Sunday River recommendations?

[Euler]

Well, just when I thought my season was over, along comes a big ol' storm just in time for Easter. Since Maine looks like it'll get the highest snowfall and my family and I have been tossing arounf the idea of a family ski weekend somewhere, it looks like we'll be making the drive the Sunday River for the weekend.

My wife and I are solid intermediates, and my two kids (6 and 9) are lower intermediates. At Mt. Snow, we enjoy just about every blue trail on the mountain. My wife likes winding groomers, and the kids and I like the groomers along with small bumps on not too steep terrain.

Since Sunday River seems so huge, I'm hoping one of you might give us some pointers on which areas, or particular trails, we might concentrate on so we dont get overwhelmed with traversing around the resort, but rather spend our time skiing sweet trails!

Thanks,

Euler

 

[snoseek]

just about every peak (excluding white cap) has excellent cruising. ski 3 or 4 runs on each peak and move over. one plan is to go directly to jordan and slowly make your way back over. that may help avoid the crowds that will follow the storm. if it does get crowded, stick on aurora for a while, northern lights is an excellent cruiser. barker and locke probably have the best overall terrain, but also the heaviest volume. have fun!

 

[Vortex]

Depends on when you go... Aurora and Jordan will be openign back up on Friday. Barker gets crowded. Really the only place IMO. A bunch of us a meeting on Friday at the River. Great Grooming great Vibe. Northen lights is my favorite. keep it a secret.

 

[Euler]

Thanks for the tips! Do you really think it will be that crowded this late in the year? Last weekend Mt. Snow was not crowded at all. Granted, the storm will bring a bunch of people up who wouldn't otherwise come, but I'm not expecting it to be crowded like a mid-february weekend.

 

[Vortex]

Just the Barker lift and the base of southridge when the kids are getting out.. Crowds will not be an issue.

 

[thebigo]

euler: sr is second to none in new england for variety of groomed cruisers, you and the family will have a great time

bobr: you seem like an sr regular/insider, any idea if the lifts will open at 8 or 9 on friday, also does everything open at the same time?

thanks, i only ski sr a few times a year but it makes sense to follow the snow this weekend

 

[Vortex]

9 am Friday. 8 on Sat.

 

[DJAK]

9 am Friday. 8 on Sat.

True Dat!


We've had our own pre-storm over here the past few days! 5-9" since Tuesday. Shot from today.

 

[snowmonster]

I usually park at White Cap Lodge since it doesn't get as crowded there in my experience. Off Chair 11 (the lift on the side of the lodge), there are good short blues there for warm-up runs (Starlight, Starburst) plus a number of greens for the kids. From there, Chair 9 (in front of the lodge) has access to blues like Jibe and Wildfire. These are not too long though and Wildfire has a longish flat run-out in the end. From Chair 9, it's easy to access Locke, Barker and Spruce mountains (lots of great blue runs here like American Express, Risky Business, etc.) or if you're adventurous, head to the top of White Cap for Obsession (rolling trail except for steep part at the start; a dark blue).

I agree with Bob R that another alternative is to boot up at Jordan Bowl then ski there, Oz (not a blue area though) and Aurora (great blue runs).

No matter what you do, avoid South Ridge lodge. If there are crowds this weekend, they will be there.

 

[MonkeyBrook]

I agree, start at White Cap...try out the cruisers down there to see if they are a match for your ability. If so, work over towards & past Barker...right to North Peak. Some nice blues over there and a very fast lift. Check out Escapade, Grand Rapids, Dreamaker. If you are up to it, Aurora is a quick shot off that lift down Paradigm

I do not think it will be crowded, have fun.

 

[kickstand]

I agree with Bob R that another alternative is to boot up at Jordan Bowl then ski there, Oz (not a blue area though) and Aurora (great blue runs).

just note that if you decide to boot up at Jordan you'll be parking at the hotel lot. I don't know if will matter as much this time of year, but you run the risk of getting towed. You're much better off parking at White Cap and riding the 3 or 4 lifts needed to get to Jordan. Or get there early and park at Barker.

 

[snowmonster]

just note that if you decide to boot up at Jordan you'll be parking at the hotel lot. I don't know if will matter as much this time of year, but you run the risk of getting towed. You're much better off parking at White Cap and riding the 3 or 4 lifts needed to get to Jordan. Or get there early and park at Barker.

I think that, aside from the guest's parking area, there's a lot off to the side of the Jordan hotel that's for the public. You can chance it there. Anyway, parked right beside the stairs about 3 weeks ago and I didn't get hassled. But, I get lucky that way sometimes.

 

[MonkeyBrook]

We park at Jordan all the time, I didnt know there was a difference between guest and public lot. I too parked right below the stairs two week ago and had a pleasant exchange with the hotel guy who was shoveling the stairs. Good luck.

 

[Euler]

Thanks for all the input. W'ere getting ready to drive up Fri night and look forward to a great weekend! All the snow that's fallen over the past couple days should groom up real nice, and the cool temps should keep it in good shape for us all weekend. As an added bonus, I just found out it's kids weekend at SR so there'll be some extra things for the kids to do! The kids wrote a letter to the Easter Bunny telling him where we'll be. Now they are not worried that they wont wake up Sunday and not find the usual easter treats!

 

[Vortex]

That is the fun part. I have a 11 and 13 year old and they still like the treats.

 

[bigbog]

Get out EARLY Sat morning!......for the untracked...

I bet there will be coating of fresh even for Saturday morning...even after the Friday poaching by BobR and thaller1, so get out early!...bring/rent some 76mm+ waists for float and get the pow! There are enough trails to escape most of the crowd..and find powder....and the temps are not frigid.

 

[roark]

I bet there will be coating of fresh even for Saturday morning...even after the Friday poaching by BobR and thaller1, so get out early!...bring/rent some 76mm+ waists for float and get the pow! There are enough trails to escape most of the crowd..and find powder....and the temps are not frigid.

Bob likes the groomers... :razz:

I'll do my best to track the heck out of the rest of it:flame: