Best New England Skiing for Intermediates this weekend (4/18-19)?

[zinger3000]

This is my first time posting on this forum. I"m looking for your recommendations for the best place in New England for me to go skiing this weekend (4/18-19). Unlike most of you, who seem to be expert skiers, I have only been skiing for 3 years. I can do all greens and most blues, though if conditions aren't that great, I stay away from the advanced blues. I like nicely groomed trails/corduroy, though I can deal with "spring conditions" to a certain extent (sometimes the trails are just too frozen/icy, or yucked up for me to enjoy). I live in Albany, NY and the closest ski area to me still open is Killington. I was thinking of going there, but since this will probably be my last time skiing until winter, I'm thinking of going all out and just go wherever the skiing is best - even NH and Maine. Based on my preferences, where do you think I would have the best time? Thanks in adavnce for your input.

 

[Highway Star]

Unlike most of you, who seem to be expert skiers,

HAHAHAHA....I guess everything is relative.

 

[hammer]

HAHAHAHA....I guess everything is relative.

Pay no attention to the troll behind the curtain...

Sorry I have no advice...like many intermediate skiers, I'm already done for the season. I believe the only place open in NH is Wildcat. Maybe one of the Mount Snow regulars can chime in on the availability of intermediate terrain.

 

[bobbutts]

Sugarloaf appears to have the best skiing in NE right now for every ability. They're still running the majority of their Mtn including lots of blue stuff. Not sure if you really want to go that far. Sugarbush, Stowe, or Jay otherwise.. I doubt driving past those to get to wildcat or sunday river is worth it for you.

You're at the mercy of the weather as far as grooming/conditions go.. Probably at least at some point during the daily warming cycle you'll find good conditions, they may not last all that long though.

The list of open mtns is getting shorter, so that makes the decision easier anyway.

 

[frozencorn]

Tough going on intermediate this time of year (though Stowe apparently groomed a bunch of trails this morning?!?!?!?). Sugarloaf probably the best option based on the amount offered. Wildcat will offer some nice groomers including two of the best in Polecat and Lynx.

 

[tekweezle]

you might get some decent cruising at the bigger operations like Killington or Okemo. Stratton if they are open are also a good bet for good grooming. I think Stowe, Sugarloaf and Jay Peak also have lots of snow.

while most of us universally like mid winter conditions, don;t be deterred by the spring-skiing in the spring will make you a better skier overall. powering through slush and variable crud is the key to becoming a more powerful skier. hone your quick turning skills avoiding bare patches and navigating bump fields. maybe you won;t be able to cruise at mach speed, except maybe in the mornings when the snow has frozen overnight.

dealing with these conditions is paramount to extending your season instead of just calling it quits. even going out west at this time, in between snow storms I think they get a large dose of spring skiing.

 

[Newpylong]

You guys are forgetting Sunday River. Besides Sugarloaf, which remains open with a whopping 500 + acres, the River still has 275 - which makes them open with the most terrain in NE outside of the Loaf.

Stratton and Okemo have already called it quits. Mount Snow will re-open for the weekend pending no monsoon this week with just Carinthia - so not really a cruisers paradise there.

Killington has greatly reduced terrain following this weekend as far as I know.

 

[icedtea]

This weekend at Killington will have a lot of intermediate terrain. rime, reason, etc.. , skyelark, bittersweet, GN....

What do you consider intermediate? I am sure you could probably handle the blacks at Killington.

Be there!!!

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Stowe..all the Blues off the quad are open and deep.;.

 

[tekweezle]

"intermediate" is more of a mindset than a trail type. what the intermediate skier wants is usually effortless high speed cruising and complete trail coverage associated w/ mid winter conditions. they don;t want to see slush and barespots.

what you get in spring is variable conditions and limited trail openings that service high intermediate and expert trails only. if they are open, they will probably not be groomed or the weather and ski traffic will make them too bumped up and almost hazardous for those not prepared.

if you ski at this time, expect it to be spring like. wax up the skis and work on that mogul technique and low speed crud busting. you're going to see alot of it. fatter skis also increase the enjoyment factor once the snow softens up too.

goodluck!

 

[billski]

Given the depth of the snow in NVT (I'm thinking Jay, Stowe, Bush) and ME (River, Loaf), I think you'll have a great time on greens and blues. If the snow is soft, you'll have a good time anywhere. It's when it's icy (below freezing at opening) that makes things interesting (read: stay off the un-groomed until things warm). That said, even if it's frozen, the groomers can churn it up pretty well since the base it deep enough they don't have to worry about kicking up dirt.

As others indicate, Sugarloaf will have the most trails open, most variety. I was there on monday and it's just incredible. But they need more temps in the hi 40s+ to soften, so watch the weather forecast. I saw a lot of beginners on greens at Sugarloaf Monday. They were doing well. The groomers churned up about an inch of fgr, and it's as smooth as ground cane sugar out of a bag. while Loaf is a long drive for you, it's probably got the best conditions, lowest crowds for someone who wants to go "all out."

