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Best hiking area that is a open ski area

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Author	Post
skizilla Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Aug 05, 2004 Posts: 457 Location:Southwick, Ma	Posted: Aug 10, 2012 - 3:51 PM GMT I nominate cannon or Stowe. For ny whiteface . I am sure their are some smaller gems. __________ There is no truth only coercion of opinion

rocket21 Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Sep 13, 2001 Posts: 8419 Location:USA	Posted: Aug 10, 2012 - 4:19 PM GMT Quote: I nominate cannon or Stowe. For ny whiteface . I am sure their are some smaller gems. I'm not sure what you mean by the topic, but Cannon forbids hiking on our ski trails, any time of the year. __________ NewEnglandSkiHistory.com

rickbolger Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Mar 14, 2005 Posts: 2317 Location:Great Gorge, NJ	Posted: Aug 10, 2012 - 4:27 PM GMT how do you define "best"? Cannon is an excellent hiking area, but the trails to the summit are more scramble than hike. The Saddleback/Sugarloaf thing should be in the mix Killington/Pico has great trails, huts, fun. West - Arizona Snow Bowl is my fave

jb66 Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Jun 24, 2004 Posts: 1585 Location:	Posted: Aug 10, 2012 - 4:49 PM GMT I second Whiteface in NY. The hike up the old Marble Mt. lift line, then past the remnants of the upper part of the old area (old toboggan shed, posts/holes in rock for rope tow) and past the new chair is a great hike. Plus the final ridge overlooking the upper slopes is pretty dramatic.

skizilla Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Aug 05, 2004 Posts: 457 Location:Southwick, Ma	Posted: Aug 11, 2012 - 11:34 PM GMT I have hiked back side there are trails trails which are not on ski area for most part. If cannon is on state land how can they not let people on ? I mean which open ski areas have good hiking either via ski trails or hiking trails. Traditionally ski trails make poor hiking trails. __________ There is no truth only coercion of opinion

bousquet19 Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Feb 21, 2005 Posts: 1813 Location:Shenandoah Valley, Virginia	Posted: Aug 12, 2012 - 12:51 AM GMT Edited: Aug 12, 2012 - 2:17 AM GMT Quote: (snip) ... I mean which open ski areas have good hiking either via ski trails or hiking trails. Traditionally ski trails make poor hiking trails. OK, skizilla, got it now. Here are a few of my favorite eastern "ski mountains" that are also "hiking mountains." (I haven't hiked out West.): Mansfield/Stowe, VT -- In addition to the Long Trail, there's an impressive network of hiking trail choices up to the ridge, through the alpine zone, and to interesting rock formations and habitats. Continuous views. The Subway, ladders up the Forehead, the Adam's Apple and Lake Tear are among my favorite spots to visit. Wintergreen, Virginia -- Yeah, yeah, "Wintergreenbacks" ... lots of roads and condos. That's the reputation. But look more closely. When Wintergreen was established, approx. 6,000 of its 11,000 private acres was set aside as a nature preserve, and The Wintergreen Nature Foundation (TWNF) was established to develop hiking trails, promote natural science research and offer environmental education programs. That was 30 years ago. WGN has a great network of hiking trails, including a piece of the Appalachian Trail, and including many special natural areas and viewpoints. (Disclaimer: I'm a member of TWNF's science and education advisory board.) Many US ski developments are surrounded by undeveloped land, but few include so much privately owned undeveloped acreage protected by conservation easement. Saddleback and The Horn, Maine -- One of the few opportunities in the Northeast for ridge running between alpine summits while remaining above treeline. I hiked here long, long ago and don't recall much about the climb up the ski trails but remember hiking b/w The Horn and Saddleback as an epic summer scramble. (Rickbolger mentioned both Saddleback and Sugarloaf, but, to me, Sugarloaf's summit was too disrupted by ski development.) Sterling-Madonna (i.e., Spruce Peak-Smugglers'Notch), VT -- This is the other side of Smugglers' Notch itself, with Elephant Head and Lake Sterling, plus views across the Notch to Mansfield. Good topic, skizilla. Many happy memories, and several opportunities I still want to check out. Woody (edited for typos) __________ "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

rocket21 Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Sep 13, 2001 Posts: 8419 Location:USA	Posted: Aug 12, 2012 - 1:32 AM GMT Quote: If cannon is on state land how can they not let people on ? The management claims that foot traffic would cause "environmental damage" and would disturb the "world renowed bear habitat." "I mean which open ski areas have good hiking either via ski trails or hiking trails. Traditionally ski trails make poor hiking trails.[/quote] Ski trails can make great hiking trails. The Polecat at Wildcat, for instance, is an awesome trail. For dayhikers, the Polecat is probably the most popular route to Wildcat D. Saddleback is also very nice for hiking, as it provides a direct route to the summit that's less than half the distance of the AT section and less than 2,000 vertical feet. __________ NewEnglandSkiHistory.com

