First Timer

[Anklebiter]

The introductions thread wasn't working, so I thought I'd post here. Since, it's ski season.

I found Alpinezone about 2 weeks ago, while looking for information on my upcoming trip to Franconia, NH (Feb 5th). Wow, I wish I would have found this site sooner.

Anyways, I been skiing since I was 9. Though, there was a big block of time in my 20's and early 30's. Where I'd ski only once every several years. About 4 years ago I introduced my son to skiing. Then my daughter a year later. My mission was accomplished, they're hooked. My wife is slowly catching on, but won't ski much more then the "Green Circles". We get in about 7 to 10 days a year of skiing. Mainly, because we live in Delaware. Yeah, we're southerners. The closest real ski resort is Blue Mountain (1hr 45mins). I wish we could ski as much as some of you guys do.

Last year we did a ski vacation to North Conway, NH and skied Attitash (2), Sunday River, and Wildcat. We had an awesome time and it got us really thinking about moving up to New England. We always thought we'd retire somewhere in New England. After the kids were out of college and had lives of the their own. But, never while they were in grade school. I don't know if it's possible, but we are really looking into it. We are doing a 10 day camping trip to Maine in July. I have a feeling it will be a little more than just a vacation.

Well, back to my upcoming trip. I'll be with three others guys this time, no family. I have a some questions and I know you guys and gals have the answers. First, we are staying at Mittersill Alpine Resort, so we planned on skiing Cannon twice. Probably, ski Bretton Woods and either Loon or Waterville Valley. Originally, we were going to ski Cannon on the weekend. We thought between the $125, 2 day pass and the shuttle from Mittersill back to Cannon. That, that was the best deal for weekend skiing. Now, I see that Mittersill is closed and with no major snow event in the forecast. I'm doubting it will be open next weekend. If that's the case is Cannon still a good option? If we decided to ski Waterville. It would be on one of their 2 for 1 days. Then we would do Bretton Woods another day. Does anyone have better scenerio?

I was also going to see if the guys wanted to hit Okemo on the way up. Is there a better place then Okemo that we can ski? We will be coming up 91 through Massachusetts.

Please any comments or opinions are appreciated.


Thanks,
Anklebiter (Brent)

P.S. I'm also big into mountain biking and trail running, but that's a different season.

 

[soulseller]

What is your and your buddies skill level? What kind of terrain are you interested in, steeps, cruisers, trees?

Right off the bat I would consider scratching Waterville. Hitting VT on the way up is not a bad idea, Okemo is not particularly challenging but then again neither is Bretton Woods. Give us an idea of what you guys are looking for and we can probably steer you a little better.

 

[Anklebiter]

What is your and your buddies skill level? What kind of terrain are you interested in, steeps, cruisers, trees?

Right off the bat I would consider scratching Waterville. Hitting VT on the way up is not a bad idea, Okemo is not particularly challenging but then again neither is Bretton Woods. Give us an idea of what you guys are looking for and we can probably steer you a little better.

We're probably looking for mostly cruisers, though I'll ski anything. From what they have said to me. I think they won't be hitting the bumps. They may like to ski some trees. If it's not to steep and has good spacing. I personally was hoping that Mittersill would be in good shape. Since our lodging is at the bottom of the slope. Personally, I would just like to ski a few different places. Besides, any place in New England is better than the Pocono's.

 

[WakeboardMom]

Have you considered Loon? I agree with the poster that said "scratch Waterville." BW will have plenty of snow, but you already know that there's not much in the way of challenging terrain. I'm wondering why Loon isn't on the list. SR will be about a 2-hour drive from where you're staying. I'd put that up for consideration.

 

[RISkier]

I might take a look at Mt. Snow if you're going to stop in VT on the way up. Front side is mostly easy intermediate cruising with some somewhat steeper terrain and bump runs on the North Face. Either Mt. Snow or Okemo would likely be pretty crowded on weekends. We've had better luck with Mt. Snow. On a weekday I'd probably choose whichever was more convenient with respect to travel. Loon has a reputation of being very busy on weekends and holidays. It's kind of the first resort north of Boston on I93. Very easy access to I93. Sundays are almost always less busy than Saturdays, at least that's been my experience. Other than the possibility of annoying weekend crowds, Loon would probably be a good choice. Also, the Lincoln/Woodstock area probably offers the most choice of places to eat and drink in the area. Cannon offers more opportunity for challenge but also has some nice cruising. If it's windy and cold the top of Cannon can be real windy and cold. On a nice day with good conditions it's a great choice with great views. Bretton Woods has lots of novice and easy intermediate cruising. Nothing is very steep. OTH, it's pretty much all fall line skiing with few flat areas. I'd describe many of the BW blacks as solid intermediate. BW also has great views of Mt. Washington and if it's windy and cold is more sheltered. If you're wanting to get away from crowds take a look at Burke in East Burke, VT. I'd give Rosa Flamingos in Bethlehem and big thumbs up for dinner. Have fun!

