The "Sugarbush Thread"

[hovercraft]

Screw those automated forecasts. What is Scott Braaten saying? I tust him.

I find this report to be pretty accurate

 

[Hawk]

Ok we will see. Not going to Stowe anytime soon.

 

[hovercraft]

I guess we will, thanks for the warning

 

[Hawk]

You're most welcome.

 

[Hawk]

This is a Sugarbush thread after all but here is the National Weather Service Report form the Burlighton office for Mt Mansfield peak. I don't see 6" here and even if it snows it sounds like significant freezing rain before.

 

[cdskier]

I find this report to be pretty accurate

That's surprising as they are notorious for being pretty terrible. I'd never use them for planning any sort of trip. The algorithm they use pretty much assumes all precip that falls in temps below freezing will be snow...which is certainly not always the case.

The NWS forecast that Hawk posted is actually what I had used. I also read the forecast discussion from NWS Burlington. Real meteorologists providing actual analysis and forecasts instead of just an automated algorithm that can't even tell the difference between freezing rain, sleet, and snow.

FWIW, I did make it to Stowe today. Really turned out to be a very nice day. Sure a lot of the natural terrain I'd like to ski isn't open, but oh well. I will say I was impressed by the depth and coverage of their snow-making trails. I also thought their grooming was pretty impressive (not to knock SB's grooming as this may simply be a factor of Stowe's groomers having more snow depth and a better snow surface to work with to provide a more even, consistent surface with deeper cord). You can also rack up a lot of vertical very quickly. That said, the conservative nature of the Stowe Ski Patrol would drive me nuts. Half the trails at SB would rarely be open if our patrol was like that. So I'm very thankful for SB's patrol being so aggressive and lenient with opening trails and leaving a good deal of the decisions on whether to ski something up to us skiers. I also really could never see myself dealing with the crowds they have on the weekends. A couple people I talked to on the lifts said they're just absolutely overrun on weekends. At least at Sugarbush our trail and lift setup gives you many more options to avoid crowds. At Stowe, way too many trails are accessed from the same couple lifts. I know some people don't like the pod setup, but I really like it. I'll gladly take 500' less vertical per run if it means I don't need to stand in a long line at the base because everyone is trying to ride the same lift.

I'd still like to get a mid-winter (mid-week) day at Stowe at some point when everything is open and in play...but overall I'm still very happy for SB to be my home mountain.

 

[KustyTheKlown]

That's surprising as they are notorious for being pretty terrible. I'd never use them for planning any sort of trip. The algorithm they use pretty much assumes all precip that falls in temps below freezing will be snow...which is certainly not always the case.

The NWS forecast that Hawk posted is actually what I had used. I also read the forecast discussion from NWS Burlington. Real meteorologists providing actual analysis and forecasts instead of just an automated algorithm that can't even tell the difference between freezing rain, sleet, and snow.

FWIW, I did make it to Stowe today. Really turned out to be a very nice day. Sure a lot of the natural terrain I'd like to ski isn't open, but oh well. I will say I was impressed by the depth and coverage of their snow-making trails. I also thought their grooming was pretty impressive (not to knock SB's grooming as this may simply be a factor of Stowe's groomers having more snow depth and a better snow surface to work with to provide a more even, consistent surface with deeper cord). You can also rack up a lot of vertical very quickly. That said, the conservative nature of the Stowe Ski Patrol would drive me nuts. Half the trails at SB would rarely be open if our patrol was like that. So I'm very thankful for SB's patrol being so aggressive and lenient with opening trails and leaving a good deal of the decisions on whether to ski something up to us skiers. I also really could never see myself dealing with the crowds they have on the weekends. A couple people I talked to on the lifts said they're just absolutely overrun on weekends. At least at Sugarbush our trail and lift setup gives you many more options to avoid crowds. At Stowe, way too many trails are accessed from the same couple lifts. I know some people don't like the pod setup, but I really like it. I'll gladly take 500' less vertical per run if it means I don't need to stand in a long line at the base because everyone is trying to ride the same lift.

