avi

We are planning on going to killington around X-Mas. What is the skiing like there in late December? We are 2 beginners and 2 intermediate skiiers. Any info?

Vermont

Skiing is great, everything will be white, especially the people.

Sandy

LOL!!!!

Whitey

Uh oh, our Troll has returned!
Look ot bellllllllllow!

xx

Killington will be very crowded during Xmas Week, and if there is not a lot of natural snow they'll have somewhat limited terrain open. Assuming they have a lot of terrain open, you'll find lot's of terrain to suit your abilities. Just be forewarned about the crowds if you're going the week between Xmas and New Years!

Lara

We celebrated the New Year there before and never again would we do that. It was very crowded, you're lucky if you don't get run over by a snowboarder. Ski conditions were poor. No natural snow when we were there. They used their snowblowers but not enough. Not all terrains are open. A bit icy. I guess this won't matter as much for the beginner skiers but for the intermediate skiers, you might not be pleased with the ski conditions. Better to wait till late January or February.

avi

Well then, here is my dilemmna. We are 2 couples who would like to fly somewhere, ski for a few days, then DRIVE to NYC for New Years. So it needs to be within about a 7 hour drive of NYC. Where should we go if not Killington? We are in our mid-20's, no kids, and while we aren't huge party people, it is nice to have a good selection of restaurants and bars to go out at night. Please help me, I'm planning this trip and I don't really know what I'm doing! I've never been skiing! Thanks!

ALF

You never can predict what kind of snow you will have in December in Vermont, but Killington prides itself on opening earlier and staying open later than everyone else, and they have the snowmaking equipment to do it. Most New England ski areas are going to be crowded at that time, so you might as well accept it as part of the plan. I think Killington also has some good beginners terrain, so it would be a good choice. Looks like this season there will be a mild El Nino effect, which tends to make New England moister than usual, i.e. it should be a good snow season.

gc

Killington will be a zoo.

Why not Lake Placid and Whiteface?

Or, the North Conway area is 6.5 hrs from Central Park. You have several mountains to choose from. Mt. Cranmore in N. Conway faces south, and is a good novice/learning area. Or you have the ski 93 areas of Waterville, Loon and Canon, and they're probably a 6 hr. drive.

The Vermont areas will be full of New Yorkers. You can bet that Loon will be the most crowded in NH.

I would bet that Bretton Woods would be the least crowded of all the NH areas, and it will be within your 7 hour window.

Stay at the Mt. Washington hotel for an elegant, memorable time.

Cheryl

Waht about going farther north ... I hear Mount Tremblant (?spelling) in Quebec is nice, and you have that great Canadian exchange rate ($1US = $1.52Cdn). However, I don't know the driving time, but I think that most of the ride is expressway.

xx

Try posting your question on epicski.com
It's a skiers website and the folks there have lots of great knowledge.

gc

That's true....skiing at 60 cents on the dollar is tough to beat!

Tremblant claims 7.5 hours...6hrs, 7 hrs, whatever, you'll burn a day travelling and will be about fork tender when you're done.8^)

http://www.tremblant.com/gettinghere/directions/index-e.asp

Better chance for good snow farther north,also.

sss

Consider weather. EL NINO is Here and and would look up what is expected. I thought I read dry winter in the NW. WHAT WILL THIS DO TO SNOW IN THE NE. Last year the snow was terrible!

avi

Wow you guys have given me a lot to think about. I almost don't know where to start! We are looking for a place that will have fun places to go out at night too, don't want somewhere that will be empty. How is Mont Tremblant? Is it all French or a lot of Americans?
You guys are great!

xxxx

I have never been but I understand it is great and I feel that your chances of Snow will be better that time of year. I would look into weather and El Nino related stuff before I made resrv/

avi

Just want to clarify-I cannot change my dates, as I teach and have to do this trip during my break from school-with all the kids I know! But anyhow, am still concerned about going somewhere with good skiing, good nightlife and restaurants, in driving vicinity to NYC.

Cheryl

I haven't personally gone to Mount Tremblant yet, but a couple of my friends have (went last year), who are avid skiers and they loved it. They said that there is a village atmosphere with restaurants, etc., although keep in mind that Killington has the reputation of having a big party scene so it might not compare to that, but there is still a village with restaurants, apre ski bars, etc. They did not have any problem with language as this resort is pretty well known and gets plenty of folks from the US skiing there.

It's always challenging finding a place that is more likely than not to have snow for skiing at Christmas time ... it could be snow covered in the east or the grass can be green. However, the farther up north you go, I think the better the chances of getting good snow earlier in the season.

If you go to Tremblant please post a follow up report.

gc

I've not been to Tremblant, but have friends who have. My understanding is that you get a real european village feel....I assume that means food and nightclubs, etc. Try goski.com and let them point you to some of the area websites. And look for snow statistics.

You'll have a ball. And don't be too cool to get/rent a helmet. If it's between your head and a tree...the tree always wins.