Just returned from a trip to Killington and had a great time. I hadn't been in about 15 years, but I had forgotten why I like it so much: well-groomed, wide trails, plenty of snowmaking (not that it was necessary), and the sheer number of trails.
I've never skiied more than once or twice per winter, but now that my kids are getting into it I want to start going more often. We were mostly going to the Poconos before this year when the kids were smaller (Shawnee, Camelback) but they were ready for something bigger/better this winter, and I want to keep it up.
I want to try Mont Tremblant in Quebec, and have heard and read great things from people who have been - not just about the skiing, but the nightlife and restaurants in the town.
What are your opinions as to the best ski resorts in the east? (We'll go west when the kids are older) Thanks in advance...
Too many new yorkers at Killington. That place is like skiing on the long island expressway. Hunter is like the Belt Parkway... they even have a trail named after it.
Sugarbush in Warren, VT is consistently rated one of the best in the area. I don't think it's as big as KTon, but still pretty big. A little less of a night scene. I'm not an avid enough skier to tell you WHY Sugarbush is rated so high.
Too many new yorkers at Killington. That place is like skiing on the long island expressway. Hunter is like the Belt Parkway... they even have a trail named after it.
Ha - I always heard that too about Killington! Funny thing is that the people in the next condo over were from North Carolina, and I heard quite a few people on the slopes with British accents; there must have been a big group.
Maybe Stratton would be less crowded, another favorite of mine also with good restaurants and night life.
In Vermont I was never a Killington fan, just too crowded. I like Pico better tbh. Sugarbush is where I've been the most, great spot. Okemo is good too. Sunday River in Maine is worth the trip.
In PA I've always been partial to Blue Mountain in Palmerton.
Quote:
both much better than Killington. More snow, better trails and less crowds.
Too many new yorkers at Killington. That place is like skiing on the long island expressway. Hunter is like the Belt Parkway... they even have a trail named after it.
Ha - I always heard that too about Killington! Funny thing is that the people in the next condo over were from North Carolina, and I heard quite a few people on the slopes with British accents; there must have been a big group.
A family member of mine has worked there for years. They get a large international contingent, so it's not unusual.
I'm not a big skier, but those my friends who are prefer Whiteface, Stowe and Sugarbush.
I have a house in Manchester VT...so I also like Bromley....but much smaller than above...
Great golf course in the summer
Its been a while, but growing up I liked Windham and Bellayre in the catskills
There was skiing into June?
Right at the bottom of the slopes!
I like Loon, no real reason.
Killington has a fun night life, and some secret party spots for locals and those in the know.
I also like Sunday River and Sugarloaf and i learned at Shawnee Peak night skiing so i have a soft spot for that place.
North Conway has a couple options, not high on my list, but if you want the North Conway experience it can make a nice trip.
Stratton and Mont Tremblant are run by the same company, FYI.
The coldest day I ever spent skiing was at Loon. Couldn't stay outside for more than a run
Quote:
...
The coldest day I ever spent skiing was at Loon. Couldn't stay outside for more than a run
Yeah, NH can have some crazy cold weather. But hey, at least you weren’t at Tuckerman Ravine, lol.
Too many new yorkers at Killington. That place is like skiing on the long island expressway. Hunter is like the Belt Parkway... they even have a trail named after it.
This.
If you’re gonna go to hunter go during the week. I’ve probably ridden there about 100 times with 90 of those days spent mid week. That place is a nightmare on weekends.
Stowe offers a much better town/village experience and the mountain is fantastic, but there’s something about sugar bush that can’t be beat. I love that mountain only rode it 3 days.
Stratton is very reliable and not too far. I think it’s underrated. I don’t want to kill Killington by any stretch but it’s not in my go to list. There is great terrain but I’d rather go either further or closer to home. Not my sweet spot. Plus I just have bad juju there...bad luck.
Smugglers notch is on the other side of sugar bush. Insanely good mountain and pitch and conditions but the lifts are ancient. Painfully slow. I think the resort is family owned.
I’d probably rank them sugarbush, Stowe basically tied but if you value proximity to the nyc area Stratton is a great option. Day trip during the week? Hunter or windham works just fine.
Don't let anybody tell you otherwise...
Well, it's been 22 years, but there's a nice hotel in Manchester, some nice inns and you can probably rent a condo on the mountain
Several places are walkable to the lifts.
