I would guess I'm a low intermediate skiier (I feel good on greens and just starting to ski blues consistently. I'm still in the lesson taking phase, as I feel I improve faster with instruction. I spent last week in Steamboat taking a bunch of private lessons and was able to ski many of the blues there decently, especially when in a lesson). How would you rate these mountains--- Sunapee, Bromley, Pico, Bretton Woods with that level skiier in mind? How do the blues ski at these locations-- ie. which location would have the least itimidating blues for someone starting to get comfortable? I've skiied Sunapee before, but that was just in their South Peak beginner area-- I'm hoping to "graduate" to the rest of the mountain. Which mountain has the best ski school reputation? Sunapee is the closest drive for me, but if one of the others was better suited in some way, I'd gladly make the drive. Thanks for any insights.
-
Welcome to AlpineZone, the largest online community of skiers and snowboarders in the Northeast!
You may have to REGISTER before you can post. Registering is FREE, gets rid of the majority of advertisements, and lets you participate in giveaways and other AlpineZone events!
Compare Sunapee vs. Bromley vs. Pico vs. Bretton Woods?
- Thread starter newskier
- Start date
KevinF
Member
I don't think you could find a more consistent gentle pitch then what you'll find at Bretton Woods. A Bretton Woods "black diamond" is easily a blue almost anywhere else. It's worth it on a clear day just for the jaw-dropping view you get from there.
Sunapee is an intermediate cruising paradise as well, but I'd put it a small step up from the difficulty level of Bretton Woods. Since you were able to ski Steamboat blues with a reasonable amount of control, you won't have any problems on Sunapee's blues.
I've only peen to Pico a few times, and that was many years ago. I don't remember much about it at all. Never been to Bromley.
Sunapee is an intermediate cruising paradise as well, but I'd put it a small step up from the difficulty level of Bretton Woods. Since you were able to ski Steamboat blues with a reasonable amount of control, you won't have any problems on Sunapee's blues.
I've only peen to Pico a few times, and that was many years ago. I don't remember much about it at all. Never been to Bromley.
ctenidae
Active member
I'll agree with Kevin on this one. The main thing that makes Sunappee slightly more difficult is the crowd level. It can get to be a pinball machine at times, but if you pay attention to where you are (it quickly becomes obvious where you don't want to be), it's not too bad. I would say that, over all, the cruisers at Bretton Woods are much more relaxing and cruise-a-licious.
snowmonster
New member
Hi newskier. I was in the beginner phase not too long ago and know exactly how you feel. Hope these help.
Sunapee - Great learning area. If you're ready to leave the South Peak, the Ridge trail from the top is pretty easy and should be manageable. It's a great confidence builder especially if you want to have the feeling of finally "summitting." The trails off the Sunbowl quad are also friendly blues -- wide, moderately pitched and not too crowded. In that sense, they are forgiving trails. There's a quick drop on the right side of Porky's which can be intimidating to a new skier. So, if you ski this trail, enter it on the left (that is, when you get off the Sunbowl quad, bear right, to enter Porky's on it's left side; you'll get what I mean when you're there).
Bretton Woods - Very mellow mountain and nothing too scary. As KevinF said, some blacks here are blues elsewhere. You can probably ski all the blues here -- which can lead to great confidence -- and over-confidence (Note: After I skied a black here, I thought I was an advanced skier. I was brought back down to earth a week later at Killington). I also agree that Sunapee is a step above in terms of difficulty. If you're trying another mountain other than Sunapee, this is a good option.
Pico - I'm going there tomorrow and I can keep my eye open with your inquiry in mind. Took li'l snowmonster there last year (when she was a beginner-lower intermediate) and she played off the triple chair. She went over to the quad for more of a challenge. I remember limited learning terrain there.
Bromley - Sorry. Never been there.
For lower intermediate terrain, you may also consider Cannon. The Brookside learning area is fun and big enough so you don't get bored. Li'l snowmonster loved this place when she was in the low intermediate phase and I'm pretty sure you will too.
Hope that helps.
