missjanna

I'm going to start planning on my winter ski trip (I know this sounds way too early for some people, but this is new territory for me) and wondering if anyone can recommend a good ski area in the North East within a 4 hour drive of NYC that is not too crowded and still has trails for a beginner - novice skiier?

I've been to some resorts in upstate NY but I would like to choose another state this time, maybe Rhode Island, New Hampshire or Vermont. Also lodging in inexpensive - moderate range would help! And maybe something to do at night! ;-)

Any help would be appreciated!!

gc

Four hours from NYC puts you in southern Vermont...Mt. Snow.

missjanna

I will drive 4 hrs or maybe up 6 hours if possible....
As for Mt. Snow, isn't it one of the most crowded since it's one of the well known ski areas in VT next to Killington?
I'm looking for somewhere that's NOT that crowded!

FlyFish

I agree that Mt. Snow is a good choice, particularly for a beginner. Many of the trails are really wide-open slopes and there are many easy ways down from the summit. My own favorite area, Okemo, is just a bit further north and has slightly more challenging - but I think considerably more interesting - terrain. They also do a better job with grooming and managing lift lines - which I think are particularly poorly handled at Mt. Snow. If you are truly a beginner - as in green trails only - then you'll probably be more comfortable at Mt. Snow, but if you can handle some easier blues then I'd recommend looking into Okemo.

gc

Stratton is still reasonably close, and the crowds are kept down by high ($75) lift ticket prices.

If you want great variety and no crowds, head to the Mad River Valley. Sugarbush and Mad River Glen are as good as it gets.

IgorVodov

we went to the ski trip last year to Stratton and even though we are beginner skiers we could handle their "blues" relatively easy. It is only 3 hours from NYC in Souther Vermont. You can stay in Three Mountain Inn in Jamaica,VT which is only 2 miles away from the ski slopes.

MarieF

All of the southern Vermont ski areas (Mt. Snow, Stratton, Okemo) have areas that are suitable for beginners. They also have good group lessons. Stay away from Mad River! There is no snow making there (in fact, it's motto is "ski it if you can"). I learned to ski at Sugarbush (many years ago!) and it is a lovely area, but further north.

gc

Sugarbush is about 7 miles south of the Mad River Glen ski area, in the Mad River Valley.

Gekko

Killington is the largest ski area and probably the least prone to crowds (although all areas near NYC get extremely crowded on winter weekends). Killington also offers many great bars and restaurants, so if you're looking for nightlife, Killington is there for you.

raineday33

Killington and no crowds??? Right.Okemo is great but like any ski areas weekends will be crowded. Midweek is the best and there is barely a lift line. Okemo used to share privleges with Sratton. You could ski both if you bought 3 days or more. Stratton has a great midweek special. $139 pp with ticket and room.
Mt Snow is pretty boring and conditions can be questionable.
My choice would be Stratton for the midweek special.
However my absolute favorite is Sugarloaf in Maine.

Gekko

Did I say "no crowds"? No. I said Killington, because of its size, is the least prone to crowds (because you can usually find a less crowded area if you look). Then I added that all areas near NYC get extremely crowded on winter weekends.

Also missjanna is looking for nighttime options -- Killington is clearly the best for restaurants and nightlife.

MarieF

Killington is a great ski area as far as terrain, snowmaking, and night life. Actually, it's my favorite ski area in N.E., but I've been skiing a while. For a beginner, I believe that there is an area called Snowshed that would be okay. Also, be prepared that it is huge, and you have to plan where you are going to ski so that you end up in the right place at the end of the day. You should be okay if you stick to the beginner area. Check out their website www.killington.com for more information.

screen_name

I would also vote for Killington.

It is no more or less crowded than other resorts but there is one advantage...because it is so big (basically 5 mountains) with so many trails for every level you could stay a week and never get bored. I like the variety of shops and restaurants in the area too.

If you go to Killington try to stay at the condos that are "ski in~ski out". I think those rentals are through Killington Properties and they have packages that include lift tickets which end up being pretty economical.

Cher

For a beginner skier, Killington will probably provide the most variety and number of good beginner runs. I love skiing at Sugarbush, but I think that it is more geared towards the intermediate/advanced skier. There are some green runs, but no where near the number at Killington. Plus, it's about 45 minute ride north of Killington. Stay away from Mad River Glen ... not a place for beginners!

bmw732002

missjanna:

This might be a bit of a stretch for you but I would highly recommend a resort called "Grey Rocks" near Mt. Tremblant, Canada!
No not 4-hrs (excpt plane) but is one of the best learning resorts you can find. You will be a 'very much improved skier' when you leave this resort. It is an 'all inclusive' with great meals and nightlife.
Canadian dollar is still a bargain, but a bit less so than last year.
Give it a try for a unique ski vacation
JOHN

wills

I would just like to second the Grey Rocks idea. We went in Jan 03 and we liked it a lot. Great instruction and nice people.

bm

If you want to avoid crowds, head NORTH. About 6 hours will bring you to (IMO) Vermont's best kept skiing secret... Burke Mountain. Great moutain with a terrific beginner area. It's also inexpensive compared to the bigger resorts down south. There are also rarely any crowds. The only downside is that it is fairly isolated, so if you're looking for nightlife/shopping, you won't find any! There are some terrific restaurants nearby though.
www.skiburke.com
Also, Jay Peak and Cannon Mountain are a short drive away if you'd like to try a different area.