Thanksgiving weekend: where in VT or NH?

[severine]

If you were to plan an overnight ski trip for Thanksgiving weekend, where would you pick? I'm thinking VT or NH (ME is just a little too far to drive, especially if I have to bring the kids). I realize it's hard to predict at this point what snow options will be at the time, but is there anywhere you can think of that historically has a better chance of skiable snow at that time? I recall Brian going to a ski clinic at Stowe in December 2004 and there was basically only a RWOD - he said there were maybe 5 trails open at the time. I'd hate to plan a trip and have it be something like that. But I want something to look forward to, KWIM?

Any ideas? Want to share why you would pick that area? I've never skied in Nov before so I'm really excited about the possibility of it... hoping weather cooperates.

 

[thetrailboss]

Honestly, that time of year is hit or miss and it is best to plan it a few days in advance...the weather is so iffy.

But for sure-fire bets, maybe look to the usual suspects of Sugarloaf, Sunday River, and Sugarbush. Killington...don't know.

 

[severine]

I guess the one thing in my favor is that Thanksgiving is relatively late in Nov this year. I figured the usual Maine suspects would come up, but Maine would not be in the cards for us.

Anybody else want to chime in? If nothing else, it's better than talking about how warm it still is right now.

 

[deadheadskier]

Unless there is another great start way up north like last year, I'd go with Okemo. They typically have the most terrain open on the east coast at that time of year.

 

[powderman]

You should take an overnight trip later in the season... the skiing will be a lot better then. If you want to ski in November, you should just take a day trip to Mount Snow

 

[MR. evil]

I guess the one thing in my favor is that Thanksgiving is relatively late in Nov this year. I figured the usual Maine suspects would come up, but Maine would not be in the cards for us.

Anybody else want to chime in? If nothing else, it's better than talking about how warm it still is right now.

We did Sunday River on Thanksgiving last year and it was great. Most places south didn't have that much open. Just to warn you, the Friday after thanksgiving is a zoo at most Mtns. Everyone has the day off and wants to get on the hill for the first time for the season. But the Mtns don't have enough terraine open to support the crowds. But Thanksgiving day is a whole different story. No one on the hill. We drove up Wed. night, skied all day Thursday and had a great thanksgiving dinner at the hotel. We also skied friday but it wasn't nearly as good. Way too many people on the hill. We got a great deal on a really nice hotel and passes. Seems not to many people want ski on Thanksgiving day.

 

[severine]

You should take an overnight trip later in the season... the skiing will be a lot better then. If you want to ski in November, you should just take a day trip to Mount Snow

I will be. In March during spring break we're taking a trip up to the MRV. But I also have break Thanksgiving week and thought it might be nice to get in some early season skiing, too. It might be a good idea to wait until it gets closer to decide for sure, and if it's not looking good, just do a daytrip instead. But it's not always easy to plan last minute when there are 2 young kids involved as well.

We did Sunday River on Thanksgiving last year and it was great. Most places south didn't have that much open. Just to warn you, the Friday after thanksgiving is a zoo at most Mtns. Everyone has the day off and wants to get on the hill for the first time for the season. But the Mtns don't have enough terraine open to support the crowds. But Thanksgiving day is a whole different story. No one on the hill. We drove up Wed. night, skied all day Thursday and had a great thanksgiving dinner at the hotel. We also skied friday but it wasn't nearly as good. Way too many people on the hill. We got a great deal on a really nice hotel and passes. Seems not to many people want ski on Thanksgiving day.

Good to know, Tim! I usually avoid skiing during holiday periods (and honestly don't ski much during the day) so that actually didn't occur to me at first. Thanksgiving day we definitely can't do; family obligations. I was thinking more on Saturday of that weekend, though Friday seemed reasonable because I figured most would be out doing Black Friday shopping instead. Again, it may just be better to wait, play it by ear, and maybe do a daytrip instead.

I think today's trip to the ski shop got me a little amped up and I'm just excited to start making plans for the season.

 

[riverc0il]

NH is pretty spotty in November. I have no experience with Mount Snow, but they were pretty aggressive with snow making last year and should be included on the short list. Killington should not be over looked. Okemo may be a good option as well. If I was booking in advanced, I would go with an area that has the benefit of higher elevation and as far north within reason. The safe bet would be Killington.

 

[Johnskiismore]

We did Sunday River on Thanksgiving last year and it was great. Most places south didn't have that much open. Just to warn you, the Friday after thanksgiving is a zoo at most Mtns. Everyone has the day off and wants to get on the hill for the first time for the season. But the Mtns don't have enough terraine open to support the crowds. But Thanksgiving day is a whole different story. No one on the hill. We drove up Wed. night, skied all day Thursday and had a great thanksgiving dinner at the hotel. We also skied friday but it wasn't nearly as good. Way too many people on the hill. We got a great deal on a really nice hotel and passes. Seems not to many people want ski on Thanksgiving day.

