Bush Alternative

[beelze]

I have a visiting boarder of dubious ability coming up. We'll be here at the Bush Thu/Fri but they have asked about 'other places in VT' for Saturday. Let me begin by saying, I do not ride on Saturdays (even when I had a full pass) unless there is 2 feet of fresh. Crowds and yahoos = danger and generally an unpleasant obstacle course.

So... where would you guys recommend, say an hour-ish drive, that isn't a total zoo on a Saturday that would be ok for a beginner boarder too?

[Brew Ski]

Pico or Smuggs
I had to add Smuggs because the website won't let you only enter 4 letters, funny.

[vonski]

Mt. Ellen!!! no crowds on March Saturdays at Ellen!! Really! and if you think Saturdays are bad at Sugarbush Dont go anywhere else!

[beelze]

Pico or Smuggs
I had to add Smuggs because the website won't let you only enter 4 letters, funny.

Hmm.. I did at one time go to Smuggs.. had one of those discount cards w/ free days after 3/1. Always was fun going the backwoods roads.

Any others? Jay a little further and eventhough our FrencihCanadian friends seem to be at Sugarbush this week, I'd rather avoid the cram on a Saturday. I've never been to Burke, is that worth the drive?

[jwt]

Hmm.. I did at one time go to Smuggs.. had one of those discount cards w/ free days after 3/1. Always was fun going the backwoods roads.

Any others? Jay a little further and eventhough our FrencihCanadian friends seem to be at Sugarbush this week, I'd rather avoid the cram on a Saturday. I've never been to Burke, is that worth the drive?

Vonski is correct - you've' been spoiled and it will be too late if you drive an hour, pay $70, and stand in line. Won't happen at North. Even South now - the masses are not as excited once March gets here, although this year has been the most consistent high traffic ( Souith) I've seen in 30 yrs.

Better bet if a beginner - $25 Sunny D lift ticket - I took my youngest daughter's friend a few weeks ago - $52 for rentals and a SD lift! Great deal.

If he wants to wear big boy panties then a full North pass will give him Northstar and even Rim Run.

Burke? great terrain( backside ) and uncrowded and close to 1.5 hr drive. A Jay property now too.

[Hawk]

Go to Bolton. It is only a half hour away and the place is very cool. It is a way better option than Ellen.

[beelze]

My personal pref is to avoid Saturdays anywhere, his is to 'go somewhere else' as he has never been anywhere other than Sugarbush in his limited snowboarding (2 or 3 days a year). Burke apparently has a reduced rate if you show up with another mountain's pass. The drive though, yeah a bit of a hike. Will depend on previous night bourbon consumption.

I always figured Bolton would be pretty crowded on a weekend but yeah could consider that too.. certainly the closest.

Looks like Mt Snow is gonna get all the snow tonight :(