2023 New England Gathering Discussion (March 24 - 26, Sugarloaf / Saddleback)

[Tony S]

I'm looking for something more front-side oriented, mid/upper-80s. I presently have 12-ish year old Nordica Hot Rod Nitrous (78mm) that's still enjoyable and 6 year old (but bought used 4 yrs ago) Nordica Navigator 90 which has been okay but never wowed me.

I also have 10 yr old Nordica Hell 'n Back (98mm) which is still my favorite all-around. Edges well enough on hardpack, floats well enough in boot+ powder.

I'm staying in Gorham, NH Wednesday night, aiming for Wildcat on Thursday. Staying in Rangeley, ME the rest of the trip. Weather forecast looks good for groomers on Thursday and Friday, so a place in each area would be great.

Your lodgings are not in hotbeds of ski retail, to put it mildly.

I don't remember if Wildcat has a decent rental shop. Call them.

Last I knew there was nothing in Gorham.

Stan and Dan's in North Conway is a good bet but way out of your way after skiing Wildcat if you're headed north. Sport Thoma in Bethel is also very good but this time way out of your way BEFORE skiing Wildcat.

The shop at Saddleback has demos but I would definitely call ahead to make sure they can hook you up. Make sure you're clear that you want demos, not rentals. (The demos are in a locked room that doesn't invite fondling or inquiry.)

At Sugarloaf the shop on the mountain has demos, but the vibe is sterile and expensive. As a shop, I much prefer Happy Tunes, 5 miles south of the ski area.

Hope that helps.

 

[Tony S]

Are the snowfields open?

Sometimes.

 

[ScottB]

I am planning on skiing saddleback on Monday. I will probably ski the loaf Saturday and Sunday. Saddleback on Friday for sure. The Ski Divas will be at saddleback on Sunday - Tuesday from what I have heard. Please correct me if my info is in error

 

[aveski]

I can find a cliff, but we gonna ski it. (It's a friendly cliff.)

This one, it may may have snow, ice, rocks, but probably a combination of all three. According to the weather forecast, it will change from Friday to Sunday. Picture is from a year ago.

 

[Phelmut]

I'm looking for something more front-side oriented, mid/upper-80s. I presently have 12-ish year old Nordica Hot Rod Nitrous (78mm) that's still enjoyable and 6 year old (but bought used 4 yrs ago) Nordica Navigator 90 which has been okay but never wowed me.

I also have 10 yr old Nordica Hell 'n Back (98mm) which is still my favorite all-around. Edges well enough on hardpack, floats well enough in boot+ powder.

I'm staying in Gorham, NH Wednesday night, aiming for Wildcat on Thursday. Staying in Rangeley, ME the rest of the trip. Weather forecast looks good for groomers on Thursday and Friday, so a place in each area would be great.

Sounds like you have plenty of skis and have all terrain covered. I think you have a problem

 

[James]

Last I knew there was nothing in Gorham.

I would’ve expected Gorham Ski and Bike would be in… Gorham! I’ve seen them online.
@MarkP , maybe rent in Killington?

Was the Navigator 90 black with clear parts, before the era of Navigator 85 solid color with pattern. If so, that ski was dead from the factory as I remember.

 

[Tony S]

I would’ve expected Gorham Ski and Bike would be in… Gorham! I’ve seen them online.
@MarkP , maybe rent in Killington?

Was the Navigator 90 black with clear parts, before the era of Navigator 85 solid color with pattern. If so, that ski was dead from the factory as I remember.

Gorham Ski and Bike hails originally from Gorham, Maine, not Gorham, New Hampshire.

 

[James]

All these Gorhams! Hope he’s polishing silver. Next he’ll stay in Berlin, and he could be in any state in the Northeast.

If you feel like renting AT skis and boots, SkitheWhites is in Jackson. They’re tiny, so you’d have to call.
You know, because Tony is planning on cliffs and lift outages. You’ll be most prepared.
Otherwise, Lincoln might be on your way from VT.

 

[AlanR]

Well they’ve dialed it down a little but Sunday is still looking pretty good for new snow (if you like that kind of thing)

See you all there!

 

[Guy in Shorts]

Packing powder skis. Skipping Sunday River. Skiing Killington then heading for Saddleback. My first ski vacation since Tahoe back in 2016.

 

[James]

Ummm…
4-8 at the Saddle on Sat.
We still going to the Loaf?

 

[MarkP]

I would’ve expected Gorham Ski and Bike would be in… Gorham! I’ve seen them online.
@MarkP , maybe rent in Killington?

Was the Navigator 90 black with clear parts, before the era of Navigator 85 solid color with pattern. If so, that ski was dead from the factory as I remember.

Green/clear, with a hit of black in the honeycomb-ish voids in the metal layer. Definitely on the ICU/CCU spectrum.

 

[aveski]

Sugarloaf Open Snow forecast. They are usually very optimistic.

 

[James]

Green/clear, with a hit of black in the honeycomb-ish voids in the metal layer. Definitely on the ICU/CCU spectrum.
View attachment 197779

I was thinking of the nrgy 90

 

[Tony S]

Ummm…
4-8 at the Saddle on Sat.
We still going to the Loaf?

It's happening Saturday night, mostly.

 

[Marker]

If you believe these long-range forecasts, the big event will midweek. 20" according to OnThe Snow.

 

[Tony S]

TRIP REPORT

^^^ Post your pics and stories there.

 

[TheArchitect]

If you believe these long-range forecasts, the big event will midweek. 20" according to OnThe Snow.

Are you referring to the potential for a nor‘easter that Skiology is posting about? I may have jinxed it as I booked a room in northern VT for 3/31-4/2 once I saw that. I was going for a day anyway but why not 2 if that forecast comes true?

 

[Tony S]

Since we're getting an early start, let's keep ahead of traffic with an 11:30 lunch meetup in the base lodge today. Same location as the morning meet.

Also, I will be at the base of the SKYLINE lift at 10:00 to collect any stragglers.

I have an orange helmet, blue plaid jacket, and orange pants.