Bolton Valley vs. Sunday River

[Angus]

both are 3 1/2 hours from metrowest according to mapquest. what would you recommend for tomorrow. Sunday. Thanks.

 

[billski]

Sunday River has better snow and had a better recovery. I think BV will be a mob scene this weekend.
Temps have been above freezing all day, will be below freezing on Sat. Grooming is everything.

 

[ctenidae]

SR was petty crowded today, and with a mix of rain/snow all day, the snow was pretty heavy and manked up. Still, decent, if tiring (as all hell) day. I'd be concerned about crowds, but if they get the groomers out, the weather's suppose to be fantastic.

 

[riverc0il]

Sunday River has better snow and had a better recovery. I think BV will be a mob scene this weekend.
Temps have been above freezing all day, will be below freezing on Sat. Grooming is everything.

Did you get those two areas reversed? I can not imagine a worse mob scene than Sunday River on a holiday weekend and if Bolton faired as well as Jay did then there is not much to recover from as Jay dodged a bullet today, and I figured BV would fair similarly being only slightly further south.

 

[billski]

choices

Did you get those two areas reversed? I can not imagine a worse mob scene than Sunday River on a holiday weekend and if Bolton faired as well as Jay did then there is not much to recover from as Jay dodged a bullet today, and I figured BV would fair similarly being only slightly further south.

Steve, thank you for bringing some sanity my way. I hope it rubs off.:smile: In retrospect, I don't think I'd be going to either one of those areas this weekend. Reports are indicating that BV was pretty mobbed today. Angus, I think since you're willing to drive, why not go to Burke? Short lines, good snow, see Steve's report.

I was originally going to hit Suicide or Dartmouth Sunday, but I don't have enough time, so I may save them for Monday, and go to Loon on Sunday to run Nastar gates all morning. I was also very disappointed to see that Dartmouth only has one of two peaks operating. That really surprised me.

Loon - talk about a mob scene - I plan to sequester myself on the brother's chair riding single. Side note: I am impressed to see most areas have their Nastar up and running, since Friday. Last year it wasn't until the 2nd week of January, which made it difficult to qualify for nationals. So I'm going to try to hit it early before every realizes it is there.

I also like to get out first thing New Year's day when everyone is still hung over. they are either still in bed or nursing such a bad headache that they look like a slo-mo machine on skis. I always get a lot of good skiing in, at least till noon.

 

[loafer89]

Not sure if this is an option but Saddleback is in good to great shape and we did not recieve any rain today. Some of the natural trails are a bit thin, but no major worries and most decidedly not crowded + cheap lift tickets.

 

[billski]

Not sure if this is an option but Saddleback is in good to great shape and we did not recieve any rain today. Some of the natural trails are a bit thin, but no major worries and most decidedly not crowded + cheap lift tickets.

Great idea loafer. I would definitely consider Saddleback if it's in your drive time window.
You getting a commish? :smile: Have a blast on Sunday, I'll be envying you...

 

[njskier]

BV was nuts on Fri. and the trails were not in the greatest shape. Not sure how much they picked up last night if any.

 

[billski]

BV was nuts on Fri. and the trails were not in the greatest shape. Not sure how much they picked up last night if any.

BV claims 6 inches.

http://www.snocountry.com/snowclient/srlist.php?state=VT&command=statecond&satype=NA_Alpine

 

[loafer89]

Great idea loafer. I would definitely consider Saddleback if it's in your drive time window.
You getting a commish? :smile: Have a blast on Sunday, I'll be envying you...

This is one of my son's favorite places to ski so we jumped at the chance to ski here when we saw the NWS issue a snow advisory for Saddleback last night. I also dislike crowds and Saddleback was one of the few affordable Christmas week destination locations. Between lifts, lodging and gas we will have spent less than $400, which is fairly cheap when compared to a Vermont ski weekend.

Sunday should be groomer and glade heaven.

 

[spooner]

I've been hearing great things about Bolton Valley for the past few years. I've yet to get there, maybe later this year. What's been said here in terms of crowds etc. is consistent with what I've heard from friends. I hope you get a chance to check it out and let us know how you like it.

 

[Angus]

Woke up late this morning 5:30, so we went to Cannon and had a great day.

 

[Angus]

Thanks to all who commented. I checked before bed and when I woke up.

BTW: when I woke up for some reason I thought of that stratton free pass program and tried and won - after about 30 tries!

son of angus actually wrote the trip report, I was too tired. Man was I sore today! I thought it was an excellent day.

 

[thetrailboss]

No real comparison...BV is smaller and less expensive. SR has more open. More variety.

 

[Vortex]

I was at Sunday River every day over the holiday break except X-mass day. Lines were a bit long at Jordan and Barker and south ridge "cause of lessons a few days". No lines anywhere else. None, I did wait 5 min at the North peak one day I think.. Trails were not crowded. Skied powder most days. It was freeking awesome. My first year there for the holiday break. It was fantastic. Making snow all the time even when it was snowing. Stretching the wet bulb barrier more than one day, Ow I took the snow making tour last thursday while we were getting pounded. Ow ya they were making snow. Worth a visit to the snow flake factory if you see a tour posted.

 

[Paskier17]

I was at Bolton Valley for the past 5 days. It was absolutely sick, got around 17 inches over the 4 ski days and their was never more than a 5 chair lift line. The woods were in sick condition with powder everywhere. I now love this place. I also got to follow a local named bob who showed me the sickest stashes. I LOVE SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:-D

 

[billski]

I was at Bolton Valley for the past 5 days. It was absolutely sick, got around 17 inches over the 4 ski days and their was never more than a 5 chair lift line. The woods were in sick condition with powder everywhere. I now love this place. I also got to follow a local named bob who showed me the sickest stashes. I LOVE SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:-D

This says mountains. BV has a lot more hiding that meets the eye.