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I want a Stowe pass...

thetrailboss

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Stowe's overall terrain is second to none IMO. For some reason it has never gotten it's due here in AZ land. When it is discussed it gets rave reviews, but doesn't get the threads that say Sugarbush does.

We do have some Stowe skiers here...very few though. The pricing is a real deterrent for most and to be completely frank, from my experiences there, MOST of the people who ski Stowe are not up to par for the excellent terrain. Don't get me wrong. There is a group of hardcore BC enthusiasts and some damn good skiers and riders (Meatheads as well as some real old school and old timers who can really rip), but the bulk of Stowe skiers are rich weekenders who have expensive ski set ups and can't handle the terrain, so they stick to the Gondola and its cruisers. It's become more of an image thing I am afraid, which is too bad.

And AIG is seeing the resort as an investment and a revenue generator. They don't care about skiing at all...it's an inherited business from their founder, Mr. Starr. For them, it is a prestigious heirloom.

And the bulk of those Stowe skiers don't spend their time on AZ and other places. Too busy doing other things.

When I went there in March 2006, my friend who came was just :puke: at the gentrification of the place. But I was able to see beyond that and see the :beer: terrain that is there. Most of the AZ crowd would be more interested in the terrain than "being seen" I imagine. So if you can see beyond that BS and see the terrain, you're good.
 
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JimG.

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Stowe's overall terrain is second to none IMO. For some reason it has never gotten it's due here in AZ land. When it is discussed it gets rave reviews, but doesn't get the threads that say Sugarbush does.

I agree for the most part...I rate Stowe's terrain #1A as opposed to MRG at #1. Snowfall is a bit greater than the MRV, but not by much. Stowe is a great mountain.

And it has some amazing hike to skiing on the chin and some of the cleanest tree lines in the east. There is alot to explore there.
 

Mad Skier

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...but doesn't get the threads that say Sugarbush does.

thats because your too busy defending mtns like okemo and talking about the merits of real estate development on classic Vt. mtns. to hear when someone comes in and says what a great mtn a place like Stowe is.

Actually its a great place for you H-Peaks. Financially elitist, curmudgeonish, and vt. yuppy.
 

takeahike46er

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Actually its a great place for you H-Peaks. Financially elitist, curmudgeonish, and vt. yuppy.

Its funny because those are the three characteristics that H-Peak loves about WF. Too bad WF doesn't have condos anywhere nearby because it would surely put it in his top ten.
 

highpeaksdrifter

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Stowe's overall terrain is second to none IMO. For some reason it has never gotten it's due here in AZ land. When it is discussed it gets rave reviews, but doesn't get the threads that say Sugarbush does.

thats because your too busy defending mtns like okemo and talking about the merits of real estate development on classic Vt. mtns. to hear when someone comes in and says what a great mtn a place like Stowe is.

Actually its a great place for you H-Peaks. Financially elitist, curmudgeonish, and vt. yuppy.

Dude, I think you have me mixed up with someone else.

Financially elitist - I'm a teacher by profession, nuff said.

curmudgeonish - although I have strong opinions about certain issues, I think I'm pretty open minded over all and certainly not ill-tempered with people who disagree with me.

vt. yuppy - I live in NY and ski Whiteface every weekend.
 

RISkier

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I perceive some anti Stowe sentiment on this forum. I also perceive some anti Vail and anti Aspen sentiment. And sometimes from folks that don't seem to have much, if any direct experience with these resorts. But they are perceived as being expensive and catering to wealthy gapers. And to some extent that perception is probably earned. I've probably skied more at Stowe than any other resort. Yes, there are lots of warts. The full price day skier tickets are absurdly priced. The on mountain food is generally very mediocre and expensive (Jose's Cantina is not so bad). I'm not too big on the development at Spruce and fear it'll change the character of the place. And I'll say that I'm not a great skier so I probably fall more into the "gaper" category. But I see lots of great skiers at Stowe. There are tons and tons of terrific local skiers who are out on the mountain most weekday mornings. The trail ratings are generally a step up from most NE resorts. I've skied blues at Deer Valley, The Canyons, Alta, Snowbasin, and Powder Mountain (and what they call double blues at Deer Valley and They Canyons). If you're comfortable on blues like North Face and Lord, I'm convinced you'll be comfortable on just about any blues you'll find anywhere. I've skied a couple of blacks at Alta and Snowbasin, but I don't think they're any more challenging than easy blacks like centerline and hayride at Stowe. And I can't even touch the best that Stowe has to offer in terms of expert terrain. And Stowe village has much too offer. Terrific restaurants, especially if you get to know where to go (sometimes a bit outside the village). It probably doesn't offer the late night party scene that you'll find in other places. But Stowe compares very well with places like Park City. And sometimes the folks at Stowe do things that absolutely make me crazy. So I seem some significant warts. But I do think it sometimes generates some "anti snob" sentiment that isn't really warrented. And for what it's worth, my favorite places to ski have been places like Alta, Powder Mountain, I really like Birkshire East. I'm hoping the development at Spruce won' ruin Stowe, but I'm not so sure.
 

