Where to ski/ride in northern VT

[hammer]

I have a trip planned to northern VT in late February...will have a small group of intermediate to advanced skiers/riders with possibly a few novices thrown in.

Where would be the best ski area/resort to go to? I need to keep the costs down as much as possible, we already have a place to stay, and nightlife is not a factor.

 

[djspookman]

Sugarbush for your crowd (or, anyone for that matter!!) You will not be disappointed!

 

[thetrailboss]

SB or Burke are good options, but Burke has no night life and if the conditions go into the tank, then Burke is not the place to be. As to other options, maybe Bolton Valley? But they have not as much snowmaking either.

 

[riverc0il]

Burke is probably the best bet if keeping the cost down is important. Bolton is a good options as well with a higher natural snowfall and more reliable condition though it is a pretty flat mountain. Bush costs quite a bit more but something for everyone. South of what I would consider NoVT but Pico should also be a consideration.

 

[arik]

what is closest to where you are staying?

 

[hammer]

what is closest to where you are staying?

We'll be in Eden Mills...I believe that Jay Peak and Smuggler's Notch are the closest.

 

[thetrailboss]

We'll be in Eden Mills...I believe that Jay Peak and Smuggler's Notch are the closest.

In that case, those are your choices. Anything else is a hike. And I just re-read your post and you said nightlife was not a factor. Maybe a day trip to Burke is in order. Play the conditions though...Jay is not a good intermediate mountain and is not much of a place to visit if there is wind in the forecast.

 

[BigJay]

We'll be in Eden Mills...I believe that Jay Peak and Smuggler's Notch are the closest.

Then the best bang for your buck would be Jay Peak on a powder day! But then the night life isn't very important here... A good beer after riding all day... A good meal and you're bed by 10PM for sure!

Smuggs might be closer to Stowe... But i don't think you'll be able to party late either...

 

[thetrailboss]

We'll be in Eden Mills...I believe that Jay Peak and Smuggler's Notch are the closest.

Waaaaaiiiittttt a minute. Might this be a scout ski trip? I think I recall you saying something about planning one. I ask because there is not much lodging in "Eden Mills." If so, you are pretty much equidistant @ Mount Norris from Jay or Smuggs. It is not far to Burke, but you can't get the'ah from he'ah. And if you are going through Scouts, ask the Green Mountain Council for help or better yet plead your case with the ski areas directly. However if you are going during President's Week, it may be hard to cut a deal.

 

[billski]

We'll be in Eden Mills...I believe that Jay Peak and Smuggler's Notch are the closest.

Well, that changes things a lot. I'm surprised that's where you picked to stay, I wouldn't call it 'central' in terms of miles to the resorts. How far is your threshold for travel? Stowe, Jay and Smuggs are closest.

The drive from Morrisville to Burke can be real white knuckle due to the blowing and drifting snow.

Keeping costs down. Well the most obvious way is to go as directed, to the low cost resorts like Burke or Bolton. Bolton will be the easiest to get to.

Another way to keep costs down are discounts. If you are not going President's week, that will help a lot.
Jay often offers 2-fers via their 242 newsletter on selected days, so get a couple of people signed up for their newsletter today. Jay marketing is big on offering incentives via email.

Don't forget, there are Smuggs and Jay tickets on Liftopia.com for around $50~, and EICSL sells them to its members too.

Mr. Cheap signing out. Got some skis to wax.

 

[hammer]

Waaaaaiiiittttt a minute. Might this be a scout ski trip? I think I recall you saying something about planning one. I ask because there is not much lodging in "Eden Mills." If so, you are pretty much equidistant @ Mount Norris from Jay or Smuggs. It is not far to Burke, but you can't get the'ah from he'ah. And if you are going through Scouts, ask the Green Mountain Council for help or better yet plead your case with the ski areas directly. However if you are going during President's Week, it may be hard to cut a deal.

Thanks...this is a scout trip. The "lodging" arrangements are a bit on the primitive side, but that's a part of the experience. Biggest downside is that beer after a day on the slopes is not an option. :sad:

Didn't think of contacting the council about lift ticket discounts, but I can do so.

