|
Frommer's Guide
|
|
FEATURES AND EVENTS
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Ready for the slopes? Visit our Ski Travel Store to find deals on hotels, vacation packages, lift tickets, and more.
|
Eastern ski resorts may not have the romantic cachet that some of the big areas out West enjoy, and it's true that you're not likely to catch a glimpse of a celebrity sipping a latte in northern Vermont. But don't let that stop you from experiencing an Eastern skiing/ snowboarding vacation. If well-groomed runs and views unspoiled by acres of condos and overpriced boutiques mean more to you than sushi and rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, a New England ski vacation may be perfect for you.
New England Myths Debunked
If you've been shying away from the New England scene, it's probably because you've heard it compared unfavorably to Western skiing and boarding. It's true that the two regions are different, with the West tending toward long, powdery runs and boasting more glitzy nightlife and shopping near the slopes. Eastern resorts, on the other hand, are at lower elevations where it snows less, and tend to be devoted more to skiing and boarding than to fashion and clubbing. The following is a run-down of some of the myths you may have heard about the East--and the truth behind them.
- Myth #1: The snow conditions. It does snow less in New England than it does out West. But this is not necessarily a bad thing. All major areas now have extensive snowmaking equipment, meaning that large bare spots and high-season closures are now largely a thing of the past. True, you won't find three feet of champagne powder in New England. But what you will find is a good base of packed powder--which many people, especially beginners, find easier to handle than deep powder. Less snow also makes travel to and from the area easier (no chains!)
- Myth #2: Low elevation. It's true that the highest point in New England is about level with the average ski-resort parking lot in the Rockies. The cool New England climate, however, (along with snowmaking equipment) ensures that there is snow all winter long. Trails are generally shorter than they are out West, but this allows you to fit more runs into the day, and explore more of the mountain. And one major advantage to low elevations is that you are very unlikely to experience the headaches and lethargy (actually symptoms of mild altitude sickness) that often accompany the first few days of a resort stay out West.
- Myth #3: Isolated locations. Visiting an Eastern ski resort used to be a very serious undertaking, suited only for purists who wanted nothing more than a few days in the wilderness alone with the mountain. These days are mostly over, though. Modern roads ensure that most areas are accessible as a day trip from New York or Boston. And many resort towns have sprouted shopping and nightlife districts to keep skiers entertained off the slopes. You won't find Aspen-style high-society in New England. The locals think this is a good thing--chances are you will too.•
All articles are the exclusive property of Travelocity.com LP, and may not be reproduced in any format without Travelocity.com's express written permission.
| |
|
|
