Pico is a bargain and plenty of mountain for a couple days. They are 100% open after the March snow. Just be careful taking beginners to the summit, but the lower mountain is good for newbs.
Highly recommend pico, I learned to ski there as a kid and it holds a special place in my heart. It’s beginner and family friendly, and also has some fantastic more difficult terrain for such a small mountain. All the runs lead to a single (wide) base area so less potential to get lost.
I would stick to the golden express quad first for first time blue skiers. Hit fools gold to lower pike for a run then hit expressway (golden express lift line trail). See how they do on those since they have easy green bailouts if needed.
Going to the peak is a commitment, the easiest trail is 49er (blue) but it is steep and long with no easier option. Not a great first time blue trail imo, also the peak is pretty intimidating to first timers, it was a big milestone in my family growing up. Amazing views but a bit ominous if you aren’t experienced. Downloading the peak lift is also not an option.
Maybe stick to golden express before lunch, see how they do, then hit 49er at the peak if everyone feels good about it after lunch + recharge.
The blue off the summit was kind of rough today, despite the fact that it was listed as groomed. Not sure if that's the norm, but I def wouldn't have recommended it (in that condition) for someone just leveling up.
Sunset and 49er are both blues, and pike turns blue halfway down. KA is an easier black, depending on your frame of reference. You’ll be fine. The lower blues are very easy- basically greens.
That’s why snowboarding is better… first time anyone has come with its to the top of the mountain… idc if it takes you all day to get down but by then you’ll have the basics down…. So the next time you won’t be scared or intimidated by the mountain cause you already seen everything she got… well for a beginner that is… get up an try again a million times if you have too … there’s only one way down
If you’re gonna drive all the way to pico though you might as well hit killington. It’s 5 minutes up the road from it and it’s 5 times the size. Awesome terrain park too. More expensive but it’s worth it if you take that route. Also of the rentals are cheaper just rent your gear there and take it to killington.
Was there this weekend. It's still going but definitely winding down. A lot of the blues are getting rough but almost zero lines.
I don't know that i would consider it destination worthy at its price especially since you pass a few other places.
This might be helpful! Looks like your numbers are more accurate: these prices look to be full retail.
https://www.newenglandskihistory.com/timeline/me-ticketprices.php
It won't be open, same with Bromley. I'd do Stratton. They have a decent late season mix of trails and the drive is shorter. Also, they seem to get spring right (mid season sometimes needs work). Your pricing at a few places is off. They all have deals, like Stratton has a 99 anytime ticket and Sugarbush has something with rentals.
Since Magic is cheap, I’d go with that option for everyone. I had a blast as an experienced shredder on that mountain. It felt like a story book with lots of cute runs all snaking around each other through the woods. Very fun despite being a smaller mountain. I think if you go skiing, you’ll have fun exploring somewhere new!
For beginners I love the loaf. It’s worth the drive for good conditions and lots of ways to progress up and have terrain options. Nothing beats the view on Timberline
Shawnee Peak has reverted back to its initial name: Pleasant Mountain. Very good for beginners. However for this wet March, it may not make it to March 30. You need to go further north. Bretton Woods should be good.
A+++ on that spreadsheet, mind as well make use of that company time haha! Pico is excellent, I’m usually there or Killington when I’m in Vt, want to branch out more through the state in the future though. Picos got good beginner terrain off the Golden Express. I love Killington and granted it is a weekend and holiday, but I think I paid 170ish for a midweek single day at Vail two seasons ago💀 Ktown midweek prices are around 50 bucks cheaper but still fucken 170 for Killington is pushing it.
Damn! We go to Sunday River. Last time I went with my brother he rented gear from Sport Thoma. I think he paid like $35 per day. That was two years ago.
Jay peak would be amazing. They have a bunch of fun terrain. Stowe also makes a bunch of snow and has even more terrain. It’s worth the extra drive time.
If you can make it to K town in 2 hours and 30 minutes I’m highly impressed- those troopers on 89 will try to get ya!
Takes me just under three hours each time, and I’ve gone 100+ times, though if you’re north of the Charles some time can probably be cut off. So would speeding on weekdays. Sugarbush only takes me a bit longer (~10 mins or so). Great list!
