Best in the East
Written: Nov 23 '99
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Best Skiing in the east
Cons: Lodging and Meals not that great
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| MAG1's Full Review: Stowe |
Having been to just about every ski resort in Vermont and other northeast states, I found Stowe to be the best of the bunch. When I went to Stowe a couple of years ago, the natural conditions were good but not great -- fresh snow covered the ground, but not a lot of it. However, the staff managed to maintain the slopes so that ice-patches or snow erosion was actually hard to find.
Of course, skiing in the east is not as good as out west (here in the east, you are basically skiing on ice), but Stowe seems to be the closest thing to western skiing in the east. For one thing, the snow at times simulated a type of western "powder", especially on the top half of the mountain. Also, some of the double diamond slopes are so steep and challenging that it put the fear of God in me, and I am a somewhat experienced skier.
Those of you who like to get as much skiing in a possible might not enjoy Stowe as much -- the chair-lifts are of average speed (although there is one that goes right to the top), and the gondola is relatively slow as well. However, whichever rout you take from top to bottom, you will find a nice, long trip down.
The lodges and meals are adequate, and nothing to write home about, but there is a decent lodge up on top of the mountain, although it could probably be a little bit bigger. Don't go to Stowe if you plan to just sit in the lodges (go to Killington for that). Go to Stowe if you plan to ski your butt off.
In comparison to other mountains in the east, I found Stowe much less crowded and confusing than Killington, more accessible and convenient than Sugarbush, and more laid back than Stratton. For pure skiing joy, Stowe is the best I have been to in the east. (As a quick editorial note, I have never been to Smuggler's Notch, which I hear is fantastic although they do not make snow there. If anyone has been there, please email me with any comparisons to Stowe)
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID: MAG1
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Location: Bryn Mawr, PA
Reviews written: 18
Trusted by: 10 members
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