belleayre vs jiminy

[bch224]

interested in your views on comparing these two areas for family skiing. we favor the black diamonds and/or bump runs (when we can find them at belleayre) but its been years since I skied Jiminy. Trying to target some other areas (within a couple hours from NYC area) to get out and explore and wondering if you think jiminy should be on our list. thanks

 

[Greg]

Not a lot of bumps at Jiminy. Not at least the times I've been there.

 

[ta&idaho]

Jiminy has a very different vibe from Belleayre, kind of like a miniature verson of Stratton (faux village, connecticut station wagons, six pack lifts, groomer fever). I think it makes a fun occasional alternative to Catskills day trips, especially if you have a hankering for night skiing or carving up some fast groomers, but the terrain tends to be a little one-dimensional.

 

[skidbump]

Mid week on a nice sunny day with good snow jiminy is fine.
Same goes for belleayre.But on a weekend i think jiminy is way to crowded to enjoy while belleayre seems to handel the crowds or lack of crowds.
Never seen any bumps at jiminy while belleayre has 4 blacks off top and 2 or 3 blues at mid that usually stay bumped thru april

 

[bch224]

Great replies, thank you very much. Sounds like jiminy has great infrastructure and decent terrain, but maybe a bit too groomed. Any other input much appreciated.

 

[ta&idaho]

Have you been to Plattekill lately?

 

[bch224]

Yes - MLK and loved it. Fourth season at belleayre with a day or two at plattekill mixed in. Just trying to give the other areas a look, but don't think we are up for the haul to VT every weekend. I guess when conditions are prime, belleayre and plattekill have enough to offer. Just wondering if there's an area (non vt) with better expert terrain, maybe more consistently.

 

[dmc]

Just wondering if there's an area (non vt) with better expert terrain, maybe more consistently.

Hunter West?

 

[bch224]

I guess that could be the answer, but I have heard plenty about crowds and a less than family friendly environment, it didn't seem too inviting but I guess I need to go find out for myself.

 

[dmc]

I guess that could be the answer, but I have heard plenty about crowds and a less than family friendly environment, it didn't seem too inviting but I guess I need to go find out for myself.

It may surprise you... Hunter has made an effort to become a family area.. They put in a world class learning center and have a whole large area devoted to beginners called Hunter One.

 

[legalskier]

Hunter West?

Best steeps south of Vermont.