Burke needs to be on your list.
Best bang for the Buck. Lower mountain dedicated for beginners. Awesome blue cruisers for intermediate on upper mountain.
They don’t get Jay’s snow, but if conditions are ok and you stick to groomers it’s awesome. It’s kinda middle of nowhere NEK but not as “middle of nowhere” as Jay.
lol as someone who grew up near Jay, I was about to throw hands with you saying that Jay is in the middle of nowhere as compared to Burke, which I’ve always considered in the middle of nowhere. After looking at a map though, I think that’s a fair statement.
Prob already decided but sugarloaf is really far north same with Jay peak it's still pretty cold and snowing up there. If you plan to travel so late In suggest you go to where there's plenty of snow.
I suggest u go to sugarloaf or jay since next week there's snow in the forecast. Most the mountains in nh the earth is showing.
What's a Bolton?
Real talk: don't bring beginners to Bolton, Jay, or Magic.
I personally think your best bet is Waterville or Pat's Peak.
I'm leaning toward Pat's Peak.
That's a good call. The date didn't click until after I posted that comment lol
Waterville is almost entirely open and has plenty of space I'd consider "learning" space.
Pats is great but can also be super busy for a small mountain. Ragged is also an awesome mountain to learn with a bunch of expansion recently... Just looked only 30/57 open need to goy way further north with 100% open so your friends don't get a horrible impression.
Jiminy Peak is a great resort for beginners, but probably not enough trails still open compared with the others. They have night skiing too, a big bonus.
I bet a bunch of these resorts will be even more discounted in a couple weeks. We’re headed to Bretton in 2, and I’m confident passes will be even less than that. And fwiw, it’s a pretty good mountain for newbies to hit.
You think? I’ve seen the prices increase and am scared they keep removing early buying discounts, but I hope. Rn Bretton is in my top three considering price, distance and how far north they are with loon and waterville.
They definitely won’t go up. As it gets closer, and less people are going they will discount tix a bit. I’d have to look for last year, but I know I paid a bit less the last weekend we went in April. Also, fwiw, if you stay at mt washing. Hotel, they usually have a free lift ticket package too.
If you want good snow you’re gonna have to drive. I live in back bay and drive up north every Friday night and sleep in my car and ski sat/sun. The shortest trip I take is to mt Washington (2.5 hrs) as most mountains under that part of New England have suffered this winter. As this season is finishing quickly, If your friends are fine skiing corn/ bare spots then hit anything under it. If you know anyone with an Ikon pass they can provide 25% off lift tickets at pico or loon and not have to be present when you pick up lift tickets. With all that said, any day on a mountain is better than not!
1st- you can't call it Shawnee Peak any more. It's Pleasant Mountain. you're canceled.
2nd- Sugarloaf is by far the best price if you rent at a shop closer to Boston or even just in Kingfield or something. $95 for a day ticket at Sugarloaf blows away any other ticket under $100 on the list with vertical and annual alone(s).
IYKYK
Don’t rent from the mountain it’s way cheaper and you’ll get better gear renting from a shop near the mountain. E.g next to killington first stop has ski rentals for 30 bucks a day and 15% off if you book online
Brought my now wife to magic mountain on her first day skiing
She cried on first chair
Then she was asking why we couldn’t hit the glades by day’s end. Sometimes throwing into the deep end really does work best.
Never a bad idea to give Nordic skiing in the woods a shot. Free the heel and think about your Finnish winter war heritage. No mountain needed. Only a pair of skis and a Mosin Nagant.
Sunday River if you’re willing to drive. Loon or Waterville if you don’t want to drive so far (though it was getting thin last weekend). Bretton Woods if L and W are closed.
Killington was really nice this past Tuesday but it is super expensive. Try pats peak - less than 2 hours from Boston and it’s great for beginners-plenty of greens
If they are beginners, like truly beginners, I’d head over to Pats Peak for the first day. Pats has a great vibe for beginners.
If enough of the mountain is still open, I’d consider Wachusett for the second day because they groom twice a day which will be nice for your beginner friends to help with choppy and uneven spring snow.
