Black Moutain - Wildcat

[derek]

Hello, I am new to the boards and I I was wondering if anyone had any opinions about these two places? I am looking for the classic old style New England skiing, narrow trails and small family style places. I don't really care about size or the difficulty of the mountain, looking more for the experience. Would these two fit the bill?

 

[Angus]

Wildcat is a great mountain and on warm sunny spring days a great place for the kids - it definitely does not have an overwhelming amount of terrain for beginners but you can ski from the top with children. Black Mtn. I have no opinion of...30 years ago I think I skied there once!

anyone have an opinion about a reasonably price place to stay in Jackson?

 

[kickstand]

Wildcat should pose more of a challenge than Black, but both fit the bill of the classic New England ski area. There are no high-speed lifts at Black and minimal snowmaking. Also, a southern exposure makes it tough for them to hold snow. Black is very inexpensive and if you have kids, a great place to ski as a family. The conditions there right now should be pretty good. What I don't like about the place is they got rid of the Shovel Handle bar a few years back.

Wildcat has the views and the variety. If you want to stay on beginner trails all day, you can do that, even from the summit. There aren't tons of beginner options, but they are quality options It can be icy there, but I bet the conditions are amazing right now.

personally, I would choose Wildcat, but if you are looking for mellow, inexpensive day (especially with a family), Black is a solid option, now that the conditions have improved.

 

[persee]

Personally I like Black. Nice laid back place. Inexpensive and uncrowded. I've skied there once and would not hesitate to do so again. Also not too far away, but no one seems to realize it's there. 40 trails of varying terrain.

As for places to stay... if you're planning to go next week you won't likely find much as Attitash/Jackson Ski Touring are hosting the NCAA Alpine and Nordic championships. Otherwise know that you'll have at least a 20 minute drive from even the closest place through Pinkham notch to get to Wildcat and the notch can get ugly in a storm. Most places you would stay would put you probably closer to 30 minutes from Wildcat down rt 16 and/or 302. Black is up 16B from Jackson Village and there are some condos on site or many historic hotels and B&Bs in Jackson Village that are only 5-10 minutes away.

If you're looking for a family oriented place with lots of lodging (and many cheap options) nearby you might also consider Cranmore.

 

[eatskisleep]

Black Mtn. I have no opinion of...30 years ago I think I skied there once!

Things haven't changed much in those 30 years... seriously! Black Mountain and Wildcat are both great choices. Black has more of a family small mountain feel than Wildcat but there is still some good terrain at Black. Try them both!

 

[riverc0il]

Hello, I am new to the boards and I I was wondering if anyone had any opinions about these two places? I am looking for the classic old style New England skiing, narrow trails and small family style places. I don't really care about size or the difficulty of the mountain, looking more for the experience. Would these two fit the bill?

black more so than wildcat though they both pretty much fit the bill. you described black perfectly when you say "classic old style New England skiing, narrow trails and small family style places." black is definitely more of the family mountain than wildcat, and while the cat has narrower trails relatively compared to most new england mountains, a lot of black's terrain really retains that narrow old school feel, more than wildcat. black has limited vertical, less acres, and not as steep... but it is cheeper, more family oriented, and an awesome classic experience. combining the two mountains would make for a really nice weekend trip.

 

[Vortex]

I was at Wildcat on tues and it was tremendous. Plenty of snow and no crowds. With the snow coming it would be a good choice. IMO.

I like black also, just more of a traditioanl New england small mountain. Both have something to offer.

 

[Breeze]

the short answer is yes to both , especially on the heels of the coming storm.

For reasonably priced lodging, look to Gorham NH ( Town and Country, Royalty Inn). as all lodging places outside of Jackson Proper are about the same distance/time from anywhere to anywhere.

Do ask your lodging proprietors ( in any location) if they package lift tickets with lodging, might make a few bucks difference for you.

Breeze.

 

[derek]

Thanks for the information, its really helpful. I plan on trying both this weekend. It should be awesome.