Ski Recomendations

[BlackBuffalo]

Don't start watching Warren Miller films and think about doing the crazy things these people do.

Check out South Park Aspen episode, the kids are taught to pizza or frenchfry (like snowplow technique) on the downhill to control speed.
Very funny short.

I guess the newer skis actually help you learn paralleling quicker than in the old days.

DaveG.

 

[Chip]

Consider Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz, NY

Have fun!

I've only been up to the Mountain House and around the cliffs. If Wu or anyone else wants to explore the area on skis, let me know.

 

[BlackBuffalo]

(The old Mt.Tom trails are there right in your front yard.)
But, shoot that may be not legal.

 

[bcskier]

Hawley S.F., Grout Pond, Stratton Pond, Catamount Trail

There are a great deal of good places to ski close to Easthampton. Notchview is one that has already been mentioned but if you aren't inclined toward groomed trails and fees you can try the D.A.R. S.F. in Goshen and Hawley S.F. in Plainfield/Hawley (maps are downloadable from Mass. DCR website).

Then there is Grout Pond on the Arlington/W. Wardsboro (Kelly Stand) Rd. in Vt. The trails into Stratton Pond (a number of them to choose from) are all good backcountry ski trails.

The Catamount Trail (ski version of the Long Trail) starts at the Mass/VT border in Monroe and goes up through Readsboro, alongside Harriman Res., and then follows the Deerfield River north from where Rte. 9 crosses it near Searsburg, skirts Somerset Res. and goes up through Grout Pond. Any section along there is fun to ski but the one I like best is alongside the Deerfield.

If you like the feeling of being in the backcountry, away from crowds, and like gliding along on low angle terrain, all of these are good places to check out.

(Now if you're into backcountry downhill skiing check out hoosac range skiing on Google groups.)

 

[Stan]

Closer to home Windblown is a nice place with groomed trails and fees but bring your chainsaw.

I'd suggest a lesson or two just to make sure your technique is ok and you're not developing bad habits that could come back and bite you years from now. I took a lessson and enjoyed it so much that I never did get around to the next lesson, turning and stopping, but hey, that's what trees are for.

 

[Maddy]

Here is some additional info on Notchview.
As you go up RT 9 into Willamsburg, I highly recommend a stop at the country store.
If you have not already had one, the Apple Wrapples are to die for.
It's a great place to learn to ski. Lots of open space, wide groomed trails, something for everyone, beginner to expert. Nice lodge,fireplace, and hot drinks available.
Not many skiers on weekdays.
Beware of speeding. I have often seen the state police in the area with radar.