Lessons/skiing for beginner

[newskier]

Can anyone suggest a good place for lessons/good selection of green runs no further than 2-2.5 hrs from the Boston area (it would be for a day trip). I just spent several days at Tremblant doing some beginner lessons and skiing and want to go someplace this weekend to continue my progress. I was originally thinking of going to Wachusett since it's so close, but it looks like they don't have that great a selection of greens. I'm not really looking for beginner area/magic carpet type trails--looking for longer runs to do on my own and to take a lesson on. Would Stratton, Mount Snow or Okemo fit the bill? Any input on the instruction there? Thanks!

 

[hammer]

I'd suggest Sunapee -- the South Peak area has a few decent-length greens off of a beginner quad, and although the main trail from the summit starts as a blue, it only has a few spots that would be considered tough for a green.

I was there on Sunday and spent a lot of time in the South Peak area with the family, and the beginner trails were in great shape.

Main advantage is that it would be closer than the other places mentioned. Main disadvantage is that the lift ticket prices are a bit steep for what you get...

I normally don't go to Wachusett because of the crowds and 20+ minute lift lines I ran into when I went a few years ago, but others may be able to comment on the intermediate trails there -- from what I remember there are a number of trails that would be novice-friendly.

 

[snowmonster]

I would also suggest Sunapee. It's 90 minutes from Boston and has a good learn to ski program. Took a class of students there last month for ski lessons and they enjoyed it. They were all skiing around before the end of the day (unfortunately, some of them thought that they were experts already after a half day but that's another story). The South Peak area has a magic carpet learner's slope but also has a small hill with longish green trails where you can build your confidence. Sunapee sells a South Peak lift ticket for only about $30 which is pretty decent.

 

[Sky]

Wachusett's trail map does not seem to offer a large "Beginner" slection. However, the intermediate trails are actually quite good off of the Intermediate lift (Minuteman...NOT the summit lift).

Specifically, Ralph's Run is a designated "Family" trail. Go Fast, Lose Pass sign at the top of the trail. Very twisty, relatively wide, double fall lines so you can vary your course each run....and where it's steep (at the very bottom), it is also very wide. So as your day progresses...and (if) you become more comfortable with the speed, you can generate some decent speed near the bottom (without much threat of losing your pass).

That lift also services the race course (Challenger), which is not very steep. This time of year, the races are done and the width of that trail allows you to wipe off any extra speed by traversing.

The other trails off that lift that offer relatively easy skiing are Frannie's Folley and (if the Bowl's lift is operating) Piece of Cake.

A freing was there Sunday morning and had the palce to herself and her kid. Not a bad option...and you can also take a lesson (if there's a crowd) and get right onto the lift with the insructor.

Welcome to the sport. Definitely go somwhere and keep homing those skills!

 

[newskier]

Great, thanks for the information. It's hard to judge what places would be good-- the only way I have to tell is by looking at the trail maps online.
One other question-- what places would anyone recommend for a weekend trip (using pretty much the same criteria as the day trip-- lots of good greens, but the distance away from Boston can be longer than 2 hours). What about Sunday River? Any other suggestions? Thanks.

 

[RISkier]

Great, thanks for the information. It's hard to judge what places would be good-- the only way I have to tell is by looking at the trail maps online.
One other question-- what places would anyone recommend for a weekend trip (using pretty much the same criteria as the day trip-- lots of good greens, but the distance away from Boston can be longer than 2 hours). What about Sunday River? Any other suggestions? Thanks.

Take a look at Bretton Woods, nice green cruising trails from almost every lift with views of Mt. Washington and the presidentials. Many blues are just a little more difficult than the greens. Lift ticket prices are a bit pricey but otherwise a fine place for novice skiers. There's a hotel in Littleton (about 20 miles from BW), it's either a Hampton Inn or a Comfort Inn, that offers 1 night's lodging plus lift tickets at BW for two persons at $159 / night. It includes a continental breakfast. It's not a great buffet breakfast but there's enough there to give you a good start on the day.

 

[BeanoNYC]

Take a look at Bretton Woods, nice green cruising trails from almost every lift with views of Mt. Washington and the presidentials. Many blues are just a little more difficult than the greens. Lift ticket prices are a bit pricey but otherwise a fine place for novice skiers. There's a hotel in Littleton (about 20 miles from BW), it's either a Hampton Inn or a Comfort Inn, that offers 1 night's lodging plus lift tickets at BW for two persons at $159 / night. It includes a continental breakfast. It's not a great buffet breakfast but there's enough there to give you a good start on the day.

Wow! That's a great deal!!!!! I might take them up on that offer some day.

 

[jack97]

If the Hampton Inn has this deal and iirc the place is located at the outskirts of Littleton, I would skip the continental breakfast and go to the diner on the main road in the middle of town. Good hot food with large servings, a couple of times, we ate so much that we only needed a light lunch later on.

 

[mckay]

As a fellow newbie to skiing I would just like to say that as much as I LOVED Sunapee when I went there for the first time last week, that was after about a dozen times skiing and progressing past the beginner stage. I understand that the blues at Sunapee are not as hard as the blues at Cannon, but they are a whole lot more challenging than the blues at the other places I've skied -- Bretton Woods, Crotched, and Pats.

I don't mean to start a debate, I just think someone just starting out might have a bad experience at Sunapee. One blue trail off the summit, Skyway Ledges, is the steepest thing I've skied on, especially on the righthand side. Steeper than the black diamond I tried at Bretton Woods. Of course, a couple of 5 or 6 year olds went down it right in front of me, but still.

But if you have already spent a few days taking lessons, you might just love it. I learned to ski at Crotched and found it a great place to do so. They only have a few greens, but there are some short or not too steep blues you can try too. Just be careful if you try the summit at Crotched, there really isn't an easy way down. This Sat. they are having some sort of freestyle competition starting at 11:00 am. There is a lift that goes to a couple of good beginner/intermediate trails that goes right over the terrain park. Could be fun. Good luck.

 

[jack97]

A freing was there Sunday morning and had the palce to herself and her kid. Not a bad option...and you can also take a lesson (if there's a crowd) and get right onto the lift with the insructor.

Sunday morning at Wachusetts is still crowded, was their last Sunday. Got in at 7:45 am and left at 3:40 pm. When leaving, noticed the third lot was near full. I was doing laps on 10th mountain; the fix triple at victory bowl was they only place not crowded. If you want to beat the crowds at Wachusetts, night skiing is your best bet.

BTW, Crotched has great trails and conditions for beginners. From what I hear, they have a good rental and lesson package.

 

[mckay]

And Crotched is never really crowded. And yes, the rentals are pretty good. Self-serve on the boots and you can usually find a pair that looks almost new.