I want to plan a weekend ski trip in NE w/ bf (both beginners) in Feb. need advice from knowledgeable people?

Question

So we're both in our early twenties and haven't skiied since we were really young. We live in Boston but are willing to do up to a 4-5 hour drive. We want a place that's good for beginners, a smaller more intimate setting, and has the potential to be kind of a nice romantic weekend getaway. Does anyone know of any good places in the area that fit that description? Also, about how much would we end up spending on renting equipment, etc? Is it a big hassle?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Stratton and Okemo are big, but have very gradual terrain and are good for beginners. I don't think either are romantic, but I'm sure you can make anything romantic if you try.

If you want to party the Killington and Mount Snow might be more for you. They also tend to have a younger crowd. But 20 somethings can be found at just about every ski resort in VT.

Bromley is a bit smaller as is Ascutney. Mid-week is pretty empty...weekends at Ascutney aren't bad, Bromley can get packed on some of the lifts. Both have a wide variety of terrain. On slope lodging is scarce but Manchester VT is right down the road from Bromley...plenty of B&B's there. Less places to stay near Ascutney, but there are some.

Further North in VT are Sugarbush, Stowe, Smuggler's Notch, Burke, and Jay. All have various terrain for various ability levels. But they are bit further away from Boston than the ones I mentioned before.

check out http://www.skivermont.com for a full list of places to ski and places to stay.

Answer 2

Since this is a weekend getaway more than a ski vacation do as little driving as possible leaving more time for snuggling. Sugarloaf is a 1st class resort close to Boston. I'd rather ski Vermont but when the skiing becomes the secondary motive Maine makes a nice second choice and will leave you with more time at the resort and less time in the car. Sugarloaf has very cheap lodging and lift ticket prices, last time I was there it was less than $100 per night for both room and lift ticket.
Ski rentals are probably the best deal in skiing...prices havn't really changed in 20 years. Slopeside rentals at most resorts are about $30/day and high performance skis can usually be found for about $45/day

Answer 3

The ski areas were already covered...so I will answer some of your other questions.

Rentals cost about $30 per day, lift ticket costs vary between $40 something on up to maybe $60 or $70. You have to research the areas regarding costs.

Then you need a beginner lesson for the both of you, which would be another $30 or $40 each.

Is it a hassle? Well, driving, getting accommodations, getting all set up, putting your ski boots on...yeah, skiing can be a lot of work!!

But, in my opinion, it's one of the best sports on Earth because it's so much fun. The fun outweighs the "hassle".

Budget $100 for driving, $100 nightly for hotel, $100 daily for skiing, and close to another $100 for lessons. Plus rental costs and food.

Answer 4

I would research the various areas online, check the lesson and rental packages offered as well as the nightlife facilities.
Many areas have very good packages for returning to the sport people. Be sure after the day of skiing that you ice down your sore muscles for about 20 minutes, otherwise the muscles will be too sore to go another day.
Welcome back to the sport. Jim.