Transitioning from ColoRADo to the east coast

[RickeyBobby]

I'm a CO skier in high school who's looking at a lot of east coast schools, but I still wanna ski. Has anyone skied east or a lot of both who can kind of educate me on the differences in terrain, snow types, ski choices, options around the mountain, etc? I always hear the debates from east coast skis vs west coast skis, what are the main differences? Where are the best mountains for all types of terrain on the east coast? Any and all insight is welcome.

 

[DBack1321]

I hope you like ice and freeze/thaw cycles.

 

[B.Quincy]

Upper vermont is closest thing but even that is way further away, it will be an adjustment for sure, where are you looking? Im a junior and ive been looking too up north and in colorado haha.

 

[RickeyBobby]

where are you looking?

Most of the schools are in NY and in that area. I'm not expecting anything great, i just wanna get on snow

 

[Big_Mtn]

Personally I think you'd be pretty stupid to go from the west coast to the east coast. You see plenty of people go from the east to the west coast, not so many go the other way. There's good reason for that.

 

[gnar_whal]

Are you dumb?

 

[RickeyBobby]

Personally I think you'd be pretty stupid to go from the west coast to the east coast. You see plenty of people go from the east to the west coast, not so many go the other way. There's good reason for that.

I'd love to stay west coast if i could, it just depends what i'm going to school for. I could go to MSU and just fuck up bridger every day, but what i wind up majoring in is gonna effect where im headed

 

[B.Quincy]

Most of the schools are in NY and in that area. I'm not expecting anything great, i just wanna get on snow

Ah okay im looking more in vermont as of right now near there maybe whiteface, windham, etc just dont make the mistake and go to Gore.

 

[The_Mitch]

There are much more important things to look at when choosing a school: accreditation, placement rate, and most importantly rank on the party list. if you want good skiing go further west. There are great schools all over the US and Canada that can feed your need to shred.

 

[Brocka_Flocka]

The fact that you said "ColoRADo" make me hate you...

But to answer your question. UBC.

 

[kootenayklaus]

I'd love to stay west coast if i could, it just depends what i'm going to school for. I could go to MSU and just fuck up bridger every day, but what i wind up majoring in is gonna effect where im headed

If you think you can just "fuck up Bridger every day", you should probably fuck off and go to school in Newfoundland (as far east as possible.)

 

[Mingg]

Be prepared to cry a lot when it rains

 

[wild.]

for the love of god and skiing stay out west you will be happier

 

[KravtZ]

EC skiing is garbage compared to what your used to. That being said the EC has some of the best colleges in the world. Come for the education with a side of skiing not vice versa. If you want to ski stay in CO

 

[RickeyBobby]

I by no means expect better skiing, I'm just curious as the what the actual differences in terrain options/gear choices are other than just "East coast is shit"

 

[YunGBlood]

7springs PA has the best parks.. but if you are trying to actually ski you probably want to go to Vermont.

 

[robert.clarkeiii]

I'm a CO skier in high school who's looking at a lot of east coast schools, but I still wanna ski. Has anyone skied east or a lot of both who can kind of educate me on the differences in terrain, snow types, ski choices, options around the mountain, etc? I always hear the debates from east coast skis vs west coast skis, what are the main differences? Where are the best mountains for all types of terrain on the east coast? Any and all insight is welcome.

Lol rethink what you're saying... You want to leave powder and high elevations and sick parks to come to ice? Nobody ever comes to the east from the west and says "wow that was better than co." haha in all honesty you would be stupid to give up colorado for NY, which btw really has no good mountains other than whiteface.

 

[Handyandy67]

Lived in the east all my life, If I were you I would shoot for a school dead smack in the center of Vermont. That way its easy to get from one place to another. Nothing will prepare you for the wind, ice, rain, snow, the east coast gets so don't even try.

 

[KravtZ]

Lived in the east all my life, If I were you I would shoot for a school dead smack in the center of Vermont. That way its easy to get from one place to another. Nothing will prepare you for the wind, ice, rain, snow, the east coast gets so don't even try.

Middlebury....top notch respected education close to an ivy league level and near some good skiing

 

[tris10radeka]

unless you were raised skiing the east coast you will hate it. I have lived here my whole life, so It's normal to me, but believe me you will hate it

 

[Thatdp]

Quit Skiing and start a Coke addiction you will be much happier.

 

[AK_]

Quit Skiing and start a Coke addiction you will be much happier.

Worked for me.

 

[Thatdp]

Worked for me.

Fuck this kid.

Hes like the big mountain Kenworthy... Just doing big lines for the bois

 

[Mrworm10]

Learn how to tie a noose

 

[KravtZ]

Quit Skiing and start a Coke addiction you will be much happier.

At the big EC top ranked schools...I promise you this is a very real thing haha

 

[Mr.Bishop]

I'm a CO skier in high school who's looking at a lot of east coast schools, but I still wanna ski. Has anyone skied east or a lot of both who can kind of educate me on the differences in terrain, snow types, ski choices, options around the mountain, etc? I always hear the debates from east coast skis vs west coast skis, what are the main differences? Where are the best mountains for all types of terrain on the east coast? Any and all insight is welcome.

