The List has been a continuously updated work in progress. Areas get added, areas get skied, and areas get removed. It was meant to be a long term project taking many seasons. But given my progress last season, I think the entire list is doable within two more seasons. My goal for this coming season is to knock off almost all of the areas excepting Quebec which I will save for a 2013 trip. Thus, freed from exploring new areas, I’ll return to Jay Peak for a season pass in 2012-2013.
Sure shots for 2011-2012 include Stratton, Bretton Woods, Dartmouth, Sunapee, and something north of the boarder. Ideally, I’ll be taking a three day trip through the Townships and knocking off Sutton, Orford, and Owl’s Head in a long weekend. Suicide Six, Dartmouth, and Whaleback (night skiing) might all be skied in the same day for a Trifecta.
Adding to the complexity of this season is my strong desire to do the Mad River Glen Triple Crown. Because if I don’t do it this year, I’ll be one year older when I do. And I ain’t getting any younger which means it ain’t going to get any easier. This might require a few “practice days” under the single to build up my legs given that over two dozen runs are required to place well in the Vertical Challenge. Ouch.
Last year I screwed myself with too many pre-purchased tickets and not enough ski days. This year I will look to reverse that execution with too few pre-purchased tickets and a lot of ski days. Hopefully the weather and work will be more cooperative. More earned turns are definitely needed. And as always, my goal for next season is fewer injuries than the last season (always a dubious goal). The normal suspects including Cannon, Jay, Smuggs, Burke, Stowe, etc. should all see multiple visits.
And most importantly, the condo association cut the bank this summer. So that means a return to the Backside.
2 thoughts on “Next Season Strategy”
So when you are done sowing your wild oats it’s back to the mother ship – Jay Peak. Love the fact that AARP is a sponsor of the MRG Triple Crown. There is hope for me yet!
That is the plan as it currently stands. I’d still leave plenty of days for Smuggs, MRG, Cannon, Burke, et al. along with some variations depending on where the snow falls. But Jay is reliable for snow, trees, and late season. At a 15 day break even pace (based on discounted pricing, much faster based on full price), it is a good go to option to have for home base. Next to Burke, it is also the closest VT option for me.