OKEMO vs. Stratton or Stowe?
dan.mc...@mailexcite.com
I'm planning a trip next February with my wife and kids (8 & 5). Most
everyone I know takes their kids to Okemo which was rated one of the top
resorts in the East for kids. However, Stowe was also rated in the top.
I've read differing posts and would like to know where is the best place in
February for two kids and my wife who are beginner - intermediate.
Also, we'll be looking for a condo with 3-4 bedrooms because we'll be going
with two other families. Any recommendations on slope-side condos would be
appreciated.
BTW - I went to Stratton this season with 5 guys and it was unbelievable!!!
We went during the week right after a few feet of new powder. New snow, new
skis, and noone around - it was awesome. The terrain parks were incredible.
I'd highly recommend Stratton. - I've never been to Okemo or Stowe so I'm
curious how they could have been rated higher than Stratton.
- Dan
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Hank Sniadoch
I happen to like Okemo over Stratton and certainly over Stowe. Don't
have kids so can't help you there. But regarding the ski terrain, Okemo
is better than Stratton in one way. Much fewer people. If you like
Stratton, and if you want fewer people on the trails, you'll love Okemo.
Dennis Schiller
Th keyword in your question is February. Stratton is 10 degrees warmer than
Okemo which will make a big difference to a 5 year old. Also, Stratton has
a all day round trip gondola ticket for non-skiers. My 10 year old got
tired the second day so he rode up and down the gondola with Mom and Sis.
As for Okemo, I've never been there because it looks like the mountain is
too small.
Access Systems
In rec.skiing.alpine dan.mc...@mailexcite.com wrote:
> I'm planning a trip next February with my wife and kids (8 & 5). Most
> everyone I know takes their kids to Okemo which was rated one of the top
> BTW - I went to Stratton this season with 5 guys and it was unbelievable!!!
> I'd highly recommend Stratton. - I've never been to Okemo or Stowe so I'm
> curious how they could have been rated higher than Stratton.
different folks and different slopes, if you are an advanced skier doing
the bumps and double blacks, go to Sratton, but if you are going with a
couple of kids and a mate who is only a beginner, go to Okemo. there is
enough there to keep you from being bored, but it won't intimidate the
hell out of her and they might ski with you again!
BTW Okemo is a lot cheaper if you want to feed a couple of hungry kids.
Bob
Dad with 4 kids
dwh...@gte.net
You need to requisition a new family prefferably one that can hang on the
slopes. My 5 yo raced NASTAR every day and when that was done my 9yo
forced me to ski the trees. (please note the warning signs spelling out how
recovering your body could be delayed due to nature of terrain).
As to relative merits I enjoyed Okemo and can reccomend it (even with its lack
of steeps) I would also suggest Smugglers Notch for families since their ski
school programs are some of the best we've encountered. If you do go to
Okemo be sure to stop in Ludlow for a gallon or 6 of Black River beer at
the local brew-pub.
David 'parent of the #3 0-4 yo female nastar racer' Hockenberger
dwh...@gte.net
Vail - Kiddie Gondola rides
U2GreekGod
--
different folks and different slopes, if you are an advanced skier doing
the bumps and double blacks, go to Sratton, but if you are going with a
couple of kids and a mate who is only a beginner, go to Okemo. there is
enough there to keep you from being bored, but it won't intimidate the
hell out of her and they might ski with you again!
BTW Okemo is a lot cheaper if you want to feed a couple of hungry kids.
Bob
Dad with 4 kids
--
This is interesting, steep and bumps at Stratton. Stratton grooms everything most of the
time except about 2 trails, sometimes leaving a few more. Okemo does the same it seems.
Both are great mountains, but neither I would classify as steep and bumps, leave that for
Stowe. :)
--
-Marc (U2GreekGod)
"A bad day of skiing is
still better than a good
day of med school" -My thoughts
Eastern Virginia Medical School Class of 2001
http://members.tripod.com/~U2GreekGod/index.html
Aaron Daniel
On a pure skiing and family experience basis, I highly recommend Stowe.
The mountain, however, can be too difficult for the un-inspired. Stowe has
the toughest skiing in the northeast. It is also a great family area. No
slopeside condos or lodging. However, there are a bunch of great condos
and inns near the mountain. The instruction there is superb. If your family
can ski black diamonds at Hunter, Windham or Stratton, then definitely go
to Stowe. Stowe is the quintessential New England ski town. As such, the
price is not cheap.
