Least Challenging Blacks

[MRGisevil]

Inspired by the 'most challenging/least challenging' string of threads as of late, I'd like to hear opinions on trails that cause people to scratch their heads at the diamond sign planted in front of them.

My picks: Polar Bear & Grizzly Bear @ Stratton

 

[deadheadskier]

www.okemo.com

 

[RISkier]

Pluto's Plunge at Crotched seems pretty tame. 10th Mountain at Wachusett certainly doesn't seem to merit a black rating except if they are rating the little bumped areas they sometimes let develop on it.

 

[Paul]

Bear in mind that trail markings are relative to the hill that they're on.

I think Upper Standard and North American are the least challenging (Relatively speaking!!!) at Stratton.
I'd put Stump Jumper, Upper Chief and maybe Quantum Leap for Okemo.
Not sure why Cyclone gets the nod at Pat's either.
And why is Tightrope a double vs. Wilfred's Gawm a single black at Attitash?

 

[drjeff]

Fallen Timbers @ Mount Snow (unless bumped)
Chute @ Mount Snow (unless bumped)

As already mentioned, Okemo

 

[danny p]

www.okemo.com

i type lol all the time but that actually made me laugh out loud. good one.

 

[jack97]

Pluto's Plunge at Crotched seems pretty tame. 10th Mountain at Wachusett certainly doesn't seem to merit a black rating except if they are rating the little bumped areas they sometimes let develop on it.

Agree, that black ratings are relative to the hill. Having said that, I would add that PP at crotched is deceptive, the pitch is constant and maintains the same pitch for a long stretch. Somebody not use to this can pick up speed and eventually loose control. Conversely, 10th at wachusetts has varying pitches and a plateau where it would slow you down to some extent.

 

[nycskier]

I think the winner has to be Cascade at Killingon! Making that a double black diamond is a joke.

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

Hellgate, I don't care what you Hunterites say, it's blue. Yeah, if it's bumped skiers lift and you take that line it's harder, but if not it's blue all the way.

 

[cbcbd]

Hellgate, I don't care what you Hunterites say, it's blue. Yeah, if it's bumped skiers lift and you take that line it's harder, but if not it's blue all the way.

Although I agree, even when not bumped, skier's left has a small steep drop that I would venture to say probably measures in at 35+ degrees right at the turn. But yeah, it's not sustained but I love dropping into it.

 

[WJenness]

Cant Dog - Loon

The only reason it is a black is because if you take it your choices after it are Triple Trouble, Big Dipper, or Angel Street... all legitimate blacks, Angel Street is the only one of the three that is groomed with any sort of regularity, and that is the steepest trail on the mountain.

-w

 

[RISkier]

Cant Dog - Loon

The only reason it is a black is because if you take it your choices after it are Triple Trouble, Big Dipper, or Angel Street... all legitimate blacks, Angel Street is the only one of the three that is groomed with any sort of regularity, and that is the steepest trail on the mountain.

-w

Haven't skied at Loon but if that case it would make sense that that the feeder trail would be marked black because someone thinking they were taking a blue trail could get in over their heads when they have to take one of the legitimate blacks to which it leads.

 

[spresso81]

I actually think Huega Express is easier than Hellgate at Hunter.

 

[BushMogulMaster]

I think Lower Organgrinder is a pretty weak black diamond.

 

[Newpylong]

Anything at Okemo that is black should be blue...

Grizzly Bear at Stratton is a Green Square at most areas...

Mine Shaft at Mount Snow...

West Glade errr Upper Ridge Run at Killington.

 

[Zand]

I think Lower Organgrinder is a pretty weak black diamond.

All of Organgrinder is weak... as is Waterfall for a black diamond.

Grand Canyon at MRG, though bumpy, is an easy diamond. I concur on Mine Shaft at Mount Snow and about anything at Stratton and Okemo. At Sunapee, Chase Ledges is an easy black. Obviously I could name a lot of MA trails.

 

[BeanoNYC]

www.okemo.com

That's some funny shit right there. LMAO:lol:

i type lol all the time but that actually made me laugh out loud. good one.

http://nomorelol.com/

 

[nycskier]

I actually think Huega Express is easier than Hellgate at Hunter.

Totally agree! Huega is WAY easier a trail. But it has to stay a black or else all those gapers on the Belt Parkway will come over and ski it.

 

[andyzee]

Urkle (sorry couldn't resist)

 

[lerops]

Very useful thread for me as I graduate from being an intermediate skier and make my way to black terrain. One thing I noticed is that there is a lot of variance among those, so I am trying to work my way up starting with wider black trails.

I am taking these as recommendations.