Sunapee - Great learning area. If you're ready to leave the South Peak, the Ridge trail from the top is pretty easy and should be manageable. It's a great confidence builder especially if you want to have the feeling of finally "summitting." The trails off the Sunbowl quad are also friendly blues -- wide, moderately pitched and not too crowded. In that sense, they are forgiving trails. There's a quick drop on the right side of Porky's which can be intimidating to a new skier. So, if you ski this trail, enter it on the left (that is, when you get off the Sunbowl quad, bear right, to enter Porky's on it's left side; you'll get what I mean when you're there).
Bretton Woods - Very mellow mountain and nothing too scary. As KevinF said, some blacks here are blues elsewhere. You can probably ski all the blues here -- which can lead to great confidence -- and over-confidence (Note: After I skied a black here, I thought I was an advanced skier. I was brought back down to earth a week later at Killington). I also agree that Sunapee is a step above in terms of difficulty. If you're trying another mountain other than Sunapee, this is a good option.
Pico - I'm going there tomorrow and I can keep my eye open with your inquiry in mind. Took li'l snowmonster there last year (when she was a beginner-lower intermediate) and she played off the triple chair. She went over to the quad for more of a challenge. I remember limited learning terrain there.
Bromley - Sorry. Never been there.
For lower intermediate terrain, you may also consider Cannon. The Brookside learning area is fun and big enough so you don't get bored. Li'l snowmonster loved this place when she was in the low intermediate phase and I'm pretty sure you will too.
Hope that helps.
RISkier
Active member
BW is about as good as it gets for lower intermediates. You can ski off every lift. There's a blue over on West Mountain that's a bit steeper but shouldn't be a problem given that you've skied the blues at Steamboat. Lots of greens, most of which have moderate fall line pitch that doesn't require poling or skating and lots of easy blues. They also do a nice job with grooming and you get very nice views of Mt. Washington and the other presidentials. Sunapee is almost all intermediate. Ridge is gentle but tends to be crowded. Runs in the Sunbowl probably have a bit more pitch but fewer crowds. I think BW is probably a better choice, but you should be fine at Sunapee as well. Haven't visited the other places you mentioned.
MadPadraic
Active member
I've been to three of these places exactly once. I can't really begin to answer the questiona sked, but I'll comment because its better than studying.
Bromley: I took my first and only snowboarding lesson here. (I plan on taking another one over spring break). It was cold that day, but the instructor, a local highschooler, was pretty good. There trail map looks fun, and I'm planning on returning soon. $25 weekday ticket; I was considering hitting it the day before or after I use my Stratton free-be.
Mt Sunapee: Best views I have experienced in NH, but I'm the type that goes for big blue lakes over dramatic peaks (Mt Baker is a heck of an exception). I went on a friday before the lake froze (I'm assuming its frozen now). It had perfect cement/corduroy, if you like that sort of stuff. They seemed to have some sort of ok pitches on their blues. Became sort of busy after 2pm. Friendly staff in the lodge. I'm planning on returning in the next few weeks.
Bretton woods: Very good midmountain restaurant. Lots of cheap lodging in the general area.
Bromley: I took my first and only snowboarding lesson here. (I plan on taking another one over spring break). It was cold that day, but the instructor, a local highschooler, was pretty good. There trail map looks fun, and I'm planning on returning soon. $25 weekday ticket; I was considering hitting it the day before or after I use my Stratton free-be.
Mt Sunapee: Best views I have experienced in NH, but I'm the type that goes for big blue lakes over dramatic peaks (Mt Baker is a heck of an exception). I went on a friday before the lake froze (I'm assuming its frozen now). It had perfect cement/corduroy, if you like that sort of stuff. They seemed to have some sort of ok pitches on their blues. Became sort of busy after 2pm. Friendly staff in the lodge. I'm planning on returning in the next few weeks.
Bretton woods: Very good midmountain restaurant. Lots of cheap lodging in the general area.
riverc0il
New member
bretton would probably be the best overall experience for your needs but is also the most expensive. bromley mid-week at $25 is the best of the bunch for a bargain, but limited terrain and could get old quickly. sunapee seems rather expensive for what it is and is one of the most crowded of the bunch. whereas pico has the biggest vertical, not much crowds, but quirky terrain. really depends what is most important to you, but if you have the money, i think BW will have the best overall product for your needs.
