Sugarloaf 2004-5

[thetrailboss]

OK, this should bring a lot of responses. I'd like to take the GF on a REAL ski vacation to a REAL mountain. My shortlist includes:

Sugarloaf
Sunday River
Sugarbush (home during college)
Whiteface
Tremblant or some Quebec mtn.
Burke (but the parents are there...so we would like to go elsewhere).

A lot of people in this forum like Sugarloaf (repeat that: LOVE Sugarloaf). Why is this? I have been caught looking at the trail map and salivating! I almost went there in 2001, but did not quite make it.

Why do you love Sugarloaf? Trail suggestions for an all terrain expert and his GF, who is a solid intermediate who likes fast, steep, groomed stuff?

Lodging suggestions? We'd like to go midweek.

 

[ChileMass]

If you are bringing the GF and she is a REAL skier, then go for terrain. Sugarloaf is sure hard to top in that dimension. But - if your GF is not a REAL skier, and you will both be looking for some non-ski-related fun, then you have to look at the town. Lake Placid (Whiteface) and Stowe are classics with all the restaurants, clubs and charm you could want. In my estimation, they are a toss-up, and you couldn't go wrong with either. I am told (never been there) that Tremblant is like a mini trip to Europe, and has killer apres-ski action. Sugarloaf is THE skiers hill, and you will be blown away by the variety of the trails. However, Sugarloaf is COLD in the early-mid season (go in early March) and is a LONG haul to the middle of nowhere (4.5 hours from Boston). There really isn't a lot of club/bar/restaurant action at Sugarloaf or Kingfield, but if you ski a full day there, you probably won't be up for much beyond a couple of beers before you'll be looking for bed.....

Sugarloaf trails you will want to try include Narrow Gauge (expert) and Tote Road (long, intermediate, groomed).

My $.02........ :wink:

 

[Greg]

A lot of people in this forum like Sugarloaf (repeat that: LOVE Sugarloaf). Why is this?

I first visited 'Da Loaf this past April for Raggae Fest [TR, Pics]. The conditions were basically crap, but I had ball nonetheless and within one run, I had a new favorite mountain. It has a lot to do with the terrain and atmosphere. You're basically in the middle of freakin' nowhere on this HUGE ski mountain. Although the vertical of 2,820' is a few hundred feet less than Killington (3,050'), the mountain skis a lot bigger. Killington's reported vert is kind of a cheat as it's measured from the K summit to the Skyeship loading area on Route 4. Much of the skiing at Killington is done in 1,000' - 1,500' interconnected sections. Sugarloaf is a full 2,820' of top to bottom vert, although you need to hit a few lifts to get it all, and there's a fairly long runout towards to base.

Being there during Raggae Fest added to some of the atmosphere, but I can imagine the mountain being just as enchanting (or perhaps moreso) mid-week in the middle of the season. I plan to go up next year again, either mid-season or for Raggae. It's hard to explain, but many a time did I find myself hooting and hollering as I skied 'da Loaf. I can't wait to revisit under better ski conditions.

I have been caught looking at the trail map and salivating!

And so you should. Just wait until you reach "Oh My God" turn on Route 27:

That pic really does it no justice. You basically can't see the ski area until you make that turn and then...Bam! It looks a lot bigger than that picture suggests.

Trail suggestions for an all terrain expert and his GF, who is a solid intermediate who likes fast, steep, groomed stuff?

There's a lot of steep groomers all over the mountain. Spend some time up there and explore around. Be sure to hit Misery Whip, a very narrow straight run that starts out somewhat steep. Also, it seems that everyone that skis 'da Loaf is really good.

Lodging suggestions? We'd like to go midweek.

Well, your on-mountian options include the hotel, the Sugarloaf Inn, or the condos. You can book reservations for all three here. The Inn looks pretty cool, and I hope to stay there for a few nights next year.

Sorry for the rambling. Can you tell I just love the place?

 

[thetrailboss]

Thanks for the suggestions thus far. I figured that this would be a lightning rod.

I have that same pic, Greg, as my desktop of the week and I pointed it out to a coworker last week who was like, "holy sh&^, that is a big place!"

