The 2006 AlpineZone Ski Area Challenge: MAD RIVER GLEN (Ask them questions if ya' can!)

[skibum1321]

We're kind of getting off topic a bit here (I always seem to lead the Ski Area Challenges away from the topic). But you are correct in assuming that Slidebrook is bigger than the 20th by a large margin. You seem to be more cautious than I am (which is a good thing) because I probably would have gone for the freshies and tried to find my way out. Traffic in Slidebrook has increased substantially in the past couple of seasons. I would attribute a fair amount of traffic to the tours and the publicity that the tours have brought to the Slidebrook area. It is not uncommon to see 10-12 other people at one of the Slidebrook bus stops on a weekend day. This obviously leads to the more popular lines getting tracked out very quickly.

 

[kcyanks1]

We're kind of getting off topic a bit here (I always seem to lead the Ski Area Challenges away from the topic). But you are correct in assuming that Slidebrook is bigger than the 20th by a large margin. You seem to be more cautious than I am (which is a good thing) because I probably would have gone for the freshies and tried to find my way out. Traffic in Slidebrook has increased substantially in the past couple of seasons. I would attribute a fair amount of traffic to the tours and the publicity that the tours have brought to the Slidebrook area. It is not uncommon to see 10-12 other people at one of the Slidebrook bus stops on a weekend day. This obviously leads to the more popular lines getting tracked out very quickly.

I apologize for the off-topic stuff as well, but since it's interesting conversation, I'll continue (though if an admin wants us to move to another thread, please speak up).

The opportunity to get a bus at the bottom of Slidebrook itself probably makes it more popular than it would otherwise be. One big barrier for me to do the 20th Hole, or the Dip at Jay (or Big Jay, for that matter) would be getting back to the ski area afterwards. I've never hitchhiked before, and while I'm sure up in VT it would be pretty safe, I can't say that I'm completely comfortable with the idea.

As for being cautious in the backcountry, I can't profess to be completely innocent. I have skied glades myself, like the glades off of Paradise. Though Slidebrook was a whole other level for me, as it might be my only out-of-boundary skiing (as opposed to off-trail but in bounds skiing), and certainly was my only skiing that takes you away from the mountain, even if there is a bus to pick you up. So for that reason I was a little more cautious.

 

[skibum1321]

The first time I did the 20th we missed it and ended up 2 miles down the road. We were lucky and were picked up by an old couple going to MRG. They were actually there the first day Mad River opened. Like I said, though, if you hit the cat track there is no need to catch a ride back. The only other I've hitched a ride was on the way back from Slidebrook - a resort employee drove by and let us jump into the back of his pickup.

 

[kcyanks1]

The first time I did the 20th we missed it and ended up 2 miles down the road. We were lucky and were picked up by an old couple going to MRG. They were actually there the first day Mad River opened. Like I said, though, if you hit the cat track there is no need to catch a ride back. The only other I've hitched a ride was on the way back from Slidebrook - a resort employee drove by and let us jump into the back of his pickup.

For Slidebrook I've taken the shuttle back--pretty nice arrangement there. For MRG, since I haven't done it I'm not the expert, but I thought that the at least one of the routes (19th? 20th?) takes you to the Mad River Barn, which is a little down the road, and that other routes take you back to the ski area... Can you do anything and still hit that cat track (if you don't mind sharing...PM is fine if you'd prefer that, or if you'd prefer not to say anything at all, that's fine too)?

 

[Tin Woodsman]

For Slidebrook I've taken the shuttle back--pretty nice arrangement there. For MRG, since I haven't done it I'm not the expert, but I thought that the at least one of the routes (19th? 20th?) takes you to the Mad River Barn, which is a little down the road, and that other routes take you back to the ski area... Can you do anything and still hit that cat track (if you don't mind sharing...PM is fine if you'd prefer that, or if you'd prefer not to say anything at all, that's fine too)?

Let's take that sort of stuff backchannel, kids. Or better yet, make a date for next winter.

 

[riverc0il]

Let's take that sort of stuff backchannel, kids. Or better yet, make a date for next winter.

