SKI Magazine: Ten Best East Coast Resorts

[WWF-VT]

The annual list from SKI magazine:

1. Tremblant
2. Whiteface
3. Stowe
4. Okemo
5. Stratton
6. Sugarloaf
7. Sugarbush
8. Sunday River
9. Smuggs
10. Loon

http://www.skinet.com/ski/node/113195

Have fun!

 

[billski]

Ho hum. With the glaring omission of Kmart, these resorts are also the most expensive lift ticket in the northeast.

 

[CollegeKid]

Whiteface is ranked very high. In all actuality, it features limited skiing acres, few areas for glade skiing, and there are only three true trails from the top of the mountain. I like Whiteface, but I would argue it ranking second in the East. Also, lack of natural snowfall and limited snowmaking fire power add to the list of complaints. Glad to see Sugarbush right in the mix!

 

[jerryg]

Based on readers surveys, just like Snow East does it. Last year Holiday Valley or Seven Springs was in the top ten. Okemo at #4 says it all. This is about all-around resorts with many categories. If it were skiing and riding only, at least 3 on this list wouldn't be on the list, whereas K, Jay, and MRG would be.

 

[snowmonster]

SKI's surveys tend to reward the "softer" aspects of the sport. With the new developments in the base area, I expect Jay Peak to make a good showing next year.

I miss Skiing magazine.

 

[EPB]

SKI's surveys tend to reward the "softer" aspects of the sport. With the new developments in the base area, I expect Jay Peak to make a good showing next year.

I miss Skiing magazine.

I was thinking the same thing. Jay and Wildcat are perennial candidates to round out the top 20 in the east list. The upgrades to Jay could easily make them a top 5 contender amongst Ski readers.

 

[skidmarks]

Smuggs

I've heard great things about Smuggs but have only been twice. Once in the late 70's and once in the mid 80's both times we had to drive to go skiing since they had very limited snowmaking. Has that changed much?? I would say that Smuggs, Whiteface, Jay, MRG, Sugarbush, Cannon, Wldcat, Burke are among the best resorts in the East Coast however you need lots of natural snow to make them fun. I think it would be risky to book a trip in advance to any of these resorts. What follows would be my top 10 ( kinda sure thing) resorts. I have them listed in a north to south order. If i had to book an eastern ski vacation today it would be to one of these resorts knowing that if the skiing is good anywhere it will be good there.

Mont-Sainte-Ann
Tremblant
Sugarloaf
Stowe
Sunday River
Killington
Loon
Okemo
Stratton
Mt Snow

 

[andrec10]

Whiteface is ranked very high. In all actuality, it features limited skiing acres, few areas for glade skiing, and there are only three true trails from the top of the mountain. I like Whiteface, but I would argue it ranking second in the East. Also, lack of natural snowfall and limited snowmaking fire power add to the list of complaints. Glad to see Sugarbush right in the mix!

I dont understand how Whiteface makes that list! Snowmaking sucks, grooming sucks, um lets see what else? They will blow snow on a trail next to a GS race that blows on the trail. Bunch of f**king idiots there!

 

[thetrailboss]

Not sure I put much stock into anything SKI Magazine says anymore....

 

[skidmarks]

I dont understand how Whiteface makes that list! Snowmaking sucks, grooming sucks, um lets see what else? They will blow snow on a trail next to a GS race that blows on the trail. Bunch of f**king idiots there!

Did they (SKI) say it was run by the state?

 

[deadheadskier]

Based on readers surveys, just like Snow East does it. Last year Holiday Valley or Seven Springs was in the top ten. Okemo at #4 says it all. This is about all-around resorts with many categories. If it were skiing and riding only, at least 3 on this list wouldn't be on the list, whereas K, Jay, and MRG would be.

pretty much this.

I'm sure there are plenty of World Class Resorts that have rather ho hum golf courses next to them.

The MRG suggestion in regards to skiing I completely disagree with being top ten in regards to skiing. For the expert skier it's certainly top 5 in the east if not number 1. However, what is 80% of the skiing/riding market? Intermediate skiers looking for large areas with well groomed intermediate terrain and fantastic terrain parks for their kids. Having good slopeside lodging, ski schools and decent dining options are a big plus as well.

It's no secret why Sunday River, Okemo, Stratton, Mt. Snow and Killington consistently are the busiest ski areas in the East.

 

[skidmarks]

Getting back to Smuggs in the top 10, without lots of snowmaking you're vacation is at the mercy of the Snow Gods!

What is SKI magazine smoking?

 

[billski]

I think the apres-ski component took a heavy weighting. Being able to dispose of your kids (I didn't say that!), restaurants, bars, entertainment count for a lot I'll be. Goodness, the skiing factors into the ratings???

 

[wa-loaf]

Whiteface is ranked very high. In all actuality, it features limited skiing acres, few areas for glade skiing, and there are only three true trails from the top of the mountain. I like Whiteface, but I would argue it ranking second in the East. Also, lack of natural snowfall and limited snowmaking fire power add to the list of complaints. Glad to see Sugarbush right in the mix!

That reminds me. Where's HPD?

 

[The Sneak]

Too much 'disneyland skiing' (cough stratton, okemo) on the list.

Awesome, 100 blue groomers!

 

[billski]

Too much 'disneyland skiing' (cough stratton, okemo) on the list.

Awesome, 100 blue groomers!

It's all about having fun. While those resorts may not be my cup of tea, I don't begrudge anyone at any skill or interest level. If you're outside, having fun playing in the snow, that's all that really matters. I can have fun at any resort, it's all what you make of it. If these resorts don't stay in business, ultimately we all lose. The more people that care to detour to places like that, the more spread out and diverse the skier/boarder base.

 

[Smellytele]

ski resorts - not areas. I am not really a eastern "resort guy". Give me a building with heat, a bathroom and a bar - That's about all I need at an area. Don't care about shopping, restaurants, latte, high ceilings, fire places, a place to stay on mountain, spa, swimming pools, hot tubs or getting a massage. Great natural runs and trees with a groomer or 2 thrown in to get some speed on and some snow making just in case. I do not like skiing an eastern area more than 2 days in a row. I need skiing varity. I usually stay in between mountains. Varity is the spice of life!

 

[Huck_It_Baby]

I dismiss this list simply because Jay isn't on it. Yes it's cold and windy but it gets the most snow and has amazing terrain.

 

[deadheadskier]

I dismiss this list simply because Jay isn't on it. Yes it's cold and windy but it gets the most snow and has amazing terrain.

I think if Jay ups their offering to the Cruiser Crowd, they'd make the list.

Hopefully they never do that as it potentially could change Jay from what makes it what it is.

 

[Huck_It_Baby]

Yep good point!