The "Sugarbush Thread"

[Newpylong]

https://skiracing.com/gmvs-to-benefit-from-multi-million-dollar-on-hill-investments-at-sugarbush-resort/?fbclid=IwAR1A0BeZ3ADwgOKOhNGB6NX18LHKvVBfAjjqTfFWaiTNP4mWyLbz7EWgXGw

The part about the pumping upgrade is a little murky because they mention both Inverness and the summit, but those are completely separate water distribution systems (two pump houses).

Not surprised to see the lower T-Bar being yanked and better on hill gear installed. I'm sure they'll go with Kliks and Impulses to replace the No Logics.

 

[ericfromMA/NH/VT]

That's the thing now. We get so many new IKON people showing up that have no idea what Sugarbush is all about. I mean if you ski mountains that concetrate on blowing snow and grooming all trails, all the time, well then you are going to be a disapontied at sugarbush. It is definately more of an intermedeate expert mountain.

I'm going to be one of the new IKON folks this year, I'm psyched as i know what SB is all about. 0 complaints here.

Actually, for blues there are 3 at Sugarbush that come to mind. The entrance into Moonshine can be pretty challenging for an intermedeate on any given day. I have seen people and equipment strewn about the trail many times from failed attempts on entry. Also the right side of Murphy's on some days is pretty bumped and Birdland lately has remainded a bump trail.

I am not sure what the Blue standard is but I feel that most mountains have blues mogul free and I am saying this is a general thing. I am sure are are acception to the rules. Sugarbush's overall grading is not really a typical thing. I mean, I have been on an ungroomed upper organgrinder that was brearly skiable. I would call that a double diamond on sime days. But that is me. Maybe a bad example.

I like to consider myself a strong intermediate skier. Sugarbush is a challenging mountain for folks like me. But, I stay on the trials I can handle and have a blast. I would consider some blues harder than the average blue trial but I can ski them (although the entrance to Moonshine has kept me off that one...) there are many mountains you can say that about. Some blues are easy. Complaining about Birch is stupid. Its not a hard trail even when its bumped up, and I am not the strongest mogul skier. Its actually a GREAT trial to practice bumps. Same with Murphy's. Heck, I've heard people complain Walt's should be a blue because its ungroomed...its flat folks, get real. I've started skiing more blacks at SB the last couple years, but I still avoid those that i think are above my pay grade and ski those that are what me and my kids call "Smart challengees". Gonna push the limit of our ability but not put us in situations that are way over our heads.

MT Ellen is the king of easy blue trials. My wife loves it. enough said.

And if you find yourself at the top of castlerock wondering why the trails are so hard you are a blind idiot. I mean the trail down to it from over near lower jester or whatever trail over there has the little run down the lift is narrow and filled with bumps. That should alert most even if you missed the signs.

We switched from epic to IKON this year due to a big trip to Tremblant. I cannot wait to ski sugarbush more this season.

 

[drjeff]

https://skiracing.com/gmvs-to-benefit-from-multi-million-dollar-on-hill-investments-at-sugarbush-resort/?fbclid=IwAR1A0BeZ3ADwgOKOhNGB6NX18LHKvVBfAjjqTfFWaiTNP4mWyLbz7EWgXGw

The part about the pumping upgrade is a little murky because they mention both Inverness and the summit, but those are completely separate water distribution systems (two pump houses).

Not surprised to see the lower T-Bar being yanked and better on hill gear installed. I'm sure they'll go with Kliks and Impulses to replace the No Logics.

I read that as expect the Kelly Brush Race Arena on Inverness Peak to be covered with FIRM snow all season, that if and when the general public is allowed to ski it, they won't find it a surface that they'll enjoy, unless they have a past racing background and a well tuned pair of skis underfoot!

On a more serious note, from a racing perspective, the facilities that GMVS has on Inverness and Brambles are without a doubt some of the best slalom and GS in particular, training facilites in the East, right up there with say Burke, Cannon, Sunday River, Stowe, and Sugarloaf just to name a few thta quikly come to mind

 

[ericfromMA/NH/VT]

As far as a paint job, they should save the money for something else, the look of the lifts never really bother as long as its reliable.

I know there will be a ton of people that will disagree, I would like to see them upgrade NL to a quad and add some additional trails for the intermediate crowd that skis over at Gatehouse. It would help ease some traffic and spread that crowd out.

A lodge at the top of GH would be nice too.

i agree that would be a great addition. It would spread things out.

 

[cdskier]

https://skiracing.com/gmvs-to-benefit-from-multi-million-dollar-on-hill-investments-at-sugarbush-resort/?fbclid=IwAR1A0BeZ3ADwgOKOhNGB6NX18LHKvVBfAjjqTfFWaiTNP4mWyLbz7EWgXGw

The part about the pumping upgrade is a little murky because they mention both Inverness and the summit, but those are completely separate water distribution systems (two pump houses).

Not surprised to see the lower T-Bar being yanked and better on hill gear installed. I'm sure they'll go with Kliks and Impulses to replace the No Logics.

