Best Ski Mountains

[skins1206]

I just recently picked up skiing and am pretty addicted. Some of my friends and myself are talking about going to one of the bigger mountains (prob Vermont since we can drive). Does anyone have thoughts on the best of the big mountains for beginners (I am pretty terrible, mostly stick to greens).

Looking for a good mountain with a few biginner runs that are not over after a couple of minutes haha.

[Kosher Ham]

Never been skiing. I hear Vermont and some of the places in Western North Carolina are great. Have fun.

[Predicto]

Best place in the immediate area, as I recall, is Snowshoe in West Virginia.

In Vermont and New Hampshire, you get Killington, Stratton, Mount Snow, and Stowe, all of which are good (but can get really, really cold). Killington is the biggest, but Stowe is probably the best.

Western skiing is where it's at.

[Skinsfan1311]

I just recently picked up skiing and am pretty addicted. Some of my friends and myself are talking about going to one of the bigger mountains (prob Vermont since we can drive). Does anyone have thoughts on the best of the big mountains for beginners (I am pretty terrible, mostly stick to greens).

Looking for a good mountain with a few biginner runs that are not over after a couple of minutes haha.

As far as Vermont goes, Mt. Snow & Killington are about a 7 hr drive. Killington is larger and they have some pretty long beginner trails.

I like them both, but prefer Mt. Snow and the small town atmosphere. I was at Mt. Snow a couple of weeks ago and they had a huge dump of snow, almost 3 feet, so I imagine that they will have a pretty long season. We do an annual trip to Mt Snow and on this last trip, we had a couple of guys who have only been to Liberty, Roundtop & Whitetail. They were completely blown away by Mt. Snow.

Locally, I've heard that Snowshoe is nice, but I've never been.

There are typically package deals, especially this time of year, to Lake Tahoe, Salt Lake City, and resorts in Colorado.

If there's anyway that you can afford it, head out West, as nothing on the East coast can compare. The only problem with skiing/riding out West is that you won't want to bother with the East coast anymore.

Good luck!!

[Kosher Ham]

Why are you guys ignoring that he is a beginner ? Start him out slow and stop trying to put him in a cast.

[GoSkins561]

As Predicto said, Snowshoe is nice, Seven Springs is really nice also. If you are just starting, you don't really need to travel to Vermont to get the feel of the bigger mountains.

[Capt Rich Fla]

Mad River Glen! Google it. It rules!

[DeanCollins]

If you're a beginner, and limited to green runs, why drive all the way to vermont. Just go to ski liberty, whitetail, wintergreen, snowshoe... take the savings and buy some lessons

[Skinsfan1311]

Why are you guys ignoring that he is a beginner ? Start him out slow and stop trying to put him in a cast.

LOL!

No one is putting him in a cast.

A large, wide uncrowded 3-7 mile long green trail is much safer, (and more enjoyable), than the narrow, crowded and short runs typically found at local resorts.

[skins1206]

LOL!

No one is putting him in a cast.

A large, wide uncrowded 3-7 mile long green trail is much safer, (and more enjoyable), than the narrow, crowded and short runs typically found at local resorts.

This is exactly what I am looking for. WISP was great and I will go back. Had fun at Liberty but the runs are so short. I find it easier to learn on long courses where I can experiment. Killington looks like it has a lot of greens that are pretty long. Of course a green there certaintly can be harder than around here.

[Skinsfan1311]

If you're a beginner, and limited to green runs, why drive all the way to vermont. Just go to ski liberty, whitetail, wintergreen, snowshoe... take the savings and buy some lessons


Because short runs suck?? ;)

Seriously, conditions are typically better at larger resorts. The lessons are probably cheaper, and the instructors better.

The drive to VT isn't bad at all.

[Kosher Ham]

haha. well I did say I was not a skiier. I have been to Breckenridge a few times with skiiers though.

I don't know all the ins and outs, and have no problems admitting that.

[Skinsfan1311]

This is exactly what I am looking for. WISP was great and I will go back. Had fun at Liberty but the runs are so short. I find it easier to learn on long courses where I can experiment. Killington looks like it has a lot of greens that are pretty long. Of course a green there certaintly can be harder than around here.


Good call. I had forgotten about WISP.

That's a great mountain for beginners and it's relatively close. We used to go a lot, before we discovered the joys of Lake Tahoe.

They used to run a lot of mid-week specials, some of which included the hotel/resort, (at the base of the mountain), meals and lift tickets.