Right on Tin Woodsman. As for BC tours, I think once you have found the goods, you will begin to frown on the idea of tours. They seem appealing when you lack the information, but they will not be appealing once you see fresh lines tracked out by 9am. Dishing the goods online won't help either. I have not skied any of these lines but were not take a tour even if one was available. Do some research, pack appropriate gear, and grab a friend. Forums like this certainly help people to team up to go exploring. If you are not willing to go exploring with a friend, you should probably question whether you really should be going BC at all. Familiarity is a false sense of security we should all be aware of. skibum1321's suggestion of doing a work day is spot on. Even if you do not work the line you are interested in, likely someone would offer you a tip or two to point you in the right direction if you were working to help the mountain.

 

[kcyanks1]

Right on Tin Woodsman. As for BC tours, I think once you have found the goods, you will begin to frown on the idea of tours. They seem appealing when you lack the information, but they will not be appealing once you see fresh lines tracked out by 9am. Dishing the goods online won't help either. I have not skied any of these lines but were not take a tour even if one was available.

Sorry to be getting to close to disclosing secrets, I'm not meaning to ruin anything. I realized I might be asking too much at that point, which is why I offered skibum1321 an easy out to just not reply (of course he could have just not replied on his own too).

I see your point about tours. I think for huge areas like Slidebrook though there can be a "tour route" yet still plenty available for fresh tracks for those who choose not to go on the tour, as it's such a huge area. Maybe the MRG 19th/20th area wouldn't quite fit that description. I agree that formal tours to specific runs that can get skied out after only a couple skiers makes a lot less sense.

Do some research, pack appropriate gear, and grab a friend. Forums like this certainly help people to team up to go exploring. If you are not willing to go exploring with a friend, you should probably question whether you really should be going BC at all. Familiarity is a false sense of security we should all be aware of.

You have much more BC experience than me, but I don't quite agree with all of that. I do have friends that I would trust enough to lead me or guide me through BC areas, but if neither of us have been to a specific area, I do not believe that if we are unwilling to go off on our own (with the proper equipment) then we shouldn't be going off after having been shown the area by someone who knows it. I realize that even with familiarity many dangers still apply (still can get lost, still can get hurt and be away from the ski area, still have whatever unmarked hazards exist in BC terrain), but I think familiarity is meaningful.

skibum1321's suggestion of doing a work day is spot on. Even if you do not work the line you are interested in, likely someone would offer you a tip or two to point you in the right direction if you were working to help the mountain.

It was a good suggestion. I plan to look into it.

 

[thetrailboss]

The fat lady is singing on this thread...couple more days. :wink:

 

[thetrailboss]

Nudge....


No MORE questions??????

 

[thetrailboss]

And....this thread is dead.

Going to choose questions. Thanks folks.

 

[Greg]

Eric's responses are in!

http://skiing.alpinezone.com/articles/challenge/2006/response.htm?resort=madriver

 

[bvibert]

I mostly skimmed the answers, but what I read looked good. Seemed like he took some time to answer the questions. He's probably the first guy to put his email address in his response for any follow up questions... :beer:

 

[Greg]

This is a great map. I wish there were more maps like that available for other ski areas.

 

[Greg]

Bump. I'm surprised there was no other feedback here...

 

[noski]

re: feedback

....maybe it was that picture Eric posted at the very very end.....I am still laughing. But seriously, Eric is the real deal. We are lucky to have him.

 

[Sky]

Eric's responses are in!

Eric's answers are terrific. Congrats to AZ staff for maintianing such high street cred to warrant such considered responses.

 

[Mr MRG]

No news is...

No news is generally good news in my book.
Thanks for the props.
Please don't ever hesitate to contact me personally if you ever have any questions, comments or suggestions.
eric@madriverglen.com or (802) 496-3551 ext 111

 

[bvibert]

....maybe it was that picture Eric posted at the very very end.....I am still laughing. But seriously, Eric is the real deal. We are lucky to have him.

That was a nice touch..