Yea...not sure what the summit pumping upgrades have to do with GMVS/Inverness.

Also interesting that they're going with a Prinoth groomer. Aren't all the other groomers at SB PBs?

 

[drjeff]

Yea...not sure what the summit pumping upgrades have to do with GMVS/Inverness.

Also interesting that they're going with a Prinoth groomer. Aren't all the other groomers at SB PBs?

Prinoth is an official supplier/partner to the US Ski and Snowboard Association. GMVS is one of the few clubs in the United states that has top Gold level recognition bu the Us Ski Team. Guessing the groomer choice has something to do with that

 

[thetrailboss]

https://skiracing.com/gmvs-to-benefit-from-multi-million-dollar-on-hill-investments-at-sugarbush-resort/?fbclid=IwAR1A0BeZ3ADwgOKOhNGB6NX18LHKvVBfAjjqTfFWaiTNP4mWyLbz7EWgXGw

The part about the pumping upgrade is a little murky because they mention both Inverness and the summit, but those are completely separate water distribution systems (two pump houses).

Not surprised to see the lower T-Bar being yanked and better on hill gear installed. I'm sure they'll go with Kliks and Impulses to replace the No Logics.

There are a few things that do not make sense. First, the author mentions removal of one T-Bar and then goes on to say "the addition of a new T-Bar". Are they adding a new lift that is not otherwise mentioned?

Second, I also agree with the comment about the pumping capacity on the main mountain. I'm not sure how that is connected.

Third, I am not following how removal of the T-Bar will "optimize the snowmaking system". I understand that the removal will open up the terrain for skiing (IIRC this is right below the exit of Brambles) so I presume that the author means that there is one less obstacle for snowmaking?

Mixed feelings about Inverness becoming the GMVS only area. It is great to have them in ONE isolated area. Anyone who skis Burke knows that there is tension between visitors and the racing community taking over different areas of the mountain outside of Warren's Way and racers frequently "training" just about everywhere. So it's good to have the activity contained. But personally I loved the trails on that side because nobody skied there and the snow was good. Brambles, Walt's, Semi-Tough, and Inverness were all fun areas. But I understand the logic in trying to utilize underused areas.

 

[Newpylong]

No new T-Bar being added, they're referring to the large (main) one.

I assumed they were referring to the Inverness system but that pumping capacity is limited by the small pond there, so maybe that isn't changing, who knows.

I think they just mean they can use towers along the whole length and not have to worry about the Lower T-Bar. Far simpler...

Is there anything preventing the public from taking the T-Bar or Northway to ski Walt's or Semi-Tough while Inverness and Brambles are closed mid-week? I am a '99 GMVS grad, so all of this is new to me. We had to ride the Quad, sometimes our Poma ran. Either way the public could still ride and ski other trails that weren't on.

 

[cdskier]

No new T-Bar being added, they're referring to the large (main) one.

I assumed they were referring to the Inverness system but that pumping capacity is limited by the small pond there, so maybe that isn't changing, who knows.

I think they just mean they can use towers along the whole length and not have to worry about the Lower T-Bar. Far simpler...

Is there anything preventing the public from taking the T-Bar or Northway to ski Walt's or Semi-Tough while Inverness and Brambles are closed mid-week? I am a '99 GMVS grad, so all of this is new to me. We had to ride the Quad, sometimes our Poma ran. Either way the public could still ride and ski other trails that weren't on.

Yes, they just put in a new T-Bar a year or two ago on skier's right that goes pretty much the entire length. Since that new one went in, not sure if I've seen them use the lower/shorter T-Bar on skier's left below Brambles once. So makes sense to pull that out and make it easier to put towers and guns on that side.

Nothing that I see in that article implies any changes to access to the Inverness area. Inverness itself has been reserved for racing probably 95% of the time for quite some time. Brambles may or may not be reserved as well depending on where exactly they are racing/training. Walts and Semi-Tough are almost always open (conditions permitting of course). Although last year they pretty much always made you enter Semi-Tough from part way down Walts...which I don't like one bit. You miss the very top of Semi-Tough and the cut from Walt's to Semi-Tough is slightly uphill.

The T-Bar is NOT open to the public however. To use the Inverness area the public either needs to take the Inverness Quad or ski over Northway. I do both on a regular basis.

 

[thetrailboss]

No new T-Bar being added, they're referring to the large (main) one.

I assumed they were referring to the Inverness system but that pumping capacity is limited by the small pond there, so maybe that isn't changing, who knows.

I think they just mean they can use towers along the whole length and not have to worry about the Lower T-Bar. Far simpler...

Is there anything preventing the public from taking the T-Bar or Northway to ski Walt's or Semi-Tough while Inverness and Brambles are closed mid-week? I am a '99 GMVS grad, so all of this is new to me. We had to ride the Quad, sometimes our Poma ran. Either way the public could still ride and ski other trails that weren't on.

My sense is that the surface lift(s) is GMVS only. I believe that they paid for the lift.

 

[Newpylong]

But do they still run the Quad mid-week when training or no?