West to East is a VERY difficult transition. You basically need to let go of what you know as skiing and embrace something new.

If I had to compare it to something, imagine (if you've skied Vail) lapping the Gold peak park all day long. There just wouldn't be anything above it. The mountain might be much wider, but it won't be taller, and powder days aren't the same. Some resorts you can get some tight-ass east coast trees, but mostly its not the case and the pow doesn't fall like out west.

Some of the bigger resorts have cool terrain to hit, Jay Peak is fantastic... but standard east coast skiing is groomers and park... maybe some icy-ass moguls.

However, the East coast can be a wonderful place. If you grew up here, you have a special passion for skiing where you don't really care what its like you'll just go out and shred whatever you can. If you like park, then a day of park laps is fantastic, fast and fun.

As well, there's a different culture on the East coast, and some of the cities are fantastic. If you move somewhere for a school you like, and the culture you like... it can attract you as much as the skiing.

West to East is hard though... and for hardcore skiers it often doesn't last if that is the central focus of your life. If you are moving for a good school and end up with a good job, its easy to fly out west for snow... but the local skiing just frankly doesn't compare to a big west coast mountain, nor will it ever be able to.

 

[humpty]

Everyone here just shits on ec skiing. While yes its not as good as west coast, its still not horrible. Its definitely different in terms of terrain but you are still skiing after all right??????

 

[lauraobermeyer]

I moved East from Colorado. It pisses me off how much people make a joke of skiing the east, because it's seriously such an awesome atmosphere and is such a great tool to fine tune your skiing. It's not as bad as people say it is, learn to ski ice, learn to not complain, and just be stoked to have feeder hills available.

Skiing is awesome, don't let anyone tell you that glorified ice skating isn't either.

 

[Mr.Bishop]

I moved East from Colorado. It pisses me off how much people make a joke of skiing the east, because it's seriously such an awesome atmosphere and is such a great tool to fine tune your skiing. It's not as bad as people say it is, learn to ski ice, learn to not complain, and just be stoked to have feeder hills available.

Skiing is awesome, don't let anyone tell you that glorified ice skating isn't either.

LOVE to hear that perspective.

Honestly I grew up East so I absolutely love it. However, I've just seen so many west coasters who can't stand it I guess I don't like to boost up expectations.

The vibe is incredible though. So much passion for the sport out here.

 

[lauraobermeyer]

I couldn't find this before, but I think this is a fantastic take on the matter as well. Although it applies more to growing up on the East, it's still the exact concept I try to express.

Josh Malczyk, Global Brand Director of Line Skis says:

"Connecticut skiing is the soul of the ski world. Really though, any place where you’ve got small hills and have to find the passion to go skiing every day after school or shovel your own jumps and ski until they turn the lights off is the soul of the ski world. Feeder hills are the gateway drug to a lifelong addiction that can bring you to some amazing places with friends."

 

[Bogs]

I moved East from Colorado. It pisses me off how much people make a joke of skiing the east, because it's seriously such an awesome atmosphere and is such a great tool to fine tune your skiing. It's not as bad as people say it is, learn to ski ice, learn to not complain, and just be stoked to have feeder hills available.

Skiing is awesome, don't let anyone tell you that glorified ice skating isn't either.

This. Whole lot of cowards in here complaining about the east coast.

 

[IBAM]

In terms of anything comparable to the West, your best best are northern Vermont or Maine. Check out UVM, Champlain College, Middlebury, Bates, Boden, Colby, or whatever else in those areas. Resorts like Stowe, Mt. Snow, Sugarloaf, and Sunday River are a few of your only real options for a complete mountain package of decent terrain, nice parks, and reliable snow near colleges. NY I'm afraid, other than Whiteface which still isn't nearly as nice, doesn't have a ton to offer.

 

[Gherbs]

Transitioned from MN to CO this year and it was definitely the best move i've made in a while. I've never really heard someone voluntarily moving away from the mountains but do you dawg

 

[Peter.]

This. Whole lot of cowards in here complaining about the east coast.

i don't think they're complaining, they're just saying it's crazy to move from colorado to the east coast to ski.

the ice coast makes it immediately obvious if you love skiing or not.

 

[Pachankz]

Most years jay peak average annual snowfall is 377 inches which is equivalent of several Colorado resorts , get a pass to jay and you'll be the most satisfied out of any east coast ski area .

 

[californiagrown]

i don't think they're complaining, they're just saying it's crazy to move from colorado to the east coast to ski.

the ice coast makes it immediately obvious if you love skiing or not.

Who voluntarily chooses a miata over a ferrari?

who voluntarily chooses McDonalds over a 3 star Michelin rated meal?

Who voluntarily fucks rosie o'Donald over adriana lima?

Who voluntarily sleeps on a concrete floor over a nice comfy bed?

