Staying in Waterbury VT (by Burlington) where should I ski?

[gores95]

Just booked a couple of nights at the Best Western in Waterbury for my 7 year old daughter and me. We are planning on leaving NJ Thursday morning 3/24 and leaving VT Saturday afternoon 3/26. Quick trip but we should be able to ski all day Friday and Saturday.

What mountains should we ski? I have already skied Sugarbush (though not with daughter) and I have always wanted to ski Stowe. That leaves either MRG or Smuggs for the other day. My seven year old has been skiing for three years and can keep up with me on most trails though I try to avoid serious bumps/steeps with her. Can she ski from summit at MRG? Honestly I am leaning towards Smuggs as she probably would not appreciate the MRG "experience" as much as I would.

OK for the Friday/Saturday ski schedule would you do Stowe first and then MRG/Smuggs or the reverse or no difference? Any other advice? I have not been to Northern Vt before...Sugarbush most north I have skied. Not sure how the crowds would be with Friday the 25th being Good Friday and that Sunday is Easter.

Thanks,

Marc

 

[thetrailboss]

Just booked a couple of nights at the Best Western in Waterbury for my 7 year old daughter and me. We are planning on leaving NJ Thursday morning 3/24 and leaving VT Saturday afternoon 3/26. Quick trip but we should be able to ski all day Friday and Saturday.

What mountains should we ski? I have already skied Sugarbush (though not with daughter) and I have always wanted to ski Stowe. That leaves either MRG or Smuggs for the other day. My seven year old has been skiing for three years and can keep up with me on most trails though I try to avoid serious bumps/steeps with her. Can she ski from summit at MRG? Honestly I am leaning towards Smuggs as she probably would not appreciate the MRG "experience" as much as I would.

OK for the Friday/Saturday ski schedule would you do Stowe first and then MRG/Smuggs or the reverse or no difference? Any other advice? I have not been to Northern Vt before...Sugarbush most north I have skied. Not sure how the crowds would be with Friday the 25th being Good Friday and that Sunday is Easter.

Thanks,

Marc

Word of advice: unless one can access Smuggs from Stowe's lifts, you're in for a looooooonnnnngggggg ride to Smuggs 'cause "you can't get there from here." Smugglers Notch Road is closed during the winter, so that will force you up 100 to Morrisville and then about 20 miles west on Rte 15 and then 5 miles or so south to Smuggs. It's a great place, but you're on the wrong side of the mtns to get to it.

Stowe is pricy and now S'bush is as well, unless you ski at Ellen (and at that time they might be the only show in town for the 'bush). Why not try Bolton? Nice area and it is as close to Waterbury as Stowe is. Great family mtn with good variety of terrain, deep snow, good prices, and a HECK of a view . As for MRG, plan on bumps. I don't know if they groom a run off of the single chair, but I know that the other sections of the mtn have some good novice and intermediate groomers. It is an experience to ski there! My suggestion would be to PM my friend, Mr.MRG Jr., who works there, for advice.

Feel free to PM me for more info. Good luck and enjoy VT! :beer:

 

[gores95]

Word of advice: unless one can access Smuggs from Stowe's lifts, you're in for a looooooonnnnngggggg ride to Smuggs 'cause "you can't get there from here." Smugglers Notch Road is closed during the winter, so that will force you up 100 to Morrisville and then about 20 miles west on Rte 15 and then 5 miles or so south to Smuggs. It's a great place, but you're on the wrong side of the mtns to get to it.

That's why this board is SO great!!! It would have been priceless....me getting my kid up bright and early to go ski Smuggs only to find out the damn road ends!!! :angry:

Thanks for the info boss. Here's the dilemma. This is my first trip up to northern VT in my 37 years and there are five must ski's in the area (in my book anyway): Jay (too far), Sugarbush (been there already), and Smuggs, MRG and Stowe. Bolton Valley, while I hear is nice, just doesn't make the "must see" list at this point. I am leery of MRG condtions although I hear Northern VT is getting pounded with snow at this point. Again I also do not think my 7 year old will get it. She's used to HIGH SPEED QUADS!! :roll:

Even with the Rt 100 & 15 "detour" how far is Smuggs from Waterbury? If its under an hour I would still go for it. Stowe looks like it would be about 15-20 minutes or so. I guess the other choice would be to do a two day Stowe lift ticket.