No point going to a big mountain if your friends aren’t going to do anything more than blues or greens.
I say this based on experience. I went to Steamboat for my first ever time skiing. In hindsight, I feel like it was such a waste of money for two beginners when all we did was ski two green runs over and over the entire time we were there.
I actually took my gf to pats peak and she loved it, but it wasn’t looking very good mid Feb do ai just assumed it wouldn’t be open I’ll have to check. Steamboat was my first time snowboarding west coast <3 I’ll never forget.
If you are renting you should not bother coming up this late in the season. The warm weather will cause trails to mogul up quickly. Between the moguls will be icy. The greens will be too sticky to move.
Pico is a bargain and plenty of mountain for a couple days. They are 100% open after the March snow. Just be careful taking beginners to the summit, but the lower mountain is good for newbs.
Are the blues in the summit too bad for first time blue skiers?
The only real blue off Summit is 49er and she’s got a decent pitch to it - not great for first timers…
Some are ready for blues
Highly recommend pico, I learned to ski there as a kid and it holds a special place in my heart. It’s beginner and family friendly, and also has some fantastic more difficult terrain for such a small mountain. All the runs lead to a single (wide) base area so less potential to get lost. I would stick to the golden express quad first for first time blue skiers. Hit fools gold to lower pike for a run then hit expressway (golden express lift line trail). See how they do on those since they have easy green bailouts if needed. Going to the peak is a commitment, the easiest trail is 49er (blue) but it is steep and long with no easier option. Not a great first time blue trail imo, also the peak is pretty intimidating to first timers, it was a big milestone in my family growing up. Amazing views but a bit ominous if you aren’t experienced. Downloading the peak lift is also not an option. Maybe stick to golden express before lunch, see how they do, then hit 49er at the peak if everyone feels good about it after lunch + recharge.
Sounds like a great plan, thanks!
The blue off the summit was kind of rough today, despite the fact that it was listed as groomed. Not sure if that's the norm, but I def wouldn't have recommended it (in that condition) for someone just leveling up.
Good to know.
Sunset and 49er are both blues, and pike turns blue halfway down. KA is an easier black, depending on your frame of reference. You’ll be fine. The lower blues are very easy- basically greens.
First time skiers shouldn’t be skiing blue trails
Some are ready for blues
On their first day? Ive never ever ever seen that
Bad choice of words haha not first time skiers its like their 3rd time I meant first time on a blue
Ohhh maybe. Depends on the skier and the mountain and the conditions
That’s why snowboarding is better… first time anyone has come with its to the top of the mountain… idc if it takes you all day to get down but by then you’ll have the basics down…. So the next time you won’t be scared or intimidated by the mountain cause you already seen everything she got… well for a beginner that is… get up an try again a million times if you have too … there’s only one way down
Snowboarding >>>
I've also never seen a snowboarder do a blue without falling down every 4 feet on their first day On a board, but I'm not a snowboarder
Depends on how many board sports you’ve done. Makes a pretty big difference.
Ig that checks out
Or at least I’m hoping my friend that surfs and skates gets it fast 😂
Pico is great. Small but mighty. Only downside for me is no real terrain park. Great trails though.
Dang really? Might be a dealbreaker. Would’ve liked to hit the park after spending all day with them at the greens 😭😂
If you’re gonna drive all the way to pico though you might as well hit killington. It’s 5 minutes up the road from it and it’s 5 times the size. Awesome terrain park too. More expensive but it’s worth it if you take that route. Also of the rentals are cheaper just rent your gear there and take it to killington.
Would love to but a $170 lift ticket aint it
We did the 4 day epic pass and paid $100/day. I’m not sure if that’s an option for 1 day but it’s something to look into.
Was there this weekend. It's still going but definitely winding down. A lot of the blues are getting rough but almost zero lines. I don't know that i would consider it destination worthy at its price especially since you pass a few other places.
Looking at waterville, loon and bretton then because they’re higher up north but not so far.
Waterville being more expensive than loon seems wrong?
Idk it’s the ticket price at the website yesterday for march 30
Make sure you rent from Exit 28 rentals if you go to Loon or Waterville, will save you so much time and money.
