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#1
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Smuggler's Notch Ski School
We are considering a ski week at Smuggler's Notch this year instead of our
usual trip to Gray Rocks in Quebec. We are very concerned that we have been spoiled by the Snow Eagle Ski School at Gray Rocks (which is generally considered in the top ten in North America.) Could someone who has been both places comment on the quality of Smuggs' ski school in comparison to Gray Rocks? We have a six year old that we want to get a _really_ good start, as well as 10 & 12 year olds who are ready for the black diamonds. Thanks Leslie |
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#2
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Smuggler's Notch Ski School
I don't have any information on the ski school but I can tell you that the
lifts at Smugglers are very outdated. Last time I checked they didn't even have a Quad. To make matters worse they had no cushions on their lifts so we were sitting on freezing cold metal the whole trip up the moutnain (maybe they fixed this-I would call and ask). It was not very comfortable. Killington in comparison has 2 heated Gondolas. If you want less traffic try Sugarbush. Good luck |
#3
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Smuggler's Notch Ski School
I go to Smuggs at least once or twice a year and you will find the ski
school fine and quite informal. I was there on the first week of January, and one day I was the only student on my level, one the other two days, we were two. You should have no problem with the school. The hills (3 mountains, one for beginners) is far more challenging than Grey Rocks and Tremblant. It is a great family resort. but can be boring if you do not ski. This is not Grey Rocks or Tremblant or Killington as far as amenities, but you will not have the crowds either. While the lifts are outdated, there is no waits, and you will not find the crowds on top of the hills that you will get at Tremblant for example. Chris "Leslie Santoro" wrote in message .net... We are considering a ski week at Smuggler's Notch this year instead of our usual trip to Gray Rocks in Quebec. We are very concerned that we have been spoiled by the Snow Eagle Ski School at Gray Rocks (which is generally considered in the top ten in North America.) Could someone who has been both places comment on the quality of Smuggs' ski school in comparison to Gray Rocks? We have a six year old that we want to get a _really_ good start, as well as 10 & 12 year olds who are ready for the black diamonds. Thanks Leslie |
#4
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Smuggler's Notch Ski School
"Leslie Santoro" wrote in
.net: We are considering a ski week at Smuggler's Notch this year instead of our usual trip to Gray Rocks in Quebec. We are very concerned that we have been spoiled by the Snow Eagle Ski School at Gray Rocks (which is generally considered in the top ten in North America.) Could someone who has been both places comment on the quality of Smuggs' ski school in comparison to Gray Rocks? We have a six year old that we want to get a _really_ good start, as well as 10 & 12 year olds who are ready for the black diamonds. We also go to Smuggs' at least once a year. As a family resort, I don't think you can do better. Unless you're fuzzy about the lack of luxury/fast lifts, I would not be too concerned about the transport system either. I much rather not wait in line or bumping into ppl on the slopes than to sit on cushioned seat or a heated gondola. On frigid cold days like today, however, ... As for the lessons, you will not be disappointed with their Adventure program for the 6-year old. IMHO, and many others will agree, they have one of the best programs around. Not do they offer top notch effective children lessons, they also have abundant non-ski activities during their breaks. They have something (e.g. magic show, story telling, science show, etc) going on everyday between 2:30 and 4 prior to pickup. (not mentioning all the kid's stuff at night) And, don't forget the cookie race every Friday (I think). We are now onto our third child with their program. Our 4- and 7- year olds have been skiing far above normal standards and I would credit much of that to Smuggs' kid's coaching staff. From what you're telling me, I assume that your 10 and 12 year olds are now no longer wedging. That is what they call Level 5 and up. At these levels, kids no longer have the same festivities during camp. At 2:30pm, they can either ski with their parents or get shuttled to join up with the younger ones to watch the shows. Oh, and no cookie race. Their race is down a pretty nice mid-blue race course similiar to Nastar's. They all now meet at Sterling/madonna (their upper intermediate and expert mountains) instead of Morse (mainly greens). My then 6-year old daughter last year was a Level 5 and she had the time of her life. Being noticably younger and smaller didn't stop her coach from taking her onto some of the more challenging bumps and glades. She had experienced and learnt tons from that program and made it to Level 6 by the last day. The point is that the coaches are motivated to make the child to excel and to get the parent's to get their money's worth. Now, onto the adult lessons... Because I have not had any experience taking lessons elsewhere to speak of, I really can't compare that to any other adult programs. All I have to share is that I have always had a good time and learnt quite a bit from them. But, I don't know and don't think their instructions really stands out from the others either. Afterall, I didn't end up being a super-skier. Then again, it is likely that it is just me. BTW, when you speak of terrain rating, Smuggs' is known to be quite tough, especially on the Sterling and Madonna side. You will find some of the ungroomed blues to be comparable to blacks in many resorts. I have skied a handful of resorts in the East and I consider myself to be a generally comfortable easy-black skier. I have yet skied many of Smuggs' blacks and definitely not with ease with the ones that I've done. -------------------------------------------- W R Chan from Upstate NY (to respond, remove ### from email address) * I have no stinking sig * |
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