The "Sugarbush Thread"

[Duncanator24]

Ski patrol also spent all day Saturday clearing tree limbs on CR. Would have been a real big waste of time if that was the last weekend of operations. I could see the lift closing for the season to save costs but the trails remaining open for hiking. The hike over from Paradise isn't too much trouble anyways.

 

[KustyTheKlown]

looks like bush was lovely this weekend. i was down at k and pico. the snow (~7") was heavier than the bush snow looks but the skiing was still quite good.

 

[slatham]

Has anyone heard any more on the status of Castle Rock and North Lynx for the upcoming weekend?

 

[bushpilot]

Don't they close North Lynx at a certain time of the season because of the slide brook bear sanctuary? Could CR close for the same reason?

 

[cdskier]

I didn't think North Lynx itself was restricted for the Slide Brook bear habitat, but I suppose it is a possibility.

CR has to be snow (or lack thereof) on the runouts. Just looking at the CR webcam at the bottom of the lift shows snow disappearing fast.

Big difference this year in snow totals at the top vs the bottom...and now in this weather it sure is showing.

 

[Sons of Thunder]

Worth hitting the Bush after Easter? Thinking of driving up on Sunday and staying a couple nights. The thing that has me really worried is my daughter recently switched from skis to snowboard so greens have to be in play..am I out of luck?

 

[cdskier]

I can give you a report Friday/Saturday after I see firsthand what it looks like. I wouldn't at all be surprised though if the Gatehouse side ends up closing this weekend. Usually by mid-April they are down to just Super Bravo and Heaven's Gate lifts if possible. That would leave no greens in that case.

If it wasn't for needing greens, I'd say it would have most likely been worth it.

 

[Duncanator24]

Worth hitting the Bush after Easter? Thinking of driving up on Sunday and staying a couple nights. The thing that has me really worried is my daughter recently switched from skis to snowboard so greens have to be in play..am I out of luck?

While Jester and Downspout are both Blues, they are definitely manageable even for a beginner. It's certainly guaranteed that as long as the lifts are running, both those trails will be operational. Those are long and varied enough to keep someone occupied all day long.

But yeah Gate House would be the ideal spot to ride if that manages to stay open, but it would be doubtful depending on how much warm weather and rain comes in the next couple of weeks.

 

[jimmywilson69]

I also thought about Jester. Should be a rated a green, but it does keep "true beginners" off of it rated blue since lower has some many trail crossings and intersections.

Nice things about Jester>Downspout is an intermediate and an advanced person can lap the lift. My wife and I do it all the time.

Downspout can be challenging though, as it is definitely a "high intermediate" run. When its cowded they don't call it "deathspout" without good reason.

 

[cdskier]

I disagree that Jester should be green. It is a legitimate Blue in my opinion. The switchbacks have decent pitch to them and as the day goes on they can get interesting depending on snow conditions and would be fairly challenging for a beginner.

Also keep in mind that in the spring, things bump up quickly which could easily add more challenge for a beginner.

 

[WWF-VT]

From today's snow report :" Spring skiing conditions are variable and challenging. Stay in-control and aware of sudden water bars, soft snow patches, and open water "

 

[Jcb890]

From today's snow report :" Spring skiing conditions are variable and challenging. Stay in-control and aware of sudden water bars, soft snow patches, and open water "

Oh man, that sounds interesting to say the least!

 

[SIKSKIER]

Watching the Gatehouse cam the last few days the loading area has been a giant slush puddle.Looks like its taking it hard.This morning looks like it has been repaired pretty good.

 

[SIKSKIER]

"Expect some natural trails at lower elevations to close throughout the day today after patrol assesses terrain this morning. "

 

[cdskier]

"Expect some natural trails at lower elevations to close throughout the day today after patrol assesses terrain this morning. "

And looking at the trail report it looks like most (maybe even all) lower elevation natural trails are now closed. Mall, Twist, Moonshine, Lower Birdland, Domino, etc are all now closed.

 

[tumbler]

It is mid April after all, pretty good coverage for this time of year.

 

[Hawk]

I'm with Tumbler. All things considered we are at a pretty good place here at Sugarbush for this time of year. This weekend should be pretty fun with most of the terrain open at HG.

 

[Duncanator24]

I disagree that Jester should be green. It is a legitimate Blue in my opinion. The switchbacks have decent pitch to them and as the day goes on they can get interesting depending on snow conditions and would be fairly challenging for a beginner.

Also keep in mind that in the spring, things bump up quickly which could easily add more challenge for a beginner.

Definitely agree that the blue rating is appropriate. But both are still good beginner trails, especially for a snowboarder with skiing experience. You can go straight down it and not get into trouble so making any attempt at controlling speed should be easy on there. Plus its more so the grooming and reliable snow quality that really makes it doable.

I would definitely want to recommend the Blues over at Mt Ellen ahead of Jester/Downspout but obviously thats not relevant until next season.

 

[dlague]

Definitely agree that the blue rating is appropriate. But both are still good beginner trails, especially for a snowboarder with skiing experience. You can go straight down it and not get into trouble so making any attempt at controlling speed should be easy on there. Plus its more so the grooming and reliable snow quality that really makes it doable.

I would definitely want to recommend the Blues over at Mt Ellen ahead of Jester/Downspout but obviously thats not relevant until next season.

With the switchbacks that can get scraped off quickly, a beginner might be challenged. Also more experienced skiers like to fly through those turns which a beginner might also be concerned with. I think it is also ok for beginners though as long as they are aware of faster skiers and boarders.

 

[ceo]

I found Jester not particularly challenging when I was 5 and definitely a beginner. It was a green at the time.