Stowe vs Sugarbush...

[koreshot]

Man, mogulmaster is getting slammed here, and I don't really know why. Yes he hasn't skied Stowe (which he stated upfront as a disclaimer), so maybe his comparison isn't as valid as someone else's but one can still have a reaasonably fact based opinion on a resort without skiing it.

For example - when comparing JH and Targhee - even if I had never skied both the answer would be very obvious to me. For challenge and terrain go to JH, for low crowds, chill skiing experience and awesome snow go to Targhee. Does my opinion not matter cause I haven't skied both resorts? Pitch, exposure to sun, snowfall statistics, lift uphill capacity, trail map and lift ticket prices tell at least 50% of the story for a ski resort.

So cut the guy some slack.

My vote goes to Sugarbush but I would say that Stowe does have better terrain and lift system allowing you to rack up more top to bottom challenging vert. But to me that is only half the story - the resort atmosphere, character, crowds and cost are also important factors. In particular the crowds. And this is where Sugarbush takes over - terrain and snow similar to what Stowe offers with less crowds and a bit cheaper lift tickets. Stowe does have a beautiful town but I do find it overly yuppy for my tastes. Since I am from NJ, the more expensive lodging in Stowe is also a factor.

A few locals have told me that Stowe makes more money in August than any other month (I haven't confirmed this myself). Lots of summe activities like golf and fancy spas and socializing - very expensive real estate too. I would guess that is a recipe for an extra high yuppy factor.

 

[deadheadskier]

Haven't skied either area more than once but if I may chime in here I might as well point out the Mad bus(FREE) will pick up BC skiers at the road at the bottom of the SB area that connects LP w/ MT. Ellen. Good luck getting a ride from those yuppies at Stowe at the bottom of MT Mansfield

No need at Mansfield. Whether your on the Stowe side or Smuggs side, you can ski back to the lift with limited flat area.

If you're referring to town transportation, they have a pretty good trolley system. Those damn yuppies charge a buck though to get to and from the mountain.

 

[skiNEwhere]

kinda curious, of all the ski resorts, why stowe vs. sugarbush? Whats the significance? Just seems like its 2 random ski resorts pitted against each other

 

[millerm277]

kinda curious, of all the ski resorts, why stowe vs. sugarbush? Whats the significance? Just seems like its 2 random ski resorts pitted against each other

Because, we need something to argue about. Sugarbush vs. Killington is the more traditional fight though.

 

[deadheadskier]

For example - when comparing JH and Targhee - even if I had never skied both the answer would be very obvious to me. For challenge and terrain go to JH, for low crowds, chill skiing experience and awesome snow go to Targhee. Does my opinion not matter cause I haven't skied both resorts? Pitch, exposure to sun, snowfall statistics, lift uphill capacity, trail map and lift ticket prices tell at least 50% of the story for a ski resort.

.

fair enough, I'll give BMM a 50% credit on his opinion

on your take though, I thought Aspen was all about glitz, yuppies, that very few laid back ski bums lived there and the terrain wasn't all that based upon everything I had read......


.....until I skied there and realized, it's a pretty kick ass place if you know the right locals.


you have to go, to truly know

 

[BushMogulMaster]

Thanks for the support, koreshot.

Goodness, folks. That's why I said ignore my post if you were going to take issue with it! Simple instructions! As kore pointed out, I was comparing based on the metrics I know, and the resources available to me. I did not even definitively state that Sugarbush was better than Stowe, for heaven's sake. I said that based on what I know, I like Sugarbush better. If I ski Stowe, I'll make a definite comparison.

I'd like to bring your attention to a couple of key phrases and words that I used in my initial post, including, "I think," "I've heard," "I imagine," "I believe," "probably," and the inverses of these. All I was doing was using what I had been told, what I had read, what I had seen to formulate a speculative opinion. I stated clearly from whence my opinion was derived, and you still feel it necessary to attack me as though I'm an credibility-lacking gaper. I believe I've established myself on this board and on SkiMRV enough that many of you realize where I'm coming from.