From my knowledge, BW and Sunapee are best bets for you. Pico has steep terrain on the top....only one blue down....and it is more like a black in places. Never been to Bromley. If pushed, I'd say BW is easier than Sunapee.
dropKickMurphy
New member
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2006
- Messages
- 213
- Points
- 0
I haven't been to Pico, so I can't comment on it.
I've been to all the others a number of times. For someone at your level, all of them would be excellent choices.
Bromley is a popular spot for local families. I have to disagree with Rivercoil that you'd get bored with the terrain there. Until you're an expert skier and/or are skiing there for more than a few days in a row, it's got plenty to keep you happy.
Bromley actually has a nice selection of top-to-bottom trails that would be very accessable to someone at your level. There are a number of small trails that interconnect with these, which allows you plenty of different routes from the top. Overall, I'd say that the intermediate trails here have more personality and variety than those at BW and Sunapee.
Several other things that Bromley has going for it are:
* Its ski school has always had an excellent reputation
* The $25 mid week ticket
* The southern exposure. You will love this place on a cold, sunny day.
I probably ski Sunapee more than any other area. I keep hearing people talk about it being a crowded area. I've never really felt that it was, probably because it is relatively easy to avoid the crowds. On a weekend, get there early so you get a decent parking spot. I like to use the older Spruce Lodge as my base, rather than the more crowded newer base lodge. The Sun Bowl area rarely gets very crowded, and there is plenty of terrain in there that you would be comfortable with.
You might also want to add Stratton to your list, especially if you can get some type of special deal on the lift ticket. Apart from the general snootiness of the place, the mountain is paradise for an aspiring intermediate. Lift system, snow making, grooming, ski school are all top notch. Plenty of vertical, and a huge selection of trails that are suited to your ability.
I've been to all the others a number of times. For someone at your level, all of them would be excellent choices.
Bromley is a popular spot for local families. I have to disagree with Rivercoil that you'd get bored with the terrain there. Until you're an expert skier and/or are skiing there for more than a few days in a row, it's got plenty to keep you happy.
Bromley actually has a nice selection of top-to-bottom trails that would be very accessable to someone at your level. There are a number of small trails that interconnect with these, which allows you plenty of different routes from the top. Overall, I'd say that the intermediate trails here have more personality and variety than those at BW and Sunapee.
Several other things that Bromley has going for it are:
* Its ski school has always had an excellent reputation
* The $25 mid week ticket
* The southern exposure. You will love this place on a cold, sunny day.
I probably ski Sunapee more than any other area. I keep hearing people talk about it being a crowded area. I've never really felt that it was, probably because it is relatively easy to avoid the crowds. On a weekend, get there early so you get a decent parking spot. I like to use the older Spruce Lodge as my base, rather than the more crowded newer base lodge. The Sun Bowl area rarely gets very crowded, and there is plenty of terrain in there that you would be comfortable with.
You might also want to add Stratton to your list, especially if you can get some type of special deal on the lift ticket. Apart from the general snootiness of the place, the mountain is paradise for an aspiring intermediate. Lift system, snow making, grooming, ski school are all top notch. Plenty of vertical, and a huge selection of trails that are suited to your ability.
hammer
Active member
Anyone have any comments on Loon? I know that crowds can be an issue, but I found that Loon has a decent number of novice and intermediate friendly trails.
I agree with everyone's comments on Sunapee...I go on Sundays and as long as I get there early I'm usually fine, even though I usually hit the busy lifts/trails.
I agree with everyone's comments on Sunapee...I go on Sundays and as long as I get there early I'm usually fine, even though I usually hit the busy lifts/trails.
SIKSKIER
New member
The way you descibed your skiing level,You are a perfect canidate for Bretton Woods.You can still find trails there a little challenging in your level but for the most part it's an intermediates paradise.Go ski it!
millerm277
Active member
Pico has semi-limited low-intermediate terrain, I wouldn't really recommend it for you.
49er, which is the only intermediate off the top, is always icy, and is steep enough to almost be a black, so you won't be able to ski the summit there.
49er, which is the only intermediate off the top, is always icy, and is steep enough to almost be a black, so you won't be able to ski the summit there.
hammer
Active member
It all depends on perspective and the ability of the skier offering the advice...
