Family Ski trip in Vermont

[Pierre]

Guys, I am planning to do ski with my family in the first week of march in Vermont.

Saw those mountains but never went there to ski; Killington, Jay Peak, Smugglers & Stowe.

Any recommandations ?

 

[rhody]

Guys, I am planning to do ski with my family in the first week of march in Vermont.
Saw those mountains but never went there to ski; Killington, Jay Peak, Smugglers & Stowe.

Any recommandations ?

Pierre,

Being a native New Englander, and having skiied almost every decent ski area in VT over the past 15 years, I would strongly recommend Okemo, located in Ludlow. It is fairly easy to get to: about 23 miles north west of I-91 North, and the roads are always plowed, especially on weekends, even better the first hour is free, so if you don't like the conditions, you can just bag it. I have skied myself from 9 am to almost 11 am on a few occassions during the week with no problems from the lift attendants. If the conditons are good, there are is a lot of area to ski and they do a good job of grooming. Plus the lift tickets during the week are not off the hook like they are at Killington, which is only about 45 minutes from Okemo.

If you ski mid week, and the conditions are good, the tickets are cheaper, this area is bliss, no lifts lines and all the varied terrain you could imagine. I belong to a ski club and we have a condo about 1/4 mile up the access road. If you are a hardcore skier, and want to consider Okemo as a place for winter get aways, PM me and I will supply details of membership. To give you some idea, the lift tickets thru our club are mid 40 dollar range and a stay at the lodge is in the mid 20 range, including food !!!

Hope you have a good time, and at least give Okemo a hard look, IMHO, its well worth it.

 

[snikr]

And if you go to Okemo be sure to eat at DJ's in Ludlow. If you can get in that is, busy place.

Tom

 

[Pierre]

I will look at it, distance from Montreal, lodging,e tc...

Tks

 

[daddysbike]

I grew up in MA and skied every year in NH and VT, sometimes Sugarloaf ME.

In Vermont Stowe is my favorite. It has lots of trails that wind through the winds, I like that. Killington claims numerous trails but its mostly slopes in that the "trails" are more like slopes divided by a thin line of trees(did that make sense?).

In NH, I love Wildcat. It sits directly across from Mt. Washington which provides beautiful views but also very cold winds. Its also surrounded by protected state property so your views are not polluted by condos and such.

I took my wife skiing to Stowe a few years back, she is from GA and we did not want to leave. Northern VT really is a beautiful place. The town of Stowe is also a quaint little picturesque NewEngland town.

We stayed here: Green Mountain Inn downtown. Beautiful Inn. Also in town there is a trolley and a free shuttle to the ski slopes: Trolley / shuttle schedule

Steve

 

[Fred W]

Jay peak is much closer to you and has considerably more and better snow with the advantage of having far fewer New Yorkers.

Stowe is far enough up, and far enough off the interstate, that it isn't as busy as the southern mountains either.

Purists ski Mad River Glen. No grooming. Old school lifts. Maybe not great for the family if they aren't accomplished skiers. Their motto is: "Mad River Glen. Ski it if you Can"

Killington has the most terrain.

Although I have skied them many times, I am not a fan of the southern areas (Mt Snow, Okemo, Stratton). Too many city people there...

YSMV

 

[boardsNbikes]

Although I have skied them many times, I am not a fan of the southern areas (Mt Snow, Okemo, Stratton). Too many city people there...
YSMV

I lived in Southern VT for seven years as a skier and snowboarder.

Those areas will be full of NY/NJ/CT weekenders who bring their weekday attitude to VT for the weekend. While okay on the weekdays, Okemo will be full of munchkins with parents who yell at skiers going faster than their family group on the weekends. Navigating the mountain is like being the sole flight controller for the United States. Bring the race GS skis for extra points.

If you're seriously considering one of the Southern VT ski resorts, seriously investigate the glades with a black diamond rating or better. First, the crowds there avoid the glades so you'll find fresh pow for days after a storm. Secondly, any glades with an intermediate or lower rating will end as a hike since there's not enough pitch.

Stowe and Jay Peak are really good with Stowe having a nightlife.