I'd still like to get a mid-winter (mid-week) day at Stowe at some point when everything is open and in play...but overall I'm still very happy for SB to be my home mountain.

they've always been conservative, but its so much worse since vail. it would drive me crazy. sugarbush's ski it if you dare policy suits my skiing style perfectly.

 

[HowieT2]

That's surprising as they are notorious for being pretty terrible. I'd never use them for planning any sort of trip. The algorithm they use pretty much assumes all precip that falls in temps below freezing will be snow...which is certainly not always the case.

The NWS forecast that Hawk posted is actually what I had used. I also read the forecast discussion from NWS Burlington. Real meteorologists providing actual analysis and forecasts instead of just an automated algorithm that can't even tell the difference between freezing rain, sleet, and snow.

FWIW, I did make it to Stowe today. Really turned out to be a very nice day. Sure a lot of the natural terrain I'd like to ski isn't open, but oh well. I will say I was impressed by the depth and coverage of their snow-making trails. I also thought their grooming was pretty impressive (not to knock SB's grooming as this may simply be a factor of Stowe's groomers having more snow depth and a better snow surface to work with to provide a more even, consistent surface with deeper cord). You can also rack up a lot of vertical very quickly. That said, the conservative nature of the Stowe Ski Patrol would drive me nuts. Half the trails at SB would rarely be open if our patrol was like that. So I'm very thankful for SB's patrol being so aggressive and lenient with opening trails and leaving a good deal of the decisions on whether to ski something up to us skiers. I also really could never see myself dealing with the crowds they have on the weekends. A couple people I talked to on the lifts said they're just absolutely overrun on weekends. At least at Sugarbush our trail and lift setup gives you many more options to avoid crowds. At Stowe, way too many trails are accessed from the same couple lifts. I know some people don't like the pod setup, but I really like it. I'll gladly take 500' less vertical per run if it means I don't need to stand in a long line at the base because everyone is trying to ride the same lift.

I'd still like to get a mid-winter (mid-week) day at Stowe at some point when everything is open and in play...but overall I'm still very happy for SB to be my home mountain.

I think that mountain-forecast and snow-forecast are derived from the GFS model. I've looked at it pretty consistently (some might say obsessively) over the last few years because it does give you a more accurate depiction of the elevation forecast than say looking at the town or valley where the mountain is located. But it is subject to the reliance on a single mesoscale model as opposed to a forecast from meteorologists taking in multiple models. And you're correct, it doesn't account for other forms of frozen precipitation.
NWS Burlington does produce what they call an enhanced mountain point forecast for the summits. It only goes out a few days. You can find the mt ellen forecast at this link.

Enhanced Mountain Point Forecasts

www.weather.gov

 

[cdskier]

I think that mountain-forecast and snow-forecast are derived from the GFS model. I've looked at it pretty consistently (some might say obsessively) over the last few years because it does give you a more accurate depiction of the elevation forecast than say looking at the town or valley where the mountain is located. But it is subject to the reliance on a single mesoscale model as opposed to a forecast from meteorologists taking in multiple models. And you're correct, it doesn't account for other forms of frozen precipitation.
NWS Burlington does produce what they call an enhanced mountain point forecast for the summits. It only goes out a few days. You can find the mt ellen forecast at this link.

Enhanced Mountain Point Forecasts

www.weather.gov

I don't know why those mountain point summit forecasts only go out such a short time-frame. Would be nice if they at least went out 3-4 days. But on the bright side,
NWS also has point forecasts for different elevations that you can get the full forecasts for by clicking around the map on their normal forecast pages until you find the approximate elevation you want. For example this one is Sugarbush at 2800': https://forecast.weather.gov/MapCli...=44.1414&textField2=-72.8961&e=0#.YjuOLTUpCUk

 

[hovercraft]

That's surprising as they are notorious for being pretty terrible. I'd never use them for planning any sort of trip. The algorithm they use pretty much assumes all precip that falls in temps below freezing will be snow...which is certainly not always the case.

The NWS forecast that Hawk posted is actually what I had used. I also read the forecast discussion from NWS Burlington. Real meteorologists providing actual analysis and forecasts instead of just an automated algorithm that can't even tell the difference between freezing rain, sleet, and snow.