Who voluntarily skis 200 ft of east coast ice over 3000 ft of west coast soft snow?

Sure an optimistic person will make the best of the situations, one option is vastly superior. That said, when looking at colleges, skiing should not rate very high on the priority list IMO.

 

[dangerdad]

Maybe check out McGill, exchange rate is fantastic right now and based on Canada's failing oil economy, it will likely stay that way for some time.

 

[grilled_steeze]

Ideally you want to stay out west, but Northern Vermont is the place to go if you have to move east. New York mountains are not great, with the exception of Whiteface, and if you like glades and some steeps, Gore. Get used to carving a narrower ski (widest I ski is an 89) and keeping your center of gravity over your toe piece, it'll keep your feet from sliding out from under you if you hit a firm or icy spot.

 

[RoidedSasquatch]

Any hill on the east coast is likely icy. I grew up here so I'm used to it and actually love it. I just lap the park all day and always have ever a great time. It really makes you appreciate the rare big stormscreen we get where I live. We got a 50cm dump last week and I was at the hill having the time of my life.

The east coast can be a blast it just won't be the consistent perfect snow and staggering terrain that you'received used to.

 

[Bogs]

i don't think they're complaining, they're just saying it's crazy to move from colorado to the east coast to ski.

the ice coast makes it immediately obvious if you love skiing or not.

Sorry, I forgot that what us east coasters consider whining you pillsbury doughboy soft people from the west call expressing yourself.

 

[theabortionator]

There are much more important things to look at when choosing a school: accreditation, placement rate, and most importantly rank on the party list. if you want good skiing go further west. There are great schools all over the US and Canada that can feed your need to shred.

Most schools have a at least a decent party scene. Unless you're the boobiest of noobs and going to the most prude school in the nation there's no point in looking at those lists.

Those lists scream "I've never even had a sip of beer but I want to be able to claim how hard I go at parties"

 

[Peter.]

Sorry, I forgot that what us east coasters consider whining you pillsbury doughboy soft people from the west call expressing yourself.

i've lived on the east coast my entire life, NY and PA

 

[Bogs]

NY

Well that explains it, then.

 

[Peter.]

Well that explains it, then.

i'm going to assume you think i mean the city

 

[Mr.noodle]

It's really mature of you putting your education over skiing. You're better off sucking it up and skiing in shitty conditions for a few years and to have the job you want than skiing out west and settling for the job you don't want. Also if you go to school in upstate New York mount snow is only an hour or two away depending on where you are.

 

[dan4060]

Sorry, I forgot that what us east coasters consider whining you pillsbury doughboy soft people from the west call expressing yourself.

It sounds like someone has an inferiority complex. I grew up back east. The west coast skiers are in no way soft. Transitioning from skiing mogul runs to skiing stuff that is actually steep will show you just who is soft. I thought I was a much better skier than I was when I was in the east. When I moved out west I saw things in a whole new light and witnessed skiing on a completely different level. Don't get me wrong, I'm proud to be from the east I just don't have a complex and a need to put the west coasters down.

For the OP, it will be an adjustment, but that does not mean you should not do it. If you find a good school which you like socially and academically go for it. Skiing moguls well is still challenging even though you won't find the steeps you are used to. You can get lots of days in at many east coast schools. I did the opposite from you, I grew up back east and went to school in the west. I got to go to an excellent school academically and socially and ski 30 days a year at a great mountain. At many east coast schools you should be able to ski more than that, although the quality of the mountain will be lower than what you are used to. I also got to surf a ton. I chose school based on things other than just skiing and I think you should too. I'm not saying skiing should not factor, but for a decision this important skiing should only be part of the equation. I am a bit of a hypocrite though, I would not move east now because I love the mountains I ski and the waves I surf where I live. I don't want to give that up and would not.

So I would not say don't do it, just understand that things will change.

 

[HAMNATION]

education is important...... but skiing is importanter

 

[Bogs]

i'm going to assume you think i mean the city

Nope

It sounds like someone has an inferiority complex. I grew up back east. The west coast skiers are in no way soft. Transitioning from skiing mogul runs to skiing stuff that is actually steep will show you just who is soft. I thought I was a much better skier than I was when I was in the east. When I moved out west I saw things in a whole new light and witnessed skiing on a completely different level. Don't get me wrong, I'm proud to be from the east I just don't have a complex and a need to put the west coasters down.

I lived on the west coast for a year. The people there are soft.

 

[Peter.]

Nope

I lived on the west coast for a year. The people there are soft.

hardo boston boy over here

 

[Bogs]

hardo boston boy over here

Nah

 

[DBack1321]

Like others have said, you're best bet is some where in northern Vermont. UVM is in a great location to ski Smuggs, Stowe and Jay on the regular. Plus, it's a pretty good school.

The thing about the East is that everything is a lot closer than out West. You could go to school at UConn for example and still be three hours away from Killington and two away from Mount Snow. I think NYC is a four hour drive to Snow. It's all very doable if you're willing to drive a little.