 

[Anklebiter]

Have you considered Loon? I agree with the poster that said "scratch Waterville." BW will have plenty of snow, but you already know that there's not much in the way of challenging terrain. I'm wondering why Loon isn't on the list. SR will be about a 2-hour drive from where you're staying. I'd put that up for consideration.

Loon is on the short list, but from what I've read here it can be crowded. What are the crowds like during the week? I skied Sunday River last and if the guys are up for the drive. I'd love to ski it again.

I was talking to one of the guys I'm going with, last night. He mentioned, he would like to try moguls and trees. Which resorts would you guys recommend for lessons?

 

[Edd]

Crowds at Loon during the week are quite managable unless it's a school vacation week in Mass or NH; in that case I'd avoid it.

Sunday River is a better choice all the way around if you're up for the drive.

If you're looking to try intermediate trees I'd make a beeline for Bretton Woods. You can nearly ski one tree run after another all day without repeating.

 

[Anklebiter]

I might take a look at Mt. Snow if you're going to stop in VT on the way up. Front side is mostly easy intermediate cruising with some somewhat steeper terrain and bump runs on the North Face. Either Mt. Snow or Okemo would likely be pretty crowded on weekends. We've had better luck with Mt. Snow. On a weekday I'd probably choose whichever was more convenient with respect to travel. Loon has a reputation of being very busy on weekends and holidays. It's kind of the first resort north of Boston on I93. Very easy access to I93. Sundays are almost always less busy than Saturdays, at least that's been my experience. Other than the possibility of annoying weekend crowds, Loon would probably be a good choice. Also, the Lincoln/Woodstock area probably offers the most choice of places to eat and drink in the area. Cannon offers more opportunity for challenge but also has some nice cruising. If it's windy and cold the top of Cannon can be real windy and cold. On a nice day with good conditions it's a great choice with great views. Bretton Woods has lots of novice and easy intermediate cruising. Nothing is very steep. OTH, it's pretty much all fall line skiing with few flat areas. I'd describe many of the BW blacks as solid intermediate. BW also has great views of Mt. Washington and if it's windy and cold is more sheltered. If you're wanting to get away from crowds take a look at Burke in East Burke, VT. I'd give Rosa Flamingos in Bethlehem and big thumbs up for dinner. Have fun!

Is Rosa Flamingos good place to watch the Super Bowl?

 

[RISkier]

There are a couple of TVs in the bar at Rosa Flamingos so if you were able to get the right table or a seat at the bar it would work for the super bowl. But the bar area is not huge and it could be busy that evening. It's not really a classic sports bar. Likely better choices in the Lincoln area, though I don't know of anything specific to recommend. Rosa's (especially the bar area) offers a fun/casual atmosphere with an interesting menu. Not sure I'd target it for the Superbowl, however.

 

[Anklebiter]

There are a couple of TVs in the bar at Rosa Flamingos so if you were able to get the right table or a seat at the bar it would work for the super bowl. But the bar area is not huge and it could be busy that evening. It's not really a classic sports bar. Likely better choices in the Lincoln area, though I don't know of anything specific to recommend. Rosa's (especially the bar area) offers a fun/casual atmosphere with an interesting menu. Not sure I'd target it for the Superbowl, however.

Thanks,

Maybe we'll stop on the way back from Bretton Woods or if we go to Sunday River.

I'm sure we will find some place for the Super Bowl.

 

[WakeboardMom]

Crowds at Loon during the week are quite managable unless it's a school vacation week in Mass or NH; in that case I'd avoid it.

Sunday River is a better choice all the way around if you're up for the drive.

If you're looking to try intermediate trees I'd make a beeline for Bretton Woods. You can nearly ski one tree run after another all day without repeating.

Great answer. Agree 100%. (Except that Loon isn't really too bad during NH vacation week. MA week definitely = zoo, but NH week not-so-bad.)

