jimk
Well-known member
I made a fun visit to Whiteface two weeks ago for the first time since 2000. Conditions were variable and ranged from generally very good to a few slick spots. It was a cold March day, but the sun came out in the afternoon and the views were outstanding. I got to do a little exploring in Cloudsplitter Glades off Little Whiteface, scratch my way down a good long bump run called Lookout Below in the Lookout Mtn trail pod, and capped the visit with some super scenic runs from the Summit Quad.
Skyward View from Whiteface
I have only a handful of days at Cannon and Whiteface and my impressions may be a bit superficial, but I've visited both mountains in recent years and they seem to have a lot in common: state-run utilitarian vibe, less expensive and maybe a little less crowded than many large Northeastern areas, more than a hint of undeveloped potential, and tops in class for superior scenery.
Mt. Lafayette vista from Cannon
Both places have a signature aerial lift (tram/gondola) and northerly locations with relatively high elevation terrain. Both have reputations for harsh weather and less manicured slopes. Whiteface has more overall vertical, but both have challenging terrain including fun glades. They also share a nice backwoods feel and minimal slopeside development, although Cannon's got a small amount of lodging at Mittersill and Whiteface has the resort town of Lake Placid a dozen miles away.
Cannon Tramline
I don't want to reinforce false stereotypes, but maybe one way to summarize their similarities is that they are NOT for those who want to be coddled and offer a big mountain experience for the East with robust advanced skiing under optimal conditions, including true expert terrain such as The Slides and Tramline/Kinsman.
The Slides at Whiteface
What say the board? Agree, disagree, additional comments?
Skyward View from Whiteface
I have only a handful of days at Cannon and Whiteface and my impressions may be a bit superficial, but I've visited both mountains in recent years and they seem to have a lot in common: state-run utilitarian vibe, less expensive and maybe a little less crowded than many large Northeastern areas, more than a hint of undeveloped potential, and tops in class for superior scenery.
Mt. Lafayette vista from Cannon
Both places have a signature aerial lift (tram/gondola) and northerly locations with relatively high elevation terrain. Both have reputations for harsh weather and less manicured slopes. Whiteface has more overall vertical, but both have challenging terrain including fun glades. They also share a nice backwoods feel and minimal slopeside development, although Cannon's got a small amount of lodging at Mittersill and Whiteface has the resort town of Lake Placid a dozen miles away.
Cannon Tramline
I don't want to reinforce false stereotypes, but maybe one way to summarize their similarities is that they are NOT for those who want to be coddled and offer a big mountain experience for the East with robust advanced skiing under optimal conditions, including true expert terrain such as The Slides and Tramline/Kinsman.
The Slides at Whiteface
What say the board? Agree, disagree, additional comments?