By the way, the groomed blacks are flat at Sugarloaf right now and ski like blues. It could give you some bragging rights!

Summary, anywhere far north will be good for you. Have to let others speak for So/Ctl VT, Snow, Kmart.

p.s., I really agree on the "expert" reaction. I wouldn't consider myself "expert", just an overly enthusiastic skier out to have a good time. I don't think I'd win any awards on my style, but I enjoy going most everywhere and do it comfortably. It's all about having fun after all, regardless of your abilities.

 

[legalskier]

Here's a synopsis posted earlier today:

And then there were seven - make that eight
Posted by Martin Griff April 16, 2009 12:37AM

There are eight options left for skiing and riding in the Northeast U.S.

In Vermont it's Killington, Sugarbush, Stowe and Jay Peak. Mount Snow just announced that they will reopen for this weekend and possible future weekends,

In New Hampshire, Wildcat is the only game in town.

Snowsliders in Maine have the options of Sunday River and Sugarloaf.

Here's more detail from the resort's mountain reports:

Killington:
Spring skiing and riding doesn't get any better than this! More sunshine, warm temperatures and soft snow again for Thursday! The K-1 Gondola and the Superstar Express open at 9 am. Killington is offering Blue Square and Black Diamond terrain only. No Green Circle terrain is available.

Pond Skimming takes place on SATURDAY, at noon. Registration takes place at the K-1 Lodge and costs $10. Skim, swim or cheer ... rain or shine!

Your Mountain Closed? Ski for $39 today at Killington!
Present your valid 2008/09 season pass from any other resort at any ticket window and ski at Killington for just $39 right through May 2!

Midweek Passes are Valid for Weekends too!
Attention all Midweek pass holders, your pass is now valid weekends through closing day, Saturday, May 2.

Sugarbush:
Welcome to the broken-record snow report: Another day of sunshine, another day of bluebird skies, and another day of warm temps are expected for today. And for tomorrow?? Well, let's just say we really like consistency.

If you'd like to be slopeside for this prolonged stretch of phenomenal weather, checkout the Clay Brook lift/lodging specials!

Barring a very extreme weather event, we will be open every day through Sunday, April 26th. After that, we'll see how the hill's holding up and possibly re-open Saturday, May 2nd and Sunday, May 3rd.

Lift tickets: $49 for adults, and $39 for youth (ages 7-18); seniors (70+); and pass holders from other ski resorts. Kids 6 and under always ski and ride for free.

BONUS for those reading this far...play a round of golf this summer at our beautiful Sugarbush Golf Club for only $30 with the purchase of a lift ticket...details at the Gate House ticket window!

Stowe:
Bright blue skies, wall-to-wall sunshine, and mild afternoon temperatures are on tap for tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday; the weather does not get much better than this for spring skiing and riding! Tonight our groomers will roll out corduroy on 20 trails, including steep favorite Nosedive, plus the Lower North Slope terrain park, rail garden & half-pipe. Steep ungroomed terrain may have delayed openings tomorrow as we wait for the snow to soften up. With over 7 feet of snow at the Stake there is still fantastic coverage on the mountain. Late season rates are in effect and Stowe is open until April 19th. Sunday is Vermont Food Bank day at Stowe--bring at least 2 non-perishable food items and ski/ride for only $35.

Jay Peak: Open Daily through April 26th. This Saturday is our Annual Pond Skimming contest. It's free for anybody 16+ years old. Skiers/riders and whatever else can slide down a mountain try and pick up speed down The Interstate Trail in order to skim across a 70' manmade pond in front of spectators. A 2009/10 season pass will be awarded to the best costume. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to be here.

Sun and more seasonal temps all this week.

Mount Snow:
It's official: Mount Snow is reopening this weekend, April 18 and 19 with two full terrain parks, 2 ski trails, the Superpipe and BBQ and beer tubs on the deck.

The National Weather Service expects sunshine all weekend, with highs getting near 50 degrees. Gaitor and Elia are already in their cats, prepping Nitro and Inferno (the very same park featured in the Dew Tour three months ago) for all you park rats. Mineshaft and the Gulch will be stripped of their features and smoothed out as regular ski trails. Deer Run/Long John will also be open from the top of Carinthia to Season Pass. Click here for all the details on weekend operations and lift ticket info.

There is A LOT of snow left at Carinthia (hence the reopening this weekend). Don't be surprised if there's enough left in late May to host the 2nd annual Peace Pipe Jam. Stay tuned to the snow report on mountsnow.com for details.

If it weren't for you diehard spring skiers and riders, we'd be moping around lamenting the melting snow. Instead, we'll be riding with friends. Thanks for keeping us open!


