which is better, why, and tips.
Details-
*girlfriend will be coming
*scenery is important i would like to take some nice pictures
*will be staying in an RV is there a campground near by that is open during the winter
*distance is not a big deal
*any additional things like shopping, nice restaurants, or hiking
basically looking for best over all experience i have only been to holiday valley, Hollymont, and kb
I’ve only been to Killington. I have been there 2 times. Girlfriend would probably enjoy the atmosphere and if she’s a noob there are plenty of trails she would enjoy. Scenery isn’t all that great there but if you go to the highest lift and then walk a few hundred feet to the peak you can get some sick pics there, other than that you’re kind of limited to anything real nice. The view is great as you can see forever, well actually like 6-7 miles. I loved the restaurants and bars we went to in Killington, they were always a good time, pricey but enjoyable.
What types of trails are you looking for?
Mount Snow if kinda small, and easy trails. The mountain is tucked away and actually does go all the way up the mountain, very good for riding during storms.
Killington is my home mountain. It is a town in itself, it has everything that you need right there. The mountains have from easy cruzers to very steep. Depending on the weekend it can be very very busy, as in parking going down the access road. During the week is awesome. Pico is also right next door and is a pretty good “vermont” mountain.
Stowe is a very nice mountain also. Nice trails and a wide range grades and is also very popular. Town is right down the road and has nice restraunts also.
You might want to look at Jaypeak and Okemo Also. I really have hung out at Killington afterhours and only made day trips to the other mountains. I miss being 10 minutes away from a great mountain. For everything in you list I would go for Killington.
she will want to start on some easy hills but i would really enjoy some nice technical trails along with some nice woods. i really want to go after they get a nice snow fall for the powder and the overall look.
Killington is cold as hell.
Killington is my fav in VT, been to a bunch and it wins bcuz of the terrain diversity, good parks, and town/bars/restaurants.
Mt. Snow is decent as well, great woods/glades to ride
no advice from me on the scenery, can’t remember just like to ride
I’ve been to all three at least 30+ times and hands down Stowe offers the best snow and overall riding experience. The back country is the best I have seen on the east coast. Mt. Snow is great if you’re a park rat, and Killington always seems overrun.
Being that your GF if coming, you’ll be good with all 3 as they all offer a wide range of (easy) trails and a great night life.
Stowe.
/ thread.
^This. There is way too much to hate aboot Killington.
I am not a skiier but the town around Stowe was pretty cool when I was there.
I’ve ridden at Killington… I like it, but it’s definitely not the best in VT. I rode smuggler’s notch which is very close to stowe, and found that the terrain and layout in that area is just phenomenal. They are both VERY far north in VT, and that area is much colder and more likely to get good snow, than killington. I’ve heard really great things about Stowe and IMO, even without ever been there, I would choose Stowe.
I am a little biased since Killington is my home mountain (and employer for that matter), but I am a skier, first and foremost, and here is my $.02.
Killington - Used to have a reputation of being a mob-scene on weekends and holidays. Not anymore. Crowds are very reasonable. Good snowfall (250" annual average) and a VERY reliable mountain ops team. Large size gives a lot of variety and options and spreads out the skiers as well. Plus all the different terrain aspects means varying weather and snow conditions around the resort. However the mountain skis shorter than the advertised vertical since you ski it in ~1200’-1600’ vertical sections You can usually find a quiet area on the mountain no matter what. Access road gives good nightlife options. A few good scenic views if you know where to look. Pico Mountain is a great option too with some awesome views, and some very fun trails.
Stowe - Very good natural snowfall totals each year (333"), just less than Jay Peak (350"). The northern resorts do better snowfall-wise as they get more in the way of upslope snows from the coastal storms. Village of Stowe is very classy as well. Burlington nearby adds options as well. Terrain-wise, Stowe will have everything. They have some awesome trees and steeps and great cruisers and groomers. It is a little pricier though. Will give you some great photo opportunities with Mount Mansfield right there.
Mount Snow - Just call it Mt. Bro. Don’t even bother really. Little natural snow, less interesting terrain. Unless you are a park rat, and care about the drive being shorter from Jersey, don’t waste the time. The only place in Southern VT worth skiing is Magic Mountain on a pow day.
AFAIK, the state campgrounds are closed for the winter season. Not sure of any privates that are open for the winter.
All that said, if it was my choice, my choice would be load up the RV, head to Jay Peak for the first day, truck it down to Stowe for the evening and ski there the next day, then load up at 4pm and shoot down to Killington for the evening and night, and ski the following day at Killington.
You’ve got a home on wheels, why stay so stationary?
PS - If you can swing the roadtrip midweek away from the Presidents week and Christmas week, you will have each resort to yourself pretty much.
I liked Stowe better than Killington.
Stowe has some awesome back country riding.
Upper bench is epic. (east coast speaking)
wow that’s basically what i had come up with as i was reading through the posts and that’s totally what I am going to do. I will probably add a few days to the trip to make it less stressful i hate rushing. I really appreciate all of the helpful advice thanks guys. I will report back with my $.02 hopefully soon
Only other piece of advice I can give at this time is in regards to Jay. If it is dumping, make sure you have some really good rubber on the RV for Route 242 cutting to Jay. There’s a pass you need to clear that gets hairy in times of snowfall that has a pretty decent grade. If it’s snowing heavily, may be worth cutting to the North and coming in by Rt 105.
call the resorts to see if they have a parking area for RV’s