AlpineZone Ski Area Challenge: Crotched Mountain Ski Area

[Chris]

The only problem I see with regards to your enthusiasm for visiting Crotched is their terrain. Knowing the terrain you like having read your posts over the years, I don't think you'll enjoy yourself on the mountain.

Actually, the terrain here will appeal to advanced skiers like yourself ... you need to look beyond the trail map Crotched's policy is that you can ski anywhere within the ski area boundaries ... the trail map only shows the main wide trails, but it doesn't show all the other narrow natural snow trails and glades. We've recently hired James Niehues (the famous map guy) to create a new map that will hopefully depict the "logging road" trails as we're calling them. The guys were up on the hill last week clearing a few more "logging road" trails, plus the backcountry stuff if you hike up to the actual summit. No worries JoshuaB and Riverc0il ... since I know you guys I can show you where to find the good stuff. 8)

 

[Joshua B]

On Sundays we're running from 9am until 7pm ... we've designated a block from 4pm - 7pm as "Family Night" with a $25 ticket, including FREE rental equipment and an introductory lesson if you'd like one.

I really like this idea, since many beginners don't want to be out on the hill for more than three hours. I always thought ski areas should welcome beginners a lot more than they do now, since beginners are the future of our sport. $25 is an encouraging price for a three hour block, free rentals, and a lesson. Nice going!

 

[Joshua B]

Actually, the terrain here will appeal to advanced skiers like yourself ... you need to look beyond the trail map Crotched's policy is that you can ski anywhere within the ski area boundaries ... the trail map only shows the main wide trails, but it doesn't show all the other narrow natural snow trails and glades. We've recently hired James Niehues (the famous map guy) to create a new map that will hopefully depict the "logging road" trails as we're calling them. The guys were up on the hill last week clearing a few more "logging road" trails, plus the backcountry stuff if you hike up to the actual summit. No worries JoshuaB and Riverc0il ... since I know you guys I can show you where to find the good stuff. 8)

Interesting. I did not know this. The only problem with this last season would have been lack of natural snow. For example, the bullet-proof trail under the double chair, which I see is now officially on the trail map as Comet Drop.

 

[Greg]

Thanks for questioning my answer Let's see if I can make you happy ...

Welcome, Chris. It's nice to have you around to answer follow-ups. Thanks!

 

[Chris]

More information for Hammer -- I forgot to mention that the rates I've been quoting are the adult rates (except Family Night). Rates are lower for kids ... For example, the 6-hour pass on a weekend is $35 for the adults, $29 for Juniors (13-18), $20 for Kids (7-12), and FREE for children 6 and under.

Sorry I forgot to mention that earlier!

The web site (www.crotchedmountain.com) will be updated soon with the new rates for the upcoming season, then you'll be able to see everything in detail.

 

[riverc0il]

my main thought on crotched was their early opening time, cheaper tickets, and proximaty to the boston area. no one has good expert terrain open in november into early december, so i'm not picky on terrain during that time of year... just as long as i can link some turns!

though this is a damn cool development chris, boundary to boundary skiing? very cool! given the fact that this is a former lost ski area, there should be butt loads of goods to be had!

 

[salida]

I agree that mid-november would be awesome for crotched (as well as me, as it is only a half hour from my house)! Excellent replies to the questions as well!

porter

 

[hammer]

Thanks for the follow-up, Chris!
I hope that mid-November works out...

 

[sledhaulingmedic]

The only problem I see with regards to your enthusiasm for visiting Crotched is their terrain. Knowing the terrain you like having read your posts over the years, I don't think you'll enjoy yourself on the mountain.

Actually, the terrain here will appeal to advanced skiers like yourself ... you need to look beyond the trail map Crotched's policy is that you can ski anywhere within the ski area boundaries ... the trail map only shows the main wide trails, but it doesn't show all the other narrow natural snow trails and glades. We've recently hired James Niehues (the famous map guy) to create a new map that will hopefully depict the "logging road" trails as we're calling them. The guys were up on the hill last week clearing a few more "logging road" trails, plus the backcountry stuff if you hike up to the actual summit. No worries JoshuaB and Riverc0il ... since I know you guys I can show you where to find the good stuff. 8)

I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, for now. Given the new Crotched management's aproach in rebulding, that seems unlikely. It seems that the resurection plans went way out of their way to tame and moderate what little advanced terrain "The Crotch" had to offer. Under Tim Gannett, at least there was an effort to maximize the terrain that was available, hense the old "unofficial" slogan: "Ski the Crotch, it's hairy!". ALthough the new facilities (snowmaking, lifts, etc.) are impressive, the terrain is very watered down. Now, it's more like it's shaved.

I'm totally baffled as to why there's no lift access to the top of the ridge, particularly the skier's right side. As for your comment about the boundry to boundry skiing, that seems inconsitent with the general policies, (e.g. No bags in the lodge, Nazi patrollers, lifties threatening to take tickets because you self load on the chair because they're too busy talikng on the phone to notice you're waiting to load...)

I'll stop my rant. It is good to have "The Crotch" back. Hopefully, things can be refined a little over the next couple of seasons.