Perhaps I need to adjust The List parameters to include more than one visit. My first visit to Attitash, during the now defunct ASC regime, was less than impressive. But that visit was a free ski day during early season with only a quarter of the mountain open. I hardly gave Attitash a fair shake yet still relegated the mountain to the second tier of homogenized resorts. Today I dined on crow and it tasted great!

The morning began with a massive carboload buffet at the Grand Summit. A leisurely slope side start is an unusual luxury experience for this deal hunting day tripper. I can see the attraction of using a slopeside hotel as home base for several days of skiing. For simplicity and relaxing without worry during a ski trip, it is hard to beat. Sitting here totally disconnected from my world is a great feeling. Some people cruise to an island. This is my cruise–my island is a mountain.

We boarded the Flying Bear and made tracks down the perfect corduroy of Bear Peak’s winding trails. I found the delightfully named Wandering Skis to be a particularly fun trail with lots of character. The moderate width complimented its numerous banks and turns perfectly.

Despite my penchant for natural snow and powder, my racing background occasionally sparks excitement when the conditions and environment are just right. Wandering Skis has earned a place in my top ten favorite groomed runs. As a testament to the quality of the groomers, I quipped “who cares about the trees when the groomers are skiing so well!”

Unlike many well known resorts (particularly those in the former ASC stable), Attitash’s trails are generally moderate width without many long straight sections. The trails curve around the mountain and reveal restraint in an age of reckless expansion. Many trails have excellent names such as Tim’s Trauma, Idiot’s Option, Chicken’s Option, and the previously mentioned Wandering Skis.

I found Attitash particularly underrated for steep groomed runs. Tim’s Trauma, Ptarmigan, and Illusion are all relentlessly steep groomers of considerable length that rival most other steeps in New Hampshire.

While bump runs were non-existent, I was delighted to find a few wild natural liftlines and tree runs that presented fun and ample challenge. We learned that Attitash recently undertook an effort to open up more tree runs at Bear Peak and more options may be added in seasons to come. There is more to these two peaks than groomers and additional glade thinning will really enhance Attitash’s offerings.

Much like the 2010 NSBS at Jay Peak, I can appreciate things that bring value to a resort and appeal to the majority of its guests even while not appreciating those things myself. Such is Attitash: a resort striving to appeal to families as a convenient and easy vacation spot with four season fun. But as a skier, I can also appreciate the mountain itself for what it offers. And today it offered a whole lot of unexpected fun.