Night skiing with kids - Gunstock, Pats Peak, or Crotched?

[volvovod]

Where would you go for afternoon/night skiing on Saturday? To make things even worse: THIS SATURDAY??? Our team includes an old fart, two teenagers, and a 6 year old. Me and teenagers ski anything. The young one has skied maybe 4 times in his life and can do pizza reasonably well (not on ice though..). I suspect that tomorrow is one of the busiest (if not the busiest) day of the season, but I am giving up - I have been waiting for snow long enough. And, unfortunately, Saturday afternoon is the only time I can do this weekend. Where should I go to keep all four of us reasonably happy? (I know - this is close to impossible with teenagers)

 

[deadheadskier]

My vote would be for Gunstock, especially considering the young one's abilities. They have a very nice beginner area that is segregated from the rest of the trails, so the 6 year old won't get intimidated by advanced skiers and riders cruising buy him. For dad and teenager, the adjacent Tiger Triple trail pod has good cruising terrain. If the teenagers like the park, Gunstock has a nice one for a resort it's size as well.

 

[hammer]

Don't know about Gunstock at night...you don't get to the summit so the terrain is more limited.

Pats Peak has their POP special on Saturday nights which is a good deal if you need rentals and want to give the kids the opportunity to go tubing. Downside is that Saturday nights can be crazy busy.

My own choice would be Crotched...it will still be busy but the magic carpet is decent and from what I've been reading the conditions are very good for the weather we've had.

 

[hammer]

My vote would be for Gunstock, especially considering the young one's abilities. They have a very nice beginner area that is segregated from the rest of the trails, so the 6 year old won't get intimidated by advanced skiers and riders cruising buy him. For dad and teenager, the adjacent Tiger Triple trail pod has good cruising terrain. If the teenagers like the park, Gunstock has a nice one for a resort it's size as well.

Forgot that the Pistol and beginner areas were lighted. Normally don't go over to the beginner area but when I did I thought it was real nice for novices. Based on that I'd say Gunstock or Crotched.

As much as I like Pats Peak I'd avoid going there on a Saturday night.

 

[Vortex]

I like Pats. The pub is nice for pub fare and beer. Can kind of watch the kdis come down for the bar if you want to.

 

[volvovod]

Forgot that the Pistol and beginner areas were lighted. Normally don't go over to the beginner area but when I did I thought it was real nice for novices. Based on that I'd say Gunstock or Crotched.

As much as I like Pats Peak I'd avoid going there on a Saturday night.

Is Gunstock going to be any better in terms of crowds?

 

[bobbutts]

Any of the three would be good IMO. I'd slightly lean to Gunstock too because it's a bit larger and farther from cities, so it may be a bit less crowded overall.

 

[hammer]

I like Pats. The pub is nice for pub fare and beer. Can kind of watch the kdis come down for the bar if you want to.

Don't forget the popcorn...

Don't mean to be a downer on Pats but I did one Saturday night a few seasons ago. Crazy busy and full of novices trying to pick their way down advanced trails.

 

[SIKSKIER]

I would think Pats would be the most crowded Sat night.I lean towards Gunstock.Don't forget about that incredible zipline also.Too bad it does'nt run at night though.

 

[HD333]

Gunstock crowds have been light this season. Saturday is the day/night to go if you want to avoid the vacation rush. Most people up for the week would be checking into rentals Saturday afternoon and hitting the slopes on Sunday. The Pistol area will be good for you demographic, teens can hit the park, old fart and 6 year old can ski Pistol and Out of Sight.

 

[Smellytele]

Not to sound like a homer but the last few Saturday nights have been better than the Friday nights. I used to have a rule - Never ski after 5 on Saturday. this year has been a different story for some reason. Friday nights have sucked.

 

[Nick]

I've yet to hit up Pat's - planning on it some night after work for some night turns. It's further for me than Wachusett (about 1.5 hr drive vs. 45 min.) but I wanna give it a spin soon.