How's the skiing out east in late March?

[dmbrand]

We are trying to plan our spring break for 2009; week 12(late March). Thinking of skiing out east, new adventure!

I am concerned about snow conditions. Will there be enough snow at this time of year? I will be watching rentals and getaways, as we have no exchanges to take advantage of. Has anyone seen II getaways for this area for late March? I have seen a redweek rental at Smuggs that looks desireable.

Any thoughts?
DawnB

 

[Moosie]

I haven't skied in over 10 years.

Actually we got married at the top of Killington in 1976 on 03/04. While there, woke up to a new 12" snowfall. Womderful time back then. Still married, but as may have mentioned before elsewhere here, my husband LOVEs to say it has always been downhill since! Isn't he a hoot? NO!

However, it is a really hard time of year to predict, especially these last few years with such a climate change.

Coulld be great snow, or lots of very icy conditions in March.

Would love to say, sure go ahead and book, but is just so hard in New England to do so for skiing.

Good luck however you decide, and hope things go well.

 

[lprstn]

Its great, best time to go for discounts. The slopes are opened, you have discounts and its still snowing in MA,VT,upstate NY. I am even going to VT (Smugglers) next year April, which is the end of the ski season.

 

[gorevs9]

However, it is a really hard time of year to predict, especially these last few years with such a climate change.
Coulld be great snow, or lots of very icy conditions in March.

I agree with Moosie, I've skied in some great conditions in March. Most, if not all the resorts will still open but things will be winding down with the smaller places. New England depends heavily on snow-making and by that time of the year only the larger resorts will be making a lot of snow. Also, if the nights are too warm (i.e. above freezing), snow cannot be made.

Try to focus on the larger places that are more northerly (I like Sunday River in Bethel, Maine) as they tend to stay open as late as mid-April (Killington, in VT, tries to stay open as long as possible). If the temps are up and the skies are clear there's nothing better than spring skiing in a t-shirt. Some will even ski in shorts.

If you are a good skier and are REALLY adventurous, someday you may want to try to ski Tuckerman's Ravine

 

[beejaybee]

It depends

You could have great conditions or not. We have skied VT in Jan and Feb and had rain. Yet other times frigid condition (-16F). The one time we went in late Mar. it was sunny with good conditions. We head to Smuggs in early Jan. '09 and realize we could have limited snow even then.

What I love about skiing out east is the small towns and quaintness. My suggestion is to check out what you might do if weather/conditions are not cooperating.

BTW, we have had the same crapshoot out west with late March/early April skiing......follow the Girl Scout motto and "Be Prepared"!

 

[dmbrand]

I guess we will have to watch snow reports. If they get a good base early in the season, I would be encouraged to still go. Our other option was to try Lutsen in northern MN. Thanks for the replies! DawnB

 

[Skinsfan1311]

It's hit or miss. Personally, I wouldn't take the chance.

 

[mamiecarter]

Late March is Too Late!

Try earlier. The East Coast has good years and bad years. Late march is really too late to hope for much.