Okemo is not a large mountain. It is also flat. There are few steeps, but it
is a great place to get youngsters up to speed. They groom mogul fields
- even junior sized mogul fields. The learning terrain would be great for a
family of inexperienced skiers. The whole area seemed to be dedicated
to familys and their children. The pricing here is quite good. If your
family
needs to be encouraged about their skiing, go to Okemo.
It has been six years since I have skied Stratton. It strikes me as average
in everything except for the expense of the clothing worn by skiers there. I
skied there a couple days a season for three seasons and never found
anything that was seriously challenging.
Mount Snow, on the other hand, would be my best recommendation for a
group with a few good skiers and some skiers needing improvement. The
north side is steep and some trails on the north side are moguled. The
main mountain offers great wide groomers with moderate through steep
pitch. The base area is well developed and the town has good restaurants.
You really can not make a mistake amongst the areas discussed. It's just
a matter of character and expense. Stowe at most expensive followed by
Stratton and Okemo at least costly. I think the best skiing is at Stowe
followed by Mount Snow with Okemo offering the least. Okemo offers the
most for familys with children with Stowe second and I believe Mount
Snow would be third - Stratton seemed like a singles scene to me. I believe
the best place would be Mount Snow - give it a look.
Aar-head
SkiGrrl
dan.mc...@mailexcite.com wrote in message
<6i0mhc$7u8$1...@nnrp1.dejanews.com>...
>I'm planning a trip next February with my wife and kids (8 & 5<snip>
Dan - I'd think about Mount Snow as well when you consider your New England
trip - Conditions in Feb are usually excellent, and the area has a lot to
offer familes of all abilities.
There's more than just the main mountain, too. Haystack is a smaller area
just down the road from Mount Snow, accessed by a free shuttle and uses the
same lift ticket.. It's often less crowded and has a nice variety of
terrain. Much smaller, but a nice hidden part of the valley. The Perfect
Kids program has an assortment of programs for the kids - and there are
half-and full day programs too!
Kid-friendly restaurants are plentiful, and you can take them on sleighrides
or ice-skating or just put them to bed for the evening!
It's easy to get to and accomodations can range from the inexpensive to big
bux, depending on what you are looking for. I grew up skiing there <ahem
rather a lot of years> and now teach there, so my opinion is not completly
unbiased, however when I took a 10 - year break from ski instructing, I
continued to ski there.. <now teaching there again>.
Happy to help you with any addional info or whatever you might need for
Southern VT. Just respond to me via e-mail!
have a good summer!
SkiGrrl
Duane Laviniere
Hank Sniadoch wrote:
> I happen to like Okemo over Stratton and certainly over Stowe. Don't
> have kids so can't help you there. But regarding the ski terrain, Okemo
> is better than Stratton in one way. Much fewer people. If you like
> Stratton, and if you want fewer people on the trails, you'll love Okemo.
I agree. Stratton is a bit too crowded, and mostly with preps. If
elbowing snobs out of the way is your bag, then go there. However,
Okemo's terrain is a bit bland. Some nice, fast, open cruisers, and
moguls and stuff, but I got bored of it after going there twice. I
suppose it's because it's got too many flat sections, and that sucks for
snowboarding. I understand Stowe offers up diverse and exciting
terrain. It's definitely a place to look into because a lot of people
rave about it. PEACE.
--
o Duane Laviniere
| email: lavind1@[NO-SPAM]us.ibm.com
| "Life sucks, wear a helmet."
Scubnski
Dan
Having skied with my family recently at all the resorts you have mentioned,
here's what I reccommend.
1. Avoid Stowe...Smuggler's Notch on the other side of Madonna is a super
family resort, especially for your 5 and eight year old, and especially if you
go for a week.
2. This past winter my advanced beginner wife, 9 year old mogul monster son and
me the old fart, spent a 3 day weekend in Londonderry. Equidistant (15
Minutes) between Okemo and Stratton. The 3 day ticket we got at the
Londonderry Inn (very nice B&B) allowed us to ski two days at Stratton and one
day at Okemo....Great Weekend, we're going back next year.
Let me know if I can be of any further help.
Regards,
Mark
dmer...@webtv.net
Okemo and Stratton are big, expensive, and crowded. Do you want to risk
your kids getting mowed down by other "skiers"? Stowe is for experts and
is overpriced.
