One day to ski--recommendations?

[dropKickMurphy]

(1) Would prefer someplace less corporate and more uniquely New England, (2)Money IS a factor, (3) All things equal, would prefer less travel time . . . but I'd be willing to travel further if the snow would be significantly better.

Thanks!

North Conway, NH is a great ski town within an easy drive from Boston. Lots of lodging options at all price levels. It's touristy without being pretentious. Considering the ages of your kids, I think you'd love the place.

Attitash, Wildcat, Black, and Cranmore are all close by. Each has elements of a classic New England ski area.

Wildcat has some of the best terrain in NE, including some old fashioned narrow trails that twist along the contours of the mountain. It also has jaw dropping scenery with Mount Washington and Tuckerman Ravine looming above.

It does lack somewhat in the amenities department. Its other drawback is the harsh conditions (frigid, brutal wind, boilerplate ice) associated with it. However, considering the date of your visit, it's unlikely you'll encounter those conditions.

Between North Conway and Wildcat is the village of Jackson. Quaint inns and stately homes surrounding a Victorian green, horsedrawn sleighs, skating pond...straight out of Currier and Ives.

------

Vermont has a lot of great options, most of them a bit further away than North Conway. Vermont has been getting a ton of snow, so it's likely to have the better conditions by the time of your visit.

If you want to avoid the corporate atmosphere, I'd rule out Stratton, Killington, and Stowe.

Jay Peak, Smugglers, Burke, Bolton, and Sugarbush would all be great choices. With the amount of snow they have been getting, they would be areas with the greatest probability of good conditions for your visit.

For you, I'd probably put Sugarbush at the top of the list. It's got an enormous amount of great terrain, it's a reasonably easy drive to and from Boston, and it's located in the beautiful Mad River Valley. You'll have no question that you're in New England.

 

[skimama]

Just made a reservation at an inn near Sugarbush that can get us $39 midweek passes. Thanks to everyone for the great advice!

 

[Grassi21]

I've never been to the Bush. But after reading trip reports and seeing pics, you made a major upgrade from the easy targets outside of Boston. Enjoy!

 

[WWF-VT]

Have fun at Sugarbush and the Mad River Valley

 

[Greg]

Just made a reservation at an inn near Sugarbush that can get us $39 midweek passes. Thanks to everyone for the great advice!

Congrats. Please keep us posted on how your trip goes...

 

[Skier75]

I was at Pats Peak on Sunday and the snow conditions on the groomers were the best I'd seen all season. If you go on a weekday you'll miss the crowds as well.

This is good to know That's where I'll be tomorrow, at least in the morning.

 

[Skier75]

Just made a reservation at an inn near Sugarbush that can get us $39 midweek passes. Thanks to everyone for the great advice!

You'll have a great time there. Love that place!

 

[skimama]

Great trip!

We found plenty of snow at Sugarbush to keep everyone happy. Stayed nearby at the Sugartree Inn, which was wonderful (though we spent more than I'd hoped--oh well). And the Mad River Valley certainly had a unique New England feel--Dorothy, I don't think I'm in Chicago anymore!

Enjoy your storm this week--thanks again to everyone for the recommendations.