10 years from now.....

[deadheadskier]

which Northeastern area do you think will have improved the most from today?


I know some of you are of the 'addition = subtraction' school and dislike development, but I'm a sucker for terrain expansion. I guess I always have been. I remember as a kid growing up skiing Okemo, I'd always be drawing on trail maps and dreaming of what was to come.

My vote goes for Saddleback

They seem to have a rather ambitious lift and trail network expansion plan. They definitely have mother nature in their corner as well with one of the highest base elevations and summit for that matter in the East. On top of this, they have an unlimited supply of water for snowmaking expansion, which would be the envy of most ski area operators, plus above average natural snowfall for NE. I also think they'll be able to sell the Real Estate necessary to fund their expansion as the Rangely area has tremendous appeal with the lakes for summer use.


Honorable mention:

Jay Peak - West Bowl should be quite impressive

 

[threecy]

In ME, I agree that Saddleback has a chance.
In NH, I think Sunapee has a chance if they ever get the okay to move forward with their plans
In VT, I think Okemo/Sugarbush/Stowe all may see significant growth
In MA, I think Berkshire East will see the most improvements

 

[kcyanks1]

I'd second Jay and also mention Whiteface, with the Lookout Mountain expansion. I also believe there were talks about expanding Whiteface to another peak as well, though I don't know what's happening with that, and Lookout will already put them at their max trail mileage.

 

[deadheadskier]

Whiteface was certainly in my honorable mention thoughts. Their trail expansion is pretty impressive in it's on right, but I was of the understanding that...bedeep, bedeep, bedeep...that's all folks..

What about Gore? Do they have as strict of limitations on their expansion as Whiteface?

 

[kcyanks1]

Whiteface was certainly in my honorable mention thoughts. Their trail expansion is pretty impressive in it's on right, but I was of the understanding that...bedeep, bedeep, bedeep...that's all folks..

By that's all do you mean no more trail expansions or no slopeside lodging or village to go with it? If you mean the latter, you are probably totally right. I was focusing more on the skiing experience. As far as more trails, I'd like to hear someone knowledgeable chime in on the other mountain that I remember hearing something about, and whether that is at all possible, especially given the mileage limit.

What about Gore? Do they have as strict of limitations on their expansion as Whiteface?

Not sure about Gore. I haven't heard about one recently at least, so maybe they just aren't as close to it? HPD probably would know. Gore's expansion is impressive too, but it seems like it's adding vertical going down more than going up, and the terrain doesn't give me the impression as being quite as interesting--I could be completely 100% wrong here though.

 

[deadheadskier]

By that's all do you mean no more trail expansions or no slopeside lodging or village to go with it? If you mean the latter, you are probably totally right. I was focusing more on the skiing experience. As far as more trails, I'd like to hear someone knowledgeable chime in on the other mountain that I remember hearing something about, and whether that is at all possible, especially given the mileage limit.

Hopefully they re-visit the maximum if skier visits/traffic at Whiteface go up

from the Whiteface challenge:

Edit (7/30/2007): Just checking with whiteface management….they have done a re-calculation of the mileage. With completion of Lookout Mountain, according to our Unit Management Plan, Whiteface will have 24.45 miles of trails. As you know, our ceiling is 25 miles. So in two years, we will essentially be maxed out.

 

[eastcoastpowderhound]

I think Saddleback is a little geographically challenged...to far from a major metro area. Look at the skier visits at Sugarloaf vs Sunday River...around 40% more visits at Sunday River while most people in the NE usually put SL higher on their list of resorts they want to visit. Location, location, location... I think Boyne/CNL is going to do some good things with both Maine resorts and SR has plenty of capacity for additional visits as well as potential expansion.

 

[kcyanks1]

Hopefully they re-visit the maximum if skier visits/traffic at Whiteface go up

from the Whiteface challenge:

Edit (7/30/2007): Just checking with whiteface management….they have done a re-calculation of the mileage. With completion of Lookout Mountain, according to our Unit Management Plan, Whiteface will have 24.45 miles of trails. As you know, our ceiling is 25 miles. So in two years, we will essentially be maxed out.

Right, I remember that answer. I was wondering whether the state legislature would re-visit the maximum, as you suggested.

 

[millerm277]

Killington, they will have no choice but to make some major improvements in a couple years from now, especially if they want to sell that real estate.

Also, Sno Mtn....they've got a lot of room to expand, and are planning to do so.