[GoSkins561]

I agree about the short runs, ever since I started going out west, the smallest mountain
I will settle for on the east is Seven Springs. They actually have some decent length beginner and intermediate runs. If you are just starting out, I wouldn't spoil your skiing just yet by traveling out west. Enjoy the Pennsylvania hard pack while you are still on the ground.

[DeanCollins]

Because short runs suck?? ;)

Seriously, conditions are typically better at larger resorts. The lessons are probably cheaper, and the instructors better.

The drive to VT isn't bad at all.

with as much snow as you had locally, how could it be any better?

And VT blows anyway, unless you like ice skiing lol.

I can fly non-stop to Denver in under 3 hours, drive an hour and change and be in Breck, Keystone, A-basin, Copper mountain, and be skiing by noon. :D

[Btubes18]

Timberline in west VA is great. Loved Whisp. If you want to travel to Maine, Sugarloaf is awesome.

Seven springs is not bad. Snowshoe is good.

[dchogs]

i'll echo everyone's comments for effect...

around here, snowshoe and seven springs. you can get in some decent runs there.

i've only been to killington in VT. it was fun, but nothing that is really THAT much better than snowshoe or seven springs.

i'd hold off going out west a bit. it's not that it's any harder (a green run is a green run basically. their blue's are our black's and their blacks are just awesome), but you'll spoil yourself on the good stuff too soon. it'd be like learning how to drive in a porche... you can't enjoy all the car has to offer and you'll feel like every other car your drive is a POS.

when you do go out west, any of the resorts around denver or salt lake city are great. park city in UT has a ton of variety and is a huge place. i'd highly recommend going about this time if/when you do go out west. spring skiiing kicks ass... snow's still good, less crowded during the week, and it's usually not so freakin' cold. seeing girls skiing in bikini tops was always a highlight of my ski trips when i was a kid.

[Skinsfan1311]

with as much snow as you had locally, how could it be any better?

And VT blows anyway, unless you like ice skiing lol.

I can fly non-stop to Denver in under 3 hours, drive an hour and change and be in Breck, Keystone, A-basin, Copper mountain, and be skiing by noon. :D


I've been to VT several times over the past 10 years, and the snowboarding only sucked on one of those trips. Ironically, it wasn't the ice, but too much snow. Seriously.

At Mt Snow, if they get more than 24", it sucks, because they don't have enough steeps and people are literally walking/wading/crawling down the mountain.

You're spot-on concerning West Coast skiing, nothing compares. We take an annual trip every Jan/February to Lake Tahoe and it's incredible.

The mountains are huge, the powder is sweet, and the temps are comfy. The snow is supposed to be better in Colorado, but the wifey refuses to go there, because she loves the nightlife, (i.e. casinos!), in S. Lake Tahoe.

We're still working our way around the lake,(Heavenly, Kirkwood, Sierra, Homewood, Squaw, etc), so I don't mind going back every year.

[Park City Skins]

I first went skiing in one of those Macski "resorts" somewhere in Pennsylvania. It wasn't until 5 years later when I went skiing again for the first time ;) out here. As has been mentioned,learning to ski on something a lot more expansive,(both in length and width),is far better than the smaller runs on some of those hills they call mountains back East. ;) You have plenty of time to get in to a bit of a rhythm with your turns on the bigger runs that are prevalent out here in the West. And the snow is a lot more forgiving with the beginning skier. :D.

[DeanCollins]

You're spot-on concerning West Coast skiing, nothing compares. We take an annual trip every Jan/February to Lake Tahoe and it's incredible.

The mountains are huge, the powder is sweet, and the temps are comfy. The snow is supposed to be better in Colorado, but the wifey refuses to go there, because she loves the nightlife, (i.e. casinos!), in S. Lake Tahoe.

We're still working our way around the lake,(Heavenly, Kirkwood, Sierra, Homewood, Squaw, etc), so I don't mind going back every year.

I've been to Tahoe 8 or 10 times. I bought a timeshare at Heavenly (Tahoe Ridge club) for $1 on ebay, so I'll be going there every year for a while. If anyone's interested in going to Breckenridge in December or January next winter, I have a 3 bedroom townhouse in Breck (timeshare) that you can stay in for the maintenance fee ($540) per week. I won't be able to go this year. http://www.rockridgeresort.com/views.html

http://www.rockridgeresort.com/images/600_Winter_View_2.jpg

here's the view from the unit.

http://www.rockridgeresort.com/images/600_Peak_9_From_Deck.jpg

[pocampo]

I'm not sure about the East coast, But if you ever able to come out West. I would try Telluride It is absolutely Beautiful and breath taking. Wait to you see lizards head pass its just awesome.They have blue runs that are so long you won't believe it. Its a hassle to get to, but that's what makes it nice. Its a skiers Mountain lots of cool locals to follow around.

