Whaleback 2/1 Night (2nd mountain of the day)

[ckofer]

We spent most of the day at Smuggs on Friday and the weather had turned to sleety crap. It took us 3 hours just to get to Lebanon NH where we ate. I knew that Whaleback was open and free from 6-9 pm. By then it was bascially freezing rain/sleet. My wife was unimpressed with the prospect of making our journey home (southeastern NH) any longer but somewhat welcomed a break from the road.

My 15 yr old son and I were allowed 2 runs. My wife and daughter wanted nothing to do with putting gear on again. Frankly, this was their loss.

Our 2 runs were on the best snow of the day!!!!

We got to enjoy about 2" of nearly untracked sugar-like snow. Very nice.

Of course this is a pretty small area and it wasn't too busy since the roads were crappy. I really hope they make it all work. Under the lift is a steepish trail that should become a mogul field (not open that night). I would consider a pay-per-ride ($2-3) system for this place (at least as an option). I'm not sure I could ski it all night without a bump run. It could be a great stopping point for those heading to VT.

It looks like they are developing a terrain park. This should become a really good learner, drop-the-kids-off area. It could become a local teen favorite.

 

[TheBEast]

I grew up skiing Whaleback back in the early 90's. Fun little local hill. Defintitely worth the stop if they've got some snow. Hopefully they can keep it runnin!

 

[RISkier]

Speaking with no knowledge other than pure speculation, I think if it's going to make it it's going to have to make it as a local teen hangout kind of place. Coming from the Southeast you hit both Pats and Sunapee before Whaleback. Or you skip 89 and simply hit one of the I93 areas. If you're coming from the Southwest you'll probably get to some of the Southern VT resorts quicker. And if you live futher North, why would you go down to Whaleback? Even though it's right off 89 it seems to me it's located in a place that would limit its appeal.

 

[SkiDork]

There's an EQS B comp there on 2/23. Too bad its on the same day as a comp at Stowe. Stowe gets the nod otherwise we'd be there to check it out. Strange scheduling.

 

[ckofer]

Speaking with no knowledge other than pure speculation, I think if it's going to make it it's going to have to make it as a local teen hangout kind of place. Coming from the Southeast you hit both Pats and Sunapee before Whaleback. Or you skip 89 and simply hit one of the I93 areas. If you're coming from the Southwest you'll probably get to some of the Southern VT resorts quicker. And if you live futher North, why would you go down to Whaleback? Even though it's right off 89 it seems to me it's located in a place that would limit its appeal.

I think that they need to focus on making a unique experience somehow.