So the truth is, I’m a ski bunny. When all my beach bum friends are counting down the days until summer, I’m counting down until the next ski season. I watch Warren Miller movies in the summer and when the temperature dips to anywhere below 50 degrees, I break out my Spyder ski socks.
I’ve been skiing for as long as I can remember. My home videos are laced with footage of ski trips and old ski poles and boots are lost in the abyss that is my basement. To me, it doesn’t get any better than a day out on the slopes with friends or family. The cold, bitter air stinging your lungs, feeling your skis gliding over the fresh powder while snow flies in your face… These are the moments I live for.
Ready to hit the slopes since 1993.
If you’re addicted to the slopes like me, add these mountains to your list of places to visit this upcoming season.
1. Blue Hills Ski Area, Canton, MA
17.4 miles – 24 minutes from BC
I admit that Blue Hills isn’t the best skiing in the northeast, but you can’t beat the travel time. Just under a half hour from BC, you can get in a solid day of skiing and still get back in time for Saturday night hockey games. With 12 trails over 60 acres, this mountain is great for those who are looking for some leisurely skiing that isn’t too challenging.
2. Killington, Vermont
168 miles – 3 hours from BC
If you’re looking for something a bit more expansive than Blue Hills, head up to the “Beast of the East.” One of the largest ski resorts in the Northeast, Killington boasts 752 acres of terrain, 140 trails, and 22 lifts covering six mountains. Killington is a popular mountain so lift lines can be long, but if you’re looking for great snowmaking, Killington is the place to go. The mountain’s after-hours scene is also supposed to be pretty lively, so make a weekend trip and see how rowdy Vermont can get.
Carinthia at Mount Snow
3. Mount Snow, West Dover, Vermont
133 miles – 2 hours, 52 minutes from BC
I’m playing favorites with Mount Snow, but some of my best skiing has been at this southern Vermont resort. If you’re looking to hit the park, look no further. Mount Snow’s Carinthia is the only all-park mountain face in New England and consists of 8 full parks with natural and man-made features, a half pipe, and a super pipe. In 2009, the first ever Winter Dew Tour was held at Mount Snow, where members of ski and snowboard royalty, such as Shaun White, graced Carinthia with their presence. If it’s good enough for the “Flying Tomato,” it’s good enough for me!
4. Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada
403 miles – 6 hours, 42 minutes from BC
Okay, so this one is a stretch. But if you’re looking for some of the best skiing in eastern North America, Mont-Tremblant is a must. I visited this mountain a few times when I was younger and there’s nothing quite like it – 654 acres with 95 trails, 50% of which are expert level. The skiing is superb, but the village of Tremblant is impressive as well. Tremblant is perfect for a spring break getaway with your friends. Not to mention the drinking age in Canada is 18. Je t’aime…
Tuckerman Ravine
5. Tuckerman Ravine, Gorham, NH
200 miles – 3 hours, 48 minutes from BC
Lastly, Tuckerman is for the adventurous skier in you. Located on the southeast face of Mount Washington, I’d recommend spring skiing at Tuckerman, as winter skiing requires special avalanche training. Tuckerman is special because it’s a totally different ski experience than any of the resorts mentioned above. In order to even ski down the mountain, you must first hike up with all of your equipment. Although this spot is a bit off the common ski path, Tuckerman still attracts sometimes thousands of people a day. This one may not be for everyone, but if you’re looking to really challenge yourself and create some amazing memories, go for it! I personally added Tuckerman to my bucket list after seeing old pictures of my grandpa hiking up the mountain.
When you’re home over break, make sure you get your skis waxed, have your bindings adjusted, and load up on hand warmers. When we get back, it’ll be time to hit the slopes!
Sources:
http://timefortuckerman.com/tuckerman1.html
http://ski-resorts.findthebest.com/
http://carinthiaparks.com/dew-tour-2009/
http://www.nhdfl.org/uploads/NHB%20photos/tucks.jpg