Where to go Saturday? (and avoid holiday crowds)

[The Sneak]

Driving up from Providence RI area for what is hopefully my 1st powder day of the year. Given how busy the major resorts typically are New Years weekend, was wondering where the best bets are for a day trip.

Preference is interesting terrain and not groomed to death. Somewhere less affected by storm/post storm winds is good, as well.

We are currently leaning towards Ragged Mtn. Any thoughts? How much natural will Ragged need to put the woods in play?

My 2nd choice is BEast.

Any other recommendations?

 

[hrstrat57]

Sneak, others might disagree here but if Beast is going off it blows Ragged away IMHO.

Great little mountain, fantastic variety and much easier to get to from where we live than Ragged.

 

[St. Bear]

We are currently leaning towards Ragged Mtn. Any thoughts? How much natural will Ragged need to put the woods in play?

I'm actually interested to know the answer to this as well. I'm debating Ragged vs. Sunapee for Sunday. If they can open some natural trails at Ragged, I'm there. If not, I'll opt for Sunapee.

 

[WJenness]

Depends totally on the track of the snow...

But candidates like Black (NH), Burke (VT), Magic (VT), and Saddleback (ME) should all be considered.

-w

 

[Riverskier]

If this storm hits as forecasted, anywhere! Some will still be busier than others, but if the entire Northeast is being pounded by a blizzard, I don't see any ski area being overly crowded.

Either way, I would recomend Saddleback in Maine.

 

[bigbog]

Dress for cold temps, then head to northern VT(Bush on up), NH(Cannon, BrettonWoods, Attitash..others), or ME(Loaf(often windy) or Saddleback) if you want powder and/or good pp AND escape any burb-crowds. ...Have to agree with Riverskier...if you get to the opening chair you should do alright just about anywhere fiscally-feasable;-)(lift + gas).

just my $.01

 

[deadheadskier]

Pre-rain this weekend, Ragged would've needed about 18 inches to open up the woods.

 

[riverc0il]

Depends totally on the track of the snow...

But candidates like Black (NH), Burke (VT), Magic (VT), and Saddleback (ME) should all be considered.

-w

These are exactly the four recommendations I was going to make. Saddleback I would be concerned with wind hold on the summit though, less of an issue at the other three areas. Magic does not have the base that Burke has and Black has the least interesting terrain of the four (though very interesting when not stacked up against these other three). I spent VDay 2007 at Burke. Strongly recommended.

 

[polski]

The way things are shaping up, driving conditions Fri/Sat look like more of a problem than crowds. One option I'm weighing is pre-positioning Thurs night, but other logistics might preclude that.

DHS or anyone, how susceptible is Ragged to wind holds? Sure would be tempting if they get enough snow to open the glades,

 

[riverc0il]

DHS or anyone, how susceptible is Ragged to wind holds? Sure would be tempting if they get enough snow to open the glades,

Bear in mind that there is not a huge base in this neck of the woods. Especially after the rain on Sunday. Even exploring Cannon today, we found woods are not ready to go. I estimate it would take at least 16" of not light and fluffy powder to get NH glades online. We might get that this weekend, but it is still only barely enough to have glades officially opening up. NoVT already has glades online and I suspect Maine will have the best shot at 100% open terrain with this storm and then VT on the backside.

 

[polski]

Understood, should've capitalized the IF in my question.

 

[SKIQUATTRO]

its the last week of the holiday break which i usually quiet as everyone has already headed home and now with the storm looming, folks may leave and go home....

 

[deadheadskier]

The way things are shaping up, driving conditions Fri/Sat look like more of a problem than crowds. One option I'm weighing is pre-positioning Thurs night, but other logistics might preclude that.

DHS or anyone, how susceptible is Ragged to wind holds? Sure would be tempting if they get enough snow to open the glades,

not sure on wind at Ragged. It's my first year as a pass holder there. We'll see this weekend. Might have to break out the skins