 

[deadheadskier]

I think Saddleback is a little geographically challenged...to far from a major metro area. Look at the skier visits at Sugarloaf vs Sunday River...around 40% more visits at Sunday River while most people in the NE usually put SL higher on their list of resorts they want to visit. Location, location, location... I think Boyne/CNL is going to do some good things with both Maine resorts and SR has plenty of capacity for additional visits as well as potential expansion.

Certainly good points, though Saddleback is essentially at the same disadvantage geographically as Sugarloaf. I guess my feelings are that with the lakes right there for summer use, the unlimited snowmaking potential and plans already approved, a lot will happen there. In my opinion, Saddleback has more year round appeal than SR and SL. I don't expect it to ever garner the skier visits of SR, but I do think they have the potential to get in the same range as SL.

 

[trtaylor]

I'm not familiar with Jay's West Bowl plans, but I don't think there is another area in the northeast that is planning a terrain expansion like Saddleback is.

Rangeley is a fantastic area, but Saddleback's plans sure seem aggressive. Will be interesting to watch.

 

[threecy]

Saddleback's plans sure seem aggressive.

I'd keep them at low odds, but I wouldn't be surprised if we see a fraction of their plans completed (which would still be decent)

 

[trtaylor]

I'd keep them at low odds, but I wouldn't be surprised if we see a fraction of their plans completed (which would still be decent)

I agree.

 

[tjf67]

By that's all do you mean no more trail expansions or no slopeside lodging or village to go with it? If you mean the latter, you are probably totally right. I was focusing more on the skiing experience. As far as more trails, I'd like to hear someone knowledgeable chime in on the other mountain that I remember hearing something about, and whether that is at all possible, especially given the mileage limit.



Not sure about Gore. I haven't heard about one recently at least, so maybe they just aren't as close to it? HPD probably would know. Gore's expansion is impressive too, but it seems like it's adding vertical going down more than going up, and the terrain doesn't give me the impression as being quite as interesting--I could be completely 100% wrong here though.

For whiteface to expnad it terrain past it currrent limit it has to go out to the voters of NYS. I dont think that will happen any time soon

As far as gore they have a lot more flexability because of there location in the adirondack park.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Blue mountain and Stowe..

 

[Razor]

Maine has so much potential. It would be nice if the state built a divided highway from the turnpike up into the SR/SL area, maybe up around Rumford. Areas like the Loaf and Saddleback will never reach their potential as long as one has to navigate slow, two-lane roads from the turnpike. Rt. 26 to Bethel has been improved with the addition of passing lanes, but it still takes about an hour and 15 minutes from the exit to SR.

Saddleback is one of the best 4 season areas in the country. While a few out west come to mind (Tahoe, Couer D'Alene, Flathead Lake), I don't think anything in the East is better. The ski terrain is terrific and the development plans look good. Everything is in place for a big time resort. But you still have to get there, and right now it's a good 4 1/2 hours from Boston. I know many would like to keep things just like they are, but you'd think that the state of Maine would be interested in boosting the economy in the Rt. 2 corridor.

 

[millerm277]

Blue mountain

Forgot about them...they've got lots of room to expand along the ridge there.

 

[deadheadskier]

Maine has so much potential. It would be nice if the state built a divided highway from the turnpike up into the SR/SL area, maybe up around Rumford. Areas like the Loaf and Saddleback will never reach their potential as long as one has to navigate slow, two-lane roads from the turnpike. Rt. 26 to Bethel has been improved with the addition of passing lanes, but it still takes about an hour and 15 minutes from the exit to SR.

Saddleback is one of the best 4 season areas in the country. While a few out west come to mind (Tahoe, Couer D'Alene, Flathead Lake), I don't think anything in the East is better. The ski terrain is terrific and the development plans look good. Everything is in place for a big time resort. But you still have to get there, and right now it's a good 4 1/2 hours from Boston. I know many would like to keep things just like they are, but you'd think that the state of Maine would be interested in boosting the economy in the Rt. 2 corridor.

my thoughts exactly, especially the highway project. I think that would offer a big economic boost for the area. Improving travel down from Canada should be looked at as well. Though there are so many NIMBY's in Maine, I doubt either would happen, at least nothing beyond the improvements that were made to Rte 26.

 

[Rushski]

Not bringing anything new to the v=conversation, but my votes:

NH - Sunapee if ever allowed to expnad, possibly Ragged if ever managed properly. Both big IFs.
VT - Okemo with Jackson Gore section and beyond to open up new terrain.
ME - Like many said Saddleback is already working towards the future w/responsible plans.

 

[arik]

mount snow if they get the water project approved and somehow miraculously buy and connect to Haystack