Thanks again!

 

[thetrailboss]

Word of advice: unless one can access Smuggs from Stowe's lifts, you're in for a looooooonnnnngggggg ride to Smuggs 'cause "you can't get there from here." Smugglers Notch Road is closed during the winter, so that will force you up 100 to Morrisville and then about 20 miles west on Rte 15 and then 5 miles or so south to Smuggs. It's a great place, but you're on the wrong side of the mtns to get to it.

That's why this board is SO great!!! It would have been priceless....me getting my kid up bright and early to go ski Smuggs only to find out the damn road ends!!! :angry:

Thanks for the info boss. Here's the dilemma. This is my first trip up to northern VT in my 37 years and there are five must ski's in the area (in my book anyway): Jay (too far), Sugarbush (been there already), and Smuggs, MRG and Stowe. Bolton Valley, while I hear is nice, just doesn't make the "must see" list at this point. I am leery of MRG condtions although I hear Northern VT is getting pounded with snow at this point. Again I also do not think my 7 year old will get it. She's used to HIGH SPEED QUADS!! :roll:

Even with the Rt 100 & 15 "detour" how far is Smuggs from Waterbury? If its under an hour I would still go for it. Stowe looks like it would be about 15-20 minutes or so. I guess the other choice would be to do a two day Stowe lift ticket.

Thanks again!

Hey, just trying to help out. Glad you like it here! The people here know their stuff and being a Native Northern Vermonter, I know the roads real well up there. I'd say it would be about an hour or so...Waterbury to Stowe is 15, then another 15 or so to Morrisville...probably 30-45 min from there to Smuggs...just not an easy way to do it since you're making a big reversed "C" shape. You might be able to ski Smuggs on a Stowe Pass...I know both were doing reciprocal passes for a while and there is a crossover trail from the top of Spruce Peak (I think). Check out Smugg's site for specifics and times...if you haven't been to Smuggs, the terrain is real good...heard lots of comments, but your daughter will not like the SLOOOOOOWWWWWW doubles that they have :x No express lifts here at all.

PM me for specific directions...but otherwise, 100 N to Morrisville, 15 W to Cambridge or wherever Smuggs is located and down the access road to the resort.

 

[David Metsky]

There's no way to tell what things will be like at the end of March right now, but conditions in VT are fanatasic at the current time.

If your daughter isn't up for bumps and trees, MRG might not be the best choice for her. They don't do much grooming and the best terrain will be beyond her abilities. She'll want to stay on the double or Birdland most of the day to really enjoy herself. There is a blue route down from the single and it's fine, but there are better options out there.

Jay is definately worth the trip, but it will be another hour+ of driving. You are likely to find the best snow at Jay, and if the upper lifts aren't on wind hold, you'll get a lot of fun terrain. They also have some very mellow woods runs to tempt beginers.

I think you should definately consider Stowe and Sugarbush for their short drives, lots of groomed terrain, and many kid friendly slopes.

Bolton is actually a lot of fun, and has some great terrain. It's definately a locals and family mountain, while still having challenging terrain. Don't write it off so quickly.

Will you be skiing with your daughter the entire time, or will you get a chance to ski more difficult stuff on your own?

-dave-

 

[thetrailboss]

Also, beware--100 N in Morrisville is very tricky to follow. It turns sharp right and then a sharp left, crosses over an old set of RR tracks (if they are still there) and goes along up to Rte 15 W which will be a lefthand turn (there will be a McDonalds on your right).

You'll pass through Johnson and then into Cambridge I believe.


I'd say about an hour to get to Smuggs from Waterbury.

Enjoy! Though if you were closer, I'd send you to Burke (no surprise to fellow AZer's here). :wink:

 

[thetrailboss]

Given that the holiday periods are over, crowds should be minimal, but Stowe first on Thurs and then go from there :wink:

 

[Brettski]

I've done week long trips for the last 4 years at smuggs..and I'm going again this april.