After you get good you have to make it to Little Cotton wood in Utah. Not big Cotton wood. Plan on going in early March and don't bring your own boards rent some demo boards that are made for deep powder. Skiing deep Powder is something that you will never ever forget. I live 1 hour from Brek 2 Hrs from aspen 2 half hours from Vail. But these two places are so Sick you will consider moving out here. Even tho I live in Colorado there is nothing like little Cottonwood for Deep Powder Just stay on Chips run and never duck a rope, and watch out for those Tree wells they can be 10 foot deep in march.

[Skinsfan1311]

I've been to Tahoe 8 or 10 times. I bought a timeshare at Heavenly (Tahoe Ridge club) for $1 on ebay, so I'll be going there every year for a while. If anyone's interested in going to Breckenridge in December or January next winter, I have a 3 bedroom townhouse in Breck (timeshare) that you can stay in for the maintenance fee ($540) per week. I won't be able to go this year.

Niiice!

I know exactly where the Ridge is located. We stayed at nearby timeshare a couple of years ago, (the Royal Aloha Tahoe), and we checked out the Ridge while we were there. It's a very nice resort.

Have you done the drive up the Kingsbury grade in the snow yet? It get's pretty squirrely.....

[Xameil]

I would stay with Killington if you are a beginner, or even Pico which is next to Killington. NY has some great skiing as well, but I would wait for them until you are more skilled.

[21cents]

okimo was awesome!!!!

[DeanCollins]

Niiice!

I know exactly where the Ridge is located. We stayed at nearby timeshare a couple of years ago, (the Royal Aloha Tahoe), and we checked out the Ridge while we were there. It's a very nice resort.

Have you done the drive up the Kingsbury grade in the snow yet? It get's pretty squirrely.....

if you mean the west side of the lake through the park, it's always been closed. I have skied all the resorts that you mention plus a couple, Alpine meadows, Northstar, Skibowl

[skins1206]

Awesome info guys. I have only been those two times but it is enough to get me addicted. My problem is i either go full speed or snow plow. Going side to side only works for me if I snow plow. I need to learn how to control my speed without doing that because I look funny and my cavs are burning hahaha

[pocampo]

if you mean the west side of the lake through the park, it's always been closed. I have skied all the resorts that you mention plus a couple, Alpine meadows, Northstar, Skibowl

Did you check out Kirkwood ? Those Locals there are Crazy.

[HailYeah]

During the Olympics, I was watching the downhill, reminiscing about when I skiied it at Whistler about 6 or 7 years ago. I got to thinking, where the hell did they do the downhill when the Olypics were in Lake Placid? There couldnt possibly be a place on the east coast with enough of a vertical drop to keep those guys on a course for 2 mins. Well, I googled it: http://www.whiteface.com/

Apparently this place has a higher vertical drop than Vail, and obviously, anywhere else on the east coast.

As for my personal experience, I had about a 10-year run at Killington. My friend had a condo there and we went every year for New Year's. It was a blast, but it was so damn cold, I dont even know how to explain it to you. When its that cold, it really takes away from your slope time, because your body physically cant take being that cold for that long, so you have to come in and warm up. We only skied about 2 hours at a time. In March it should be pretty nice though.

[pocampo]

Awesome info guys. I have only been those two times but it is enough to get me addicted. My problem is i either go full speed or snow plow. Going side to side only works for me if I snow plow. I need to learn how to control my speed without doing that because I look funny and my cavs are burning hahaha

You will get better, After 5 or 6 times you will be hucking yourself of jumps. Having good equipment makes all the difference in the world. How long are your Skies ?

[skins1206]

You will get better, After 5 or 6 times you will be hucking yourself of jumps. Having good equipment makes all the difference in the world. How long are your Skies ?

Do not have my own skies yet, I just rent them. I used 140s the first time and 130s the second time.

[pocampo]

Do not have my own skies yet, I just rent them. I used 140s the first time and 130s the second time.

Depending on your weight those seem real short. I bet they chatter like crazy when you pick up speed LOL. Here is one thing you can do it will make a big difference. When you go to the rental shop ask to rent some demos, Then Tip the guy like 5 bucks to wax your skies real good, and ask him if the edges are alright, Having dull edges on skies makes skiing a lot harder Now you will have new Skies sharp edges, next is Tighten your binding its as dangerous to have your bindings to lose, so make sure there adjusted so you don't come flying out of them to easy I've seen so many yard sales because they never adjust the bindings right. Have fun Man hope this helps.

