Skiing on opening weekend

[BackLoafRiver]

Hi all,

Long time reader, first time poster. I was hoping you guys could give me some advice. I am a big time ski addict and would get out there every day if I could. (work...blah)

I am an advanced intermediate (still building up confidence to get some blacks under me...just did my first one last season)

I would love to get out this weekend at the Loaf or Sunday River but am afraid of two things:

1) My ability being in the way of everyone else. I know there will be some damn good skiers out there trying to get in some turns and I don't want to be the "in the way" guy.

2) Crowds. Not sure what to expect.

Am I better off waiting a couple weeks til more stuff opens up or am I going to be alright with what is out there now? Really...I just cant wait to get on the mountain!

Thanks a ton!

 

[thetrailboss]

Welcome to the boards.

All I can say is that it all depends on where you go, what the conditions are, and how much terrain is open. Some places, like the former Killington, used to have very little terrain open that would be flooded with too many people with too few skills and conditions would deteriorate quickly. On the other hand, last season at Sugarbush, the first weekend they had a couple runs open and traffic was brisk, but not overwhelming. Skiers and riders at SB last opening day weekend were all well skilled, so there were no problems.

As to the scene at Sunday River, I don't know. Bob R or snowmonster could speak to it....

Just keep your expectations in line. Conditions early may be firm, but with traffic, you will be dealing with icing and bumps. Crowding may come and go...but you need to be comfortable skiing around other folks and taking it easy. In sum, if you are a passholder, you got nothing to lose!

 

[Vortex]

Sr will have more int terrain open. A few more options. That would be my choice. I would think crowds would be down this weekend busier next weekend.

 

[Greg]

TTB covered it well. Welcome BackLoafRiver!

 

[The Sneak]

you'll be fine. don't worry.

 

[Vortex]

The river has a few of us meet upstairs at Barker around 11.30 on weekends. We are not hard to find. send me a Pm if you would like to meet some of the gang and wlecome.

 

[BackLoafRiver]

I will probably end up at SR as it is one of my favs. Wish I could be back home in Vermont for the weekend. Thanks for the invite. I will send you a PM in a bit!

 

[BackLoafRiver]

Hey all,

I made it out Saturday and had a terrific day! Still a little too nub for the icing that happened around 12ish so I cut out early but man, there were some sections that felt like mid January up there. Props to any of the snowmakers who might read the forums.

If any of you ski there on a regular basis, let me know. It would be great to meet some of you.

Thanks again for the shot in the arm I needed.

 

[Darwin]

Bretton woods has some nice greens and a couple of blues open. I was up there on saturday and it was great. Nice cruisers and great snow!