Ragged or Pats Peak for Sunday

[mishka]

Going skiing with my ten years old on Sunday. At this time my choice are Ragged or Pats Peak. Never been at those mountains.
Ragged bigger but not sure about snow and trails conditions.

Pats Peak smaller compared to Rugged ....probably will have better conditions...and more crowded

Where should we go?

 

[thetrailboss]

I'm biased. Had a pass at Pats Peak for two seasons. Can't say anything too bad about the place...but it depends on what you want to ski and your ability.

 

[mishka]

I am okay on blue and black....my daughter need green and blue

 

[thetrailboss]

I forgot to say...welcome to the boards!

Pats Peak is a good place for intermediates. The blacks are legit though, so you will have fun. Also, it is a family friendly place and easier to get to than Ragged. Crowds have never been too bad. You can ski the whole place in a day easily, but that's OK.

And have you considered their POP program on Saturday nights? $29 for lesson, rental, and lift ticket from 3-10pm.

 

[hammer]

I'll second thetrailboss's comments...I've gone on a number of Sundays and it can be busy but the crowds are managed well.

POP on Saturday nights is a great deal...also includes tubing if you want to do that as well.

 

[thetrailboss]

I know that Pats Peak has blown A LOT more snow than Ragged. The latter was having some $$$$ problems this season. Pats Peak is really comfy and the service is excellent. It is smaller, but parts of it ski bigger than meets the eye. Hurricane must be awesome now...

 

[mishka]

I'll second thetrailboss's comments...I've gone on a number of Sundays and it can be busy but the crowds are managed well.

POP on Saturday nights is a great deal...also includes tubing if you want to do that as well.

POP no good for me 2+ h driving

 

[hammer]

Hurricane must be awesome now...

Hurricane has a lot of snow on it...may need some warmer weather to soften the bumps, though.

With the recent snow they have been able to open up the steeper glades as well.

 

[mishka]

Another ski area for your consideration would be Crotched too ... I enjoy going to both Pat's and Crotched. I have never been to ragged..

I have been at Crotched 2 times

 

[MadPadraic]

Pat's peak is pretty small but fun. I've heard good things about Ragged, but the one day I was there a few years ago, they shutdown most lifts b/c the crowd was too small (there were like 5 of us there and it was raining).

 

[Vortex]

I was at Ragged last Sat and Pats on Monday. No comparison go to Pats. Plus Pats Supports AZ. Have fun.

 

[RISkier]

OK.. Pat's Peak it is ... maybe you have been there already but another area that seems to get very little press is Gunstock.

Gunstock doesn't seem to get noticed. When they have good snow it's a very nice place for intermediates. From the south it's almost as long a drive as Loon or WV. It doesn't have the advanced/expert terrain you'd find at Cannon. There's doesn't seem to be a lot of lodging, dining, or apres ski options nearby so it doesn't draw much destination traffic. Terrific views of the lake! The lodge has a friendly/retro feel with a great fire place. The sit-down restaurant is a much better value than the cafeteria. I have seen GS pretty busy on weekends, especially on Saturdays. We've liked GS but the location makes it a pretty long day trip for us and other areas seem better choices for overnight adventures.

 

[hammer]

Gunstock doesn't seem to get noticed. When they have good snow it's a very nice place for intermediates. From the south it's almost as long a drive as Loon or WV. It doesn't have the advanced/expert terrain you'd find at Cannon. There's doesn't seem to be a lot of lodging, dining, or apres ski options nearby so it doesn't draw much destination traffic. Terrific views of the lake! The lodge has a friendly/retro feel with a great fire place. The sit-down restaurant is a much better value than the cafeteria. I have seen GS pretty busy on weekends, especially on Saturdays. We've liked GS but the location makes it a pretty long day trip for us and other areas seem better choices for overnight adventures.

I haven't been there recently but the last time I went there I had a great time...no lines for the HSQ so I must have put in at least a dozen runs from the summit. IIRC the terrain was about the same level as Sunapee, expect the trails overall are a bit narrower. Nice intermediate cruising...:smile:

Also, great views from the top...on a clear day you can see Mount Washington.

 

[mishka]

I was at Ragged last Sat and Pats on Monday. No comparison go to Pats. Plus Pats Supports AZ. Have fun.

please elaborate, why do you think so.
what is AZ?

 

[Vortex]

Az is Alpine Zone. Pats has worked out discount deals with us for folks who have over 200 posts. We race there monday nights. We show up an many of them can call us by 1st name.

Ragged has not made as much snow. Patt blew a ton of snow All natural on but 1.5 trails really at ragged.
I have skied both mountains the last two weeks cause of competions. Pats also gives you a night skiing option.

 

[mishka]

Az is Alpine Zone. Pats has worked out discount deals with us for folks who have over 200 posts. We race there monday nights. We show up an many of them can call us by 1st name.

Ragged has not made as much snow. Patt blew a ton of snow All natural on but 1.5 trails really at ragged.
I have skied both mountains the last two weeks cause of competions. Pats also gives you a night skiing option.

do they have at least couple green and blue groomed from top to bottom? .....at least my daughter can practice parallel turns

 

[MadPadraic]

Their trail map is showing glades. When did they cut them?

I second the Gunstock idea; they have a beginner area 3 or 4 trails and a chairlift.

 

[mishka]

Their trail map is showing glades. When did they cut them?

I second the Gunstock idea; they have a beginner area 3 or 4 trails and a chairlift.

We went at Gunstock 3 times this season.... .and I don't have " $6 " lift tickets anymore to go their all used up. Also little bit crowded ...no lift lines but trails crowded and become very icy after 10:30

beginner area their nice but my daughter need something little bit more challenging and much longer.

 

[thetrailboss]

Mishka--yes, there are several blues off the top and one nice, long green trail.

The glades are a recent addition and, when there is snow, they are nice. The Hurricane Glades rival stuff up north that I have skied:

One of the blues:

And the easier glade:

To see my Pats Peak album from 2005, click HERE.

 

[MadPadraic]

Nice looking trees. Do they have lights?
Crotched has a tree run now too, right?