I have to back this up, SR last Thanksgiving was great! Around 20 trails open, good conditions for that time of year, and no one on the hill! Especially after noon, there is an exodus of the few skiers/riders there. The preivous couple of Thanksgivings was okay with two or three trails.

At around 1:30 my girlfriend went to the condo to start cooking the delicious bird, and I stayed out until 2:30. Skiing, Thanksgiving Dinner, football, beer, mmmmmmmmmmm

 

[Terry]

I have to back this up, SR last Thanksgiving was great! Around 20 trails open, good conditions for that time of year, and no one on the hill! Especially after noon, there is an exodus of the few skiers/riders there. The preivous couple of Thanksgivings was okay with two or three trails.

At around 1:30 my girlfriend went to the condo to start cooking the delicious bird, and I stayed out until 2:30. Skiing, Thanksgiving Dinner, football, beer, mmmmmmmmmmm

Me too. I skied thanksgiving morning till about 1:30 and had a great time. We had the mt to ourselves!

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Okemo..close to Connecticut and most Thanksgiving weekends they have several trails open..

 

[gmcunni]

Okemo..close to Connecticut and most Thanksgiving weekends they have several trails open..

i think i'll be cutting up the cord on friday after t-day @ okemo

 

[SundayRiver Yeti]

I know you are not interested in ME, but my wife and I were at Sunday River last year, and it was quite fun-so I support your idea of a quick Thanksgiving weekend getaway-Do it!

 

[madskier6]

Last year, I took two of my sons to Stowe on Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving (I can't remember which day) & we had good conditions & the crowds weren't too bad. Plus, it's early season pricing at Stowe then ($54 I think) which is a lot less than regular season pricing. They happened to have some pretty good natural snow last year so it was worth it. Just something to keep in mind since Stowe is north enough & also has the elevation to support some decent early season skiing.

I would agree with most everyone else's suggestions about Okemo or Mt. Snow for that weekend as well. It just depends on the weather & how much natural snow they've gotten at that point. If you're relying on manmade, Okemo or Mt. Snow would probably be your best bets.

 

[hardline]

Last year, I took two of my sons to Stowe on Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving (I can't remember which day) & we had good conditions & the crowds weren't too bad. Plus, it's early season pricing at Stowe then ($54 I think) which is a lot less than regular season pricing. They happened to have some pretty good natural snow last year so it was worth it. Just something to keep in mind since Stowe is north enough & also has the elevation to support some decent early season skiing.

I would agree with most everyone else's suggestions about Okemo or Mt. Snow for that weekend as well. It just depends on the weather & how much natural snow they've gotten at that point. If you're relying on manmade, Okemo or Mt. Snow would probably be your best bets.

unless the have good natural snow. i really dont feel the drive is worth it. they would be better off with snow or okemo.

 

[madskier6]

unless the have good natural snow. i really dont feel the drive is worth it. they would be better off with snow or okemo.

That was my point. Last year they had good natural snow so it was worth it. If not a lot of natural, I suggested Okemo or Mt. Snow would be better.

 

[skimore]

All these comments about last year here and last year there don't hold water. There is the possiblity that no one is open or at least not worth bothering with at that time

 

[deadheadskier]

All these comments about last year here and last year there don't hold water. There is the possiblity that no one is open or at least not worth bothering with at that time

hey now, no negative talk :uzi:

 

[Geoff]

Historically, Thanksgiving Saturday is the most crowded day of the year at Killington. Last year, the combination of killing off the cheap season passes & ski club vouchers... and the delayed opening with lots of other resorts also having pretty good terrain available... it wasn't anywhere as mobbed as usual. The new management also changed the trail rollout to be more like what the old Preston Smith Killington used to do. The focus is on advanced terrain. Okemo probably had more miles of trails open but Killington had mostly advanced terrain that requires 2x or 3x the amount of snow to get it going.

As has been pointed out, you can never predict the weather leading up to Thanksgiving. Last year was sustained cold for 3 weeks and snowmaking systems ran 24x7 for most of the month. There was also an assist from mother nature. I can remember Thanksgiving at Killington (1999?) where the only trail open was Rime under the Glades triple and there were rocks and grass in every trough. It was open but it probably shouldn't have been. I can remember a number of other years where the only challenging trail they had managed to get covered was Mouse Trap on Snowdon.

I think the advice to wait until the last minute to pick your mountain is the right approach if you're skiing with day tickets. Some years, the best value is to stay home eating Turkey sandwiches and watching football games.

 

[BeanoNYC]

I think Mount Snow will make a good run of it. Plus if it's a wash, you haven't traveled too far.