[skins1206]

Depending on your weight those seem real short. I bet they chatter like crazy when you pick up speed LOL. Here is one thing you can do it will make a big difference. When you go to the rental shop ask to rent some demos, Then Tip the guy like 5 bucks to wax your skies real good, and ask him if the edges are alright, Having dull edges on skies makes skiing a lot harder Now you will have new Skies sharp edges, next is Tighten your binding its as dangerous to have your bindings to lose, so make sure there adjusted so you don't come flying out of them to easy I've seen so many yard sales because they never adjust the bindings right. Have fun Man hope this helps.

Thanks for the info, I was told that when starting out I should use smaller skis. This is not the case?

[pocampo]

Thanks for the info, I was told that when starting out I should use smaller skis. This is not the case?

No that's right shorter are better to start, But there not stable right. If you are fairly athletic you will love a longer ski more stable. Try 175s see how you like it. Just be careful know your limits you will do fine. I ski mostly 195s I weigh 183. If I Ski Gun Barrel at Tahoe I go shorter. I use to Ski 205s but Skis got better now so 195 work real good for me. For me I hate coming out of my skis so I tighten my own bindings I'll make them has tight as I can and I still come out. Also if you like good Ski movies rent Blizzard of Oz watch it right before you go,

[Kilmer17]

If youre going north, I like Whiteface in Lake Placid. Close by Snoeshoe is the best by far, Canaan is okay too, but not great.

Out west, it's all about who you are going with and what youre looking for in a ski resort. Family trip? Breckinridge and Copper probably are the best.

I like Sun Valley Idaho personally, it's just a pain to get in and out of.

[DeanCollins]

Did you check out Kirkwood ? Those Locals there are Crazy.

Yes, Kirkwood was awesome with the wide open top bald ridge with the castle rock and shutes.

[GoSkins561]

A trip to the west will spoil you, don't do it maaaan.. :ols:

[Sticksboi05]

Go to Killington, VT.

Near here, Snowshoe, Timberline and Canaan.

HM: Seven Springs, PA

[nonniey]

Best place in the immediate area, as I recall, is Snowshoe in West Virginia.

In Vermont and New Hampshire, you get Killington, Stratton, Mount Snow, and Stowe, all of which are good (but can get really, really cold). Killington is the biggest, but Stowe is probably the best.

Western skiing is where it's at.

Yep right you are on this, Western Skiing is where it's at.

[Skinsfan1311]

During the Olympics, I was watching the downhill, reminiscing about when I skiied it at Whistler about 6 or 7 years ago. I got to thinking, where the hell did they do the downhill when the Olypics were in Lake Placid? There couldnt possibly be a place on the east coast with enough of a vertical drop to keep those guys on a course for 2 mins. Well, I googled it: http://www.whiteface.com/

We went on a trip to Lake Placid back in '90. The town is awesome. It's small, with nice little bars and restaurants and it looks like they could hold the Olympics there tomorrow. The conditions at Whiteface were incredible. I still skiied back then, (switched to riding a few years later).

Apparently this place has a higher vertical drop than Vail, and obviously, anywhere else on the east coast.

As for my personal experience, I had about a 10-year run at Killington. My friend had a condo there and we went every year for New Year's. It was a blast, but it was so damn cold, I dont even know how to explain it to you. When its that cold, it really takes away from your slope time, because your body physically cant take being that cold for that long, so you have to come in and warm up. We only skied about 2 hours at a time. In March it should be pretty nice though.

That's one of the reasons Lake Tahoe is so great. I overheard an employee at Ski Heavenly explain that the lake acts like a big heat sink, and helps to keep the temps stable.

So...you get great conditions but not those bitter East coast temps.

[Park City Skins]

Little Cottonwood,Pocampo,home of Snowbird and Alta. Snowbird is awesome but can be rough at times to beginners. Little more advanced,and it turns in to a great skiing experience. Little windy at times off of the Little Cloud chair,but still lots of fun. Alta,well,that's just a steep,kick your ass mountain. Now for the longest time,Brighton was one of the best kept secrets around. That's in Big Cottonwood canyon. Right next to Solitude. Both are fun,but Brighton is a great place to ski and learn. But for the money and experience,Snowbird. Love that place. Not dissing Park City,(better over the years),Deer Valley,(have to take out a loan to ski there),or The Canyons,(still some of the best skiing in town can be found there),but Little Cottonwood is where it's at imho in this State,(haven't been to Snowbasin yet).

[Stadium-Armory]

Vail Colorado.

But if you're looking for something inside of 4 hrs from DC, I strongly suggest Sevens Springs PA. I prefer it over Snowshoe big time.