joshua segal Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Jul 12, 2004 Posts: 5964 Location:NH	Posted: Aug 12, 2012 - 2:45 AM GMT Edited: Aug 12, 2012 - 3:13 AM GMT When I hike, I like areas with panorama views as one hikes. While many ski areas offer the look down trails that provide better views than walking in the woods, I suggest that the best hiking ski areas are the ones with the best scenery: - Wildcat overlooking Tuckerman Ravine - Gunstock overlooking Winnipesaukee - Saddleback overlookimg Rangeley - honorable mention to Mt. Sunapee overlooking Lake Sunapee __________ Joshua Segal

slatham Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Sep 27, 2004 Posts: 104 Location:	Posted: Aug 13, 2012 - 3:07 PM GMT Sugarbush Lincoln Peak. Jester is a mellow intermediate trail that is top to bottom and very hikable (it was the "road" to get the Gondola etc installed). There are also several options that include the Long Trail: Hike Jester, take Long Trail north, hike down CastleRock. If you have someone to pick you up or drop you off, get dropped at Lincoln Gap, hike North to Sugarbush and down Jester or keep going to Castle Rock, or keep going to Sugarbush North, or go the distance to App Gap and MRG. Or some other combo. Very nice region to be hiking, and tons of other Long Trail options (including a great beer) but that is off topic of a "Ski Area Hike".......

newman Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Aug 21, 2008 Posts: 2128 Location:The mighty SKI WARD Shrewsbury MA	Posted: Aug 13, 2012 - 3:47 PM GMT I liked riding the lift to the summit of Hunter. then hiking to the true summit of 4000ft, the fire tower. Then hiking back down past the summit. then down ski trails to the base. The chair is cheating, but the rest of the hike is enough for me. I cant do a 1000 vert climb anymore, without the iron lung.

z1000307470 Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: May 07, 2004 Posts: 504 Location:Bergen County, NJ	Posted: Aug 13, 2012 - 4:22 PM GMT The Schaefer Trail at Gore Mountain provides about 5 miles and 2500 vert feet of fun. It starts in the Ski Bowl and reaches the summit of Gore.

jb66 Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Jun 24, 2004 Posts: 1585 Location:	Posted: Aug 13, 2012 - 5:33 PM GMT Did that one at Gore last year- excellent hike. I liked the old one, though, that went through the rocky area in Burnt Ridge, but this version is nice.

70s gore kid Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Mar 09, 2010 Posts: 314 Location:Top of Cheat Mountain, WV	Posted: Aug 15, 2012 - 4:28 PM GMT Z beat me to Gore, so I move on to another favorite area: Mad River Glen The hike under the Sunnyside Double is easy and gives you great views of the Waitsfield valley, along with the summit of Stark Mtn. Or you could hike up anywhere under the Single for a tougher walk. MRG encourages hiking, unlike some other areas!

skizilla Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Aug 05, 2004 Posts: 457 Location:Southwick, Ma	Posted: Aug 16, 2012 - 12:49 AM GMT I do not like hiking the ski trails themselves causee thye are a little boring, open to sun, generally steeper than single tracks and can be muddy and in the grass that is high there are ticks __________ There is no truth only coercion of opinion

loafasaur Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Aug 14, 2002 Posts: 701 Location:East of the Kennebec	Posted: Aug 22, 2012 - 7:39 PM GMT Nice article in Bangor Daily News about the AT's "golden spike" between Sugarloaf and Spaulding and the 75th anniversary hike there. Maine ATC 75th anniversary hike--BDN article The picture of the hikers is looking down Tote Road. Myself, I've only hiked SL with a pair of skis, an honored tradition there. __________ loafasaur

ski_it Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Aug 11, 2009 Posts: 904 Location:SW Near Boston, MA	Posted: Aug 22, 2012 - 10:49 PM GMT Quote: If Cannon is on state land how can they not let people on ? Come on skizilla, you must know just because it is state land you can't do whatever you want. I'm sure there are several provisions in the leases allowing the the them to control the property in prescribed ways. If they didn't, everyone and their brother would have a Waffle Hut up there. From their website: "Endless Hiking in Franconia Notch There are miles and miles of hiking trails within Franconia Notch State Park and the surrounding White Mountain National Forest, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Click the map below to download and print a copy of the Franconia Notch State Park Hiking Map. Please Note: Hiking is NOT PERMITTED on Cannon Mountain ski trails in summer or winter. Hiking on Cannon is only permitted on marked hiking trails indicated on the map below." Anyway, one time in the last century I hiked up the Ridge trail over the Old Man and up to the observation deck near the tram. Fantastic climb until I got to the top. That's when I decided I would never climb another peak when there is a road or a lift up it. First, I overheard a couple complain "why can't they put the tram closer to the observation deck." It was just a deck back then. Next a mother and her two grown daughters, who were dressed in street clothes and casual shoes, told us they were thinking of hiking down. When I told them it would take them at least a couple hours and I recommended they not attempt it, since they were not prepared. They exclaimed in unison indigation "Two hours??!!!" They actually argued with me that it couldn't possibly take that long, as they just rode the tram up and it looked to them as it would take no time at all. They were sure I was lying to them. Ok, Rocket probably can do it in record time, but looking at them, it probably would have been a long, long time before they got down. I made sure I went the other way down thru the campground. __________ Saving Our Ski Areas - I'm Skiing New England - or the New England Ski Area Project

