Sugar****

[smootharc]

Absolutely agree....

Sugarbowl is an amazing little area...
A must visit if your in Tahoe and are looking for some steeps in a small funky area...
Previously owned by Walt Disney...

.....a superb little gem. Disney and friends (rich folks) fired up this great little retreat as their nearly private club way back. Has history, and as mentioned great in-bounds terrain, and access to great Sierra off-piste.

DesLaurier brothers make it their home area now, and base their steep camp outfit there.

Some sick, scary stuff just looming a stone's throw as you go up the lifts.

 

[loafer89]

Driving a snowy road at 60--65 mph it's no wonder you would be worried about a moose in the road.

No I am more worried about the total white out that occurs when these logging trucks pass me, usually in an illegal passing area.

 

[MikeTrainor]

I have been to both. I would have to chose Sugarbush, if I was forced to chose. Both are great Mtns!
As for the comment about Jay and Stowe, I have not been to Stowe but I would put Sugarbush over Jay

 

[Zand]

Sugarbush is my favorite mountain. It has a big variety, big mountain feel, and it's not too crowded. Plus, it's next to my 2nd favorite mountain, so that helps it. Never been to the Loaf before though.

 

[Bumpsis]

I love them both, but gotta go with Sugarloaf. I do most of my skiing in a multiday setting, meaning I come up for a week or long weekend. The long haul to the Loaf is a drag but it's not that much less to the 'Bush.

I really love the "destination" layout of everything at Sugarloaf. One big mountain for dowhill, really nice XC network, health club and all the restaurants and pubs right there.
At Sugarbush I have to drive all over god's little acre to get to all the winter stuff I like to do.
Loaf: just park it and enjoy, or at least minimal driving.

When the snow (natural) is good, both places have so much to offer, but I do prefer the Loaf's trail layout. Also, being so far out of the way, I never feel the crowds, even during the high density times like holidays. The place has a really nice and relaxed vibe that I just don't feel at Sugarbush.

Only one serious negative at Sugarloaf - the on the mountain lodging is just so seriously expensive that unless I organize a multi family trip and rent an off mountain house, the place is just not affordable. At Sugarbush/MR Valley I can always find an affordable condo aand do what I please.

 

[meat]

I had a pass to sugarbush back in college when it was part of ASC, I also had a Jay pass too, but skied at killington and sugarbush more because of proximity those years. Never been to Sugarloaf, but I know sugarbush is better cuz less than 200" isn't gunna cut it in my book, but I bet its fun when it dumps, nice pitch. Sugarbush has some great OB and tree skiing and got to know a lot of it by exploring, especially off the long trail. a lot of great ruthless bump runs too, and great cruisers if thats your thing. the other great thing about sugarbush was the crowds, midweek you had the place to yourself, especially at north which is the better side IMO. As for the best mountain in the east its definatly Jay by far, for me nothing compares to the amount of snow, trees, steeps, and OB options. thanks to that there jay cloud their is still a lot of tree skiing left to be had. the jay cloud dominates all!!!!!!!

 

[bigbog]

.....

I have never been to either Sugar. Can you imagine that? It may be years before I ever get a chance to also. But I can live vicariously through the experiences of others since there's always a Sugar Thread going here at the AZ.

Starting from Spiegletown...on my Spring trips to grandparents in Guilford, Maine(wayyy back)...myself & canoeing buddies would take off at night..non-stop to LLBean(Freeport). Would get out of the little Corolla in LLBean's lot...would look like Armstrong & Aldrin(Apollo 11) bouncing around for a while..:lol:
If you ever want to check out the Loaf, I think it would actually be easier to head over into VT, then up to US #2 eastward...kind of a long trip from the Tri-Cities area. I really miss upper NYS....

The Loaf is the closest hill, but VT's dry snow is unmatched....

 

[snowmonster]

This is a close call really since I really love them both. But, in this case, you go with your first love and Sugarloaf was the first mountain I fell in love with.

Despite the long drive and the fact that you really have to make a vacation of it, the 'Loaf is really worth the effort. The Snowfields (when they are open) are a great playground and the steeps of Gondi, Narrow Gauge and Widowmaker really make my day. I make it a point to ski the 'Loaf at least once a year. This year's trip was a bit icy (late January) but still worth it. I may just get enough nerve to drive up before the season is over.

Sugarbush is great too. I am sure that if I get good enough at bumps, I'll be able to really appreciate Castlerock someday instead of falling all over the place. But, I can see how the more expert skiers on this forum are so into this mountain. Perhaps, next year, I'll be gusing about Castlerock too. As I am partial to steeps, Organgrinder was my favorite trail. The views on Jester are great and Murray's Glades and the trails off the North Lynx peak are wonderful especially in the morning. Haven't done Mt. Ellen but will do that one of these days when I have more time.

It's a close call really since they both have their unique attractions. I wouldn't pass up a trip to either one if I had a chance. But, since we have to choose one over the other, I had to go with my first love.

Re: Jay and Stowe -- Love Jay too but it's a third behind the two Sugars. The only thing I hate about this place is riding the Green Mountain Freezer! Haven't been to Stowe but will be going there on Sunday. I want to see what everyone is gushing about.