Front 4?

[skibum1321]

Smuggs kills the Front Four at Stowe hands down. National at Liftline are nothing special these days, which leaves it with Starr and Goat. As some said earlier, Liftline is probably one of the hardest trails in the East with some mandatory airs and some pretty sketchy cover most of the time. Robins has mandatory airs most of the time and it dumps you into the bottom of Black Hole, which can also get really sketchy as there are parts where you need to straightline for a bit.

I might have some pics at home, I'll take a look tonight.

 

[SKIQUATTRO]

Robins Run is one of my favs as Smuggs is in general.....great mtn

 

[skibum1321]

As promised, here are a couple of pictures of Liftline at Smuggs. They definitely don't do justice to the trail, though.

 

[deadheadskier]

As promised, here are a couple of pictures of Liftline at Smuggs. They definitely don't do justice to the trail, though.

yeah, they definitely don't do the trail justice from what I remember. I recall much larger drops, but it's been a good five years since I last road Madona

 

[prisnah]

As promised, here are a couple of pictures of Liftline at Smuggs. They definitely don't do justice to the trail, though.

I'll agree that they probably don't do it justice....it always looks easier from the bottom than the top....that def. looks nasty though. Again...officially on the to do list this year. Would like to try and catch it after an early season dump. Just so the base build up doesn't kill the drops.

 

[skibum1321]

yeah, they definitely don't do the trail justice from what I remember. I recall much larger drops, but it's been a good five years since I last road Madona

These pictures don't show the part of the trail that you're thinking about. There are some drops that are easily 10-15 feet depending on snow depth.

I'll agree that they probably don't do it justice....it always looks easier from the bottom than the top....that def. looks nasty though. Again...officially on the to do list this year. Would like to try and catch it after an early season dump. Just so the base build up doesn't kill the drops.

These 4 trails usually need a good amount of snow to open so an early dump may not be enough. Also, if it's windy, then forget it because Liftline is very exposed and all of the snow blows into Black Hole.

 

[ski_resort_observer]

I think how wide the trail is plays a role on how dificult it is..that's why Goat is so tough. The last time I skied Goat it was one of those bright blue NE days with a bone chilling wind and the entire trail was blue ice. The only way we could stop was to dive into the scrub trees. Got down to the bottom, kissed the ground and asked God if I really had to do all the things I promised if I did survive it....:lol:

 

[skibum1321]

I think how wide the trail is plays a role on how dificult it is..that's why Goat is so tough. The last time I skied Goat it was one of those bright blue NE days with a bone chilling wind and the entire trail was blue ice. The only way we could stop was to dive into the scrub trees. Got down to the bottom, kissed the ground and asked God if I really had to do all the things I promised if I did survive it....:lol:

Yeah, Liftline isn't the narrowest trail around, but it is still pretty narrow. There is never great cover on the trail so there may be parts where you need to hop over rocks or straightline for a bit to get through a section. Honestly, I don't think this trail would ever open at most resorts - Smuggs has a very liberal opening policy in regards to snow cover.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Yeah, Liftline isn't the narrowest trail around, but it is still pretty narrow. There is never great cover on the trail so there may be parts where you need to hop over rocks or straightline for a bit to get through a section. Honestly, I don't think this trail would ever open at most resorts - Smuggs has a very liberal opening policy in regards to snow cover.

It's too bad Smuggs doesn't get as much snowfall as Stowe..they need 2 high speed quads..and some more snowmaking..to stay competitive

 

[deadheadskier]

It's too bad Smuggs doesn't get as much snowfall as Stowe..they need 2 high speed quads..and some more snowmaking..to stay competitive

the difference is extremely marginal


and apparently they don't need 2 High speed quads and more snowmaking to stay competitive as they already are quite competitive.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

the difference is extremely marginal


and apparently they don't need 2 High speed quads and more snowmaking to stay competitive as they already are quite competitive.

What does Smuggs charge for a one day lift ticket?

 

[deadheadskier]

What does Smuggs charge for a one day lift ticket?

If you're trying to make the comparison that Stowe is more competitive solely on a lift ticket price, you're only looking at half the picture. $60 is the cost per day

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

If you're trying to make the comparison that Stowe is more competitive solely on a lift ticket price, you're only looking at half the picture. $60 is the cost per day

$60 is alot for antequated lifts..

 

[2knees]

$60 is alot for antequated lifts..

$60 bucks is nothing for a big time vermont resort. who is less then that other than possibly Burke in central to northern vermont?

seems like your trying to make an argument just for the sake of arguing.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

$60 bucks is nothing for a big time vermont resort. who is less then that other than possibly Burke in central to northern vermont?

seems like your trying to make an argument just for the sake of arguing.

MRG is less and they have the old lifts...For $60 you should get booted up on a high speed quad..just my 4 cents..

 

[2knees]

Unlike MRG, Smuggs has these pesky little cost addititive things such as snowmaking and grooming.

 

[Greg]

MRG is less and they have the old lifts...For $60 you should get booted up on a high speed quad..just my 4 cents..

Yeah, like the brand new single chair they're installing as we speak. Give me a day skiing off the single on good snow over twice the number of runs off some HSQ anyday...

 

[bvibert]

$60 bucks is nothing for a big time vermont resort. who is less then that other than possibly Burke in central to northern vermont?

seems like your trying to make an argument just for the sake of arguing.

Exactly what I was thinking.

Besides, HSQs aren't everything...

 

[kingslug]

I liked the antiquated feel of Smuggs, the slow lifts, and the tough terrain. I wouldn't change a thing.

 

[kcyanks1]

It's too bad Smuggs doesn't get as much snowfall as Stowe..they need 2 high speed quads..and some more snowmaking..to stay competitive

I thought Smuggs averaged slightly more natural snowfall than Stowe (perhaps too a little a difference to be statistically significant when you consider possible sources of error...but I thought Smuggs's #s were higher).