 

[cdskier]

But do they still run the Quad mid-week when training or no?

Mid-week...not usually. Your only option mid-week would be Northway.

 

[teleo]

Don't know the details of pumping infrastructure at ME. But I'm pretty certain there are some contractual agreements to get GMVS terrain open early. I heard last year's early weather and that requirement delayed opening of sunnyside Q terrain quite a bit. Was an issue for VT Adaptive programs and spreading some people around. I think it also caused GMVS to train on elbow and other trails further limitting terrain.

My read of the new infrastructure is that it should help with all of that if early season weather doesn't cooperate.

 

[mikec142]

The Organgrinder example raises a good point. Trail ratings are merely a starting point and can 100% vary day to day based on actual conditions. To go back to the Moonshine example, if it was just groomed, it can almost feel more like a green. While if it has icy bumps, it can easily feel like a black. Conditions play a factor and always need to be considered. There are days that I wouldn't think about touching some trails. There are other days I have no qualms about jumping into any trail on the mountain.

As you say...depends on the day. The entrance to Moonshine can be challenging if it's iced up. the bottom 2/3rds of Upper Organgrinder is ridiculous on an icy day. The headwall of Domino can be pretty challenging. That said, with the right conditions, Moonshine and Domino can be two of my favorite trails on the LP side. Sadly, OG is rarely a favorite of mine.

 

[MadPadraic]

there's nothing at all wrong with Sugarbush's trail ratings.

On the whole, I agree with you, but I shall also nitpick.
Rip Cord is a double and Organ Grinder and spill way are singles?
Bravo is a single but Exterminator is a double?
Birdland typically rides like a black.
Perhaps Lixi's twist should be a blue?

Silly nitpicking aside, SB does a very good job being consistent in their ratings, is communicative on their daily report, and does a good job with on mountain signs/warnings.

To go very off topic, King's Landing at Sugarloaf is probably the most egregiously mis-rated trail in the East that I've encountered. Sugarbush has nothing like that.

if you ski mountains that concetrate on blowing snow and grooming all trails, all the time, well then you are going to be a disapontied at sugarbush.

Or perhaps you'll have your world expanded and have a rather awesome time.

You will get no arguments about the grooming part

I continue to want one of Bravo/Exterminator/Black Diamond/FIS to be groomed during periods of zero snowfall. The Cliffs just doesn't scratch that itch sufficiently.

 

[cdskier]

On the whole, I agree with you, but I shall also nitpick.
Rip Cord is a double and Organ Grinder and spill way are singles?
Bravo is a single but Exterminator is a double?
Birdland typically rides like a black.

So the Ripcord vs Organgrinder comment brings up an interesting point...years ago these trails were treated the reverse that they are today. Meaning OG was regularly groomed and RC was regularly left to bump up. RC is also legitimately steeper than OG. In that context, the trail ratings seem appropriate at the time. Should they change the trail ratings? I say leave them as is.

Bravo being a single and Ext being a double I think are appropriate ratings. Ext tends to get much larger bumps than Bravo. Other than the rocky headwall of Bravo (which is like 2 or 3 turns and you're done with that part), the rest is not terribly difficult.

Perhaps Lixi's twist should be a blue?

Interesting... You just finished saying you think Birdland skis more like a black...but now you think Twist should be a blue? I'm confused on that. I'll say Birdland (upper as that's the blue part) is easier than Twist the vast majority of the time.

I continue to want one of Bravo/Exterminator/Black Diamond/FIS to be groomed during periods of zero snowfall. The Cliffs just doesn't scratch that itch sufficiently.

Hmm...how the hell would you groom Bravo or Black Diamond (especially during periods of zero snowfall)? Ext was groomed years ago sometimes (but they also made snow on it years ago), but I don't think that trail lends itself well to being a groomed run. I feel like a groomed Ext would be kind of boring.

FIS...I'd be ok with it being groomed once in a while, but I still think it is a lot more fun with bumps.

 

[Hawk]

Ya Madpadraic is kind of all over the place with that post. I'm not going to respond.

 

[Newpylong]

On the whole, I agree with you, but I shall also nitpick.
Rip Cord is a double and Organ Grinder and spill way are singles?
Bravo is a single but Exterminator is a double?
Birdland typically rides like a black.
Perhaps Lixi's twist should be a blue?

Silly nitpicking aside, SB does a very good job being consistent in their ratings, is communicative on their daily report, and does a good job with on mountain signs/warnings.

To go very off topic, King's Landing at Sugarloaf is probably the most egregiously mis-rated trail in the East that I've encountered. Sugarbush has nothing like that.


Or perhaps you'll have your world expanded and have a rather awesome time.


I continue to want one of Bravo/Exterminator/Black Diamond/FIS to be groomed during periods of zero snowfall. The Cliffs just doesn't scratch that itch sufficiently.

If they went back to making snow on Exterminator that certainly would be an option in lean years.

 

[tumbler]

Did they take the live webcams down from youtube?

 

[djd66]

Did they take the live webcams down from youtube?

Try this link

https://www.youtube.com/@SugarbushResortVT