This is interesting reading

[Sparky]

I like this trend. Any ideas for areas that would fall into this catagory. Either as a current or potential area?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A12321-2004Dec19.html

 

[Npage148]

I think it is a great trend. Many times, i have more fun at the little places than at the massive places. Royal Mountain is probably my favorite place to ride. Its 30 minutes from my house and is only 20 dollars for a full day. I learned to ride there. Its small but its rarely crowded and it has some very nice glades and some rather steep runs. The little places are much more layed back and affordable. I can eat lunch for less than 5 dollars and get more than a hotdog. thumbs up!

 

[bvibert]

Good article, I love to hear about little places that have either survived or are making a comeback. :beer:

 

[blacknblue]

Agreed. Nice to see the little guys coming around. There's a couple of little resorts in Colorado starting up this year, too.
Of course, my favorite was the ole backyard growing up in White River Junction... 350' vertical, 5 trails, no lifts, and mandatory air on our double-black (starting on the roof!).

 

[riverc0il]

i always try to pump up the smaller areas to folks looking for recommendations that do not truly need the big mountain experience. a lot of people would rather ski smaller areas that are cheaper, less crowded, and have more character... they just don't know about them because the smaller areas have a harder time marketing themselves. black, crotched, tenney, and ragged in NH are all fantastic examples. nice to see GG on the come back, a bit small for a destination from the metro areas though.

 

[thetrailboss]

WTF???

And last week, U.S. Olympic moguls skier Evan Dybvig purchased dormant Whaleback Mountain in Enfield, N.H., and said he plans to turn it into a training center for budding freestylers, complete with half-pipes, ramps and a 30,000-square-foot gym.

I thought this happened LAST week as in SEPTEMBER 2005 as opposed to December 2004, when this article was written? ! He was in the process, but I think they closed last week. No official word yet. There was action last week. :blink:

As for the rest of the article, very well written and consistent with what I've seen. I'm so stoked to see the smaller places come back--I grew up skiing at these hills and love to go back. :beer: to small areas!!!

 

[riverc0il]

i believe the purchase of whaleback was put into motion a while ago but it was only recently signed according to the rumor mill. slightly misleading for sure. c'mon TB, you're in the lawyer biz, you know this stuff takes months to finalize