Keith_Moon wrote:
Cataloochee and Winterplace are also on Indy and within a day of DC. Ober too, although I wouldn't recommend it.
While it's possible to drive from DC/NoVA to ski Cat and Winterplace, it doesn't really make sense to drive south. Makes more sense to drive north to Montage. Or even head to Catamount, Berkshire East, and/or West Mountain using Indy from DC. I've skied at all these places. Haven't made it to Ober yet.
I like Winterplace. But it's only a 4-hour drive from Raleigh and all major highway so easy driving. I took my daughter a few times when she was a tween and we were skiing weekends. A couple times we skied Winterplace on Friday and then headed to Snowshoe for the SkiSE Summit, which is in early March.
Marz, thanks for posting that! I had the Indy pass the last two years and I can't overemphasize what a great product it is.
I skied record early season powder at Tamarack and Brundage last year. one of the best late season storms at Jay peak the year before.. I'm not certain if Jay is included this year? And a lot of other great days. I had assumed I would get an Indy pass this year but by the time I looked in May it was sold out
For various reasons I have already bought one of the evil passes, but if yall can snag the Indy now you should --- love the little places!!!
kemperski wrote:
Marz, thanks for posting that! I had the Indy pass the last two years and I can't overemphasize what a great product it is.
I skied record early season powder at Tamarack and Brundage last year. one of the best late season storms at Jay peak the year before.. I'm not certain if Jay is included this year? And a lot of other great days. I had assumed I would get an Indy pass this year but by the time I looked in May it was sold out
For various reasons I have already bought one of the evil passes, but if yall can snag the Indy now you should --- love the little places!!!
Yep, Jay is still on Indy. In fact, the Ski Divas are going there for the Diva East gathering in mid-March and a few will use Indy.
I didn't have Indy last season but knew I wanted to explore a few new hills in the midwest this season so jumped on it in the spring. Even though I skipped a season I could still get a renewal discount.
For those willing to make the drive to NY or New England to use Indy, or as part of trip for Ikon/Epic, there are no blackout days in NY or VT.
Indy Pass adds 50+ Partners, Pass Sales Resume - NYSkiBlog, Oct. 10, 2023
New York and Vermont
Skaneateles Ski Club, Maple Ski Ridge and Garnet Hill Lodge join Catamount, Greek Peak, Snow Ridge, Swain, Titus, West Mountain and PeeknPeak to round out New York’s well distributed Indy Pass roster. Skaneateles Ski Club is joining as an allied member. Garnet Hill is nordic.
In Vermont Trapp Family Lodge has been added joining Woodstock, Rikert and Catamount nordic areas. Jay Peak, Bolton Valley, Saskadena Six, and Magic Mountain are all returning to the pass. There are no blackout days in New York or Vermont.
I know generally people won't drive south, but you know, sometimes people take road trips focusing on whatever ski pass they have. Those more southern resorts might fit into a trip that also includes destinations like Asheville, Boone, Blowing Rock, G-burg, Pigeon Forge, etc.
I always mention Winterplace because I think it gets overlooked in the general discussion of Mid-Atlantic resorts but often has better conditions that many others, is cheap, a very easy drive for people who hate twisty back roads, has easy parking, and since the 4 black runs and the blue snow bowl have a dedicated lift you can lap them all day without spending more than 5 minutes in a lift line, even on Saturday.
marzNC wrote:
Keith_Moon wrote:
Cataloochee and Winterplace are also on Indy and within a day of DC. Ober too, although I wouldn't recommend it.While it's possible to drive from DC/NoVA to ski Cat and Winterplace, it doesn't really make sense to drive south. Makes more sense to drive north to Montage. Or even head to Catamount, Berkshire East, and/or West Mountain using Indy from DC. I've skied at all these places. Haven't made it to Ober yet.
I like Winterplace. But it's only a 4-hour drive from Raleigh and all major highway so easy driving. I took my daughter a few times when she was a tween and we were skiing weekends. A couple times we skied Winterplace on Friday and then headed to Snowshoe for the SkiSE Summit, which is in early March.
Keith_Moon wrote:
I know generally people won't drive south, but you know, sometimes people take road trips focusing on whatever ski pass they have. Those more southern resorts might fit into a trip that also includes destinations like Asheville, Boone, Blowing Rock, G-burg, Pigeon Forge, etc.
I always mention Winterplace because I think it gets overlooked in the general discussion of Mid-Atlantic resorts but often has better conditions that many others, is cheap, a very easy drive for people who hate twisty back roads, has easy parking, and since the 4 black runs and the blue snow bowl have a dedicated lift you can lap them all day without spending more than 5 minutes in a lift line, even on Saturday.
Agree that Winterplace is worthwhile partially because it's easy to reach. Can be very crowded on weekends because they cater to groups. the fact that there isn't a lift that isn't used by beginners makes it hard to get away from lift lines. The parallel lifts that serve the harder terrain also serve a green trail.
Yeah, I hear that but I've been there maybe a half a dozen times and I've never waited more than 10 minutes for that lift ever - even on a Saturday. The beginners mostly stick to the main lifts and don't go to the one that services the black runs.
marzNC wrote:
Keith_Moon wrote:
I know generally people won't drive south, but you know, sometimes people take road trips focusing on whatever ski pass they have. Those more southern resorts might fit into a trip that also includes destinations like Asheville, Boone, Blowing Rock, G-burg, Pigeon Forge, etc.
I always mention Winterplace because I think it gets overlooked in the general discussion of Mid-Atlantic resorts but often has better conditions that many others, is cheap, a very easy drive for people who hate twisty back roads, has easy parking, and since the 4 black runs and the blue snow bowl have a dedicated lift you can lap them all day without spending more than 5 minutes in a lift line, even on Saturday.
Agree that Winterplace is worthwhile partially because it's easy to reach. Can be very crowded on weekends because they cater to groups. the fact that there isn't a lift that isn't used by beginners makes it hard to get away from lift lines. The parallel lifts that serve the harder terrain also serve a green trail.