The black diamond terrain on the map looks inviting!

 

[Buckeye Skier 1330]

I only got to ski the Loaf one day. We were staying at Sunday River for the week and drove up there on a Wednesday. The summit lifts were on wind hold all day so I never got to the top. But we still had a great day of skiing. Greg and Uphillclimber summed the place up pretty good. It is one heckuva mountain. There are a few other New England resorts I want to check out but the Loaf is on my short list for a return trip!

 

[riverc0il]

thetrailboss, since definitions differ... what is your definition of a "real" ski vacation and "real" ski mountain? there are a lot of aspects to consider so as much info as you can provide for what you are looking for would be helpful, including time of expected vacation and how many days.

regarding the loaf, i'll second it as a great mountaion for an extended stay. i've only skied it once due to being a day tripper and not having any one to go with. issues with the loaf you'll want to consider would be the drive, the price, and less than certain conditions. it's one mother of a mountain and something for everyone. i don't know anyone that's skied the loaf that hasn't loved the experience. but to add some variety to your short list, consider some of these:

MRG/Sugarbush combo. i believe their offer is called "ski the valley" and includes three lift tickets. your G/F won't find many high speed cruisers at MRG, but sugarbush should be a dream for both of you. though if this is homebase for you, i'm sure you want to try some place else.

can't help but recommend my own favorite mountain, cannon, since it matches your requirements very well. lots of all mountain expert terrain for yourself (if your G/F is up to non-groomed, mittersill could keep you occupied all week!) and more steep high speed cruisers than almost any other mountain in new england i've skied. front face trails like rocket, zoomer, and avalanche have been half bumped half groomed these past few seasons allowing for groomers and bumpers to ski together. you may not like no on hill lodging (i like that aspect personally ), but lots of great towns nearby offering up good deals on lodging with food options. i'd HIGHLY recommend thayers inn in littleton for that romantic vacation experience! requires ~15 minute drive to the mountain though, but wow, what an inn and a great downtown experience with dining, movie theatre, and quirky shops.

stowe has a great reputation and bills itself as the "skiing capitol of the east" or something like that. probably be a great place for a vacation if you can afford it.

i think smuggs, saddleback, and jay would also merit consideration for your short list of choices. i've never been to smuggs or saddleback but want to do weekends at both this year. and if you're g/f isn't into trees and powder, i don't think jay should be a consideration against the other mountains that i feel have more to offer.

 

[thetrailboss]

Thanks, Rivercoil.

I was a pass holder at Sugarbush for two seasons and I grew up 45 minutes from Cannon. Bush is an option, but my visit last season was below expectations. As for Cannon-skied there in 1998, which was stellar, and visited in 1999 to find glare ice. Not a good experience. I know Littleton like the back of my hand and was looking for something different.

I'd like to try Stowe, but it is too ridiculous pricewise.

I was a passholder at Jay, so I know about that. Same experience as at Cannon--Jekyll/Hyde with lots of snow on one day, to wind closures the next.

My kind of ski vacation: 4 days or so of getting up early, skiing from lifts open to close, soaking in a hot tub, and going to bed. I don't need the Killington night life. I want big terrain and the GF will want something smoother, steep, and varied. As I see it, Sugarloaf has some great terrain, is big, and is a place that I have not been too and it will be difficult to visit again.

Thanks again everyone for the input thus far.

 

[Greg]

My kind of ski vacation: 4 days or so of getting up early, skiing from lifts open to close, soaking in a hot tub, and going to bed. I don't need the Killington night life. I want big terrain and the GF will want something smoother, steep, and varied. As I see it, Sugarloaf has some great terrain, is big, and is a place that I have not been too and it will be difficult to visit again.

Looks like we'll soon have a new Sugarloafer! 8) Seriously though, you'll love it! The advice here is right on - it's a skier's mountain and based on your criteria above, it'll be perfect for you. Is your GF as passionate about the skiing aspect of a ski vacation as you? If so, she'll love it too.

 

[thetrailboss]

Here's the dangerous part (I know, I know): if the weather and conditions are good, there will be no problem because we will be skiing. She just started and absolutely LOVES the sport. We've been talking about it a lot lately--is she as rabid as me, not quite.

