TheNorminator

So I just started snowboarding and I want to go as many times as I can now. I went to Killington in VT for my first time and then went to a bunch of places in PA, since they're close to me. Which resort is the best? Especially on weekends. I went to Camelback on December 30, right after we got 4 inches of snow. Bad idea. The lines were so long I waited more than I actually boarded. Then I went to Shawnee. Overall, it's pretty nice. I love the trails but I'm already feeling kinda bored with them. I guess Vermont has spoiled me So which place should I go:

Jack Frost/Big Boulder
Shawnee
Camelback
Blue Mountain
Elk
Belleayre
Mountain Creek? (It's the closest to me)

I've heard great things about Elk but its farther away than the other resorts (not including Belleayre). Elk and Belleayre are both about 2 hours away from me. I'm leaning towards Belleayre because they have some high speed lifts which I love and their season pass pricing is friggin ridiculous! 265 for an unlimited teen (which I am) pass is such a great deal! Did I mention my dislike towards fixed-grip lifts? They take way too long to take you to the top. I swear at Shawnee I sit in the lifts for 5 minutes just to rise 700 feet.

I'm also kinda curious about Mountain Creek. It's only 45 mins away from me, but everyone absolutely hates them.

JBthe3rd

7-Springs PA

StickieTime

If you have a college ID, it's $20 for the lift ticket on Wednesdays for Mountain Creek. I'm guessing people hate the place because it gets super crowded during the weekends

BigmountainVMD

Everyone I talk to that actually lives near the Pocono Mountains says Elk mountain has the best terrain and is WAY less popular than Camelback since it is further north.

I've been to Camelback a few times, but will be heading to Elk for 4 days over MLK weekend.

EatRideSleep

The above are always crowded on weekends. Any resort within an hour or so of NYC and Philly will be.

JFBB isn't as far as say, Elk, but they seem to be less crowded than the others. Except Boulder. The park is what will be crowded weekends. But it's a fun hill.

Hunter is another favorite. But go during the week if you can.

I've never been to Elk or Belleayre but I've hear good things.

crdjeep

You mean the liars of ski websites? Today it say's it has a base of 10" min. Webcams show 20% dirt. That place is smoking dope.

JBthe3rd

Lol true....They just had 100% of the trails open 2 weeks ago... What did you expect with 60 degree weather tho

brucew.

I learned to ride last year in PA and spent most of my time at Blue & Camelback but I wouldn't recommend going to those places unless its at night to avoid the crowds.

JFBB is fun, If you like park then BB has that covered. I like the setup of JF...I haven't rode their beginner stuff but the blues & blacks are cool. The runs are a little shorter but you probably get more riding in because its less crowded at the lifts.

Elk is worth checking out also. They have a good selection of intermediate terrain. The lifts are brutal but the trails usually don't have much traffic. It's a good place to work on your turns but theres not much to play on unless you hit up the park.

JBthe3rd

Snowshoe WV

TheNorminator

Thanks for all the replies!

I've only gone snowboarding 6 times, so I'm only on blues and I don't do park...yet. Right now I'm just looking for a great place for practicing and progressing. Shawnee is great for learning, but has pretty much no room for progression. I don't know where I'll go this weekend, probably Shawnee since it's close. Hopefully I'll get to some black diamonds, though I'm not sure what black diamonds at Shawnee are like compared to those *real* ski resorts.

I know Elk and Belleayre are probably my best choices. Between them I'd probably go to Belleayre because 1. It's cheaper. I count as a kid there (14) while at Elk I'd be an adult and 2. They have a high-speed quad

And since I'm 14, I don't have a college ID and therefore can't get those $20 lift tickets at Mountain Creek on Wednesdays.