I would recommend Burke Mountain (Northern Star) in East Burke VT. It
has a vertical of 2000', 30 trails (long trails- not one trail which
changes its name three times like Okemo), and slopeside condos. Summit
lift is a quad. seperate begginer area has a double- your kids won't get
lost here. Terrain is balanced but mostly upper intermediate. Also cheap
but has first rate facilities and service. EAsily accessible too- 7
miles from 91
ITs worth looking into.
bh...@lehigh.edu
Dan pleaded for the scoop:
>I'm planning a trip next February with my wife and kids (8 & 5). Most
>everyone I know takes their kids to Okemo which was rated one of the top
>
>I've read differing posts and would like to know where is the best place in
>February for two kids and my wife who are beginner - intermediate.
>
>Also, we'll be looking for a condo with 3-4 bedrooms because we'll be going
>with two other families. Any recommendations on slope-side condos would be
>appreciated.
>
>skis, and noone around - it was awesome. The terrain parks were incredible.
>curious how they could have been rated higher than Stratton.
Have you thought of Killington? Killington is the best place in the east by
far. Much better than Stowe or any other place. There's not much at stowe.
It's kinda like camelback up the road. Just a flat little hill, rope tow. You
don't want to go there. You'd hate it.
Ben
* ****
* *********
** ***** ****
**** **** ****
**** **** ****
**** **** **** *
**** **** **** **
Tigger
dan.mc...@mailexcite.com wrote:
>
> I'm planning a trip next February with my wife and kids (8 & 5). Most
> everyone I know takes their kids to Okemo which was rated one of the top
> resorts in the East for kids. However, Stowe was also rated in the top.
>
> I've read differing posts and would like to know where is the best place in
> February for two kids and my wife who are beginner - intermediate.
>
> Also, we'll be looking for a condo with 3-4 bedrooms because we'll be going
> with two other families. Any recommendations on slope-side condos would be
> appreciated.
> - Dan
Dan,
The only true choice of the discerning ski family is Mt Snow.
Never been there, No clue as to the terrain, Ignorant as to Condos.
***Howsomever***
It is the home base of the incredible, incorrigable, incomparable,
and imaginative SkiGrrl !!!!!!!
Ski Instructress Extraordinaire.
She is so good that she was *even* able to have a beneficial impact
on my sorry skills (tho alzheimers caused me to lose the skill almost
immediately).
Listen not to comparisons of the marginal and irrelevant details
of other ski mtns, get thee to Mt Tabibutt.
Tigger the unteachable
--
Tigger - Grok the fullness of Ski. Ski is.
SkiGrrl
Tigger lauded me with praise in message > ***Howsomever***
>
>It is the home base of the incredible, incorrigable, incomparable,
>and imaginative SkiGrrl !!!!!!!
>Ski Instructress Extraordinaire.
>She is so good that she was *even* able to have a beneficial impact
>on my sorry skills (tho alzheimers caused me to lose the skill almost
>immediately).
>
>Listen not to comparisons of the marginal and irrelevant details
>of other ski mtns, get thee to Mt Tabibutt.
>
>Tigger the unteachable
>--
>Tigger - Grok the fullness of Ski. Ski is.
wow. thanks - that's the nicest thing anyone's said lately....
and you're not so unteachable... you DID learn the stuff!
SkiGrrl
Andy Massell
Uhhhhh, I was just at Sugarbush with my family over Christmas Vacation.
They have a lot for beginner-intermediate, for that's what my wife is. They
also have free guided demos with the shaped skis that are practically a free
private lesson. I highly recommend Sugarbush for your vacation.
>everyone I know takes their kids to Okemo which was rated one of the top
>resorts in the East for kids. However, Stowe was also rated in the top.
>
>I've read differing posts and would like to know where is the best place in
>February for two kids and my wife who are beginner - intermediate.
>
>Also, we'll be looking for a condo with 3-4 bedrooms because we'll be going
>with two other families. Any recommendations on slope-side condos would be
>appreciated.
>
>We went during the week right after a few feet of new powder. New snow,
new
>skis, and noone around - it was awesome. The terrain parks were
incredible.
>I'd highly recommend Stratton. - I've never been to Okemo or Stowe so I'm
>curious how they could have been rated higher than Stratton.
>
Eric Carlson
My vote goes for Stowe, it has a nice town and great terrian. However,
with wife and kids in tow I'd opt for Okemo.
dan.mc...@mailexcite.com wrote in article
Crash Johnson
dan.mc...@mailexcite.com wrote:
>
> I'm planning a trip next February with my wife and kids (8 & 5). Most
> everyone I know takes their kids to Okemo which was rated one of the top
> resorts in the East for kids. However, Stowe was also rated in the top.
Smugglers gives a very good family atmosphere with access to skiing at
Stowe. Good for intermediates. All the condos are slopeside
ski-in-ski-out.
