Most Artificial Snow Capacity?

[Gpaul]

I'm planning a 12/21-25 trip for a NEVER-EVER family (2 adults, 2 teens, 2 kids), and I need some help! I really want them to get hooked on skiing, like all of US in this forum.

We had agreed on Bromley, but I'm getting worried about snow cover on trails and in area. I want them to experience the New England "charm of Winter".

They will drive straight from JFK in NYC, and can drive up to 6 hours, but I'd rather keep it under 4 just 'cause they've never even seen snow!

So, in Southern VT, which will have the most man-made snow (if mother nature doesn't cooperate with the real stuff)? My experience, in best-to-worst order:
1. Okemo
2. Killington
3. Stratton
4. Mt. Snow

Further up I'd recommend Stowe (MY second fave after Sugarloaf).

What say y'all experts?

Also, how about Mt. Sunappee in NH, and maybe even Jiminy Peak and others in the Berkshires?

Would Loon be too far?

I'm leaning towards VT only beacuse it's all they've really heard about.



Gracias!

 

[Vortex]

Gpaul. I have seen your post on another forum, to late on saying hello. I'm am a loon regular 35+days a year.. Lots of snow that week. Lots of people also. I ski till noon and go back and catch a football game. If your group is in for the entire winter thing Loon is great. Dining social stuff, tubing....... If just skiing is your pfeference. Sunday river or Killington would be my choices. They most likely will have the most terrain.

 

[wintersyndrome]

Okemo would be my choice. They as they consistently groom the best product. Since your trip involves beginners as in your words "They've never seen snow" I'd take them to the Jackson Gore area. The skier traffic there is less intimidating than it would be on the main mountain beginner slopes, which tend to be over-crowded and congested and may freak some new skiers out.

As a plus the town of Ludlow is a real victorian ski-town, not some paper-mache creation like Stratton's village in a box, or the music video nightmare that makes up Killington "grand avenue" Access Road.
Okemo is also an "easier" mountain than Killington and may involve a better overall experience since by the end of the week the kids can ski down from the summit. Okemo's trail network also make it more navigable for a beginner as opposed to Killington

Mount Snow could also be fun as its an easier mountian but the town there leaves a little to be desired since the real town is 10 miles south of the mountain. plus there is no-where to go to escape thew crowds except on the North Face, which is for experts. Bromely, IMHO, since it is south facing works against itself in having a good snow product.

Not sure what their logistics are but they could also Fly to Burlington and Drive to Stowe

Enjoy

 

[BeanoNYC]

I second Okemo for you. If not for the snow, then for it being a family friendly mountain.

 

[Zand]

Yeah, definitely Okemo. Some of the most dependable snowmaking in New England and a very beginner friendly mountain.

 

[Gpaul]

Agree with y'all on Okemo, especially the seclusion of Jackson Gore.

Gracias!

 

[Rushski]

Okemo is tough to beat for snowmaking/grooming. Just can't stand the base layout...

 

[Gpaul]

I don't particularly like Okemo, it's just too damn lame. I did not find one challenging groomed run. Maybe a little fun, but not enough to make me want to return. Mind you, everything about Okemo besides that is good, except for the ugly color in main base and clock tower, the same color from the first time I was there in the early 80's.

But, for conditions and beginners, paradise I expect.

 

[wintersyndrome]

Yeah okemo may not have the pitch needed for complete challenge needed by upper-level skiers but the new area helps.

When my brothers worked there a few years back and I got to know the place pretty darn well, there are some hidden gems there, check the snow-making/grooming report that could help you find some nice stashes, and if you get hit by a dump Triple-sec off of the glades peak can be fun.

Though if you could get them to fly into burlington, take them to stowe so you'll be happy too