Thanksgiving weekend: where in VT or NH?

[severine]

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

There's always that possibility, whether it's Thanksgiving or the middle of January. That's a given. I was just looking for opinions on what's likely to be open, historically speaking.

Thanksgiving is November 27th this year. Last year, I skied opening day at Mohawk Mtn in CT on December 4th. So the timing is "ripe", I suppose, for the likelihood of something good being open. But I understand that I am trying to make soft plans for something that's 2.5 months from now and there's no way to predict. I got that.

I'm an intermediate skier so advanced terrain being open is not a plus for me. In fact, that's one of the reasons why I have not skied in November before - lack of available terrain that I can actually ski. The more I think about it, the more I'm leaning toward doing a daytrip to somewhere like Okemo or Mt Snow. Then at least if the weather doesn't cooperate up until that point, I'm not out money for hotel. I'll save it for the MRV trip in March.

 

[riverc0il]

Thanksgiving is November 27th this year. Last year, I skied opening day at Mohawk Mtn in CT on December 4th. So the timing is "ripe", I suppose, for the likelihood of something good being open. But I understand that I am trying to make soft plans for something that's 2.5 months from now and there's no way to predict. I got that.

Last year was an anomaly for early season skiing. There have been years where hardly any ski areas were open Thanksgiving weekend and even those open were barely holding on to what little snow they had. Its always a roll of the dice in November and early December, more so than any other time of the season. Don't judge early season being ripe by last year.

If Intermediate terrain is your game, then Mount Snow or Okemo are the best bets for sure.

 

[Vortex]

With your drive I would think somwhere in Vt would be better.

Sr was really good last year over the turkey day holiday. I think Sat was actually very cold. I would look into a place that has an indoor pool and kind of give your self options. If a drive was not an issue, Sr would be a good choice. Two years ago they made snow for a couple hours at at time casue that was the only temp window they had. They got open. Last year was more like a week of two into December.

SR does have a friendly vibe. Terry came over for cocktails on Turkey Day I think Thaller 1 came as well., Jerry G and our spouces went out Friday night. We had a meet and Greet on sat. Festive is the wrong word, but the right direction.

 

[Geoff]

If Intermediate terrain is your game, then Mount Snow or Okemo are the best bets for sure.

+1

From Connecticut, those are the clear choice most years.

 

[tjf67]

I would take alook at what hill wants to get out of the gates quick. I think Mt Snow, Okemo, or Killington are going to have the most terrain open. If there are no kids involved go to K-mart and the party will be on.

 

[danpop]

So early in the season I look for how much terrain is open & snow condition; not advanced terrain.

With that in mind, three years ago we had excellent conditions at Bretton Woods. Although they did not have a lot open (they could have!), whatever was open it looked mid-winter… Nice.

2 years ago we went out West because nothing was skiable in NE (we cancelled our Killington trip – it turned out that even a month later, for Christmas, the conditions were marginal at Killington, it really sucked).

Last year we did Mt. Snow… honestly I would not recommend it. They had couple of opened trails. All ice and super crowded.

I would try Sunday River (I know is ME), but it’s very close to NH border… or Bretton Woods (based on my experience from few years ago).

 

[drjeff]

Mount Snow with the extra 150 fan guns over last year + the closer drive + the cruiser friendly terrain = winner (once again NOT that I'm Mount Snow biased )

 

[thetrailboss]

I'd also suggest Mount Snow if you can't drive too far north.