And yes, deadhead... you have to go to truly know. I think I said that several times in my first post.

 

[WWF-VT]

Having skied both mountains - each 20+ times under a variety of conditions and spending time in both the town of Stowe and the Mad River Valley ( Waitsfield ) I prefer Sugarbush.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

kinda curious, of all the ski resorts, why stowe vs. sugarbush? Whats the significance? Just seems like its 2 random ski resorts pitted against each other

Because they're at competition with one and other for skier visits. Plus they are close to one and other(within 40-50 miles)..

Plus the locals at both mountains are among the most diehard in the east. There is a rivalry between the two mountains down to the Stowe/Sugarbush skibum races. I prefer to spend my time at Stowe vs Sugarbush..but others have different opinions..but if you haven't skied both mountains then stay out of this thread.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Because, we need something to argue about. Sugarbush vs. Killington is the more traditional fight though.

Seriously...do any people actually choose Killington....lololololololololol..

 

[sledhaulingmedic]

Seriously...do any people actually choose Killington....lololololololololol..

You're the one who brought up skier visits :roll:

I've never been to SB and can't afford Stowe (w/o a comp). My vote goes to SB

 

[BushMogulMaster]

EDITED

(worked out via PM)

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

That's a very kind way to respond after I reached out my hand in friendship via PM. Thanks, GSS.

Sorry..I didn't see the PM....but if there was a poll that said what do you like better Apples or Oranges and you never ate an Orange because you heard it wasn't as good as Apples..then there would be no point in answering it...Beating a dead horse..

 

[JD]

Skiing is free, it's the lift that costs money.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Skiing is free, it's the lift that costs money.

True-dat and we can all be thankfull that both Stowe and Sugarbush are on forest service land so we can earn turns before and after the lifts start turning..Holla

 

[BushMogulMaster]

True-dat and we can all be thankfull that both Stowe and Sugarbush are on forest service land so we can earn turns before and after the lifts start turning..Holla

Lincoln Peak is on USFS land, but Mt. Ellen (aside from FIS and Black Diamond and a small portion of Rim Run) is all private land.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Lincoln Peak is on USFS land, but Mt. Ellen (aside from FIS and Black Diamond and a small portion of Rim Run) is all private land.

But they tolerate earning turns at Sugarbush North..and great views of Lake Champlain from the top..

 

[BushMogulMaster]

But they tolerate earning turns at Sugarbush North..and great views of Lake Champlain from the top..

Definitely true. Many a wind-hold day I earned my turns on good 'ol Mt. Ellen. And don't forget the views of the Whites the other direction... quite stunning on a clear day.

 

[Newpylong]

Sugarbush, hands down.

 

[skiNEwhere]

One thing I really like about Stowe is there honesty. I haven't skied there since 01 or so, but they only claimed to have 48 trails. But it still felt like it was the size of the sugarbush. I like the face that they don't pull a killington, and make all trails into upper, middle, and lower. If they wanted to, they could claim well over 100 trails. Ok enough on that part.

Now this may disqualify me from this discussion.....I've been to the bush three times, the first 2 times castlerock was closed. And I don't remember the last time I went, but it was in April when they still had the old carlevaro-savio lift. The lift warned "thin-cover" at the very bottom, but it should have said "no cover" Once I got to top, I was too worried about not ruining my skies to actually enjoy the rock.

So overall I enjoyed Stowe more, cuz of the diversity of terrain, and because of the challenge of the expert terrain

 

[RISkier]

A few locals have told me that Stowe makes more money in August than any other month (I haven't confirmed this myself). Lots of summe activities like golf and fancy spas and socializing - very expensive real estate too. I would guess that is a recipe for an extra high yuppy factor.

I know some Stowe instructors who have also said that summer is really the busiest tourist season.