One example for me is Waterville...some people may see most of the mountain as intermediate but IMO you have to be a solid intermediate or better to handle just about anything from the top of the main HSQ.
absolutely, which is why i deleted my post cause i didnt read the original question closely enough. He states he is just getting comfortable on blues. I would recommend Pico highly for someone who is comfortable on blues even though most of the summit runs are rated black. they are very doable for a solid intermediate. I also didnt want to come across as antagonistic, which when i re-read my post, i think i may have. but, regardless, I think the original poster would enjoy Pico immensly.
and fwiw, i think waterville is actually more difficult from the top even though they have plenty of blue rated runs. Ratings are in relation to runs at that particular area and i think many of Pico's blacks from the top are a bit of a stretch for that designation. Waterville, maybe a stretch in some cases in the other direction.
hammer
Active member
Sorry I responded so quickly and didn't give you a chance to recant...
I've received a lot of good advice on AZ about trail difficulty (BobR recently sent me info on Loon that was spot on :beer
but I've also seen advice about trail difficulty from more advanced folks that is a little understated.Thanks for all the feedback. I'm making Bromley and Bretton Woods the front runners for now. Hope to make it up to one of them this weekend. Last Sunday I ended up at Wachusett, and being the last day of the Presidents week holiday, I found it to be pretty busy. Hopefully Bromley and BW will be a little more sane; Unfortunately I have to ski on the weekends and can't ski midweek. I'm hearing that NH schools had this week off for vacation, so maybe anywhere in NH is to be avoided this weekend??
Also, what about Ascutney? Any thoughts on that? Any other places that are normally passed by in favor of the big name resorts? Thanks
Also, what about Ascutney? Any thoughts on that? Any other places that are normally passed by in favor of the big name resorts? Thanks
These threads where people compare mountains are very interesting to me. Seems like people get very different impressions of the same places. Maybe it has more to do with conditions on a particular day than anything else?
Just my 2 cents. I would be a little careful about trying blacks at Bretton Woods. A lot of people say "oh the blacks at BW are like blues anywhere else". That may be true with some, but not with all. The first black I ever skied was Upper Express at BW. Flat as a pancake, then all the sudden it drops straight down. Not a big drop, but extremely steep, then it flattens out again. Bode's run is the same thing only with a bigger drop. Zealand, another black at BW is like a green trail. I think the idea is to let it bump up, but it's very flat and easy.
Sunapee, IMHO, is a good step up from BW. I would say it's quite a bit steeper in many places, even in the sunbowl area. My 10th day on skis, or there abouts, was at Sunapee and I loved it. It was a big challenge for me at the time.
Someone mentioned Loon. I was really suprised how easy Loon was. If you're looking for fun blues that aren't too challenging to build your confidence I think Loon would be a great choice. The blue I tried there was Speak Easy, which I thought wasn't too bad at all. Then we rode the lift with a ski patroller and he said Speak Easy was the toughest blue on the mountain. I think he was right. Picked Rock, Flying Fox, Blue Ox -- all really fun twisty rolling blues.
Just my 2 cents. I would be a little careful about trying blacks at Bretton Woods. A lot of people say "oh the blacks at BW are like blues anywhere else". That may be true with some, but not with all. The first black I ever skied was Upper Express at BW. Flat as a pancake, then all the sudden it drops straight down. Not a big drop, but extremely steep, then it flattens out again. Bode's run is the same thing only with a bigger drop. Zealand, another black at BW is like a green trail. I think the idea is to let it bump up, but it's very flat and easy.
Sunapee, IMHO, is a good step up from BW. I would say it's quite a bit steeper in many places, even in the sunbowl area. My 10th day on skis, or there abouts, was at Sunapee and I loved it. It was a big challenge for me at the time.
Someone mentioned Loon. I was really suprised how easy Loon was. If you're looking for fun blues that aren't too challenging to build your confidence I think Loon would be a great choice. The blue I tried there was Speak Easy, which I thought wasn't too bad at all. Then we rode the lift with a ski patroller and he said Speak Easy was the toughest blue on the mountain. I think he was right. Picked Rock, Flying Fox, Blue Ox -- all really fun twisty rolling blues.
SIKSKIER
New member
Don't worry about crowds on NH school vaca week.They don't exist.Mass week is the big one and that was last week.Did anybody get caught in all that traffic on I-93 south of Concord last Sunday?1/2 hour from I-89 to the tollbooth.
Similar threads