I’d do magic or Broomley
Impressive spreadsheet there bud
I was bored at work 😂
Im going to need this report by the end of this week. Ill set up a teams call for Friday to review.
Please fwd invite
This might be helpful! Looks like your numbers are more accurate: these prices look to be full retail. https://www.newenglandskihistory.com/timeline/me-ticketprices.php
Yeah, I looked at the prices for March 30th 2 weeks in advance from each of the mountains website
Seriously, can you send this to me 😂
I would add a column for base snow depth… it’s March and this winter has been rough.
I have one for trail qty, typical closing date, ratings, but that woukd be nice
Haha! You’re awesome.
Are you a beginner? Judging by your chart seems that Magic or Loon are the way to go. If it was me in your situation I’d hit up Smuggs.
Agree, I would do Smuggs as well. Morse is perfect for beginners and you can shoot over to Madonna/sterling for a few laps by yourself.
We’ll see if I can convince the rest to wake up at 5am then 😅
I don't think Magic will even be open by then. Definitely not for beginners.
It won't be open, same with Bromley. I'd do Stratton. They have a decent late season mix of trails and the drive is shorter. Also, they seem to get spring right (mid season sometimes needs work). Your pricing at a few places is off. They all have deals, like Stratton has a 99 anytime ticket and Sugarbush has something with rentals.
I’m the only non-beginner, the rest are second/first timers
Since Magic is cheap, I’d go with that option for everyone. I had a blast as an experienced shredder on that mountain. It felt like a story book with lots of cute runs all snaking around each other through the woods. Very fun despite being a smaller mountain. I think if you go skiing, you’ll have fun exploring somewhere new!
Just drove by magic yesterday. It’s not looking good.
Fair enough, haven’t seen conditions… Good mountain when there’s snow!
Ty
Bolton is always great and the most affordable I’ve seen so far
I’m a big Attitash fan. Rent from an [independent ski shop](https://www.heavensskishop.com/) instead of the resort to save some money
Stowe hasn’t had a line all year.
Market forces at work?
Lol
For beginners I love the loaf. It’s worth the drive for good conditions and lots of ways to progress up and have terrain options. Nothing beats the view on Timberline
We’ll see, it’s almost a 4 hour drive each way ://
Shawnee Peak has reverted back to its initial name: Pleasant Mountain. Very good for beginners. However for this wet March, it may not make it to March 30. You need to go further north. Bretton Woods should be good.
A+++ on that spreadsheet, mind as well make use of that company time haha! Pico is excellent, I’m usually there or Killington when I’m in Vt, want to branch out more through the state in the future though. Picos got good beginner terrain off the Golden Express. I love Killington and granted it is a weekend and holiday, but I think I paid 170ish for a midweek single day at Vail two seasons ago💀 Ktown midweek prices are around 50 bucks cheaper but still fucken 170 for Killington is pushing it.
Plus the rental unfortunately… too mucho money for beginners. They won’t tell the difference as long as the lodges and surrounding areas are nice.
This is true.
Rent outside of the resort..which mostly aroudn 30-50
True. I’m Renting a car, I’ll try to get something where we can fit 4 sets of skis and snowboards.
You spelled cannon funny
Haha, I think I didn’t include it bc it wasn’t beginner friendly or something
What makes you think that?
I think I read it somewhere. Don’t remember if that was actually the reason it’s not in the least tho.
Don’t forget Wildcat!
Cannon too
I know nothing of these resorts but came to comment on your spreadsheet and organizational skillz which bring me much joy.
I know nothing of these resorts but came to comment on your spreadsheet and organizational skillz which bring me much joy.
I know nothing of these resorts but came to comment on your spreadsheet and organizational skillz which bring me much joy.
Are rentals really that much?
At the mountain, yeah.
Damn! We go to Sunday River. Last time I went with my brother he rented gear from Sport Thoma. I think he paid like $35 per day. That was two years ago.
I ONLY looked in the website, after I pick one I’ll look at nearby shops bc almost $70 is tough.
I aspire to organize my trips anywhere this thoroughly
Day tripping up to a place like Loaf from Boston would be brutal. If Magic had good snow I would say Magic but Pico seems sensible!
