Thanksgiving snowboard advice (ME, VT, NH?)

Okay, I want to take a little snowboarding trip at the end of November because that is the only time I have the chance to get away. Any places in NE opened that time of year. I am thinking about heading up on Friday, boarding on Saturday/Sunday morning, then heading back to NJ. Sugarloaf is at the top of the list and their website indicates that they plan on opening the weekend before. however, thought i would consult with the local experts before making any plans.

 

Thanks!

http://www.legacygt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=23572&d=1156723724.

 

Most major places will be open by then, but the bigger places further North will be the best. Having said that, I'd say, in order, Sugarloaf (hey, it's The Loaf , as seen above ), Killington (they are always good early) and Sunday River (same as Killington). The latter 2 blow snow like you wouldn't believe!

 

However, keep an eye on Jay Peak and Wildcat as well. Jay Peak is a HAUL, but they get, by far, the most natural snow in the North East and sometimes you can catch them after a BIG dump. Wildcat also get's alot of snow with a base elavation of 2,000 feet and 2,100 uncrouded vertical feet is one of my favorite picks. Their new high speed detach quad RULES! Bottom to top in 6 minutes for the FULL 2,100 vertical feet with the best view in the North East.

 

Have fun!

 

This was last October at Wildcat (no, I wasn't there ).

 

http://www.oldhouseweb.com/bitmaps/seasons/wildcat-oct2005/

Thanks NHLEG! I think I will hit the loaf because I have never been there before. Can you recommend any places to stay?

It depends. Last year the ski season started pretty late out here.

It depends. Last year the ski season started pretty late out here.

 

Any suggestions? I figured sugarloaf would be a safe bet to be open.

Well last year nothing was open Thanksgiving weekend if i recall.

Well last year nothing was open Thanksgiving weekend if i recall.

 

That sucks. Thanks for the heads up. I'll place some calls as the weekend gets near. Hopefully, the weather cooperates and something opens up...

Sugarloaf was sadly bad early in the season, if you want check out killington, a haul but ususally worth it. If you have the privlege of short notice, check out the mountains 4-5 days before you leave, and see what has the most trails open/snow etc. the River is nice and usually covered (hopefully) that time of year. Plus, well Maine kicks ass!

Make it a last minute decision. If its raining that weekend or earlier it will wipe out the minimal base and make it abysmal to ski that weekend.

Thanks for all the feedback! Looks like it will be a game time decision. Let's hope for some cold weather and either no rain or some snow. I would hate to be banished to the icy PA slopes for the rest of the winter.

I'm baised.......we have a condo up at sugarloaf Mt. We love it up there, I've skiied/boared everywhere though......

 

it was WICKED rough up there in Nov......most places are that early so you're gonna have a tough time finding good + conditions......you're better off go'n late in March/April as the loaf gets the most snow in March

 

I'm pray'n for lots of snow early for ya man......bring it on!

Thanks scans and everyone else that chimed in. Looks like I will have to push this trip off until theend of winter, unless some unusually good conditions come together on thanksgiving weekend.