Driving to Sugarbush tonight...

[urban07sti]

Headed up to the 'bush for the first time tonight. Really excited as I've never boarded/skied there before. Should be an interesting drive with the weather. What is the fastest route? I've found various routes with Exit 3, 4, and 9 off 89....

I'm in an AWD car with snow tires and have no problems driving in tough snow conditions. Thanks guys/gals. Pray this stays all snow....

 

[bvibert]

I'm no expert, but the last two times I've been up there I took exit 9 to 100B down to 100. I'm sure some of the regulars will chime in with the pluses and minuses to the different routes.

Where are you going to be staying?

BTW, Welcome to the forums.

 

[WWF-VT]

Based upon the weather you may want to drive the EXIT 3 to 107 to 100 Route. This is not the most efficient / fastest way but if the driving is nasty on 89 this route may provide for better road conditions.

My plan tonight is to avoid Bethel Mountain Road and Roxbury Gap if conditions aren't good

 

[urban07sti]

Ok cool, staying at one of the village condos with some friends. Pretty much just trying to find the fastest way there.....my car is great in the snow so that's not a big issue.

 

[WWF-VT]

I also have an AWD car with winter tires and know the difference between the fastest way and the most efficient way based upon conditions. I try to avoid 89 when the weather gets bad

 

[urban07sti]

Excellent, glad I asked! Would have figured the highway would have been better to use if crappy conditions......skiing in this area of VT is new to me, so any advice helps!

 

[KingM]

I think I-89 to exit 9 would be best, followed by coming up 100 from the south. Whatever you do, do not take one of the mountain passes at night and in a snowstorm, especially if you don't know the area.

 

[billski]

Ok cool, staying at one of the village condos with some friends. Pretty much just trying to find the fastest way there.....my car is great in the snow so that's not a big issue.

I would be more worried about ice on the road at lower elevations and other drivers who aren't nearly as capable. 'Course you know that. Drive carefully and don't be afraid to drive slow... Enjoy!

 

[billski]

I also have an AWD car with winter tires and know the difference between the fastest way and the most efficient way based upon conditions. I try to avoid 89 when the weather gets bad

why? Is it the limited access such that if there is an accident you have no choice but to wait in line with no driving options?

 

[WWF-VT]

why? Is it the limited access such that if there is an accident you have no choice but to wait in line with no driving options?

Maybe just personal preference. You can get stuck if there are accidents on 89. Seems like there are more drivers who don't know their vehicle limits and capabilities on the interstate vs the state roads.

 

[KingM]

Maybe just personal preference. You can get stuck if there are accidents on 89. Seems like there are more drivers who don't know their vehicle limits and capabilities on the interstate vs the state roads.

But Route 100 south of Warren toward Hancock and Granville is wicked dark at night and not as vigorously plowed during a snowstorm. I would rather take 100 south from Middlesex and I'd rather deal with the relatively flat I-89 as well.

What is the fastest route?

This is the wrong question to ask in a snowstorm. Really, focus on safe, first.

 

[urban07sti]

This is the wrong question to ask in a snowstorm. Really, focus on safe, first.

I agree, I'm not looking to be speed racer flying up there, just figuring out what is my best option for safety, keeping in mind drive time.

 

[ski_resort_observer]

. I would rather take 100 south from Middlesex and I'd rather deal with the relatively flat I-89 as well.

He meant 100B south from Middlesex :wink:

 

[urban07sti]

So kind of bumping this thread but, when I drove home on that sunday, roads clear and all, I took 100 to 107 to get back on 89 at Exit 3. It was about 3.5 hours back to boston. Is that the norm?

Are the other routes about the same drive time? Just trying to figure out that area some more. I did really enjoy the drive on 100 though, much nicer with clear roads to see the surrounding area (it was snowing pretty hard driving up that Friday).

 

[WWF-VT]

3.5 Hours is about right for that route. In good driving conditions my best time is just under 3 hours via the Roxbury Gap ( Exit 5 ) option.

 

[urban07sti]

Ok cool, good to note. I'll try and remember these my next trip up.

I'm actually driving from stowe in a few weeks, assuming you just follow 100 south to get to the bush?

 

[KingM]

Ok cool, good to note. I'll try and remember these my next trip up.

I'm actually driving from stowe in a few weeks, assuming you just follow 100 south to get to the bush?

Yes, but you do need to do a little jog through Waterbury. Going south from Stowe, take a left after you go over the freeway overpass, go through town, watching for the turnoff to the right, just past the car dealership.