Snowbridge is the best IMO, if you want the ski in, ski out experience and can afford it.
if you want something closer to the village (restaurants, bars, shops) go to Stratton website there is a great map from their lodging place that shows proximity.
I have only ever stayed at Village Watch/Mountain Watch which is a walk to the slopes and a walk to the village. Expensive.
And many places will already be booked so depending on when you want to go your options might be limited.
Banff is a favorite of mine too. The town, the vibe the mtns, perfect.
You can't go wrong with any of the ones listed in this thread in my view.
Its been a while, but growing up I liked Windham and Bellayre in the catskills
Gore is amazing and very underrated. It is in the high peaks area of the Adirondacks by Lake George so you get some cool views for far less the "south to north" drive as some of the other VT and Maine mountains. Best glade skiing I've seen on the east coast as well.
Only been once (in APril), but doesn't Jay Peak get a ridiculous amount of annual snow? Close if not more than some of the west coast resorts I believe, because of where it is located.
From my experience, Sugarloaf (Maine) and Gore are my absolute favorites. Sugarloaf is one big mountain with an amazing terrain setup. I like the single mountain resorts as it is easier to cover the mountain and less confusing. I've always had great snow there and the trails are awesome. Gore I have am biased towards and feel comfortable there. Also they have the Rumor and Lies which are my favorite trails to ski. I've been going since a little kid. I like underdogs and I feel like this mountain is just that. Kind of in the middle of no where and not too too crowded. Best glade skiing. Also, I like how the mountain is setup. If it's crowded on the main lift there are so many areas on the mountain tucked to the side.
Killington is great, but usually loaded with college/younger kids as the nightlife there is more than others. I think they have 7 mountains as well.
White Face is a great mountain (high elevation), however seemed very steep and icey. I know it has a reputation for being icy, but it was really bad when I went. Great little town though in Lake Placid. Great for the family and some good breweries.
Smuggler's Notch has awesome terrain and is an absolute skier's playground when they get hit with powder, but the lifts are old and very slow. Plus 3 mountains makes it annoying to get from one to another.
Stowe...this one is definitely special. I think it's on the other side of Smuggler's Notch (there used to be switch-over trail from one to the other near the top). This is the hardest mountain I've skiied in VT. Seems as thought the snow clumps up a lot there. On the main mountain, a lot of the trails have tight turns and the snow seems to clump from the traffic.
Hunter is mehhhhh. Would only recommend if you want the shorter drive. Did not like the mountain very much.
Lake Placid is my favorite ski town by far and one my favorite towns period. Having the lake there is really cool too. I have to try the snow-mobile. I've been told the icey feel is during sunny weeks with limited snowfall. The mountain face sits in the sun almost all day, melts a lot of snow and then freezes overnight. Not sure if accurate, but that's what locals have told me.
Gore I've found to have a lot of cool hidden areas. Burnt Ridge was opened in the past decade which was a new part of the mountain they opened off to the right. Me and my buddy could never figure out how to get there except a steep track thru pretty serious glades. They finally made it accessible via regular trail. Also, some hidden glades not on the map. Cool stuff.
Maybe Stratton would be less crowded, another favorite of mine also with good restaurants and night life.
Shhhh. Damnit
There's already a ridiculous wait at DJs!
Speaking of which, I've seen Bettman at DJs a few times. He has a place in Ludlow area.
Quote:
VT mountain is Okemo. It has good restaurants, challenging trails, family friendly (meaning trails for every level) but it's always crowded.
Maybe Stratton would be less crowded, another favorite of mine also with good restaurants and night life.
Shhhh. Damnit
There's already a ridiculous wait at DJs!
Speaking of which, I've seen Bettman at DJs a few times. He has a place in Ludlow area.
my kids love DJ's. I do too, but I'm not picky.
Quote:
In comment 14303864 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
VT mountain is Okemo. It has good restaurants, challenging trails, family friendly (meaning trails for every level) but it's always crowded.
Maybe Stratton would be less crowded, another favorite of mine also with good restaurants and night life.
Shhhh. Damnit
There's already a ridiculous wait at DJs!
Speaking of which, I've seen Bettman at DJs a few times. He has a place in Ludlow area.
my kids love DJ's. I do too, but I'm not picky.
Sam's is around the corner from our place. It's OK every once in a while, but a bit over crowded and stuffy.