Northeast skiing information

[blondemom]

We are planning a ski vacation in the Northeast, but I need some help. We are flying into Boston - got cheap flights- and would like to ski somewhere within a 3-4 hour drive from there. Driving and renting a car is not a problem for us. It gives us a chance to explore a bit.

There will be three of us - 2 adults and 1 14 year old. My son has not done any skiing or snowboarding. My husband has skiked once and I have skied twice. The last time my husband and I went skiing was four years ago at Whislter. So all three of are going to need lessons.

We are looking for a place that is not overpriced, has a nice resort and/or town around it, and place where we can rent a condo. I like the idea of the Condo so we can fix breakfast before heading out and eat left overs for dinner if we have any. Of course any place with a hottub is a plus.

Please provide any suggestions. There is so much to choose from that I'm not sure where to start.

 

[WJenness]

Sunday River is about 3.5 hours from Boston, has tons of slopeside lodging, and a nice little town up the road (Bethel), the perfect turn school is great, and all the condo complexes have swimming pools / hot tubs.

When are you planning this trip? this might help us point you in the right direction.

-w

 

[JerseyJoey]

Killington has many ski in/out condos as well as shuttle out/ski home condos. The Killington access road should provide all the entertainment, dining, and shopping options you will need.

The ski school is top notch and will take care of all your learning needs for all 3 of you.

It has terrain for all levels of skiers and a lot of it at that. Very diversified and spread out ski area.

It is about a 3 hour drive from Logan without traffic. Feel free to send me a private message if you want or need more info.

Good luck.

 

[JD]

When is your trip?

 

[thetrailboss]

When, and what kind of terrain since almost every New England resort fits in your distance criteria.

 

[Geoff]

Question #1: Exactly which days are you talking about since you already have your flight booked.

Question #2: What is your budget?

Question #3: What are your snow driving skills?

 

[JD]

I would reccomend a smaller Mtn is southern NE. You are all beginners which is a great place to be. So much to learn...and you'll be getting better every time you ski! Pick a small mountain that you may be able to explore alot of with beginner skills. No sense going to a bigger, expensive Mtn. and be relegated to a few beginner trails. New Hampshire will be easy to get to and has some options....also, mid winter conditions in Norther NE can be COLD cold. Like really cold. I am no expert in NH ski areas, but I'm sure someone here can help you out. Also, The Whites are beautiful and if you were looking to poke around, there is some incredible scenery over there.
GL.

 

[mattchuck2]

I guess I'd suggest Bretton Woods, NH . . .

Maybe out of your price range, but it sounds like you've never been skiing in the NE before (or much at all), and Bretton Woods would give you relatively easy terrain for relative novices. Most important, though, it would give you a great way to experience New England Skiing, with sweet views and a pretty cool area (Stay at the Mt. Washington Resort, and go to North Conway for dinner if you want). . .

 

[Starter Jackets Rule!]

I guess I'd suggest Bretton Woods, NH . . .

Maybe out of your price range, but it sounds like you've never been skiing in the NE before (or much at all), and Bretton Woods would give you relatively easy terrain for relative novices. Most important, though, it would give you a great way to experience New England Skiing, with sweet views and a pretty cool area (Stay at the Mt. Washington Resort, and go to North Conway for dinner if you want). . .

+1
and WELCOME 2 the bump skier zone...ummm I mean the ALPINE ZONE!

 

[MikeTrainor]

The North Conway area may be a good choice for you too.

http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/

lots around and you have several mountains to choose from.

 

[blondemom]

Sorry for the late response. We are going the 27th through the 1st. I just do not want to spend $500 a night for a room. We are checking out some of places that have been suggested.

 

[thetrailboss]

Sorry for the late response. We are going the 27th through the 1st. I just do not want to spend $500 a night for a room. We are checking out some of places that have been suggested.

27th-1st of December? January? June?

If it is December, it will be tough because you are so late. I would point to North Conway area for best chance...since there are many resorts in a small area and many options that may be available.

In terms of terrain and quality of the experience, hard to beat Sunday River. I suggest it because the snowmaking system they have is tops.

Killington: probably too expensive for you.

Other option, though off the beaten path, is Sugarbush. But we are relatively speaking limping right now because of weird temp swings. Hope it cools down for good.

 

[4aprice]

I guess I'd suggest Bretton Woods, NH . . .

Maybe out of your price range, but it sounds like you've never been skiing in the NE before (or much at all), and Bretton Woods would give you relatively easy terrain for relative novices. Most important, though, it would give you a great way to experience New England Skiing, with sweet views and a pretty cool area (Stay at the Mt. Washington Resort, and go to North Conway for dinner if you want). . .

That's an excellent suggestion. Don't know what the Mt Washington costs but there are other suitable places near by and you could still enjoy the dining and apres ski at the hotel and like you said go to North Conway. To me it's one of the coolest places I've ever been and the skiing was good too.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

 

[from_the_NEK]

27th-1st of December? January? June?

If it is December, it will be tough because you are so late. I would point to North Conway area for best chance...since there are many resorts in a small area and many options that may be available.

In terms of terrain and quality of the experience, hard to beat Sunday River. I suggest it because the snowmaking system they have is tops.

Killington: probably too expensive for you.

Other option, though off the beaten path, is Sugarbush. But we are relatively speaking limping right now because of weird temp swings. Hope it cools down for good.

What? No Burke recommendation. :grin:

 

[lerops]

Just out of curiosity, where are you flying from?

I also started the sport relatively recently, and I enjoyed Okemo as a beginner. But there are shorter drives from Boston.

 

[Swamp Dog]

Loon is also a good choice as there are lots of condos in Lincoln. It's also a short drive to N. Conway from there.

 

[RISkier]

+1
and WELCOME 2 the bump skier zone...ummm I mean the ALPINE ZONE!

In terms of skiing I think BW is an excellent suggestion. But there is not much in the immediate area except for the Mt. Washington hotel. How are Black and/or Cranmore for beginners? If you based in the North Conway area you'd have immediate access to Black, Cranmore, Attitash, and Wildcat. And the drive to BW is pretty easy if the weather is good. Lots to do in the N. Conway area off the slopes.

 

[sledhaulingmedic]

Bretton Woods is an excellent recomendation. Great views, great, historic hotel, good highway access. THere are a fair number of condos as well. It's a fairly short drive to North Conway for non-skiing activities

While it doesn't have as many condos available as loon, I think it's probably a better choice overall. The layout is a little more favorable to new(er) skiers. And then there's the view.

I'm surprised no one's mentioned Smuggler's Notch. It's within the drive time, although likely to be on the cold side.

 

[frozencorn]

Black and Cranmore are both excellent beginner mtns. Maybe I'm biased because I learned at Black, but those are the facts. BW is a great option for beginners, but you can find far better deals at Cranmore and Black, with plenty more lodging/apres around to boot, whether in Jackson or North Conway.

 

[Geoff]

I think lodging in North Conway and using Cranmore as the default mountain is a great suggestion. That's where I learned to ski back in the wood ski, lace boot, and cable binding days.