How is Smuggs the first week of April? the Skiing? Activities?

[lprstn]

Hello,

We made a trade to Smuggler's Notch checking in on Apr. 4th, 2009. I called the ski area to verify that they would be opened that week and they said yes, its their last week opened.

So has anyone been there during this time? What were the conditions? Did the resort still have activities?

My friend laughed at me when I accepted this trade...saying there was no way there would be skiing weather.

Please help me out if you have the low down on this.

 

[geekette]

Your title says August. I was intrigued, as skiing in August, you must mean Water Skiing, where I don't think conditions vary a lot!

I have no info for you, but wanted to advise that you should change your post title if you still can (not sure if those lock down immediately or you have time!)

 

[gorevs9]

It's difficult to tell how many slopes will be open, but unless global warming comes quick, there should be sufficient snow for at least spring skiing conditions.
There has been plenty of snowfall in the Northeast this winter and if the temps stay below freezing, then the ski areas will continue to make snow. It skiing at Smuggs is limited, there are always others biggies, Killington, Mt. Snow

 

[helenbarnett1963]

ski yes, lessons & activities no!

see this link to the RCI visitors page on the Smuggs.com website

http://www.smuggs.com/pages/winter/rci/index.php

what you were told is true, there will still be skiing.
what they omitted to tell you was that 'winter programming' ends on 5th April. This means the last day for lessons, kids camp, resort activities, fun zone, most restaurants, snowmaking etc will be 5th April.

(smuggs staff are very good at telling you what you want to hear and answering the EXACT question you asked. We've got use to it now, but it can be frustrating)

6th onwards will be the very limited spring programming. conditions permitting there should be some skiing - but probably only very limited runs on Sterling or Madonna, and then only if weather conditions permit.

We usually go to smuggs at the very start of the ski season (week 52) and we've had everythign from "no snow cover at all" to "too cold to be outside" conditions over the past 6 years. The end of the season is much the same, you take your chances. Friends of ours went in April a few years ago, thier first week was the last week of winter programming - only lower morse liftline was open for beginners, but plenty of skiing on Sterling for intermediates. Thier 2nd week the resort was almost deserted and nothing was open. Skiing was limited to one route down sterling, but they were fine as they were expecting this and their relatives from Canada came to stay with them at Smuggs for the week.

so, if you want lessons and actvities then you need to go a week earlier. if you want a peaceful week and maybe a bit of skiing you will be ok.

 

[lprstn]

Thanks for the tidbit. So, looks like I will only be able to get the kids in 2 days of programming as I will arrive on Apr. 4th and the kids programs end on April 5th. Which that is fine as 2 days is usually enouph for my kids.

 

[IreneLF]

I asked a friend who skies the mts all season and has for years what that week is like historically.

"It's usually pretty good, especially for intermediates and advanced skiers and riders. The snow tends to melt on the lower elevation of Morse more quickly, so its the trails on Madonna and Sterling that are open.
Programming runs through Sunday, April 5th and skiing on Madonna and/or Sterling are scheduled through April 12th. "


Hope this helps. I've had friends go up that week and they had GREAT skiing, but I think part of it depends on how much snow get over the course of the season. So far this year they seem to be doing OK.

 

[lprstn]

I asked a friend who skies the mts all season and has for years what that week is like historically.

"It's usually pretty good, especially for intermediates and advanced skiers and riders. The snow tends to melt on the lower elevation of Morse more quickly, so its the trails on Madonna and Sterling that are open.
Programming runs through Sunday, April 5th and skiing on Madonna and/or Sterling are scheduled through April 12th. "


Hope this helps. I've had friends go up that week and they had GREAT skiing, but I think part of it depends on how much snow get over the course of the season. So far this year they seem to be doing OK.

Thanks for that information. I was rather worried, but at least my avid snowboarding son and DH will have a great time. I think my little ones may be a bit bored.

 

[helenbarnett1963]

what unit are you exchanged into?
your RCI confirmation will tell you for a weeks exchange and the resort should be able to tell you for a points exchange.
The number will be soemthing like TA23 - Tamaracks 23, or SY12 - Sycamores 12.

If you on the North Hill (TAmaracks, Eagles, Kestrels, Owls) then you will have use of the North Hill indoor swim pool and indoor splash zone, which is fantastic for little ones. (and so much nicer than the main Courtside covered pool)

Unless of course the week you go is the week the north hill pool is closed for annual maintenance - just call the resort to ask.

If you are not on the North Hill and the pool is open then you could try to be cheeky and ask if you could change to a North Hill unit - the resort will be nearly empty so its worth asking!