rocket21 Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Sep 13, 2001 Posts: 8419 Location:USA	Posted: Aug 23, 2012 - 12:03 PM GMT Quote: Come on skizilla, you must know just because it is state land you can't do whatever you want. I'm sure there are several provisions in the leases allowing the the them to control the property in prescribed ways. If they didn't, everyone and their brother would have a Waffle Hut up there. The mountain is operated by the state, so the ski area itself falls under no leases (huts/food and beverage/retail in the park are leased). With the head of DRED stepping down, perhaps we'll see some change and be able to hike on our ski trails again (for decades, hiking was encouraged on the ski trails). __________ NewEnglandSkiHistory.com

newman Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Aug 21, 2008 Posts: 2128 Location:The mighty SKI WARD Shrewsbury MA	Posted: Aug 23, 2012 - 12:29 PM GMT Just wondering if you buy a one way tram ride, what is the route they suggest you use to get back to the base? On the map I cant read names, but it does sort of look like a trail that would go around back to the tram base. It looks to go skiers right of the tramline, and around? It also looks like a trail runs down towards Peabody? Would that be a marked hiking trail going down across ski trails? --I wonder if they dont want hikers on ski terrain due to the reason of end of the day trail sweeps? I dont think hikers do damage towards errosion like bikes would. HMMM?

rocket21 Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Sep 13, 2001 Posts: 8419 Location:USA	Posted: Aug 23, 2012 - 12:43 PM GMT Edited: Aug 23, 2012 - 12:45 PM GMT Quote: Just wondering if you buy a one way tram ride, what is the route they suggest you use to get back to the base? On the map I cant read names, but it does sort of look like a trail that would go around back to the tram base. It looks to go skiers right of the tramline, and around? It also looks like a trail runs down towards Peabody? Would that be a marked hiking trail going down across ski trails? At present, the only way you can descend from the summit is via the Kinsman Ridge Trail. One section of it descends to the bottom of the tram (the Kinsman Glade crosses it a few times). The back section hooks into the Hi-Cannon and Lonesome Lake Trails, which feed into Lafayette Place Campground. Quote: --I wonder if they dont want hikers on ski terrain due to the reason of end of the day trail sweeps? I dont think hikers do damage towards errosion like bikes would. HMMM? The reason given at the Senate hearings last winter, which was greeted with laughs, was that the ski trails are a 'world renowed bear habitat.' Apparently there are 3 to 6 bears living on the ski slopes, so the state thinks 700+ acres of land should be closed to all foot traffic. __________ NewEnglandSkiHistory.com

Bill29 Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Dec 19, 2002 Posts: 2414 Location:	Posted: Aug 23, 2012 - 1:07 PM GMT Edited: Aug 23, 2012 - 1:09 PM GMT It's not in the same league as some of the hikes outlined here, but for nice quick up-and-down hikes Mt. Wachusett is pretty good. Hikers are asked not to walk on the ski trails, but the mountain is crisscrossed with plenty of other trails, many of them in use long before the ski area was built. One of them, the Pine Hill Trail - short and steep - was a ski trail on which they held races in the '30s and '40s. Some of those trails have seen so much foot traffic over the years that they are worn down to bedrock in some spots. So lots of walkers use the paved roads to hike up and down. The more ambitious run up and down. And many bikers peddle up from all parts of eastern and central Massachusetts. On a clear day the 360 degree view from the top is very nice because, at slightly more than 2,000 feet, the summit is the highest point in New England south of New Hampshire and east of the Connecticut River. The view includes Mt. Greylock to the west, Haystack, Mt. Snow, the Stratton Sun Bowl, part of Killington to the northwest; Mt. Monadnock to the north and the mountains of New Hampshire to the northeast (including Mt. Washington, some people say, though I've never been able to pick it out); the tall buildings in downtown Boston to the east and, of course, part of beautiful downtown Worcester to the south. There is a brand new viewing platform around the base of the brand new fire tower at the summit to take it all in.

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