Issues → January/February 2010 → Features →
Best 5: Ski Cruisers
Looking for sun, snow, groomed trails
by Ben Hewitt
Ben Hewitt is SKIING magazine's Eastern editor and a devotee of winter sun, soft snow, and freshly groomed trails. Here are his favorite ski cruisers, in no particular order.
1. Cannon, Vista Way
Stunning views of Franconia Notch combine with a pitch that's shallow enough to allow for sightseeing but still steep enough for carving speed. All this on Bode Miller's hometown hill.
Cannon Mountain
Franconia, NH
603-823-8800
cannonmt.com
2. Stowe, Perry Merrill
Accessed via Stowe's weather-thwarting Gondola, Perry Merrill beckons with its wide-but-curvy swath of corduroy. And at day's end, there's no town more suited to apres.
Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe, VT
802-253-3000
stowe.com
3. Sugarloaf, Tote Road
You probably won't be thinking about the low-energy snow guns that line sinuous Tote Road as you link 3.5 miles' worth of arcing turns. But isn't it nice to know that great cruising doesn't have to hammer the environment?
Sugarloaf Mountain Resort
Carrabassett Valley, ME
207-237-2000
sugarloaf.com
4. Okemo, Tuckered Out
Expansive views, lots of sun, steady pitch, meticulous grooming, more curves than a drunken snake: Tuckered Out is quintessential Eastern cruising. It's a bit steep and curvaceous for beginners, but intermediate and expert carvers go gaga over it.
Okemo Mountain Resort
Ludlow, VT
802-228-1600
okemo.com
5. Sunday River, Excalibur
Taking full advantage of Jordan Bowl's 1,500 vertical feet, Excalibur is a perfectly buffed example of this resort's award-winning snowmaking. And the views of Mount Washington are stellar.
Sunday River Ski Resort
Bethel, ME
207-824-3000
sundayriver.com
READ MORE: New England skiing
Reader Comments
Comment from Wayne Tucker on January 8, 2010
The best 5 of skiing (of any category) in New England is like honoring the tallest midgets. It really doesn't matter because there isn't any good skiing East of the Mississippi.
Comment from Heather Atwell on January 29, 2010
Sounds like we won't be seeing Wayne on any cruisers in New England!
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