Let’s talk Bush for minute...

KingsFourMan · Post by **KingsFourMan** » Jan 12th, '24, 18:50

Been way too long since we hit up Sugarbush so decided to make the one hour treck north past Killington today. Well worth the drive.
First of all, Friday isn’t the new Saturday at Sugarbush, it’s still a good old-fashioned weekday even the Friday before one of the busiest winter weekends of the year. It was like a Wednesday at Killington if that.

Conditions were mid-winter excellent on what was open which I would guess was about 50%-60% overall. Obviously no Castle Rock but way more natural up there than expected. Parked at south and pretty much hit everything that was open. Everything skied great with about an inch or 2 of fresh overnight.

Had a couple of parking lot beers and some snacks around noon and then drove over to north for the afternoon shift. No Slide Brooke interconnect lift on weekdays I’m told which is a bummer but not the end of the world. Liked the skiing up top at north the best of the day which skied even better than south.

Some observations – stunningly beautiful area and resort, very friendly people and staff, not a yahoo in sight. Definitely has a different clientele with a more upscale feel and look to it. Loved the long uninterrupted vertical. Far amount of guns going but not a ton, fairly marginal temps around 30 with some sun throughout the day.

Wondering why it took us so long to get back up there.

Drove up the access road on our way home and at seemed like it was going to be a good busy weekend ahead. The 30 MPH access rd speed limit is brutal. Going to make a lot of money.

Downdraft · Post by **Downdraft** » Jan 12th, '24, 18:57

Neatly trimmed is ideal

Southside_Bobby · Post by **Southside_Bobby** » Jan 12th, '24, 19:41

You won't hear me complaining about a day of bush, whether it be natural or groomed.

Heywood jablowmee · Post by **Heywood jablowmee** » Jan 13th, '24, 17:33

………………..ward?

G-smashed · Post by **G-smashed** » Jan 14th, '24, 11:26

I always liked the vibe at the bush better than at K. The only problem there is the upper lifts on both sides which are ancient. I love the long vertical on both sides. The extra hour drive each way is the deal breaker for me.

Post by **spanky** » Jan 14th, '24, 11:53

G-smashed wrote:The extra hour drive each way is the deal breaker for me.

This! Coming from NYC metro, you drive to Killington, then make a left and drive another hour!

eagle628 · Post by **eagle628** » Jan 14th, '24, 12:44

G-smashed wrote: ↑Jan 14th, '24, 11:26 The only problem there is the upper lifts on both sides which are ancient.

Agree about the Summit lift on North, but the North Ridge Express is incredibly efficient at accessing a lot of fantastic terrain with zero wasted traverses or run-outs. Top five lift in the northeast IMO.

ski · Post by **ski** » Jan 14th, '24, 12:53

G-smashed wrote: ↑Jan 14th, '24, 11:26 I always liked the vibe at the bush

Many here agree . .

simpletwist · Post by **simpletwist** » Jan 15th, '24, 08:53

eagle628 wrote: ↑Jan 14th, '24, 12:44
G-smashed wrote: ↑Jan 14th, '24, 11:26 The only problem there is the upper lifts on both sides which are ancient.
Agree about the Summit lift on North, but the North Ridge Express is incredibly efficient at accessing a lot of fantastic terrain with zero wasted traverses or run-outs. Top five lift in the northeast IMO.

I thought I read that they are replacing Heaven's Gate for 2025 with a fixed quad.

fdskier56 · Post by **fdskier56** » Jan 15th, '24, 09:13

Heavens gate supposed to be replaced this summer
Fixed quad

North ridge quad is planned for replacement as well
Thought it was this summer as well, but sounds like it was pushed back 1 year maybe..

KingsFourMan · Post by **KingsFourMan** » Jan 15th, '24, 11:17

Surprised there isn't a Bush Liquors up there, or is there? Seems like a missed business opportunity. Would sell a lot of tee shirts and bumper stickers for sure.

Heywood jablowmee · Post by **Heywood jablowmee** » Jan 15th, '24, 12:01

Beaver Liquors …..

KingsFourMan · Post by **KingsFourMan** » Jan 16th, '24, 12:26

Just getting around to posting some Bush pics from last Fri...

KingsFourMan · Post by **KingsFourMan** » Jan 16th, '24, 12:28

A few more...

Low Rider · Post by **Low Rider** » Jan 16th, '24, 12:52

ski wrote: ↑Jan 14th, '24, 12:53
G-smashed wrote: ↑Jan 14th, '24, 11:26 I always liked the vibe at the bush
Many here agree . .

I'm certainly a fan - both of the bush - and of Sugarbush Resort.

I've got to admit - especially with the way that the season pass model has evolved, I would be taking a long hard look at Sugarbush as my primary spot if I did not already have a spot in the Killington area. Fewer yahoos (at least historically), longer uninterrupted runs, and access to a lot of great other resorts in the Ikon portfolio included in your season pass (unlike here where we we would have to pay a pretty hefty upcharge for the base version of that)

With that said, I have not been to Sugarbush in quite a few years. How has the ikon affected crowds on weekends?

KillingtonZone.com