ccskier

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The only negative thing about Stowe is Saturdays after 10am, a little too busy for my likings. I have skied hundreds of days at Stowe. Sure it is expensive, but what is aother 15-20 bucks when you are already probably spending hundreds, even thousands over the course of the season. I am now a Jay Peak customer, but I still get a few days a year in at Stowe. Bring on Spruce Peak, I am for it. If people don't want the glam then go elsewhere. Stowe has much more to offer than people know of.
 

Zand

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I've been to Stowe once and loved it... however the thing holding me from going there is the price. The only reason I made it there last year (and will again this year) is because it is the site of my school's annual trip.

I didn't have a problem with anyone there or get any "rich people attitudes" that I saw so often at Stratton. Maybe it wasn't as normal of a day as it could've been as it was fairly late season and they were in the midst of getting 3 feet over St. Patty's weekend when I was there. I definitely can't wait to go back.
 

BeanoNYC

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I've been to Stowe once and loved it... however the thing holding me from going there is the price. The only reason I made it there last year (and will again this year) is because it is the site of my school's annual trip.

I didn't have a problem with anyone there or get any "rich people attitudes" that I saw so often at Stratton. Maybe it wasn't as normal of a day as it could've been as it was fairly late season and they were in the midst of getting 3 feet over St. Patty's weekend when I was there. I definitely can't wait to go back.

Ditto...

I don't get a bad vibe from the people on the mountain or in town. The mountain is beautiful and skiing was great. The only turnoff, for this New Yorker is the distance. You can go up with a buddy and find a hotel for a reasonable price (we had no problem) and find discount vouchers for Stowe, Jay and Bush. It makes for a real good "base of operations."

I was at stowe for that St. Patty's dump. Too bad we didn't know. I met up with Kingslug and Mrs. Kingslug and has a great day.
 

Geoff

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I did my college season passes at Stowe back when I was at UVM. Great little mountain. Nice town. In the last 25 years, it's been overrun with trust fund people but that's the only negative.
 

highpeaksdrifter

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I guess I'll apologize Hipeaks, even if you never did. I'm still pissed about this:
http://forums.alpinezone.com/9124-what-ski-areas-will-you-never-ski-again-5.html#post97776

I remember that post. Your struck me like you where bragging about frightening a woman who was minding her own business trying to enjoy herself skiing. I don’t like people who do things like that and will always speak against it.

If that was not your intent then I regret my reply and I am sorry.
 
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Marc

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I don't care if a mountain is full of richies, if the lift ticket weren't astronomical.


Actually, I'd prefer it.... those people often don't ski the terrain I like the best, so... more for me.
 

snowmonster

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I've heard nothing but good things about the terrain at Stowe. That and its ties to NE ski history have put this mountain on my "must-ski" list. The thing that's always held me back is the ticket price. Beyond a certain ticket price, I feel like you have to ski the place from bell to bell with no stops in between. They don't even publish their single day rates on their website to discourage day-trippers! Clearly, my profile skier does not figure in Stowe's plans.

As for the yuppie-type skiers, well, they don't bother me. When I see folks act in a way that I feel is unpleasant (either they're rude, mean, obnoxious or all three), I just give them a wide berth and ski away from them. If their lack of ability or interest prevents them from enjoying the terrain, then god bless 'em! More for me to enjoy!
 
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