|
11.20.09
TOP 5: Ski Resorts
Sure, New England might not be blessed with the biggest peaks. And, yeah, we might have a few too many people on the
trails. But we still have a great skiing and riding scene, and a bunch of
excellent resorts. Here are five of the best.
 5.
OKEMO
(Ludlow, Vermont)
Stretching over five mountain areas, Okemo has 119 slopes, trails and
glades. It features six parks and a monster superpipe. And it's just an
overall top-notch resort, with great grooming, plenty of snow and
excellent service.
 4.
STOWE
(Stowe, Vermont)
This legendary resort's diverse trails have the longest average trail
length in New England. It's renowned for its challenging black diamonds
and epic backcountry. It also doesn't hurt to be in the perfect ski
town.
 3.
LOON MOUNTAIN (Lincoln, New Hampshire)
The lone non-Vermonter on the list, Loon is easily the best resort for
snowboarding in New England. It's five parks are meticulously cared for
and offer challenges for both beginners and pros. It's crown jewel is
the Loon Mountain Park, a three-quarter-mile trail flowing over 30
jumps, jibs and features, ending atop a 425-foot superpipe.
 2.
SMUGGLERS NOTCH
(Smugglers Notch, Vermont)
Smugg's remains popular among East Coast skiers and riders because it
has something for everyone. It consistently scores family-friendly
awards, yet it boasts some of the region's most challenging terrain,
including the East's only triple black diamond trail. It has over 1,000
acres of terrain, a 2,610 vertical rise that's among the biggest in the
East, a lift-serviced halfpipe and five terrain parks.
 1.
JAY PEAK
(Jay, Vermont)
When Outside Magazine recently listed the 16 best ski resorts on
the continent, among the Alaskas, Coloradoes and British Columbias was
one lone East Coast representative: Vermont's Jay Peak. Way up near the
Canadian border, Jay doesn't get a lot of crowds. What it does get is
lots of snow — the most in the region. The
"Jay Cloud" produces an average of 371 inches of annual snowfall. With
no crowds and expansive glade systems, Jay lets skiers and riders often
feel like they are by themselves, a sensation rarely found in New
England.
|