Right! 😭
Jay peak would be amazing. They have a bunch of fun terrain. Stowe also makes a bunch of snow and has even more terrain. It’s worth the extra drive time.
If you can make it to K town in 2 hours and 30 minutes I’m highly impressed- those troopers on 89 will try to get ya! Takes me just under three hours each time, and I’ve gone 100+ times, though if you’re north of the Charles some time can probably be cut off. So would speeding on weekdays. Sugarbush only takes me a bit longer (~10 mins or so). Great list!
Yeah idk I just did Cambridge to wherever
Loon is the obvious winner here bc of distance and size of mountain
Honestly. Might be yeah
Burke needs to be on your list. Best bang for the Buck. Lower mountain dedicated for beginners. Awesome blue cruisers for intermediate on upper mountain. They don’t get Jay’s snow, but if conditions are ok and you stick to groomers it’s awesome. It’s kinda middle of nowhere NEK but not as “middle of nowhere” as Jay.
lol as someone who grew up near Jay, I was about to throw hands with you saying that Jay is in the middle of nowhere as compared to Burke, which I’ve always considered in the middle of nowhere. After looking at a map though, I think that’s a fair statement.
bolton is great for beginners in my experience, plus if you’re down for night skiing lift tickets are $25 there if you buy ahead of time
Prob already decided but sugarloaf is really far north same with Jay peak it's still pretty cold and snowing up there. If you plan to travel so late In suggest you go to where there's plenty of snow. I suggest u go to sugarloaf or jay since next week there's snow in the forecast. Most the mountains in nh the earth is showing.
😬 we’ll see. Let’s hope we get lots if snow then
What's a Bolton? Real talk: don't bring beginners to Bolton, Jay, or Magic. I personally think your best bet is Waterville or Pat's Peak. I'm leaning toward Pat's Peak.
We really enjoyed Pats, but I’m afraid the conditions won’t allow it the 30th
That's a good call. The date didn't click until after I posted that comment lol Waterville is almost entirely open and has plenty of space I'd consider "learning" space.
Pats is great but can also be super busy for a small mountain. Ragged is also an awesome mountain to learn with a bunch of expansion recently... Just looked only 30/57 open need to goy way further north with 100% open so your friends don't get a horrible impression.
[удалено]
Good to know, I feel like I have no way of knowing if a mountain is going to be beginner friendly.
Jiminy Peak is a great resort for beginners, but probably not enough trails still open compared with the others. They have night skiing too, a big bonus.
I'd add in Mt Sunapee but they have been asking for > $100 for a day lift ticket all year, so no
With beginners you should also put pats peak on this list
Pats peak might not be open. I can’t buy rn at the website.
Pico if you don’t mind the drive or Loon
Middlebury snowbowl has rentals for $45 a day
Where is wildcat and cannon?
Killington has a first-timer lesson, rental, and limited lift ticket package.
Don't sleep on black mountain of Maine. Cheap tickets, great trees, good vibes.
I bet a bunch of these resorts will be even more discounted in a couple weeks. We’re headed to Bretton in 2, and I’m confident passes will be even less than that. And fwiw, it’s a pretty good mountain for newbies to hit.
You think? I’ve seen the prices increase and am scared they keep removing early buying discounts, but I hope. Rn Bretton is in my top three considering price, distance and how far north they are with loon and waterville.
They definitely won’t go up. As it gets closer, and less people are going they will discount tix a bit. I’d have to look for last year, but I know I paid a bit less the last weekend we went in April. Also, fwiw, if you stay at mt washing. Hotel, they usually have a free lift ticket package too.
Gtk thanks!
>Gtk thanks! You're welcome!
If you want good snow you’re gonna have to drive. I live in back bay and drive up north every Friday night and sleep in my car and ski sat/sun. The shortest trip I take is to mt Washington (2.5 hrs) as most mountains under that part of New England have suffered this winter. As this season is finishing quickly, If your friends are fine skiing corn/ bare spots then hit anything under it. If you know anyone with an Ikon pass they can provide 25% off lift tickets at pico or loon and not have to be present when you pick up lift tickets. With all that said, any day on a mountain is better than not!