BTW, thanks again for the cabin advice. :smile:

 

[riverc0il]

Jay is your closest option but not the best place for intermediates. Or rather, I should say intermediates would enjoy many other places more. Notably Burke but that drive just does not make sense. Consider increasing your budget and enjoying Stowe? Maybe you can get a group rate or a discount for the Scouts thing? 100 back down to 89 then up to Bolton is better than the wrap around to Burke but still a bit of a haul.

 

[djspookman]

oops! Like the others said, didn't know how far north you were. I drive thru Eden to Jay (from my folks house) so, def. hit up Jay or Smuggs, although Jay will be a tad closer. Enjoy!!!!

I've spent many nights summer and winter at Mt. Norris, what a blast that was!!!

dave

 

[billski]

Jay is your closest option but not the best place for intermediates. Or rather, I should say intermediates would enjoy many other places more. Notably Burke but that drive just does not make sense. Consider increasing your budget and enjoying Stowe? Maybe you can get a group rate or a discount for the Scouts thing? 100 back down to 89 then up to Bolton is better than the wrap around to Burke but still a bit of a haul.

+1 Steve makes an excellent point about skill level. If I was running a intermediate-skill level, no nightlife required trip, Bolton would be high on my radar.

 

[thetrailboss]

Jay is your closest option but not the best place for intermediates. Or rather, I should say intermediates would enjoy many other places more. Notably Burke but that drive just does not make sense. Consider increasing your budget and enjoying Stowe? Maybe you can get a group rate or a discount for the Scouts thing? 100 back down to 89 then up to Bolton is better than the wrap around to Burke but still a bit of a haul.

Actually, I would not be surprised if the drive is the same distance to Burke as it is to Bolton. For the latter, you'd have to drive down 100 to Route 2 W and then back up the Bolton Road. For Burke, from 'Norris, you'd go north to Lowell, over the mountain to Irasburg, down to Barton on 91, and then Route 5 down to W. Burke and over Burke Hollow to E. Burke. The latter is pretty complicated in comparison to down 100 and over 2. Still a haul.

You could also go down 100 to Sugarbush North....it would end up being about a few miles or so further than say Bolton, but still an option.

Smuggs would be the closest and easiest thing. They are set up for beginners and novices.

Norris is not in a great location for ski trips, but it is what it is. :wink:

 

[from_the_NEK]

Actually, I would not be surprised if the drive is the same distance to Burke as it is to Bolton. For the latter, you'd have to drive down 100 to Route 2 W and then back up the Bolton Road. For Burke, from 'Norris, you'd go north to Lowell, over the mountain to Irasburg, down to Barton on 91, and then Route 5 down to W. Burke and over Burke Hollow to E. Burke. The latter is pretty complicated in comparison to down 100 and over 2. Still a haul.

You could also go down 100 to Sugarbush North....it would end up being about a few miles or so further than say Bolton, but still an option.

Smuggs would be the closest and easiest thing. They are set up for beginners and novices.

Norris is not in a great location for ski trips, but it is what it is. :wink:

Yup... Burke is too far away Nothing to see here.



It is actually almost identical mileage to Bolton and more interstate to boot. I would avoid going Route 5 and simplify the drive by staying on I-91 to Lyndonville (Exit 24) Then it is left on Route 122 to 114 directly into East Burke.

You wouldn't have to drive through Morrisville or the traffic mess that is Stowe.

 

[from_the_NEK]

The other bonus with Burke is that if you are skiing with a group (especially kids) it is easy to regroup due to the mountain's layout. Two main lifts, one for the lower mountain (beginner area) and one for the upper mountain (intermediate/advanced). And it is very easy to go from one lift to the other.

 

[riverc0il]

Ah, forgot you could get to Orleans without heading up and over Montgomery to Jay. So that would be a fine option.

 

[from_the_NEK]

Ah, forgot you could get to Orleans without heading up and over Montgomery to Jay. So that would be a fine option.

IMHO Driving over Lowell Mtn has some of the best views in Vermont.

 

[Steve@jpr]

hammer--contact me directly b/c. swright@jaypeakresort.com. We'll make you an offer you can't refuse.

I have a trip planned to northern VT in late February...will have a small group of intermediate to advanced skiers/riders with possibly a few novices thrown in.

Where would be the best ski area/resort to go to? I need to keep the costs down as much as possible, we already have a place to stay, and nightlife is not a factor.