Well, if the models are right (and when aren't they? haha), we could get a nice dump of natural snow over the weekend. Given that it's early season still, and people are probably jonesin' to ski, where would you head if we get 6+ inches?

I think Blue Knob would be a great choice, later in the season, but I'd guess that favoring someplace with a good manmade base is a better option this go-round.

Where could I find the best combination of open terrain + low crowds?


Any suggestions?

aaron (for whom this is mostly a thought exercise, since there's very little chance of being able to find enough free time to drive anywhere this weekend)

Since this is the first snow, I would think that the best bet would be to see who has a base on the most slopes friday morning. I'd think it would take ALOT more than 6" natural to open a slope in this era, plus groom it first for a base. Anyone that has been open will surely be a madhouse this weekend.

Does anyone base their decision on what is the easiest to get to? Greatest percentage of main roads/highways?

If you are basing your decision on highways.... Maybe Whitetail. The access roads into the nut ang WGN can be very challenging with small snows let alone a big daddy. Most would be groomed out to open, but if the snows fall as anticipated you'll be skiing cut up crud by noon! Who in the MA allows off piste skiing aside from t-line and CV?
That's your best bet for pow pow on a pair of rock skis. I've driven to the shoe, the valley, and the nut in heavy snow in the past. I've never recalled it as being all that worth it. Now, to be there and to wake up to a 1' to 2' dump PRICELESS!

Day trip or stay over?

Canaan Valley will surely have the lowest crowds but getting there could be sketchy esp for a daytrip. I've always thought 7 springs has a pretty good early season balance between conditions and crowds.

I was thinking day trip. Actually, looking at Bryce's website (new! improved! although, I actually kinda miss the fake skiers on the picture they used to have), it may be worth the $35 to ski there.

I've always thought the regular season pricing was too high to make it worthwhile, but given the mostly-interstate drive out there, and the fact that it'd probably less crowded than the PA resorts, I might add that to consideration for my probably-no-time-to-do-it trip.

I mean, seriously, I really haven't even started my xmas shopping yet...


aaron

If it dumps, CV and TL would be a tough trip. It is one thing to head over there when it is raging at 3,000 feet up on the front and another when it is raging at 650 feet in the Shenandoah Valley--basically a 3 hour white knuckle trip and WVDOT is not known for their road clearing skills--

Which brings up WISP. Garrett County has excellent snow removal and it is only about 20 miles south of the interstate. So this would be another option.

Also don't discount the local areas--the hard core DC crowd will be busy at Giant stocking up on milk and toilet paper.

Whitegrass would be 100% open and low crowds. Ski fresh untouched lines all weekend!:)

From what I can see, Bryce, Massanutten and Wintergreen appear to be in the bullseye for this storm. Between the snow and the fact that it is so close to Christmas I would not anticipate massive crowds on Saturday, probably not Sunday either. And remember that ths "Nut" has already opened at least one diamond slope from the top. As per Abe on the "Resort" thread: "Per the Massanutten website - Paradice will open Saturday or Sunday! Looks like they just opened Upper Showtime today too".
Regardless, enjoy! I'll be busy Christmassing and blowing snow off walks and driveways. I am jealous, but my time will come soon. Some good news today, doctor said he did not believe my right wrist to have a fracture as the radiologist indicated, but still have to have MRI to check out soft tissue.
Merry Christmas to all my fellow DCSkiers!!!
The Colonel

The Massanutten website is now showing Paradice will open on Saturday... I have a feeling Saturday will be EPIC! I'll have my camera in hand to provide proof

I think I'm going to sit tight on Saturday and take the XC skis out.

The W&OD is skiable with 3 inches snow.

Anyone know the area around Burke Lake golfcourse well enough to ski-guide?

unless something changes drastically, i think wintergreen is the place to be this go around. i'm going to try to head there tomorrow or tonight. due to my procrastination, my skis are in the shop. so, i'll have to rent, doh!