Think Green -- Trails, That Is.......

[MICO]

Okay, maybe you guys can momentarily divert from the Black Diamond mode of thinking (doubt it) and help me out with some decisions. The wifey and I just started downhill last March. Skied a couple small areas in NY 3 times, and made it to Jay Peak twice in April. Second time at Jay, we felt ready to hit an easy blue, but they didn't have the right lift operating that day. It was either gondola to the top, or stay on greens -- bummer.

We're skiing Sunday River over Xmas week. What are 2/3 easier blues for a couple middle-aged rookies to tackle after we've warmed-up on the greenies? After SR, we're working our way back to NY, but will hit Gore for a day. Same question for Gore (easier blues). Next, we can ski 3 days at SR, or we can ski 2 days at SR and 1 day at a NH area close by.......Bretton Woods? Soooooo, better to spend all 3 days at SR, or split-up the time between SR and Bretton Woods? Next (you know what's coming), easier blues at BW?

Thanks, in advance, for all the invaluable information.

Mike

 

[Warp Daddy]

Gore : to warm up From lower lifts easy blues are lower Sunway and Jamboree and 3B


once warmed up try Sunway , Twister, Showcase or Sleighride from the top of Bear mtn, ( the first peak -- there are actually 2 peaks @Gore)

Cloud off the very top of GORE is nice too if you can handle a few smaller headwalls

Good luck have fun

O BTW i'm 64 and started Alpine when i was 51 so KNOW how you guys feel


Sleeping bear tahawus , noth star and pete Gay off north chair are all nice gentle cruisers too especially if the wind is up

 

[MRGisevil]

Okay, maybe you guys can momentarily divert from the Black Diamond mode of thinking (doubt it) and help me out with some decisions. The wifey and I just started downhill last March. Skied a couple small areas in NY 3 times, and made it to Jay Peak twice in April. Second time at Jay, we felt ready to hit an easy blue, but they didn't have the right lift operating that day. It was either gondola to the top, or stay on greens -- bummer.

We're skiing Sunday River over Xmas week. What are 2/3 easier blues for a couple middle-aged rookies to tackle after we've warmed-up on the greenies? After SR, we're working our way back to NY, but will hit Gore for a day. Same question for Gore (easier blues). Next, we can ski 3 days at SR, or we can ski 2 days at SR and 1 day at a NH area close by.......Bretton Woods? Soooooo, better to spend all 3 days at SR, or split-up the time between SR and Bretton Woods? Next (you know what's coming), easier blues at BW?

Thanks, in advance, for all the invaluable information.

Mike

If you get the chance I'd say definately spend a day at Bretton Woods. It's a really nice cruiser mountain with a great vibe and alot of trails that let you take your time and have fun.

I've only skied a couple of days at Sunday River, but Barker Mountain (3rd Peak) had some nice intermediates. Lazy River's a good run, filters into Tourist Trap which is another nice blue.

 

[billski]

I am thrilled to see "up an comers" pitching in here. Welcome!

BW used to have a slogan, "no-stress skiing", and I think it still applies, having been there last season. The groomers will generally be impecably perfect, great for improving your technique, which should be in the forefront of your mind, or at least only second to having fun.

 

[ajl50]

If I were you I would try to head to whiteface. I learned to ski there and it's a great mountain to progress on. It has some very good greens to start with - good means the trails have some slightly steeper parts that will challenge you while being wide and generally mellow.
It also has great blues and one can ski from the summit on one of the best blue trails around - Parons run. It's 3100 feet of vert with some steeper stuff, wide turns and a great feeling. It will allow you to really challenge yourself to be better yet remain in a safe evironment.

Worth the trip- trust me.

 

[RISkier]

I strongly agree with the Bretton Woods comments. The place is almost perfect for early intermediates. There are green trails off virtually every lift and most offer nice fall line skiing with few flat spots. And most of the blues offer a nice progression from the greens. And the views of Mt. Washington and the Presidentials are great as well.

 

[snowmonster]

Welcome to Alpinezone, MICO. I was a greenie not too long ago and know exactly how you feel. At Sunday River, I recommend starting at South Ridge. The greens here are mellow enough and interesting for a warm-up or working on skills (Lower Lazy River, Mixing Bowl, Broadway). When you feel confident, head to the North Peak for some gentle cruising blues (Escapade, 3D) and some greens (Dreammaker). When you've built up confidence, go down Grand Rapids to Tourist Trap and head up Spruce Peak for more challenging blues (American Express, Risky Business). Barker Mountain also has some great blue runs (Ecstasy to Cascades or Sunday Punch). Aurora (Northern Lights) and Jordan Bowl (Rogue Angel, Excalibur) also has some great blues. If your skill is up to it, don't leave SR without going down Rogue Angel.

A lot of Alpine Zone and Sunday River regulars meet at the 2nd floor bar at Barker Mountain Lodge at around noon time. PM us for details. Enjoy!

 

[snoseek]

I would also stongly recomend a day at Bretton Woods. I hooked the G.F. on skiing there because it is very inviting to a novice or lower intermediate skier. They do a great job grooming and the snow conditions are usually good.

 

[artooman]

snowmonster pretty much summed up sunday river. i just got my wife into skiing last year at sunday river, and i think you will have a good time there. great grooming/snowmaking.

north peak should definitely be your first blues... 3d is the steeper of the two as i recall. the blues on jordan (rogue angel and excalibur) are probably the steepest blues at sunday river, but they are fantastic trails. make sure you hit lollapalooza (green)... still my wife's favorite trail. the top 100 feet look intimidating, but that is hardest part.

oh, and if you head to jordan, don't take those long traversal trails to get there and back (kansas or something like that)... they are just long and flat. use the crossover lifts, free shuttle, or a series of other trails. at least, this was a key with my wife when she was learning.

if you are comfortable on jordan blues and decide you want to try a black, then you should look for upper monday morning off of barker/locke. this is the easiest black according to the sunday river staff, and i completely agree.

take advantage of the perfect turns clinic if you get them free. maybe start with a "light blue" class on the first day. then maybe hit the "dark blue" class on the next day.

 

[shwilly]

Snowmonster and artooman covered SR well.

No idea about Gore, sorry.

I would definitely hit BW in your situation. It's a very good mountain for early intermediates. SR's blues are a bit more challenging than BW's on average.

 

[Shroud]

Another great place to consider is Burke Mtn if you're considering skiing up around the Bretton Woods area. They have a great easy blue down from the top called Deer Run. It's one of those traditional New England ski trails with lots of charm which is far too often missing from modern day ski resorts.

 

[SIKSKIER]

You don't know it but you descibed Bretton Woods to a tee.Great place for intermediates.