sugarloaf in january

[jlboyell]

Hey all,
Planning a trip to sugarloaf in mid to late january with the family. Never been there, but wondering how th conditions are during that time of year. Will most things be open? Also, for just me, what do you think of whiteface in december, like right before christmas?
Thanks for the input,
Josh

 

[riverc0il]

Could be all open. Could be hardly anything open. Total crap shot that time of the year no matter which mountain. Probably won't have snowfields open nor many if any glades. December is even more dicey. Same is true for all mountains in the region. Best bet for pre-booking in December and January is focusing on mountains with the best snow making and grooming systems. Even then, mountains are at the whim of mother nature. There are some years that November has more trails open than January if we get a really bad thaw. There is no way to know. Best odds are mountains with the most snow making will have the most open trails.

 

[deadheadskier]

yep, you never know.

Take last year. We had an AZ Gathering at Sugarloaf at the end of March. Cold and the conditions were hard as rock. Weekend prior to that was 60s and spring skiing. I went back around April 20th and had my best powder day of the season; dumped a foot of snow.

 

[snoseek]

I would bring every piece of warm clothing that you own.....

 

[wa-loaf]

could be brutal, could be bountiful ...

 

[jlboyell]

Thanks for the quick replies. Does all this hold true for whiteface in dec? Again super quick replies, thanks for helping me plan.
Josh

 

[wa-loaf]

Thanks for the quick replies. Does all this hold true for whiteface in dec? Again super quick replies, thanks for helping me plan.
Josh

lol, 3 times as much.

Vacations and what not force a lot of people to go skiing in December and January, but the best skiing (usually) is February, March, and April.

 

[jerryg]

I think the later you go in January, the better. SL has been able to get the front side snowfields open in January in recent times, but unless it's a big snow year, there is very little chance for the backside as the snow just blows off. It may be very cold, but it's also quite dry in January up there (The air, that is) and SL has really taken pride in the grooming. One of the best days I've had at SL in the past decade was a day it was 0 degrees and blowing 20 knots. Everything was cold and extremities hurt, but the conditions were perfect.

 

[deadheadskier]

Thanks for the quick replies. Does all this hold true for whiteface in dec? Again super quick replies, thanks for helping me plan.
Josh

All you can do is play the averages and hope for the best.

I typically plan on Mid-Feb to Mid-March for the best natural snow conditions. Last couple of years it's seems Mother Nature shut it down at the start of March outside of a couple localized events. Three years ago saw hardly any snow until Valentines Day and then we had an epic spring with tons of natural.

you just never know.

 

[jlboyell]

Ok. I'm still going to try. Its when we all are available. Guess well see what happens. Never been up that way before, looking forward to it. Thanks again
Josh

 

[wa-loaf]

Ok. I'm still going to try. Its when we all are available. Guess well see what happens. Never been up that way before, looking forward to it. Thanks again
Josh

Nice thing is once you get there you don't have to get in your car until you leave. You can walk or take a shuttle to all the bars and restaurants on mountain.

 

[Angus]

COLD unless it's the January thaw then you'll be lucky to ski

 

[bigbog]

could be brutal, could be bountiful ...

+1 ...bring the headfleece, layers, and sharpened edges....and you'll be fine. A little colder than January on other mountains...no crowds, and new snow(afternoon freshies) quite often. As in some years..not nearly as much snow as northern VT with a few trails on the western end getting kind of wind-buffed on a heavy-wind day, but on the whole the snow's drier at the Loaf than usual....and there's Tufulios(restaurant), a few miles back on the main road, along with Happy Tunes(good ski(tuning)shop). If you do happen to hit a windy day at the top...many trails starting ~3/4 up the mtn = terrific snow...eastern/western ends..and ungroomed for the most part.

 

[tjf67]

Thanks for the quick replies. Does all this hold true for whiteface in dec? Again super quick replies, thanks for helping me plan.
Josh

More times than not there is limited terrain open at Whiteface in Dec. If you are going to just ski I would look to K or the river.

Lake Placid will have a lot more going on off the hill, for family activities.

 

[Edd]

Not sure how far your drive is but I recommend keeping your plans flexible when it comes to the Loaf. They can have truly epic windholds in the dead of winter. If your stay is 2-3 days, for example, a significant wind event can kill your trip. I always keep a sharp eye on winds before I make the drive.

Otherwise, have a great time!

 

[mikestaple]

If you're bringing the family (and I'm assuming wee ones) then look for their kids week deal. They usual have one the second or third week of January trying to get folks to come up there.

I learned to ski there - and it was below zero for 40 straight hours. Didn't know the difference at the time - just wore three layers and went for it.

Only had one wind hold. If that happens early in the day - remember that Saddleback is a, relatively, short drive away.

 

[snowmonster]

I'll echo what others have said: bring really warm clothes (balaklava/facemask included), and make sure you have a good edge on your skis. Conditions may not be optimal but, with the right attitude, it can be a really enjoyable vacation.

 

[vcunning]

I would bring every piece of warm clothing that you own.....

I organized a small group outing at Sugarloaf about 15 years ago on a January weekend. The thing I remember most is that when you got your lift ticket, they were handing out free hand warmers.

I still wish I lived closer, even in January.

 

[Skimaine]

As others have noted January can often be stingy on natural snow, however, Boyne will have all the snow-making trails open. This will include a couple of front face trails (Nitro and Gondi Ext). Definitely bring your cold weather gear. With the right equipment you will have the mountain to yourself on cold blue bird days.

If you catch some wind-hold days, head to the outdoor center for some cross country or snow shoeing. Also look to a day trip to one huts run by the Maine Huts and Trails folks. The wind can be howling on the mountain but the valley will be sheltered.

 

[tarponhead]

Is this XC skiing?