 

[Greg]

if the weather and conditions are good, there will be no problem because we will be skiing.

Aim for mid-March to have the best chance at the most open terrain, and "warmer" temps with less wind.

 

[skican]

Ah ha....it's now in my back yard!!!!!! The Loaf!

Seriously though, don't forget Smugglers Notch. Got married there last year and really got hooked on that mountain almost as much as I love the Loaf! I have a bunch of favorite runs at the Loaf...I always start with Gin Pole for my warm up run! Then it's on to the Gondi Line. I love jumping into that trail. Yahoooooo! Stop it I can't work now! :beer:

 

[riverc0il]

yea, the loaf in mid-march is what you're looking for.

 

[Charlie Schuessler]

I believe Sugarloaf is great area for any skier at any skill level. The single peak shape keeps traversing to a minimum, and offers DOWNHILL trails of differing pitches, rolls and views.

For the better part of ten years, accumulating 24-ski days, all of which have been in APRIL, I have not been disappointed or reluctant to refer the place to anyone. Go there and enjoy yourself, and when you're poking through the Whip, making turns off the peak, or enjoying a cold drink in the Widowmaker lounge, you may ask yourself, why did I wait so long to visit this place? I did....

 

[Terry]

Sugarloaf

Stopping into bullwinkles nfor a beer late in the day isn't a bad thing either. It gives you a good break. 2 years ago we were there in the spring, at bullwinkles and people kept skiing by with beer under their arms and hollering- party at the horseshoe! we decided to follow, and found about 100 people off on a side path having a wicked party. Of course we had to join in. It is just that kind of place all the time. Gotta love it!!!
Terry sugarloafer since 2000 :beer:

 

[Greg]

Then it's on to the Gondi Line. I love jumping into that trail.

Great steep pitch at the start of Gondi Line. Click below for full size view (obviously, upper Gondi Line is the trail above the old mid-station):

I believe Sugarloaf is great area for any skier at any skill level. The single peak shape keeps traversing to a minimum, and offers DOWNHILL trails of differing pitches, rolls and views.

Great point, Charlie. I love mountains where you can get a lot of skiing in....

For the better part of ten years, accumulating 24-ski days, all of which have been in APRIL, I have not been disappointed or reluctant to refer the place to anyone. Go there and enjoy yourself, and when you're poking through the Whip, making turns off the peak, or enjoying a cold drink in the Widowmaker lounge, you may ask yourself, why did I wait so long to visit this place? I did....

You're the man, Charlie. Thank you for introducing me to the place last season. I plan to go back at least once per season!

 

[skican]

Greg, you can get great deals at the Inn...but beware it's very noisey! We stayed there last year after the big dumping and there were some kids from ages 10 on up from the UK staying there right above us. It sounded like they were practicing catching air right above us. Step step step pause bang! My husband was getting really mad and going to go upstairs and give those college kids what for and I begged him to call the desk instead. Good thing as they were just little kids away from the parents and having a ball at 2 a.m. We had some good laughs over that story. To boot, they were up at 6 a.m. and rearing to go. We always book the condo over the Bag restaurant and love it! Look right out on to the quad. How convenient!

 

[thetrailboss]

Good news: GF is into making this our ski vaca for this winter! We are aiming for March. 8)

 

[Greg]

Aweseome! You'll have a great time. Please let us know how it goes...

 

[First Tracks]

Same experience as at Cannon--Jekyll/Hyde with lots of snow on one day, to wind closures the next.

If you liked that experience at Cannon, then you'll positively adore the 'Loaf, which possibly has more days on windhold than any other NE resort. Years ago I spent an entire weekend there when we were never able to venture outdoors, and why bother because none of the lifts were turning, anyway. It may sound like I'm exaggerating, but that really did happen, and it was the second visit I had there in a row that wind hold skunked us.

 

[Greg]

Years ago I spent an entire weekend there when we were never able to venture outdoors, and why bother because none of the lifts were turning, anyway.

What month was that? As I understand it, March is the best month for snow/wind conditions.