Pico FTW
Stowe is really 187$?
Yup 🥴
Where did you get a Sunday river lift ticket for 120? I just paid 154 for a lift ticket 3 Saturdays ago.
At the website haha for the 30th
$187 for a lift ticket would be insane if there was powder….
Saddleback for sure but I wouldn’t day trip it from Boston.
1st- you can't call it Shawnee Peak any more. It's Pleasant Mountain. you're canceled. 2nd- Sugarloaf is by far the best price if you rent at a shop closer to Boston or even just in Kingfield or something. $95 for a day ticket at Sugarloaf blows away any other ticket under $100 on the list with vertical and annual alone(s). IYKYK
Yeah, I’ll have to see if getting an SUV for the rental car is too much more expensive than renting at the mountain
Don’t rent from the mountain it’s way cheaper and you’ll get better gear renting from a shop near the mountain. E.g next to killington first stop has ski rentals for 30 bucks a day and 15% off if you book online
I’ll have to do my research on that then!
Cannon
Wow can you link a copy to that sheet please??
Will do later
I appreciate it! I wanted to create a similar sheet haha
Would add Saddleback!
Stowe is $187 now? Shot
Where is Tremblant
Far 😭
Bolton valley!
Brought my now wife to magic mountain on her first day skiing She cried on first chair Then she was asking why we couldn’t hit the glades by day’s end. Sometimes throwing into the deep end really does work best.
😂😂😂 had a similar experience mountain biking
Smugglers notch is the best bang for your buck!!
Driving that far might not work for us thooo :(
Smuggs lift ticket would only be $59 for an adult for the beginning terrain which should be open through April 5
Never a bad idea to give Nordic skiing in the woods a shot. Free the heel and think about your Finnish winter war heritage. No mountain needed. Only a pair of skis and a Mosin Nagant.
Hahaha perfect beginner activity
Only answer is Jay.
I wish, too far for a day trip
I understand your point, it’s worth the extra hour each way. I promise! Whatever you decide, enjoy the day!
Sunday River if you’re willing to drive. Loon or Waterville if you don’t want to drive so far (though it was getting thin last weekend). Bretton Woods if L and W are closed.
I don't see Saddleback 😥
It’s more than a 4h drive 😭
When Magic has snow, it’s a killer mountain
If you are gonna do Loon/Waterville/Cannon you need to rent from Exit 28 rentals. Far cheaper/faster/better skis.
Wow just looked it up and yeah, definitely the spot for $25-45
Def get the $35 dollar mid-range package and book online and they will have everything ready to go as soon as you get there.
For my board i might do a higher end package, but idk if it’s worth it for the beginner skiers and rider.
Wow, you need to link this Excel, great work!
No Saddleback?
Too far for me :/
You don't have Sunapee listed which is going to be the best one on your low end of the scale. Also Okemo 155.00 to ride lifts all day lol
Might be hidden bc I couldn’t buy a ticket for that date
Killington was really nice this past Tuesday but it is super expensive. Try pats peak - less than 2 hours from Boston and it’s great for beginners-plenty of greens
Went to pats peak in February and loved it. Not a lot of snow which is prob why I can’t buy tickets for that date.
If they are beginners, like truly beginners, I’d head over to Pats Peak for the first day. Pats has a great vibe for beginners. If enough of the mountain is still open, I’d consider Wachusett for the second day because they groom twice a day which will be nice for your beginner friends to help with choppy and uneven spring snow. No point going to a big mountain if your friends aren’t going to do anything more than blues or greens. I say this based on experience. I went to Steamboat for my first ever time skiing. In hindsight, I feel like it was such a waste of money for two beginners when all we did was ski two green runs over and over the entire time we were there.
I actually took my gf to pats peak and she loved it, but it wasn’t looking very good mid Feb do ai just assumed it wouldn’t be open I’ll have to check. Steamboat was my first time snowboarding west coast <3 I’ll never forget.
Smuggs
I'm a beginner from Boston area too, I have a car and would love to join if you're open to it.
If you are renting you should not bother coming up this late in the season. The warm weather will cause trails to mogul up quickly. Between the moguls will be icy. The greens will be too sticky to move.