a half day.

btw: congrats bzrperfspec77 ... on your seasons tickets!! :thumbup:
 
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bobbutts

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I'd make a loose criteria, like simply must take a pic at the top of the highest operating lift.
It's not worth it to get fancy with minimum 1/2 day or some number of runs. I doubt anyone taking on a challenge like that would want to just do the bare minimum single run, so why bother with rules.
 

drjeff

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I'd make a loose criteria, like simply must take a pic at the top of the highest operating lift.
It's not worth it to get fancy with minimum 1/2 day or some number of runs. I doubt anyone taking on a challenge like that would want to just do the bare minimum single run, so why bother with rules.


I'm guessing that you mean "highest operating lift" on that day, not on the entire mountain. On the entire mountain could make this already tough challenge almost impossible if mother nature isn't feeling too cold and snowy that winter.

My guess is that if $$ wasn't an issue, and the road conditions cooperated, someone could hit up all the 60 operating areas in New England in less than 2 weeks if it was just 1 run.

Heck, someone could knock off 1/3rd of the states, CT and RI in 1 day if by starting at Mohawk, then probably over to Sundown, down to Woodbury, over to Southington, hitting the new to reopen Powder Ridge as they head towards RI to make a turn or 2 at Yawgoo, and then depending on traffic and how late the lifts are spinning maybe even venturing into MA and crossing Blue Hills of the list that same day :) Just the sequencing of this challenge sounds fun to figure out! :)
 

ScottySkis

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Try Plattekill in Catskills on a weekend 1000 vertical no run out. Go to Hunter early or late season midweek, weekends can be crowded I hear their are unmarked gladed at Hunter to avoid crowd's.
Hunter has 1600 vertical also in NY Catskills.
 

jaytrem

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Depending on how small you want to go, that list isn't very complete. It's also missing Middlebury and has Arrowhead listed at 1210 vert, it's probably supposed to be 210. Sounds like a fun idea though.

Can get much better info at threecy's site...

http://www.newenglandskihistory.com/
 

Mpdsnowman

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Well realistically with very few exceptions you would have to buy a valid lift ticket and spend at least 1/2 day at each place. I think the weather would be your biggest factor in succeeding with this one lol.
 

dlague

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First that would be quite an under talking with driving, lift ticket cost etc. In addition, skiing 60 days is pretty hard to do while working too! We live in a sweet spot for skiing and all ski areas in VT, NH, Eastern MA and Western ME and less than or about a two hour drive. We ski about 17-18 resorts per season and ski 30-40 days which is practically every weekend day from Mid December to end of April and a couple of nights during the week.

That being said - I think it can be done but you are right one run and done is not right so I suppose half day (three hours) would allow for two resorts in a day where resorts are clustered. The smaller resorts where night skiing can be had - well leave them for night skiing.

Now, two are off the list Whaleback and Black Mountain of Maine due to shutting down operations. But then again, there are small areas like Abenaki and Lyndon Outing Club (and others) which are usually not listed that would have to be considered or vise versa any hill below 1000' vert could be eliminated which would reduce the number a bit.

However you slice it good luck if you give it a shot!
 

bzrperfspec77

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I work 50+ hours a week at my job (Monday-Friday) so you guys aren't kidding that this would be a massive undertaking! This is why I didn't try it yet or was a bit skeptical about posting it here. I have saved up my vacation time this year and am rolling over a bit in the thoughts of attempting this. Plus my boss likes to ski/snowboard so I'm sure I can get a few extra days if needed :beer:

One run and done would be a complete waste of money and time on my part just to accomplish something like this... I was thinking at least 2.5 hours and at least one black, one blue and one green (Double black and trees if they are open). Tonight I plan on making a route list and a map of the areas to see if its feasible with my work schedule, vacation time, money needed for the wedding etc. I would love to partner with some group (Ski the East etc.) on getting help/funding but I think I'm too far behind to create something like that so it will more than likely just be me, my skis, my truck and my go-pro (and my dog on some trips).

Thanks Abubob. I proposed at a ski area (Stratton) and then while looking at K's webcam of Superstar I saw the icon on the bottom "Weddings At Killington" and once I saw the "Seasons Pass for Bride and Groom" I immediately emailed my fiance and said "Done"! We sent in the deposit yesterday!
 
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Riverskier

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I don't see any reason to hold yourself to any set criteria (unless you want to of course). One run should count in my opinion, but like you said, why would you do that- it would be a waste of time and money. That said, if it is raining or something and you want to knock off an area, I wouldn't sweat just taking a couple runs. It will be quite the adventure and accomplishment regardless of the details!
 

dlague

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Anyplace missing on this 61 location list? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_New_England_ski_areas_by_vertical_drop

Whaleback can be discounted unfortunately. :-( Don't see Black in Maine but that's closed too.

Powder Ridge is supposed to open this season.

For arguments sake lets say one run for reach trail? Many smaller areas could easily be covered in a half day.

btw: congrats bzrperfspec77 ... on your seasons tickets!! :thumbup:

Here are a few lift operations that you never hear about to often:

Lyndon Outing Club - Lyndonville VT
Abenaki Ski Area - Wolfboro NH
Middlebury Snow Bowl - Middlebury Vt
Campton Mountain - Campton NH
Living Memorial Park - Bralleboro VT
Mount Prospect Lancasater NH
 

dlague

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Thanks Abubob. I proposed at a ski area (Stratton) and then while looking at K's webcam of Superstar I saw the icon on the bottom "Weddings At Killington" and once I saw the "Seasons Pass for Bride and Groom" I immediately emailed my fiance and said "Done"! We sent in the deposit yesterday!

That is super cool! When I first met my wife she did not ski so that would not have worked - however she now skis practically every trail with me and we had 38 days in! If it were now - we would be doing the same because she is my skiing partner - so congrats and good luck!
 

Abubob

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Roughly considering just the months of Dec thru March with 4 weekends and at least two areas each weekend day that would add up to 64. Plan your routes carefully I'll bet it could easily be done.

If you're retired or financially independent and have the whole week - one area a day = 112. Even just one area a day mid-week comes to 80. Piece of cake!
 

4aprice

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I would not and could not attempt it in one season but would spread it over 4 to 5 seasons. I actually have this in mind after this coming season when the boy moves on to college from highschool. My scope would be slightly different as I would take Maine off the list and substitute Eastern New York State. (strictly a travel related). Some of the bigger areas I would like to spend more then one day at to really ski them.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ
 

boston_e

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Criteria would be hard to define... but it's kind of like porn... you know it when you see it.

Some larger resorts you could not come close to covering in half a day, but if you spent 4 hours there, you know you went skiing. Likewise, you could show up at a smaller local hill for night skiing and after an hour and a half or so, feel like your accomplished your goal and decide it is time to sit down and enjoy an apres-ski beer.

This would be pretty hard to do if you are also trying to hold down a full time job.
 

dlague

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Criteria would be hard to define... but it's kind of like porn... you know it when you see it.

Some larger resorts you could not come close to covering in half a day, but if you spent 4 hours there, you know you went skiing. Likewise, you could show up at a smaller local hill for night skiing and after an hour and a half or so, feel like your accomplished your goal and decide it is time to sit down and enjoy an apres-ski beer.

This would be pretty hard to do if you are also trying to hold down a full time job.


Agreed - like I posted earlier for the most part.
 

Conrad

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Like other people are saying there are some ski areas missing from that list. I'm guessing the actual number of ski areas is more like 75. I'd be psyched to see all the photos of this of adventure!
 
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