Wildcat:
The Last NH Resort Still Open With $39 Lift Tickets EVERY Day Until Closing Day, Monday, April 20th..
Thursday, April 16th Report: Wildcat Mountain is scheduled to open at 9:00am and operate 3 lifts including the summit quad, Bobcat, & Snowcat chairs as necessary for business levels until 3:30pm. Machine groomed loose/frozen granular surfaces primarily begin day before softening. Natural, ungroomed terrain has increasing exposed, marked/unmarked hazards and will remain open despite it and any overnight spring freeze/thaws...use caution venturing off groomed trails, always ski or ride in control. Spring Special! Lift Tickets Only $39! (Incl. adults,juniors,seniors,full-day,half-day. No additional discounts/coupons/offers applied).

Spring skiing and riding is here...some trails and terrain will remain open regardless of over-night freezing, increasing hazards, diminishing base, etc. Caution is advised. For those of you who love Wildcat Mountain because we have a broad and sometimes liberal perspective on what is given the green light to open, some trails and tree sections are natural, un-groomed and have areas of hidden, unmarked, exposed rock, ledge, and various bits and pieces and should be considered "expert" terrain...it's natural and alot of us are okay with that.

Please note that this report is a forecast. Weather, wind, and conditions can change quickly and impact planned operations. As always, for the most up-to-date information about anything here at Wildcat, please call Guest Services at 1-888-SKI WILD X217.

Sunday River:
Mountain Report | April 15, 2009

It is just absolutely beautiful out on the hill today. Things have softened up nicely for a good mix of corn and taters, with nice golden sunshine and crystal clear skies. As a result, most everyone around here is sporting some kickin' goggle tans, and work on them will only continue as tomorrow will be even better then today. Speaking of tomorrow, we will be moving to lift service on only lifts 1 and 8 through Friday. With continued awesome weather carrying right into this weekend, we are planning on spinning lifts 1, 8, 9 and possibly 10. For services, Sunday River Sports and Sunday Sessions will close for the season at 4 p.m. today, but we will continue to operate our rentals and tuning out of the South Ridge rental shop through closing weekend, scheduled for April 26. Word to the wise - stock up now on gear for next year. The sales are unbeatable, so strike while the wax iron is hot!

Keep in mind although White Cap is closed this week, it is scheduled to open again for next weekend's Season Passholder BBQ. Going on from 11am - 2pm The Season Passholder BBQ includes food, fun, and entertainment and is free for Season Passholders!

Here's some good news for your wallet - lift tickets are only $49 for adults moving forward and ski and stay deals start at just $49 midweek AND weekends. Call 800-543-2SKI now to check availability and book.

Lifts open weekdays at 9am and last chair is at 4pm.

Sunscreen gang, because it is a goggle tan...not a goggle burn

Sugarloaf:
Sugarloaf is open until May 3 with lots of way to save including reduced daily rates, College Deals, Maine Family Days and more

Daily Update:

Keep 'um coming! That's all that I can say about the awesome blue bird skies and warm temps we've been seeing lately! 'Loafers are enjoying yet another absolutely amazing day here at the 'Loaf. Conditions are soft, the sun is shining, and everyone has a smile on their face. The best part is, we still have plenty of snow and we still have plenty of sunshine on the way for the 21st Annual Bud Light Reggae Fest, which starts tomorrow, April 16 and runs through Sunday, April 19. If you haven't booked your lodging yet, for Reggae Fest, now is the time to do it. The full lineup is now online and condo packages are now available for as little as $89 per person per night, but they're going fast. We even have a limited number of hotel packages still available for as little as $115 per person per night - give us a call at 1-800-THE-LOAF for more details.

Tomorrow's forecasts are calling for the same sunshine and warmer temps. You can expect base temps between 46 and 50 degrees and 35 to 39 degrees at the summit with sunshine ALL DAY LONG! We will be turning 4 lifts again tomorrow just like today; the Super Quad, Timberline, Double Runner East & Spillway East, as always, winds and weather permitting. Be sure to check out the Lift Status page, or call the Sugarloaf Snow phone at 207.237.6808, for the latest updates.

And, groomers will be taking to the mountain buffing out 45 trails for all you reggae fans out there, including White Nitro Extension! As is usual with spring skiing, expect only groomed terrain to open this morning, with more openings as temps warm and snow softens.

http://blog.nj.com/skiing/2009/04/and_then_there_were_seven_make.html#more

 

[zinger3000]

Thanks for everyone's input. I ended up going to Wildcat in NH - had a great time. Skied right onto the lifts each time. Got to practice my spring skiing skills.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Thanks for everyone's input. I ended up going to Wildcat in NH - had a great time. Skied right onto the lifts each time. Got to practice my spring skiing skills.

Awesome..now write up your first AZ trip report for serious stoke!!!!!

 

[RootDKJ]

Awesome..now write up your first AZ trip report for serious stoke!!!!!

Hell yeah, great idea GSS!!!