What's the deal with President' day week?

[billski]

I've always had an avoid and hide strategy, I'll say no more.

But for those who go, tell me more about the popular resorts.
Yeah, yeah, I know the prices are high.
how are the crowds?
What's the strategy for a good on-slope day? I don' twanna hear about the bar!

What terrain really gets beat up. And what does not?

Is it true that people start to disappear later in the week?

What kind of skiers are out there? All types?

Really, really naive questions, but I don't want to assume stuff.

ty

 

[Puck it]

Huh? Did you go off your meds? Is Ty your other personality?

 

[St. Bear]

I usually ski all the high holidays since my wife is a teacher (but not this year, thank you very much Hurricane Sandy!). Yes, the crowds can be heavy, but it's usually only at the lifts as the masses tend to stick to the greens and blues.

 

[skiadikt]

the saturday is usually one of the busiest of the year. by monday the crowds diminish. the week itself is fine. busier than a non-holiday week but less busy than xmas. this year could be particularly quiet since many of the schools have taken those days back because of days lost during sandy.

 

[gmcunni]

i'll be at sugarbush for S+Su. not expecting short lines or finding a seat at lunch.

 

[St. Bear]

i'll be at sugarbush for S+Su. not expecting short lines or finding a seat at lunch.

This is a good point, and probably more annoying then having to wait in a lift line.

 

[steamboat1]

Go to Quebec City or Eastern Townships. They don't celebrate Washington's birthday in Canada.

 

[Breeze]

Bill, I would advise CALLING AHEAD , especially for midweek skiing, simply to ask if there is a competition schedule for the week. ALL over New England, things have been canceled, rescheduled, moved around and High School comps can block out some prime terrain at resorts. Better to know before you go!

Breeze

 

[billski]

Huh? Did you go off your meds? Is Ty your other personality?

You got a problem with ty?

 

[jrmagic]

I dont get to the big resorts all that often anymore but have done day trips from Magic to MRG and Sugarbush mid presidents week for a change of pace and it really has not been that bad crowd wise.

 

[crank]

Go to Quebec City or Eastern Townships. They don't celebrate Washington's birthday in Canada.

I started doing this about 7 years ago. Used to be able to get great deals, alas, that no longer happens. However, they do not jack the prices up to holiday rates (talking lodging and lifts) and the crowds remain minimal. To be clear, I am talking about Quebec areas, have not yet skied Eastern Townships hills.

I also am pretty sure the usual uncrowded ares, Burke and other of it's ilk, would be good bets for crowd avoidance...skied there MLK weekend only line was at the lift from the base lodge - no lines to speak of on the upper mountain chair yet a crowded weekend according to locals.

 

[gmcunni]

Go to Quebec City or Eastern Townships. They don't celebrate Washington's birthday in Canada.

we did this last year, thinking the same. while not super crowded i was VERY surprised how busy they were at Bromont on that Monday.

 

[steamboat1]

I started doing this about 7 years ago. Used to be able to get great deals, alas, that no longer happens. However, they do not jack the prices up to holiday rates (talking lodging and lifts) and the crowds remain minimal. To be clear, I am talking about Quebec areas, have not yet skied Eastern Townships hills.

I also am pretty sure the usual uncrowded ares, Burke and other of it's ilk, would be good bets for crowd avoidance...skied there MLK weekend only line was at the lift from the base lodge - no lines to speak of on the upper mountain chair yet a crowded weekend according to locals.

Yes the exchange rate isn't what it once was but it's still a good deal around QC. Mont Sainte Anne is still only $68 for a full day lift ticket as opposed to $86 & up at the major VT. areas. They also offer a ticket to ski from 12:30pm to 9:00pm for only $62. Accommodations are also pretty reasonable if you stay away from the major hotels. Food & gas are more expensive in Canada though.

 

[slatham]

I've been at Mt Snow most President weeks over the past 6 years (and the one I missed I was at Sugarbush). I avoid Saturday and Sunday at all costs. Monday can be manageable, especially past noon. I have found the weekedays to be less crowded than a lite weekend, more crowded than a typical weekday.

I would expect this year to see very light crowds during the week due to many schools that typically have the week off being in school to make up for days lost during Sandy. That is our plight so I will actually be at Mt Snow on Saturday (to ski with a crew of friends on vacation there) but then I plan to bail to Magic (snow willing) or Bromely to get away from the bigger, destination areas.

 

[thetrailboss]

i'll be at sugarbush for S+Su. not expecting short lines or finding a seat at lunch.

That's what I recall about Sugarbush during Pres Week. It varies from year-to-year because of the conditions, but get there early, ski ME, and you should be fine.

You can always go to Burke.

 

[AdironRider]

I just go skiing, crowds be damned.

 

[Riverskier]

I just go skiing, crowds be damned.

That is my strategy. Crowds, conditions, weather, etc. are never a consideration. Some days are obviously better than others, but I have fun every day out.

 

[dmc]

If your at Hunter in Presi weekend - Saturday night...
Come to Cosmic Charlies and check out my band..

 

[AdironRider]

That is my strategy. Crowds, conditions, weather, etc. are never a consideration. Some days are obviously better than others, but I have fun every day out.

For sure, I hardly even look at snow reports these days. Bout the only time I do is the avi reports, otherwise Im going regardless.

 

[HowieT2]

That's what I recall about Sugarbush during Pres Week. It varies from year-to-year because of the conditions, but get there early, ski ME, and you should be fine.

You can always go to Burke.

+1. go to mt. ellen especially saturday. start skiing early, eat lunch early and ski while the crowds are having lunch.

pm me if you have any other questions. I should be there those days so assuming we get some snow and the woods are skiable, I can guide you.