another "where to go" thread

[ta&idaho]

So...I'm finally taking my first trip up to northern Vermont next weekend (March 7-8 ). We're staying at a cabin near Montpelier, so we have some flexibility on where to go, and I'm looking for thoughts/advice/random musings. Given that I don't get the opportunity to head that far north very often, I'd like to try out two different places. Where should we go?

Here are my general impressions--feel free to add/comment/correct/whatever:

Stowe seems to have some sick terrain, but man its expensive. Is it worth it?

Sugarbush seems to be the AZ fave, and I'm intrigued by the variety, but it gets less love on other forums. Definitely worth a day?

MRG is the only place in the East that was on the must-ski-before-I-die list even before I moved out here, and our two snowboarders bailed, so its back to being an option, but I see its NATO freeheeler fest that weekend. Will it be too mobbed to enjoy?

Smuggs seems like a hidden gem, but the drive looks long from where we're staying. Thoughts?

Is Jay worth the drive absent significantly higher snowfalls?

Anywhere else to consider?

Thanks for any input people may be able to provide. I'm really stoked for this trip and hope the weather cooperates...

 

[deadheadskier]

Smuggs is maybe 20 minute further drive from Montpelier by way of route 15 than Stowe.

I'll be skiing Smuggs that Saturday and depending on conditions, MRG that Sunday. If they are crap, I'll probably hit Pico on the way home instead.

If either of those end up in your plans, pm me and I'll gladly meet up for turns. At this point, I'll be skiing solo those days, but I am committed to Smuggs, MRG, Burke or Pico based on pre-bought vouchers.

 

[Skimaine]

I have not had the pleasure to Ski in that area of Vermont, however, I would recommend Sarducis for dinner on Montpelier.

 

[Talisman]

I would recommend Sarducis for dinner on Montpelier.

Sarducci's is good but can get crowded and I don't recall if they take reservations. Finkerman's is good for barbeque and it is off of Rt 302 near the Montpelier/Barre line.

I don't think MRG is worth it on weekends because of the wait on the single chair, if you can try to ski it mid week. I like skiing Stowe and I believe it delivers the goods, but don't pay full price for tickets, like Dead Head I use vouchers and a Stowe card isn't worth it for a single visit. Jay can be worth the drive if it isn't windy as it does catch more snow. I'm a fan of Sugarbush and there is more than enough terrain to occupy a few days of skiing. You may be able to get discount ticket vouchers to Sugarbush in sport and food stores in the Montpelier area, there used to be a list on the Sugarbush website.

 

[KingM]

I go to MRG almost every Sunday. The key is to stay until the end. Ski the double when things are busy and then finish the day on the single. By the end of the day there is usually no wait at all.

 

[MR. evil]

I have not had the pleasure to Ski in that area of Vermont, however, I would recommend Sarducis for dinner on Montpelier.

I agree, Sarduci's is very good!

 

[Skimaine]

Tali is right Sarducis can be very crowded. Call for reservations early. Never been to Finkerman's but most locals I have talked to give an average rating.

If you go the the Bush consider going to American Flat Bread. I know in the summer they serve fresh pies (pizza) on Friday and Saturdays. They have a funky facility with an excellent hippie experience. Google them to check location and seatings (if any).

 

[billski]

So...I'm finally taking my first trip up to northern Vermont next weekend (March 7-8 ). We're staying at a cabin near Montpelier, so we have some flexibility on where to go, and I'm looking for thoughts/advice/random musings. Given that I don't get the opportunity to head that far north very often, I'd like to try out two different places. Where should we go?

Here are my general impressions--feel free to add/comment/correct/whatever:

Stowe seems to have some sick terrain, but man its expensive. Is it worth it?

Sugarbush seems to be the AZ fave, and I'm intrigued by the variety, but it gets less love on other forums. Definitely worth a day?

MRG is the only place in the East that was on the must-ski-before-I-die list even before I moved out here, and our two snowboarders bailed, so its back to being an option, but I see its NATO freeheeler fest that weekend. Will it be too mobbed to enjoy?

Smuggs seems like a hidden gem, but the drive looks long from where we're staying. Thoughts?

Is Jay worth the drive absent significantly higher snowfalls?

Anywhere else to consider?

Thanks for any input people may be able to provide. I'm really stoked for this trip and hope the weather cooperates...

You didn't state the skill levels involved, but I have an opinion about all of the above, given that I move around from resort to resort a lot up there.

Stowe is definitely worth it if you're a higher end skier. It's pretty much groomed out on map trails, a few are left to bump out. That doesn't mean the trails are easy. Tons of off-map skiing, but you'll need help finding it. Vast. Lower end and intermediate skiers will enjoy themselves, esp. at Spruce Peak, but you can do it for cheaper elsewhere if the budget is an issue. I won't pay the price to have my family of blues and greenies - I take them to BV. Some trails, esp. blues get crowded imho. I'll be there maybe Sunday and again in March. Quad opens earliest at 730 if you have a need (I do) to get out early and get a lot of the day in. Fancy-schmantzy food offers, apres-ski, lots of restaurants.