--
)) Original text above is my opinion
Crash Johnson @8-)=// & not necessarily reality...
// Deal with it. [N4]
remove spam for email
VAIL - upwardly mobile intermediates.
dwh...@gte.net
Crash Johnson <cra...@ezonline.spam.com> writes:
>Smugglers gives a very good family atmosphere with access to skiing at
>Stowe. Good for intermediates. All the condos are slopeside
>ski-in-ski-out.
>
While Smugglers advertises everything slopeside, some condos are
more slopeside than others and I don't consider anything accross a
road as ski-in ski-out. Otherwise I agree with you.
David 'Their ski school is one of the best' Hockenberger
dwh...@gte.net
nunchuck...@gmail.com
> I'm planning a trip next February with my wife and kids (8 & 5). Most
> everyone I know takes their kids to Okemo which was rated one of the top
> resorts in the East for kids. However, Stowe was also rated in the top.
>
> February for two kids and my wife who are beginner - intermediate.
>
> Also, we'll be looking for a condo with 3-4 bedrooms because we'll be going
> with two other families. Any recommendations on slope-side condos would be
> appreciated.
>
> BTW - I went to Stratton this season with 5 guys and it was unbelievable!!!
> We went during the week right after a few feet of new powder. New snow, new
> skis, and noone around - it was awesome. The terrain parks were incredible.
> I'd highly recommend Stratton. - I've never been to Okemo or Stowe so I'm
> curious how they could have been rated higher than Stratton.
>
> - Dan
>
> -----== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==-----
> http://www.dejanews.com/ Now offering spam-free web-based newsreading
Bob F
> On Sunday, April 26, 1998 3:00:00 AM UTC-4, dan.mc...@mailexcite.com
> wrote:
>> I'm planning a trip next February with my wife and kids (8 & 5).
>
> Okemo beats out Stratton in almost every aspect from children's
> amenities, to advanced skier terrain. However if you compare Okemo to
> Stowe, then Stowe beats Okemo 100 to 1. Stowe has much more reliable
> snow, great trails for every skier level,and upscale amenities. Now,
> because you have kids, perhaps Okemo will suit you better. However,
> in a couple of years when they become better, you should drop Okemo
> and drive the extra 2 hours north to Stowe. It is MUCH nicer in every
> aspect.
TIMELY advise.
VtSkier
downhill
> His "kids" are now 20 and 23. Sure is a good thing you are giving him this
> TIMELY advise.
few years.
I can understand most of the old posting spamming or pushing a product.
This one is a little off.
But my guess as the conditions in Vt are close to suck and crap based on
the weather I have been watching. It has been 50 and raining one resort
in Pa was closed yesterday due to weather and not having enough snow to
waste it.
We had a great storm dump right before xmas then the weather went nuts.
The arctic freeze had warm periods before and after here. We lost snow
made a bunch and then lost more then we made in last few days.
There is 24 hours of Stratton march 15-16 to raise money for group in S
Vt. The weekend before the USSA Masters divisional. I hope there is
enough snow for both events
VtSkier
major thaws in late December and January as there are normally and have
been this year. So last year, even though last year was the second worst
year for natural snowfall it was a stellar ski year. We kept everything
that fell from the sky or came out of a gun and had a season that lasted
almost 'til June.
Once we are WELL into winter the patterns will change and the thaws will
become less and less damaging.
BTW I skied three days right after Christmas at Sierra At Tahoe on a six
inch base in 50 degree weather. Just like early season at home. Warm
weather, not much snow and a fair amount of gravel to "season" the base
of my (son-in-law's) skis. I rather like Sierra. It's small, inexpensive
(especially for an old fart) close to SLT and fun for the grandchildren.
I was damned if I was going to spend $90 or more at Heavenly with no
chance to ski the good stuff that makes that price at least seem
reasonable. I'll ski groomers at $25 a day with grandkids any time.
downhill
>
> Once we are WELL into winter the patterns will change and the thaws will
> become less and less damaging.
muck boots gloves and winter hat and I was not uncomfortable, just
pissed off with the 3 days of rain in the 30's in May.
Where I coined the phrase "Those who are not prepared will suffer!"
I directed this at guys who have been racing for 30 years and
complaining their feet were wet. &the whole act of what we do is called
race preparation.
My first outing at Okemo before xmas taking a lesson with chief
instructor we were talking about such a nice base best start for the
season in years.
Still have not had a chance to use new skis, maybe this thursday night
if weather gets better.