A classic debate. Born and raised as a Liberty Jibber, I will always remain loyal with my love towards Liberty. Lets analyze this from a few angles.
Liberty's park lift is terribly slow. If you want to lap the jumps, you have to take the lift every time, unless you want to take the J-bar and hike up about 50 yards. If you take the lift route, you spend atleast three times as much time on the lift as you are skiing, which is a big buzzkill. Of course, there is the J-bar. If you are in a rail mood, which you usually should be as the jumps aren't always in top shape to really have fun on, you can get some quick laps on the J-bar, unless it's really crowded. At Roundtop, your only option is to take the lift. This is still a slow lift, but the lift length seems shorter and, if I am not mistaken, it is a quicker lap. Of course, Roundtop does sometimes run the J-bar, but that only gives you access to a few bottom rails.
The jumps at Roundtop were certainly better last year, but the slope and location of Liberty's jump line will probably always be better. Still, the maximum jump size is only about 35-40 feet, and even then you really have to push it for speed.
The rail situation is pretty even. Both resorts have roughly the same quality rails that can be found around the country, just not the top-notch rail you will find at the best parks. Still, there are plenty of rails at each resort to have plenty of fun on for all levels. I will say that liberty has a few 'specialty' rails like their swingset rainbow box and wall ride, but Roundtop has a pretty good S-rail and donkey dick to even that game.
As for the overall environment, it just depends on your preference. Liberty is much closer to the bigger cities, so it will almost always be crowded as hell on peak hours on weekends. Just get there around opening and you will have a few hours of non-gaper shredding. You will find a lot more gapers in he parks for this reason as well at Liberty. There are plenty of very good skiers and boarders at both resorts.
I only have one small gripe with Roundtop. Compared to Liberty, their rail jams always seem to be a lot more jocky, while Liberty contests seem much more laid back. Again, not to start any hate, but whenever I ride at Roundtop, this seems to be the vibe. Nothing against Roundtop Riders, especially John Dorris. Boy do I love John Dorris, he alone is a reason to ride at Roundtop. And Mike Urich definitely seems to be the best skier in the area right now, who is a Roundtop skier. I could be wrong, but Liberty seems to have a few more contests every year as well.
If you live closer to Liberty, just ski at Liberty. If it gets boring or crowded, drive 45 minutes to Roundtop! It is integral to keep the Roundtop/Liberty community open and loving, as it always is.
Just DONT GO TO WHITETAIL. Their parks are not worth supporting until they step up their game (which they seem to have been in the past years).
But seriously, just watch Land of the Hills. How does Liberty not seem like the most fun place to ride?
.The Land of the Hills. - [Blank] Productions from [Blank] Productions on Vimeo.
http://vimeo.com/11919417
but longer rails are always a plus.
