Learning to Ski in NH - Black Mt or Cranmore? Your help is needed.
Jan 7th, 2002, 02:42 AM
#1
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Learning to Ski in NH - Black Mt or Cranmore? Your help is needed.
Hi
Husband and I will be travelling to Jackson NH soon, although we have visited there before I have NEVER skied before. So I have decided to have my first Downhill ski lesson.
I have done some research and Black Mounatin or Cranmore appear to be my best option, but I would appreciate advice from anyone who has learnt to ski at either of these locations.
I am in my late 20's of average fitness but am not particularly strong (I mention this as people have said I may struggle due to this)
I intend to have a group lesson (Midweek) and have heard that as my lesson is midweek it will probabaly be semi-private anyway. Do you think I should I book the lesson or just turn up in the morning?
All suggestions are appreciated.
Husband and I will be travelling to Jackson NH soon, although we have visited there before I have NEVER skied before. So I have decided to have my first Downhill ski lesson.
I have done some research and Black Mounatin or Cranmore appear to be my best option, but I would appreciate advice from anyone who has learnt to ski at either of these locations.
I am in my late 20's of average fitness but am not particularly strong (I mention this as people have said I may struggle due to this)
I intend to have a group lesson (Midweek) and have heard that as my lesson is midweek it will probabaly be semi-private anyway. Do you think I should I book the lesson or just turn up in the morning?
All suggestions are appreciated.
Jan 7th, 2002, 04:17 AM
#3
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When I was in Jackson a few years ago Black Mountain was not open for skiing but Cranmore was. Black is a very small, family type mountain and Cranmore is a lot larger, with lots of snow making capabilities. I would you suggest you call and find out if Black is even open. I think Cranmore would be a better mountain for a lesson between the two. They have a large ski school.
My suggestion would be to call both mountain ski schools and get all the details - the cost, how large are the classes, does the lesson include the use of the lifts the rest of the day, etc. Many of the schools offer a guarantee, that you can take another lesson until you are able to ski a certain slope.
My suggestion would be to call both mountain ski schools and get all the details - the cost, how large are the classes, does the lesson include the use of the lifts the rest of the day, etc. Many of the schools offer a guarantee, that you can take another lesson until you are able to ski a certain slope.
Jan 7th, 2002, 06:59 AM
#4
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I just took at group lesson at Hunter mountain this weekend I did not get very personalized attention and no such guarantee has ever been mentioned to me (extra lesson)(appreciate heads up and will look out for this at sugar bush this weekend)at Hunter, Okemo and Wyndham perhaps I need to read finer print. Just don't want you to expect extra lesson promo.A number of lodges on the East Coast have no limit to class size you should always ask if they restrict.
Jan 7th, 2002, 07:28 AM
#5
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If this is your very first time on skis I honestly think that it doesn't matter much where you go - any ski school worthy of the name will have enough competency to get you started. Later on, that may not be the case - but the basics are pretty much the same for everyone. I do strongly concur with the advice above to opt for a private lesson - I notice on the Black Mt. web site that a group lesson is $25, private $40 - that's $15 well spent, in my opinion.
Jan 7th, 2002, 07:33 AM
#6
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Sue,
Congratulations on your decision to learn to ski. I was also in my mid to late 20's when I first learned and I absolutely LOVED it! I went every weekend until I decided to "settle down". It really makes the winter a lot less painful when you're doing something fun like skiing.
Mid-week is definately the best time to go but hopefully it's not mid-week during February school vacation week. I would call the ski area and ask them what kind of a turn out they get during midweek for beginner lessons. They'll let you know if you should book in advance. We haven't had a lot of snow here in the Northeast but hopefully that'll change.
Any particular reason why you chose Black Mountain and Cranmore over Attitash? Attitash was one of the first mountains I learned to ski at. I had taken a few lessons before going there but a friend of mine skied there her first time and the group lessons were very good. I think Attitash and Cranmore would have better snow making capabilities than Black. Another consideration should be Bretton Woods which is not too far from Jackson. I like Bretton Woods because the trails are wide like Okemo's and that's good for learning. Bretton Woods also has lots of "green dots" (ie; novice trails). I also remember Bretton Woods as being very sunny if it's a nice day and if you're going in January it's always nice to ski when the sun's out! Brrrrrrrrrrrr.........
Have a great time!
Congratulations on your decision to learn to ski. I was also in my mid to late 20's when I first learned and I absolutely LOVED it! I went every weekend until I decided to "settle down". It really makes the winter a lot less painful when you're doing something fun like skiing.
Mid-week is definately the best time to go but hopefully it's not mid-week during February school vacation week. I would call the ski area and ask them what kind of a turn out they get during midweek for beginner lessons. They'll let you know if you should book in advance. We haven't had a lot of snow here in the Northeast but hopefully that'll change.
Any particular reason why you chose Black Mountain and Cranmore over Attitash? Attitash was one of the first mountains I learned to ski at. I had taken a few lessons before going there but a friend of mine skied there her first time and the group lessons were very good. I think Attitash and Cranmore would have better snow making capabilities than Black. Another consideration should be Bretton Woods which is not too far from Jackson. I like Bretton Woods because the trails are wide like Okemo's and that's good for learning. Bretton Woods also has lots of "green dots" (ie; novice trails). I also remember Bretton Woods as being very sunny if it's a nice day and if you're going in January it's always nice to ski when the sun's out! Brrrrrrrrrrrr.........
Have a great time!
Jan 10th, 2002, 04:01 AM
#7
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Thank you for the replies
RMC: I am leaning towards Black Mt as it is quite small & Family oriented so I get the impression they will be more sympathetic towards a beginner. And I don't want to be overwhelmed by a very large busy resort.
Both Cranmore and Black Mt are very simailar in price - I am booking a package inc equiptment and lesson (approx $60-$60)
After reading opinions here I am definatly considering paying extra for a individual lesson.
Thanks again
RMC: I am leaning towards Black Mt as it is quite small & Family oriented so I get the impression they will be more sympathetic towards a beginner. And I don't want to be overwhelmed by a very large busy resort.
Both Cranmore and Black Mt are very simailar in price - I am booking a package inc equiptment and lesson (approx $60-$60)
After reading opinions here I am definatly considering paying extra for a individual lesson.
Thanks again
