Freeskiing in NE USA?

[McGlovin]

I am a new skier, and I live in the Northeast. I understand that it is not the "ultimate destination" for all skiers (especially backcountry/sidecountry). However, that certainly does not mean that there is no place for Freeski. Any ideas on where to shred? Thanks.

 

[hi_vis360]

there is definitely backcountry skiing to be had in new england, not a whole lot of mellow beginner terrain though. What state are you in?

 

[McGlovin]

I am in Connecticut. I have access to the ADKs, Vermont, and new Hampshire. Of course Mass too. Maine is far though.

there is definitely backcountry skiing to be had in new england, not a whole lot of mellow beginner terrain though. What state are you in?

 

[vermontana]

If you're new to skiing I would start out by touring uphill in-bounds at a resort, there you can dial in your gear/packing list without the real consequences of a mistake in the backcountry. This time of year is great for that too as many resorts are closed with skiable snow still (although you will have to head pretty far north this season)

From there, I would start branching out into easily-accessible sanctioned backcountry zones (check out Granite Backcountry Alliance in NH or Ridgeline Outdoor Collective in VT) They will have trail maps and beta for newcomers. ADKs might have something similar but I'm not aware of it. Lots more high-consequence zones in the Whites, Greens, ADKs once your skills are more developed.

 

[icy_park_jump]

Hi, I saw this thread, I am also a northeast skiier and I am interested in trying ski touring. I've looked at some of the trails maps from ridgeline and granite backcountry and it seems like some are pretty mellow, with short approaches and no avalanche risk. Would it be reasonable to try out some of these short trails with binding adapters and no avy training? I would definitely get AS1 before even considering going somewhere with a risk of avalanche. I am also considering trying uphill travel at a resort first.

 

[vermontana]

Hi, I saw this thread, I am also a northeast skiier and I am interested in trying ski touring. I've looked at some of the trails maps from ridgeline and granite backcountry and it seems like some are pretty mellow, with short approaches and no avalanche risk. Would it be reasonable to try out some of these short trails with binding adapters and no avy training? I would definitely get AS1 before even considering going somewhere with a risk of avalanche. I am also considering trying uphill travel at a resort first.

I think its a good idea to do some resort uphilling first to get the hang of your gear, work out how your boots are feeling etc...Those zones are great to begin getting some actual BC experience without entering avy terrain. Good idea to go with a partner if you can, as coverage is still a bit thin and as mellow as they are, you're still away from medical help and potentially without service if something were to happen.

 

[icy_park_jump]

I think its a good idea to do some resort uphilling first to get the hang of your gear, work out how your boots are feeling etc...Those zones are great to begin getting some actual BC experience without entering avy terrain. Good idea to go with a partner if you can, as coverage is still a bit thin and as mellow as they are, you're still away from medical help and potentially without service if something were to happen.

Thanks, that sounds like a good idea. I would definitely go with a partner.

 

[mattberube]

Looking to get into some backcountry skiing in the north east. Located up in Maine at Umaine, trying to find some places that aren't too far or crazy to try and get into it. Just ordered daymakers and skins to get into it and see how I like it. Then ill get the cast system for my next set of skis if I ended up liking it a lot.

 

[edai]

i was just looking at the freeride qualifier stops and there was runs at like stowe, smugglers notch, sunday river. maybe check out what some of that terrain is, likely to have a hittable cliff or two.

 

[schusson]

If you’re looking for lift access freeride, places like Smuggs, Mad River, Jay, Cannon, and the Loaf are all strong choices.

For touring, start small. Learn how to navigate on skins and terrain choice. GBA glades are well maintained and offer a great stepping stone to bigger terrain. Take classes and find a mentor.

 

[hi_vis360]

Looking to get into some backcountry skiing in the north east. Located up in Maine at Umaine, trying to find some places that aren't too far or crazy to try and get into it. Just ordered daymakers and skins to get into it and see how I like it. Then ill get the cast system for my next set of skis if I ended up liking it a lot.

I found a spot to tour in Augusta behind the airport it’s actually hilarious and kinda sick. Black mountain of Maine has lots of backcountry glades.

If you’re looking for lift access freeride, places like Smuggs, Mad River, Jay, Cannon, and the Loaf are all strong choices.

For touring, start small. Learn how to navigate on skins and terrain choice. GBA glades are well maintained and offer a great stepping stone to bigger terrain. Take classes and find a mentor.

Black mountain of Maine has the best trees in the east other than maybe jay, it’s actually nuts. Cliff drops and booters everywhere

**This post was edited on Mar 14th 2023 at 6:02:49pm

**This post was edited on Mar 14th 2023 at 6:03:50pm