Avoiding the mad crowd Christmas, where to go in northern VT?

[abc]

I might potentially get the Friday after Christmas off, which would make for a 4 day weekend from Christmas day to Sunday the 28th. But I'm afraid all of northeast skiers are having the same time period off, and 1/2 of them are heading to the mountains too. So all the mountains could be one big mad house...

Is there anywhere I might be able to escape the crowd? Let's say to maximize the best snow potential, I'd like to head for central or northern VT. There's Stowe and Jay I know of. Which would be less crowded? I'm guessing Jay? Any other mountain that are likely to be un-crowded but not boring? I don't mind exploring some lesser known mountains that has interesting terrain. Upper intermediate to advance level skier, powder, bumps, trees...

 

[deadheadskier]

I've never been, but it sounds like Burke may be what you seek.

I would definitely consider Sugarbush as well. You can escape the mid day crowds by shooting over to Mount Ellen.

 

[hardline]

i would say burke as well. just keep in mind pretty much where ever you go you are going to have crowds.

 

[skibum9995]

Another vote for Burke. In the 4 years I had a pass there I never waited more than a few minutes in a liftline.

 

[Mildcat]

Burke would be my choice too.

 

[riverc0il]

Jay is crowded during Christmas week. Burke historically does not have a lot open by Christmas week unless they get a lot of natural. Though they did recently expand snow making, but they don't start early so they are usually quite a bit behind the big players. It will certainly be the least crowded ski area in Vermont with 2000 vertical feet. A crowded day at Burke is when you have to wait a minute or two for the chair.

 

[pepperdawg]

Bolton Valley.......gets a decent amount of un(der)reported lake effect.....also as mentioned Burke....

 

[thetrailboss]

Burke would be my choice too.

Burke, but only if there is snow or has been enough cold for them to blow snow. Other options might include Cannon (in NH), Bolton Valley.

Jay is crowded on the weekends sorry to say.....

Sugarbush South (Lincoln Peak) is crowded. North is dead.

 

[WWF-VT]

Mt Ellen at Sugarbush is slated to open on Dec 22nd and a good option

 

[billski]

I believe we did this thread last year. it's not just the resort, but the timing that matters too. Timing gives you other choices. Do a forum search...

Where are you coming from(no location is stated in your profile.)?

 

[abc]

From down state NY.

Last Christmas, I did one day at Plattekill and there was no crowd. But then it rained the next day...

Granted, if you have another bumper year last last December, I know where to go close to home. But if I have to travel north in search of snow, I just don't want to head straight into a place that's got a 1/2 lift line and fighting crowds on slope...

 

[Geoff]

I was at Killington from December 27th through New Years Day last year. It wasn't particularly busy. New Years Day was a huge powder day and everybody left before noon. At 4:00, the place was deserted and there was knee deep untracked snow everywhere.