 

[billski]

Well, back to my upcoming trip. I'll be with three others guys this time, no family. I have a some questions and I know you guys and gals have the answers. First, we are staying at Mittersill Alpine Resort, so we planned on skiing Cannon twice. Probably, ski Bretton Woods and either Loon or Waterville Valley. Originally, we were going to ski Cannon on the weekend. We thought between the $125, 2 day pass and the shuttle from Mittersill back to Cannon. That, that was the best deal for weekend skiing. Now, I see that Mittersill is closed and with no major snow event in the forecast. I'm doubting it will be open next weekend. If that's the case is Cannon still a good option? If we decided to ski Waterville. It would be on one of their 2 for 1 days. Then we would do Bretton Woods another day. Does anyone have better scenerio?

I was also going to see if the guys wanted to hit Okemo on the way up. Is there a better place then Okemo that we can ski? We will be coming up 91 through Massachusetts.

Please any comments or opinions are appreciated.


Thanks,
Anklebiter (Brent)

P.S. I'm also big into mountain biking and trail running, but that's a different season.

Welcome Brent,
So I'm just back from 2 days in No. VT and I have my share of fresh opinions for you to discard.

First, you gotta tell us what days are plan to ski. That will help determine the best strategy.
Second, IMHO the best conditions are to be found in Northern VT and Maine. How far would you be willing to travel for a day trip? If it's 2 hours, that would open up a whole nother world for consideration
Third, are locked into Cannon?
Fourth, there are a lot of ticket deals to be found for Liftopia. You could even decide the day before and using the web purchase them.
Last, do you care if you are skiing on loose frozen gran vs. packed powder?

Bill

 

[Anklebiter]

Welcome Brent,
So I'm just back from 2 days in No. VT and I have my share of fresh opinions for you to discard.

First, you gotta tell us what days are plan to ski. That will help determine the best strategy.
Second, IMHO the best conditions are to be found in Northern VT and Maine. How far would you be willing to travel for a day trip? If it's 2 hours, that would open up a whole nother world for consideration
Third, are locked into Cannon?
Fourth, there are a lot of ticket deals to be found for Liftopia. You could even decide the day before and using the web purchase them.
Last, do you care if you are skiing on loose frozen gran vs. packed powder?

Bill

Hi Bill,

I've been talking with the guys over the last couple of days. It looks like we are pretty set on skiing Cannon on Saturday and/or Sunday (Sunday, staying close because of the Super Bowl). Probably, Monday we'll ski Bretton Woods, because of the $56 lift ticket. One day we'd like do going snowmobiling, so we will ski either Loon or Sunday River on Wednesday. I personally would like to ski SR, but I'm having hard time finding discount lift tickets. $75 is expensive for mid-week skiing. I tried Liftopia, but it wouldn't generate any discounts for Sunday River. though, I may have been doing something wrong.

Cruisiers are most likely what we will be skiing. Though, I'd like to hits trees and bumps, but they don't have to be killer steep. Also, one of the guys is interested in getting a bump or tree skiing lesson. Of the four places we will skiing, which has the best lesson for bumps/trees? Originally, I was hoping to hit a resort on the way up, but I've been overruled on this one. I don't think we will be skiing Vermont this year. That's ok, though. It just means the family and I will have to book a trip next winter to Vermont

Thanks for help

 

[marcus1]

Hi everyone, Nice to be here.

Names Mark P and I grew up in Cheshire Ct. I now live in Myrtle Beach SC after just moving from Charlotte NC. I am an avid skier who learned to ski on Mixville tow and Mount Sothington Ct in the early 70s. How can I be an avid skier in SC you ask?.....lol.... good question. I take lots of trips to WV and VA. I dont even bother with the NC mountains to busy and small. I dont mind small hills, just 30 min lines on lifts get to me. I ski mostly at Snowshoe, Winterplace and Bryce. My inlaws live and work at Bryce resort so its convenient.

I grew up in Cheshire and other than Mixville tow and Mt southington, I skied Hunter, Sugerbush, Killington, Jay Peak, Ski Sundown, Mohawk Mt, and a couple others in PA and Ma. I am an Audio Engineer and hope in the next year to move back up North.

I came across the NELSAP site doing a search for Mixville...... I was homesick one night and was looking for pictures of my hometown. The site is really cool and I have been checking out old sites over the eastcoast. Jusrt love to read up on all the old closed down ski hills.

I learned to ski on Mixville tow in the early 70s and the tow was still operational up until about 76. I seem to remember it breaking down and then they fixed it and then it broke down again.....( I saw the video the guys posted last year on thier trip to Mixville and it was nice to see the old hill I learned on. I havnt been there in 15+ years. The hill is still used for sledding so its packed quite often.

Ok enough from me, I can go on and on.... Nice to be here and I look forward to getting active in the Forums.