FWIW, I did make it to Stowe today. Really turned out to be a very nice day. Sure a lot of the natural terrain I'd like to ski isn't open, but oh well. I will say I was impressed by the depth and coverage of their snow-making trails. I also thought their grooming was pretty impressive (not to knock SB's grooming as this may simply be a factor of Stowe's groomers having more snow depth and a better snow surface to work with to provide a more even, consistent surface with deeper cord). You can also rack up a lot of vertical very quickly. That said, the conservative nature of the Stowe Ski Patrol would drive me nuts. Half the trails at SB would rarely be open if our patrol was like that. So I'm very thankful for SB's patrol being so aggressive and lenient with opening trails and leaving a good deal of the decisions on whether to ski something up to us skiers. I also really could never see myself dealing with the crowds they have on the weekends. A couple people I talked to on the lifts said they're just absolutely overrun on weekends. At least at Sugarbush our trail and lift setup gives you many more options to avoid crowds. At Stowe, way too many trails are accessed from the same couple lifts. I know some people don't like the pod setup, but I really like it. I'll gladly take 500' less vertical per run if it means I don't need to stand in a long line at the base because everyone is trying to ride the same lift.

I'd still like to get a mid-winter (mid-week) day at Stowe at some point when everything is open and in play...but overall I'm still very happy for SB to be my home mountain.

I find them very accurate on wind speeds, elevation forecast, on snow amounts I find them reliable maybe not as much as they are on wind and elevation data. You are correct on the conservative nature of trail opening. SB is more aggressive in that area. When it comes to snow making, grooming, and the mountain getting more snow over the season Stowe has it over SB. Early season without snow there is more terrain open at Stowe due to the increased snow making capability. With a rain event they recover quicker as well. I agree SB can move people around in a more efficient manor because of the pod system. As far as crowds go Stowe does get crazy at times on the weekends, and with that being said I never waited more then 10 to 12 minutes in line this year. I have been a pass holder at both mountains over the years. Both mountains are great, they just have different price of admissions to play there. Depending what aspects of the mountain you value more will dictate where you go. We are lucky that we have two great mountains to choose from…. Sounds like you had a good time. Next time you visit let me know, I would be more then happy to tour you around!!!

 

[WinS]

I had a great day at ME skiing with a college friend. Other than Looking Good only skied groomers. Snow holding up well and the groomers did a terrific job. We did fast cruisers for three hours under blue bird skies with almost no one there and then a nice lunch at GML. My weather forecast is when wake up in the morning and look out the window.

 

[Kingslug20]

Probably..the most accurite forecast..
Nose out window

 

[mikec142]

I had a great day at ME skiing with a college friend. Other than Looking Good only skied groomers. Snow holding up well and the groomers did a terrific job. We did fast cruisers for three hours under blue bird skies with almost no one there and then a nice lunch at GML. My weather forecast is when wake up in the morning and look out the window.

Sounds like an awesome day at ME.

Sadly, living 5+ hours from SB, it's hard to make decisions about skiing by looking out the window. Someday though!

 

[slatham]

As far as weather is concerned, if you're not going to invest in looking at forecast models etc., at least read the NWS Forecast Discussion.

 

[Apple Country]

I think we are going to do the 8 lesson pack for the kids at Sugarbush next season. Don't want to be locked into weekly programs just yet and want to do lessons at a destination mountain.

The misery of scheduling lessons at Epic Mountains is a significant reason we are not renewing; very limited availability, full day only, etc.

Anyone have difficulty scheduling lessons at Sugarbush this year? I get that the holidays book up early but any other issues this year?

 

[STREETSKIER]

I wouldn’t be wishing for snow
Ain’t going to happen it’s spring
Pray for warm sun and cold nights to set up and corn days
Saturday could be ok but then a lockup

North lynx hanging in like mad river at xmass

 

[ducky]

Scott Braaten's Mansfield forecast this morning: The good news is that there will be no traffic on the mountain road.

 

[Kingslug20]

And there ya go..

 

[mikec142]

Scott Braaten's Mansfield forecast this morning: The good news is that there will be no traffic on the mountain road.

I didn't see it...link please.

 

[STREETSKIER]

Deep corn today