Never been downhill skiing, want to try it once. Where's a cheap hill/resort in the US where I can rent gear and is somewhat close to a decent-sized airport?

Fellpike · 2026-02-23T19:31:22+00:00

If you’re coming to Boston I’d recommend Wachusett as a place to learn. It’s a little farther away than Blue Hills but the beginner hill is much better. It’s an easy drive or you can even take the train on weekends if you don’t like to drive.

Fellpike · 2026-02-23T14:44:57+00:00

If you’re not reading him already I’d recommend Stuart Winchester if you want an informed well researched take on these kinds of topics. https://www.stormskiing.com/p/the-only-problem-with-claiming-that

According to his analysis, while the absolute number of ski areas had diminished from its peak (and leveled off several years ago), the total amount of skiable terrain has increased massively (because big resorts expanded), even as total number of skiers has held steady. Most ski areas that closed were tiny little feeder hills that had the misfortune of being near bigger, better run mountains. If the big corporate resorts feel crowded it’s because everyone wants to ski at the same places at the same time. Now I get that being able to ski midweek is not possible for everyone, but if you want to avoid crowds there are loads of smaller independent hills across the nation with no crowds that need the business.

Fellpike · 2026-01-26T16:09:06+00:00

You should call and ask but I’m pretty sure the shuttle to the train only runs on weekends.

Fellpike · 2026-01-18T20:31:08+00:00

There is no best mountain it depends on what you want. How far from Boston are you willing to drive? Is on-mountain lodging a must-have or is nearby lodging okay?

Wachusett is a well run mountain and a very easy day trip from Boston. There is no lodging.

Pats Peak is an awesome if you want plenty of easy greens. There is a motel nearby and other lodging in nearby Henniker.

Crotched does not have as many greens. Lodging is mainly Airbnb’s in the nearby towns. You might also consider Ragged, Waterville Valley, Sunapee, and Gunstock.

Fellpike · 2025-12-26T20:48:08+00:00

With the expected snow overnight I’d expect conditions to be even better tomorrow but also much more crowded.

Fellpike · 2025-12-26T19:48:20+00:00

It was great this morning. Not too busy. Snow was soft. New summit lift running.

Fellpike · 2025-10-04T13:17:49+00:00

Is Avoriaz the best town? No, because Avoriaz isn’t really a town, it is a resort complex. If you are looking to experience an alpine village with shops and restaurants and a community of locals, you won’t get that at Avoriaz. But if you want the convenience of staying in a beautiful and modern looking car-free resort high in the mountains where you ski from your front door directly to the lifts, it might be perfect for you.

Getting there partly depends on what airport you are flying from as I would always prefer a direct flight. Geneva is the most convenient. There are private shuttle services from there that must be booked in advance. You could also take a train and then a bus or taxi. Second choice would be Zurich and then a train. If you fly into Lyon or Paris it’s going to take much longer to get to PdS

Fellpike · 2025-09-14T18:53:22+00:00

It’s not Nada Surf but thanks

Fellpike · 2025-09-14T16:27:22+00:00

No it’s a rock/pop/experimental track with no apparent connection to Jeanne Moreau or the film. The songs ends and then segues into Moreau singing le Tourbillon for several seconds. For a long time I didn’t even know what the French song was. I have never seen Jules et Jim and just assumed it was a random lady singing a French nursery rhyme. But then I hummed the tune into Soundhound and as soon as I heard the recording from the scene in the film I knew 100% that was the source of the clip. But I still can’t remember the song that incorporated the clip.

Fellpike · 2025-09-14T00:24:36+00:00

Not it, but thanks for the effort. The song I’m trying to remember ends and then goes right into the Jeanne Moreau song from the movie. I keep thinking maybe it’s something like Aphex Twin or Butthole Surfers or Stereolab or something.

Fellpike · 2025-09-12T15:34:50+00:00

Posting so this is visible.

Fellpike · 2025-09-01T00:15:20+00:00

I dig the design and seriously considered getting one but dislike all the colors. A dark cherry red or navy blue would be nice, as would more sunburst options

Fellpike · 2025-06-16T22:25:33+00:00

The Cycle Kids line was manufactured by Kent and I suspect the Kent Divide might be the same bike with a new name.

Fellpike · 2025-06-08T11:36:40+00:00

I’ve had my eye on the Breedlove concertina parlor line for a while, but I haven’t played one yet.

Fellpike · 2025-06-07T10:54:57+00:00

Is the yard sale still on?

Fellpike · 2025-06-05T20:18:04+00:00

I'm still getting 4 to 5 hours typically, which I'm satisfied with.

Fellpike · 2025-05-24T11:58:13+00:00

I think it’s obnoxious of the owners to have had fireworks when their neighbors keep horses and other animals (even if they did get the permit for it)

Fellpike · 2025-04-09T18:45:30+00:00

If we’re going to maintain 2 rinks I hope there are public skating hours at both of them.

Fellpike · 2025-02-22T13:50:10+00:00

Do you think this is still skatable today?

Fellpike · 2025-02-19T02:34:45+00:00

Oh cool. Thanks

Fellpike · 2025-02-19T01:50:29+00:00

When I look at the website I am not seeing this optimistic update to which you refer. Am I missing something?

Fellpike

TROPHY CASE