Slopeside Ski Accommodation - New England

[Gruff]

Hi everyone

Coming over from Wales to Boston for New Year and hoping to get in some skiing while we're over. However, time is getting short, and we are struggling trying to get to grips with all the possibilities, so hoping someone on this forum can help, please.

We are looking for some recommendations on places to stay, ideally with the following profile:

1. Must have slopeside ski access - getting too old to be hauling skiis on and off buses!

2. Village or town location, so we have places to go for food and drinks in the evening without having to drive

3. Within a 3 or 4 hour drive of Boston

4. Somewhere nice but not crazily expensive - say up to a max of $250 per room per night

5. Reliable snow at that time of year (first week January 2011)

6. Nice choice of runs for 2 "moderate" skiiers - not worried about off piste etc

Happy to look at hotels, condos, whatever.

Any suggestions really welcome - email me if you prefer and can help.

Thanks very much,

Gruff

 

[Razor]

Gruff, your wishes sound like a description of Sunday River. Stay at the Summit or Jordan hotel, ski on/off, everything right there, plus you can ride the shuttle into the town of Bethel for restaurants, etc. Check out their website at sundayriver.com.

 

[deadheadskier]

I'd second Sunday River

 

[Skimaine]

Agreed. The River fits the bill (aside from maybe the village thing being right there). Tons of intermediate terrain. Plenty of snow making and grooming and they should be near 100%. Lots of slope side options.

 

[deadheadskier]

yeah I thought about a couple other options to satisfy the 'village' requirement, but they might not work.

Stratton - has a nice village, but probably more expensive than the OP is looking for

Sugarloaf - also has a bit of village, but maybe be a bit further drive than the OP wants and I'd have the most weather concerns about there.

 

[riverc0il]

What about Okemo?

 

[ski_resort_observer]

Can't think of any place 3/4 hours from Boston where the town/village is walking distance from the base like a Snow King or an Aspen. I think Stratton would work well, their base village is a big enough commercial center for your needs plus your coming at one of the best weeks in the winter pricewise. If it's a hotel type room or a small condo $250 will work but it won't be premier lodging. No one can predict or guarantee the ski conditions, unfortunately.

Okemo or SR will work but you'll have to get in your car or a bus to do the town/village stuff. Okemo does have the most ski in/ski out condos/hotel choices in the east and Ludlow is just down the hill but not walking distance.

 

[Gruff]

Wow, what a fantastic response - thanks a million every one!

Really like the look of Sunday River and a very nice scenic drive up from Boston too, so have just booked into the Grand Summit Hotel for 5 nights.

Very excited now!!

Really appreciate all the suggestions - thanks again.

Gruff

 

[billski]

I think Razor is owed a commission!

 

[tmcc71]

I might try it

My Gf is taking me on a 40th birthday trip this March. I was told to chose a place and we'll go. I don't require a village or anything, but ski in/off is a must for this trip. I just might check out Sunday River and see the packeges. She suggested Stowe but when I looked at the rooms they were near 500 a night for ski on rooms. I don;t want to saddle her with that much expense as we are building a house.

 

[RISkier]

My Gf is taking me on a 40th birthday trip this March. I was told to chose a place and we'll go. I don't require a village or anything, but ski in/off is a must for this trip. I just might check out Sunday River and see the packeges. She suggested Stowe but when I looked at the rooms they were near 500 a night for ski on rooms. I don;t want to saddle her with that much expense as we are building a house.

Yep, there's very little slope side accommodation at Stowe other than the new stuff at Spruce which is very pricey. There's also the Inn at Stowe Mountain and associated condos on the Mansfield side of 108 but the only lift they access is the Toll House double which I don't think opens early and many of the condos are not convenient to walk to that lift. Stowe village has much to offer, IMO, but you really need a car. I couldn't really think of a place that had slopeside lodging and a reasonable village that didn't require getting in a car. Sunday River seems a good choice.

 

[billski]

Last winter, Stowe Mountain Resort was charging about $200 for a little single. I noted this because it was a huge drop from the originally advertised rates. Guess they are testing the market again.. I see a studio AAA March weekend rate of $315. That still does not appeal to my cheap little heart, but it's interesting to see what the market will bear.

 

[thetrailboss]

Sunday River traditionally has been very friendly to those with different budgets and offers a number of different lodging options at the mountain. At the bottom, they have the Ski Dorms which are hostel style lodging for groups. I don't know if that is open to couples or individuals, but it is cheap. Then you have the Snow Cap, which is a decent motel with hot tub and is walking distance to the lifts (or a 2 minute shuttle ride). Next step would be either the Condos or the Grand at White Cap. Top is Jordan Grand. Best to book in advance!

 

[tmcc71]

I'll check out the rates again but from my very preliminary research, Sunday river seems to be a pretty decent value. I've never been there but I have heard itn is a good mountain with a decent variety of terrain. It will be mid March so Spring conditions will be in effect. I will be looking for groomed cruisers for her, and something a little more difficult when she calls it quits after 2. I usually ski bell to bell eating lunch on the lift, especially in spring. She usually cannot safely ski that long without a sustained break.

 

[thetrailboss]

I'll check out the rates again but from my very preliminary research, Sunday river seems to be a pretty decent value.

Yes, it is a very good place. It is ranked very highly and many folks here ski there.

I've never been there but I have heard itn is a good mountain with a decent variety of terrain. It will be mid March so Spring conditions will be in effect.

Variety is Sunday River's strong suit. Nothing overly difficult though.

I will be looking for groomed cruisers for her, and something a little more difficult when she calls it quits after 2. I usually ski bell to bell eating lunch on the lift, especially in spring. She usually cannot safely ski that long without a sustained break.

Sunday River is your place. Groomed cruisers is what they have and almost every area has groomed blues off the tops to the bottoms. Very fun runs.