Great place for kids.

But when you're there..you're there

I do think though I'll do day trips from smuggs to Jay and Stowe though...

But you're in waterbury...and that's an easy hike to Stowe or the bush.

So Stowe on Thursday...and the Bush on Friday...they'll have the slidebrook chait open on Friday so you can ski between the 2 mountains...

Smuggs definetly "old" vermont...and the chairs aint that slow....like 12 minutes...but they have 4 chairs over a mile each...

Next season, go to smuggs specifically...you go up the NY Thuway through (Almost) Burlington and in. 6 1/2 hours..

Then have go in to their ski camp for a couple of days...she'll have a ball...AND the slopeside condos are great...the kids also love the fun zone and the pool and hot tubs...

If you're gonna blow off days...better to drive up Wednesday night and ski Thursday and Friday...why waste a midweek day driving...

Oh, and don't forget to stop by Ben and Jerry's factory for the tour and free samples.....

Have a great trip

 

[ski_resort_observer]

Waterbury is a great central location to try anyone of the resorts mentioned. Definatelty do Ben&Jerry's as it about 1 mile up the road from you.

Regarding Smuggs, the roads are good, depending on weather conditions of course but its about 60 miles from Waterbury.

 

[Brettski]

I'll never foregt the first year at Smuggs...

Must have been spring of 2000..

Got there on a Saturday...and it rained till Thursday afternoon...you want to talk about floods

Middle daughter got the flu when we were there

Took the other kids just about to every factory in northwern vermont....B&J's The teddy bear in Burlington...numerous sugar shacks..Cabout....now let me tell you...the cabot factory is in the middle of absolutely nowhere...it was like over an hour....woods...farms...dirt road..then boom...a town...'bout 2 blocks long...

When we got to the factory at the end of the town...the visitor center was closed...

The gift shop was open though...good cheese....

 

[thetrailboss]

..Cabout....now let me tell you...the cabot factory is in the middle of absolutely nowhere...it was like over an hour....woods...farms...dirt road..then boom...a town...'bout 2 blocks long...

When we got to the factory at the end of the town...the visitor center was closed...

The gift shop was open though...good cheese....

Ummmmmmm...Cabot Cheese!!!! We took the tour in October and it was great...though TB got kinda sick sampling all of the cheese! uke: Was a :idea: at the time.

Yep it is in the middle of nowhere!

 

[gores95]

I am now trying to swing leaving Wednesday afternoon instead of Thursday and staying until Friday late afternoon or keeping Saturday. Its up to the wife and how many days we want to pull her out of school.

If I would do two days skiing I would probably do Smuggs the first day (longer ride) and Stowe the second. If I do three days I would do same order and then Sugarbush or MRG the last day. We could check out of the hotel in Waterbury and hit either one of them on the way home to NJ!

Thanks for all the great advice. Thursday/Friday skiing would certainly be preferable to Friday/Saturday. Any word if either Smuggs or Stowe closes lifts on the weekdays (I know S-Bush is prone to do that)?

Thanks again!

 

[Brettski]

No, the lifts at smuggs will be open...not many lifts in the first place....

And it sounded like you were driving up on Thursday day early...that's why I suggested you go up Wednesday night...

Midweek is great...the best mountain to ski on the weekend would be smuggs I would imagine...

And let me say...6 1/2 hours drive home to Jersey after skiing all day, is a long way...I've done it from Stratton, KMart and Mt Snow...and at 4..4 1/2, it's a stretch...It's the only time I ask for help driving...like I get an hour break at about 1/3 of the way and then finish up...

6 is long...stay wed/thur/friday(Look out for that rate jump) and drive of Saturday...or stay saturday and get three days of skiing and go home sunday

 

[gores95]

OK change in plans.....now staying in Stowe village!!!