MRG is worth it if you're a higher end skier who seeks ungroomed, no snowmaking, classic trail design and tree skiing. Also, the greens are groomed, great place to learn, sequestered area. It's also a cheap date, prices much lower than most. Trails are never too crowded. Slower lifts, but I always need the rest after an mrg run. Not a complicated place. It's a must-do at least once in your life. For me, I'm getting addicted. No boarders. Was there Monday.

BV appeals to me mostly as a Blues mountain. There is some really nice woods skiing there, but it might be hard to find as a first timer. It's got a higher base elevation than most and gets a lot of snow. the access road is an "interesting" experience. Close to burlington brings out lots of families on the weekends. Older slow lifts, definitely a slower pace. I'll be there on Saturday.

Bush has something for everyone. Lots of infrastructure, grooming, they've got the middle peak castlerock which is ungroomed if that's your thing. There's a lot of acres there. It's a skiers/boarders mountain. There are a lot of programs and activities. I'll let others here tout why they like it so much. Lots of high speed lifts. This year, a lot of snow. I will be there again sometime in March.

Smuggs - I have a real hard time with this place. Lots of upper end skiers like it, but I think that's because of the off map woods. I've never taken to it. I know I'll get flamed for this, but they don't seem to take very good care of the trails, seem to have an overabundance of kiddie activities, make it hard for the daytripper to get in, and have slow lifts.

Jay - what can I say? If you want a LOT of on-map glades, that's the place to go. Usually they get a ton of snow. Been there this year, spent all day in the woods had a blast. The groomers always struck me as "just average", go ahead, shoot again.

Burke - put it on your due diligence list. It's a damn fine mountain, lots of very challenging terrain both groomed and woods, never crowded. Pretty basic infrastructure, gets the job done if all you want to do is ski.

If you're not locked in to tickets, wing it based on the weather. That's what I do. I will pick from the above depending on the conditions and my general mood. Quality over quantity.

that's it from me. back to your regularly schedule program.

 

[from_the_NEK]

Drive times from Montpelier –

Sugarbush = 45 minutes (good choice)
MRG = 40 minutes (Crowded singles line on weekends, but killer terrain)
Stowe = 50 minutes ($$$$$ as in expensive and an awsome mtn)
Bolton = 35 minutes (great beginner/intermediate terrain, inexpensive)
Burke = 1 hour 5 minutes (no crowds, most affordable next to Bolton, smaller version of Jay with better intermediate terrain)
Smuggs = 1 hour 10 minutes (can be a lot of traffic on weekends that makes this drive longer since you have to go through Stowe, Morrisville, and Johnson)
Jay = 1.5 hours (at least, traffic in Stowe and Morrisville)

BillSki has excellent info

 

[superwy]

My husband and I grew up in Montpelier and were just there two weekends ago having this same discussion. We ended up at Bolton Valley because our five year old just started to ski this year. He could ride the lifts with us and loved the mountain. We almost went to MRG because my nephews ski there; thankfully they won their hockey tournament and couldn't make it! Sugarbush is a great mountain and if one side gets too crowded you can head to the other. Stowe is a great mountain but you'll pay for it. We used to love Burke, but it is a hike for you. Not sure where you are driving/flying from but might be worth heading home 91/93 and skiing that on the way.

As for Sarducci's, it is good but always packed. J Morgan's at the Capital Plaza can be good. My mom said a great italian place just opened in Barre where Sean & Nora's used to be. (Sorry, can't remember the name.) Might be worth a try, depending on where you are staying. Have fun in our old stomping ground!

 

[ta&idaho]

Thanks for all the responses--very useful information. Our group ranges from intermediate on up, and I'm the one doing the planning, so my preference for varied terrain and some interesting ungroomed options will win out as long as there is at least something for the less experienced skiers to enjoy (in other words, no need to worry about young kids, beginners, etc.). Sounds like $64 Sugarbush tickets are available at a number of different places, and it seems to have the most versatility, so I think there's a good chance we'll spend one day there. Burke is intriguing--thanks for the suggestion. We'll definitely keep it in mind, possibly as an antidote for a more expensive ticket the other day. MRG is probably the most weather-dependent. I'm not sure this group would be up for it on a trickier conditions day, but if things are on the fresher side I'll see if I can swing it.

We'll probably eat at the cabin, but thanks for the restaurant suggestions as well.

Now I just need to pray to Ullr. He can be a bit fickle in these here parts.

 

[ta&idaho]

Is this for real (listed on the lift ticket pricing page of skiburke.com)?

Ticket Deals
Ski & Ride NEK Style
Starting January 4th, 2009, ski or ride Sunday afternoons for only $18! Lessons and rentals are only $18 each as well. Bring the whole family! J-Bar ticket is free.

*NEK deal not valid during holiday periods

 

[from_the_NEK]

Is this for real (listed on the lift ticket pricing page of skiburke.com)?

Burke has been doing the $18 Sunday afternoon thing for a while now. It is a great way to enjoy a cheap afternoon of skiing.