PICO - first time for the entire family

[skiprob]

I exepct to bring my family to Pico this weekend.

I ski pretty regularly on blues and easy blacks and my two boys (10 and 9) ski blues and some blacks. The boys and I skied Cloudspin at Whiteface last April and lasted most of the day. Not that I think Cloudspin is an easy black run but the weather was nice and there was sufficient soft snow that we could turn at will from top to bottom.

My wife is just getting back into skiing after child rearing, some injuries and skiing with my daughter (almost 6) on the bunny slopes for the last two seasons. My daughter can now wedge turn unassisted on easier green runs when she has a leader to follow. I do keep the harness on her and the leash in my pocket just in case.

My wife skis at a classic low intermediate level and just needs mileage on some terrain where she can feel comfortable and test her limits as she chooses.

We just had our fist family weekend of the season at Royal Mountain in Caroga Lake NY yesterday and it worked out great. The bright sunshine and hero snow along with the company of a couple other families that we know just made it a day to sing about.

What I am looking for is information from anyone who knows Pico and can appreciate the challenge of skiing with your wife and three kids.

The type of information that I crave is both logistic and tactical. By logistic, I mean advice to make the trip and set up smooth. Skier drop off/parking. Lodging seating choices, ticket windows, etc...

By tactical, I mean lift and trail choices for different family segments. One segment would be Mom and the boys. Another would be dad and his little princess, etc...

Thanks,
rob

 

[MrMagic]

i ski pico, as much as i can, ( though i didn’t go at all last year) it is a great choice compared to the craziness of killington and is ideal for what you are looking for. The one big base lodge makes it nice knowing you will return from where you started.

Most people go to killington and the crowds at pico will be low. And while there might be a small crowd at the lifts the slopes should not be a highway as it can be at other places.

As for parking and seating in the lodge you will be fine with both, even if your arrive later in the morning. Pack your own lunch as ASC food isn’t good at any of their mountains and its just down right expensive.

the golden express quad will offer the best trails for your stated ability
Prospector , fools golds and expressway are all decent blue runs.
There’s plenty to choice from the other lifts as well. “b-slope is a good single black run. Its nice and wide and groomed and not that steep. Ace of clubs off the knomes triple chaid is also a great blue trail. While it is shorter then the runs off the little pico chair or the high speed its still great to take the little ones down.

When you get comfortable with the lower trails you might want to try a few trails off the summit. Depending on how much snow there is and the weather. Forty niner is a good choice from the top. Its rated a blue, but it’s does have a decent pitch. When your there ask people how the snow/ conditions are. Most people that ski there are very nice and will be happy to help you.

Please enjoy your trip. You should enjoy your self. Will you be staying overnight ? or day trip ? make sure you write a trip report for us !!! cheers !!

 

[thetrailboss]

I agree with what has been said. Feel free to check out my recent TR's. We go to Pico because of the low crowds, good terrain, and fast lifts. What is :roll: is the lack of snowmaking and care that ASC has given the place...try to look beyond that though...

Experts will like KA and Sunset 71. Be forewarned that 49er is really a tough blue square...more along the lines of a black diamond and it once was.

PM for more specifics.

 

[Brn4353]

Be forewarned that 49er is really a tough blue square...more along the lines of a black diamond and it once was.

Ah, so that would explain the top portion of 49er..has steep parts and can get a little..umm...slick? GF and I were both suprised it was rated a blue. Absolutley LOVE Pico. We always find parking next to the lodge and I have never waited more than a minute or so to board a lift. We have been there 3 times w/ ASC pass. People are friendly and yesterday the snow was amazing! Great mountain! You will not be disappointed!

 

[skiprob]

Just a day trip on Sunday

Thanks for the advice. We will take notes to bring to the lift.

I teach beginners at Jiminy on Friday Nights and Saturdays. The family will day trip from Albany to various locations on Sundays.

I'll be sure to take pictures and post on the TR. Last Sunday's trip to Royal Mt coming soon.

This year's adventures have started some interesting email discussions with my wife. I'll post some of the more thought provoking ones (IMO).