Change in plans...we are now going to stay in the Green Mountain Inn at Stowe from a Wed-Sat. Never having been to Stowe I have some logistical questions. The first full day skiing (Thursday) we will be making the ride up to Jay. Now Mapquest has us basically taking a straight shot north on Route 100 and is only 42 or so miles. Is this a decent drive? Next day (Friday) we will ski Stowe. Then we might just go home Saturday but depending how we feel, perhaps a 1/2 day at either Stowe or S-Bush. Any suggestions for that Saturday? Its just that we have a 6+ hour drive home to NJ. Cannot stay thru Sunday because its Easter.

Originally I was going to try Smuggs but with Route 108 closed in the winter I decided to take a long look at Jay. Does Jay close any lifts mid-week?

Thanks,

Marc

 

[thetrailboss]

Re: OK change in plans.....now staying in Stowe village!!!

Change in plans...we are now going to stay in the Green Mountain Inn at Stowe from a Wed-Sat. Never having been to Stowe I have some logistical questions. The first full day skiing (Thursday) we will be making the ride up to Jay. Now Mapquest has us basically taking a straight shot north on Route 100 and is only 42 or so miles. Is this a decent drive? Next day (Friday) we will ski Stowe. Then we might just go home Saturday but depending how we feel, perhaps a 1/2 day at either Stowe or S-Bush. Any suggestions for that Saturday? Its just that we have a 6+ hour drive home to NJ. Cannot stay thru Sunday because its Easter.

Originally I was going to try Smuggs but with Route 108 closed in the winter I decided to take a long look at Jay. Does Jay close any lifts mid-week?

Thanks,

Marc

The ride to Jay from there is not too bad, but 100 North of here through Mo-ville, Eden, and Lowell is narrow and rough in places. Very scenic--I worked at the Mt. Norris BSA Camp on Lake Eden.

When it comes to Jay, CALL ahead and be sure that there is NO, and I mean NO WIND, 'cause if there is the slightest bit, the tram and express quad could be down for the day. In fact, they probably have the most wind holds next to the 'Bush in my experience. Stateside Triple almost never closes and serves most of the mtn but not the upper third (which is the cool stuff). Jay can be wonderful on a spring day or on a powder day, but the rest of the time it is cold, windy, dark, icy, and nasty :x . Just be sure not to go on a day that is the latter :wink:

 

[Brettski]

Why kill yourself..

Just ski Stowe and the bush..

The bush has great snowmaking and grooming ever since Les Otten took over (and then "retired"...gotta get the whole story on that).

Plus Both Stowe and the bush ARE Vermont.

AND if you've never skiied Stowe, it's a great Mountain.

Read somewhere that Warren Miller places Stowe in the top 5 places in all of North America...

Sure He had to through a bone to the NE....but I love Stowe...The Mountain (Mansfield), the Town (Have to get a pint at the Ye 'old English Inn), everything...

Where in Jersey? I'm in West Orange, so I know the drive well....

I don't know you're route, but I would take 91 straight North and drop in...that's a much easier drive than the most suggested route (100)

Good Luck

 

[Brettski]

EDIT:

OH Wait....Easter...

Man, I've done Easter there...And I've never made it to the Morning Easter vigil at Stowe...ON THE MOUNTAIN...you lift up early for the sunrise service...man I've ALWAYS wanted to do that...

The don't mention it here...but I'm sure they still do it...there's a number at the bottom of the link

http://www.stowe.com/services/mountain_chapel.php

 

[JD]

Ski Spruce at Stowe one day, and Mansfield the next. F Jay.

 

[Brettski]

Spruce?

Maybe if I was coming from Smuggs...Did they stop that deal?

Anyway the lake will probably be melting....

 

[gores95]

Where in Jersey? I'm in West Orange, so I know the drive well....

I don't know you're route, but I would take 91 straight North and drop in...that's a much easier drive than the most suggested route (100)

Good Luck

We are in Lafayette (Sussex County) and I know the most popular route to Stowe is Thruway/Northway to 4 to 22A to 7 then 89 and 100 but I was thinking 84 to 91 to 89 to 100 for me is ALL highway. Do you really think this is the better way?

Also what's the deal with Stowe and Spruce Peak. Can you ski both on one lift ticket and are they connected by trails/lifts? Not sure how it works.

Thanks.