Sure it’s cold, but today promises to be one of the best days of the season, so far, for skiing and snowboarding. Even in the North Country temperartures will rise into the twenties with bright sunshine and fresh snow. Overnight lows dipped below zero.
And best of all Tuesday’s strong winds are but a memory. With up to 14 inches of new snow since early this week, conditions are in excellent shape as the holiday week rolls on.
On Tuesday, Mount Snow opened its superpipe on the Carinthia freestyle area,
shown below. The pipe is 400 feet long with 16-foot walls. It’s the first super pipe to open this season in the East.
For powderhounds, there are still some hidden powder stashes in the woods.
Most skiers however will be happy that most trails have been groomed overnight.
And finally nordic skiers have more trails to explore.
More good weather news: there’s a significant chance of snow in northern New England Thursday through New Years. Northwestern Connecticut and the Berkshires should also see some fresh snow although it’s expected to be light.
Northern areas are still waiting for that big dump that will allow areas to open 100 percent of their terrain. On average, the major Vermont areas have about 70 percent of their trails open, with the exception of Sugarbush and Jay Peak that are near 100 percent.
While today looks good, early next week looks even more awesome since the kids will be back in school and most people will be back at work.
Hey Jim,
I’m supposed to be heading up to Sugarbush this Saturday/Sunday and was planning on skiing on Monday (4th) and Tuesday (5th). I’m coming up from NJ and have been really concerned about the weather reports for those days. There is supposed to be strong winds and I am really worried about Sugarbush closing down the lifts. I’ve called the resort but they weren’t too helpful. Can you give me any info? In your experience, do you think they will close based on the weather reports? I’d hate to spend all the money on lodging and lift tickets (not to mention time off work) only to get up there and have the lifts shut down both days. Please help! You are my last resort!
Comment by Chris — January 1st, 2010 @ 2:04 am
Unless the winds are really strong don’t worry. But don’t expect the slide brook express to be running between Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen. There will probably be bus service. Even if it’s a blowout, they will have some lifts running. The best source of weather in the Mad River Valley is Josh Fox on the Mad River Glen Website. He’s very detailed and objective. I also have plans to go skiing in VT early next week. Sure there will be some wind, but I’m still going.
Comment by Jim Shay — January 1st, 2010 @ 11:56 am
Thanks so much Jim! We are leaving tomorrow at 8am. I’ll be sure to keep reading your blog and I’ll let you know how the conditions are at Sugarbush. At least we know there is gonna be tons of fresh powder!! Hopefully the wind isn’t too bad. Thanks again for the advice and info!
Comment by Chris — January 1st, 2010 @ 3:46 pm