For someone heading up there for the first time next weekend.

Best places to ski/ride? Best tree areas? Mt. Ellen or Lincoln Peak currently? Best lodge to set up camp? Bars/ Restaurants?

Thanks,

Tyler

tyler wrote:

For someone heading up there for the first time next weekend. Best places to ski/ride? Best tree areas? Mt. Ellen or Lincoln Peak currently? Best lodge to set up camp? Bars/ Restaurants? Thanks, Tyler

What kind of terrain do you like? What kind of bars/restaurants do you prefer?

Trees, trees, and more trees. I mean there has to be some snow so I say that with a grain of salt and I don't expect anyone to give up their hard earned secret stashes (maybe a hint would be nice). Other than that we both enjoy a good senic cruiser and classic narrow NE stuff. I can't wait, even if the conditions are'nt ideal (here's to a foot over the weekend!). Should we start over at Mt. Ellen and make are way to Lincoln Peak or the other way around. Which base lodge is less crowded, better food?

As for restaurants and nightlife, we enjoy good live music, pub/bar food, low key local spots. We are staying at the Days Inn in Montpeiler.

Days Inn is a nice place, quick access to I89. If you have some free time check out Montpelier, it's a cool little city. The state house is beautiful, real gold leaf on the dome. The best restaurant is Sarducci's and worth a visit. It's about 3 miles from you since your sort of staying in suburbia. McGillicuddy's Pub has great bar food and good times.

Lots of info about all your questions regarding the valley already in here. For restaurants http://forums.skimrv.com/viewtopic.php?t=17

Which is better, North or South is one of those things that everyone has their own thoughts. But for parking, most people say North because South is more crowded.

(Anyone hear Yogi saying nobody goes there anymore because it's too crowded?)

Food, I think South has far more options. Both places have the base lodge. North has been doing much better with the Glen House.

South has the Waffle house and if you want to really eat there is Chez Henri. Then there is the Pheonix that is serving on weekends, now. These are ski to. (But you've got to be brave, right now. These are at the very bottom of the mountain, and not on snowmaking trails. )

There are a number of places that are close to South. Nothing is close to North.

Then, if you are talking about getting away from the mountain, for food, by all means, check out the Valley room. The thread SRO pointed out has a lot of info... but could always use more... Hint hint!

So let's hear it people North or South...

Trails
Terrain
Snow Conditions
Congestion
Lodges

Which would be closest to Montpeiler North or South, I am assuming North. Based on that if Slidebrook Exp. is running it might make sense to spend the morning at North and then just head over to South. How long is the ride from North to South on Slidebrook/ by car?

North is closer to Montpelier, maybe 6, 7 minutes... maybe a bit more.... definitely a much easier ride than to South... the ride across is maybe 10, 12 minutes... by car not much different I'd think, but there's the process of deskiing, walking down to your car, turning it on, getting out of the lot... so mabye a little more.

I can't speak to conditions right now but I prefer the terrain at South a little bit more. All of Castlerock, Paradise, The Mall, and Morningstar are some of my favorites there. It can get pretty crowded on a busy weekend but you can usually find a lift with no line (Valley House).
North has some sweet trees, good trails and less crowds too. Some of the good runs over there are Tumbler, Hammerhead, Black Diamond, and Exterminator. If you are there for more than one day you could always spend a day at each mtn. The lift ride across is a waste of time in my opininion although many people like it. If I ride a lift I want to be skiing after the ride, not riding another lift.

You probably won't want to miss CastleRock and maybe Paradise (both at South). The extra distance on the way from Montpelier is neglible. If you get there early, go straight to South. If you are hungover and don't make it until 9:00, head to North and spend the morning there. You can save time and avoid the base by eating at Glen House and then take Slidebrook over to South. It's quicker than driving, although getting back will be a bear. From where Slidebrook drops you at South, you can trek over to CastleRock without going to the base.

I don't know about the best places for tree-skiing. Seems like they are trying to add more, but it's not like Jay.

Pipier

North is a touch closer. Slidebrook is about 15 minutes. It is less than that to drive, if you don't count getting your ski equipment off, parking and then getting your equipment back on.

If Slidebrook isn't running, I would suggest the bus. Picks you up at the top of the parking and drops you off at the top of the parking.

As for the above, I would choose South for all but congestion and snow conditions. And the reason for not going with South for snow is that I've not experienced the snow at North for a while. I know I had a good time on South, but don't know what North is like to say that South is better, right now.

If you're driving from montpelier, it's pretty much the same distance. North is usually less crowded, and you can take the shuttle to south if the lift isn't running. Good trees on both sides. Poke around Exterminator and Bravo/Encore - at North- for starters. At South, you can get some pretty good shots off the Heaven's Gate lift. There are a bunch of little pitches where you can jump off a trail and intersect another at lower elevation. Look at your trail map, and you can spot a few pretty easily.
For dinner, munchies, drinks, I like Localfolk Smokehouse. Casual, with really good BBQ/TexMex. It's in town, on your way back.

What's all this talk about Montpelier? There are plenty of nice place to stay in the Valley. They're spread around a bit, but nothing is that far away from the resorts.

My advice, if it's your first time you should go to South since it is bigger and has the most varied terrain. If you're going to be here a few days there's no reason you couldn't ski both, however.

The reason for the talk about Montpelier is he said he was staying at the Days Inn.

Your point is right, tho. If one was staying closer, they could try both, as well as Mad River. One of the nice things about the valley area is the variety of places, really close by.

Based upon snow conditions this weekend I would recommend Mt Ellen / North over Lincoln Peak / South.