Help me: Killington or Stowie? (from March 25th to April 4th)

Hi,

I need some help to decide where to go at the end of this month (from March 25th to April 4th). I am from Brazil, and it´s a long way to get up there in Vermont, so any tips or additional info would be really helpfull. I am going with other 2 friends (we are all intermediate snowboarders level) and we are planning to go to Killington or Stowie. I know that the period we are going is not the best to go, the end of the season, and some of the trails and lifts will be closed (about 20 or 30% of it, thats what I have found out so far, after some researching that we´ve made).

Could any of you guys please give me your opinion wich station should we pick, and even recommend that we could go part to Killington and 2nd part to Stowie, maybe?

I appreciate your help!

[surfinsnow]

Originally Posted by feu1

Hi,

I need some help to decide where to go at the end of this month (from March 25th to April 4th). I am from Brazil, and it´s a long way to get up there in Vermont, so any tips or additional info would be really helpfull. I am going with other 2 friends (we are all intermediate snowboarders level) and we are planning to go to Killington or Stowie. I know that the period we are going is not the best to go, the end of the season, and some of the trails and lifts will be closed (about 20 or 30% of it, thats what I have found out so far, after some researching that we´ve made).

Could any of you guys please give me your opinion wich station should we pick, and even recommend that we could go part to Killington and 2nd part to Stowie, maybe?

I appreciate your help!

Stowe. Period. No question about it. Stowe has everything, world class, and it's a lot farther north than Killington so it will have better late season conditions. It's got a great resort town with lots of restaurants and clubs, huge vertical and long runs, two different mountains for one lift ticket. Killington doesn't come close.

[rgrwilco]

second for stowe.

Originally Posted by surfinsnow

Stowe. Period. No question about it. Stowe has everything, world class, and it's a lot farther north than Killington so it will have better late season conditions. It's got a great resort town with lots of restaurants and clubs, huge vertical and long runs, two different mountains for one lift ticket. Killington doesn't come close.

Thank you so much for this info! I was thinking the same about the farther north location from Stowe comparing to Killington, more snow to expect for sure!

If we decide to stay at Stowe, from March 25th to April 2nd, Do you think that we will have good snow and fun guaranteed at this period mentioned? Can we have some problems with closing trails and lifts, because the end of the season?

And finally, What about the prices? I´ve heard that Killington was way cheapper then Stowe (about 25% less, in general costs), is that correct?

Appreciate again!

[Korey]

I've ridden both within the last week, and not trying to disagree with the posters above, but I had a better experience at Killington. Stowe was incredibly crowded when I went, resulting in decent lift lines. The runs were amazing, the conditions were awesome (granted this was right after they got 20 inches or something), etc etc etc.

At Killington the next day, I had just as much fun but also got SOOO much more riding in. The number of lifts at Killington just blew my mind, and damn nearly EVERY single one is incredibly fast. Despite how many people were there, I waited no longer than five minutes all day to get on the lift, and the runs were equal, if not more fun than those at Stowe.

On a side note, Stowe DEFINITELY had better parks. Hope I helped.
**** killington lift tickets work at PICO too, down the road.
Killington was a lot cheaper, I bought a junior ticket (up to 18) even though I'm nearing 20, and wasn't confronted once on every lift.

[kswissreject]

I personally like Stowe better than Killington.

But if you're coming from Brazil, why not go out west to Utah/Colorado/Tahoe instead? I'd imagine you'd like it much more there.

[surfinsnow]

Originally Posted by Korey

I've ridden both within the last week, and not trying to disagree with the posters above, but I had a better experience at Killington. Stowe was incredibly crowded when I went, resulting in decent lift lines. The runs were amazing, the conditions were awesome (granted this was right after they got 20 inches or something), etc etc etc.

At Killington the next day, I had just as much fun but also got SOOO much more riding in. The number of lifts at Killington just blew my mind, and damn nearly EVERY single one is incredibly fast. Despite how many people were there, I waited no longer than five minutes all day to get on the lift, and the runs were equal, if not more fun than those at Stowe.

On a side note, Stowe DEFINITELY had better parks. Hope I helped.
**** killington lift tickets work at PICO too, down the road.
Killington was a lot cheaper, I bought a junior ticket (up to 18) even though I'm nearing 20, and wasn't confronted once on every lift.

Mixed on your reply; Yes, Stowe's lift tix are as steep as the diamonds on the Front Four -- I believe it was about $84 last I checked. But I have never paid that. We're going in a couple of weeks for $90 for a three-day pass. Gotta know where to look!

As for the number of lifts and runs you got in...well, there is a reason for that: the runs at Killington are mostly very short, spread out over a huge area. They boast massive amounts of terrain, but I'd rather ride LONG runs, like at Stowe, than just do short runs over and over, then having to transfer to one of those many lift Killington has. They have so many lifts because of the terrible, spread-out layout of the mountain. You can't ride from one part to the next in most case, you have to get to the bottom, travers (read: WALK) to the next section, then ride up for more short runs. If you know Stowe, you can get from the main face area to the Gondolier/Perry Merrill trails, and have fun doing it. There is a gondola right at the base for the transfer over to Spruce Peak, if you want a change of pace. The so-called steeps at Killington just don't compare to what Stowe has to offer. Also, you have to work Stowe's lift-line openings; they stagger the four main lift times to help spread the crowds around the mountain. Besides all that, Stowe just has a much nicer vibe. It's pricey, probably more snobby, but again there aren't the assholes to deal with.

Oh, and I just got back from two weeks in Tahoe. I agree that if you have the choice, skip Vermont and go straight to Tahoe! No question!

My usual disclaimer - I don't like Killington (though I'd probably ride there with a FREE ticket), so I'm admittedly biased. But I don't Killington for good reason -- after many trips, I've never had a good experience there, whereas Stowe has never let me down.

[Technine Icon]

Go to Stowe. The people and the atmosphere are much better

[neednsnow]

I have to say that I've never had a bad experience at Killington. Huge Mtn, even on crowded days it isn't too bad....I've had some terrible lift lines at Stowe. However, it is true that the top-to-bottom runs are much longer at Stowe. Killington's vertical is a bit twisted.

I assume you are already booked for the northeast for some reason. If you aren't go out west!!! Tahoe or Salt Lake City.....terrain is going to be better and conditions will be much more reliable. The east finally got a good dump two weeks ago, but a big rain is expected to come through this week.

[neednsnow]

Originally Posted by mpdsnowman

Within that timeframe you can certainly do both. Those mountains are no more than an hour+ apart. Since your coming from Brazil try them both.

Of course conditions are key but I honestly think that both mountains will be in the exact same snow conditions. Vermont is not that big and weather encompasses the entire state for the most part.

You will find Killington to be a tourist trap. You will now also find that true for Stowe. Both have alot to offer and you should take day trips to both if you can.

Carmen with the common sense response; good work, brother! Did you find the remote this year?

This is definately the best idea. Transportation may be an issue, I am not sure, but if you have transportation (I would assume you'll need it to get to either mountain), I would also suggest taking the time to do both mountains!