Begginer skiier looking for New England resort recommendation?

Question

Going to be in New England for Xmas and was hoping someone could give me advise on the best mountain for a beginner, A FIRST TIME SCARED beginner!!

Vermont is probably the state of choice, as I will be in Massachusetts

Answer 1

The two VT ski areas I would recommend for a first timer are Okemo and Bromley. I've used both ski areas' ski schools for larger group trips when I ran large ski trips. (That was my job.) While I think all of the major VT resorts have excellent ski schools, I believe that those two places are the best for beginner skiers. Likewise, both are close to towns with good hotels and food as well as shopping and other activities in the event your skiing goes sour. Okemo is close to Ludlow, and Weston (home of the VT Country Store) is only a short drive away. Bromley is just east of Manchester and all of its great local stores and outlets.

Okemo will undoubtedly be more crowded over the holidays and the beginner section of the hill can get a bit packed. So, get the very basics down on the beginner hill and then get a private lesson, the instructor will get you away from the crowds and you can hit the less crowded "easy" trails without fear of getting lost or something happeneing.

Bromley will also be busy, but the big crowds will be over at Stratton. Bromley is a lot smaller and it's beginner area usually isn't super-crowded as it attracts more locals. They will all be riding the other lifts.

Okemo has a lot more terrain, and you may get bored at Bromley if you are going for more than a few days. Also, Bromley has very limited on-site lodging. So for a 3+ day trip, I'd go to Okemo.

Ascutney is also a great place to learn. I'm not a s familiar with their ski school. However it is in the middle of nowhere and if you get the itch to get off the resort it's a haul to go anywhere.

As a former local...I stayed away from Killington, Mt. Snow, and Stratton on holidays.

I'm not as familiar with ME, NH, and MA as I am with VT and the Adirondacks. The only two I think are good beginner places that also aren't really small are Sunapee in NH and Jiminy in MA. I've only skied them a few times and never dealt with their schools.

Also...of you are willing to make the haul all the way to Jay Peak, they have excellent beginner terrain. While often overshadowed by their steep expert slopes and tree-runs, their beginner stuff is also perfect for the first timer. Because Jay attracts a lot of experienced skiers, you may get some very personal attention from the ski school.

Have a good trip wherever you end up!

Answer 2

Okemo or Smugglers Notch are both larger mountains, but family friendly with a variety of terrain.

The only one I would suggest to actually steer clear of is Killington, as it is a very busy place.

If you can get up to northern Vermont, a place like Stowe would be great, or even Jay Peak (the furthest north).

There is no real need to be scared. Just get a beginners lesson, and in an hour and a half, your instructor will have you on the beginner chair turning and stopping with confidence. They won't bring you up the chair until they are sure that you can control your speed, and turn, and stop, and get up after a fall!

Nothing to fear. Just get a beginners lesson, put a smile on your face, and have fun!!

Answer 3

I know you wish to head to vermont, but why go that far when you've got an excellent choice right in your backyard. Wachussett is a very good choice for beginners and they are definitely beginner friendly where some other mountains up north might be more serious. You'll be surrounded by lots of families and intermediate skiers. Its worth checking out.

Answer 4

If you are in Mass, I would check out Wachusett. it's close and will probably have decent snow. if you want great grooming in VT, go to Okemo. It is in southern vermont, in the town of Ludlow, so not too far but it has pretty much the best grooming in the East. This will help you stay on your feet - which is goal #1.

BTW, don't be afraid. Take a lesson or two if you can; you'll be schussing in no time!

Answer 5

okemo is nice but i find it is to overcrowded. especially for a beginner. I suggest mountains like Stowe or Smugglers Notch. both are in northern Vermont, they are almost right next to each other. Smuggs has a great variety of terrain and they have an awesome Ski school. Stowe is very similar but their ski school programs arnt as good as smuggs.

Answer 6

I recommend Stratton. Great for beginners because they do such a good job of grooming. And if you're driving up from Massachusetts, it's far enough to get away from the madness (Mt. Snow) but still a manageable drive.

Answer 7

if you are going to vermont, i would recommend one of the smaller places as christmas week will be a very busy time.....
these are my suggestions: Pico, Ascutney, Okemo(not small but my favorite with lots of beginner/intermediate terrain)..again you will have to deal with lots of crowds both at the lift line and on the actrual slope which could be intimidating for a beginner

Answer 8

i know everyone says go to VT actuall New Hampshire has some really really good skiing i would recomend Loon, Waterville Valley, Wildcat, and the best will be Bretton Woods HAVE FUN!!!