New Trail Configuration

[Bubba]

So, what do you think of the new trail configuration so far? Bittersweet? Great Eastern? No Great Eastern/Snowshed Crossover to easily come back from Bear? Not looking for thoughts on what else needs to be done, only thoughts on what has been done so far.

BTW, how does a novice who skis green Great Eastern to Bearly to get to Bear get back to Snowshed/KBL on a green only route?

[Mister Moose]

BTW, how does a novice who skis green Great Eastern to Bearly to get to Bear get back to Snowshed/KBL on a green only route?

<Skippy voice>New Sky Peak Express, Great Eastern to lower Cruise Control, to Northbrook Quad.
</Skippy voice>

[johnny the jibber]

they take the base area shuttle to get back over from bear!

new layout is good, should re-examine the purpose of those nets midweek though...

[RENO]

I have no problem with the new config. Works for me. At least it's something different finally.
As far as getting back from Bear to Snowshed on a green(there is no green from B to S). I think part of the reasoning for getting rid of those crossovers is to discourage newb's from going to Bear which is fine with me. Of course, this doesn't always work...

[Midwest Skier]

Bear to Snowshed on Green: From top of SkyeShip Express take Great Eastern to NorthBrook Crossover and then take NorthBrook Quad to the top of SnowShed. That being said, the stretch of Great Eastern just after it passes Needle's Eye and Thimble, which was part of Cruise Control, is a bit of a stretch for a Green.

Overall, the new layout makes it a little tougher to get from area to area (walking above SkyeShip to get to SkyeBurst is no fun). But the tradeoff is less criss-crosses that ruined the flow of some of the trails.

[rogman]

I like the new configuration a lot. Skye Peak Express is a joy. I'm starting to get used to not having to look right at the crossover while playing dodge-herbs. And dreammaker without the crossover is top to bottom terrific; glad they are taking their time before ruining it with a bunch of rails, jumps, etc. As for Bearly, why not just label it blue, since it only serves blue & up terrain. There is plenty of precedent. (Ok, Falls Brook/Bear Cub is is technically green, but the switchbacks at the end can be an "adventure". It's usually icy, and probably should be blue for that reason.

[MrsG]

Bear to Snowshed on Green: From top of SkyeShip Express take Great Eastern to NorthBrook Crossover and then take NorthBrook Quad to the top of SnowShed. That being said, the stretch of Great Eastern just after it passes Needle's Eye and Thimble, which was part of Cruise Control, is a bit of a stretch for a Green.

Overall, the new layout makes it a little tougher to get from area to area (walking above SkyeShip to get to SkyeBurst is no fun). But the tradeoff is less criss-crosses that ruined the flow of some of the trails.

It is no different than any other "nursing home shuffle" (MrGs phrase), and much shorter than anywhere else on the mountain . . . I like the new trail to Skyburst off the top of Superstar and the Skyship a lot . . . the new Great Eastern off Cruise and the new Bittersweet extension are a waste, in my opinion. Ended up on the lower Thimble/Old Needles area, after a freeze, trying to avoid a bunch of 'new schoolers' without realizing it - bet this will happen to a lot of newbies. Waiting until after the holidays to try The Stash, so no opinion here yet, but have been hearing from all different ages on chairlift/gondi rides that there will be a lot of accidents in there - that's too bad - it looks cool.

All in all, I like what Killington has done this season - making snow on the visible trails is a huge plus - Ovation, Conclusion, but confused on why no snowmaking on OL - that used to be 'the' premier trail at Killington. I don't need to repeat my concerns on their grooming skills that has been enough . . . but, I think they have learned a bit and are trying harder

Mother Nature has control . . . she's been good to us this season, and now, well, for some reason, she's a little pissed off . . . let's be kind and maybe she'll do a quick turnaround

[gotanygum?]

All in all doesn't bother me, nor do I think it bothers most people on this site as everyone here is probably a blue square or greater skier. I like the reserving of bittersweet headwall on powder days and have ridden it every time I have ridden that trail.

I too was wondering about getting to snowshed from bear the other day and the best I came up with was the route mentioned above. I can't really say how many people visiting Killington will be able to figure that out, but I wouldn't think many. Without a good knowledge of the mountain not many of us would have known this.

Also, beginners will still go over to Bear. That is the "hot spot" during the day. Visiters want to look at Outer Limits. They want to ride the Skye Peak Express. They want to relax on the deck.

[boston_e]

I too was wondering about getting to snowshed from bear the other day and the best I came up with was the route mentioned above. I can't really say how many people visiting Killington will be able to figure that out, but I wouldn't think many. Without a good knowledge of the mountain not many of us would have known this.

I was not able to figure that out without looking at the map...

All in all I support any trail re-configuration that eliminates the crossover / intersection problems that Killington has.

[BoozeTan]

I think what they have done so far is good. I agree with JTJ though that perhaps the nets on the crossovers are not necessary mid week. Easy enough to drop them when its not very busy and put them back up when the hordes arrive. We have seen them reverse some of the dumber decisions they made last year (ie skyeship schedule) now if we can just get them to restore the BMMC to its true glory all will be well in Killington.

[rogman]

Keep the nets. 24-7-365.

[laseranimal]

rog
you'd still keep the nets even if it means losing some terrain once Bear and Needles close for the season?

Without the crossover in place once they shut down SPE and the Needles lift there's no way to ski Thimble, Skyeburst, Vertigo, and some of the other trails over there.

Not that it'll stop the committed skiers from doing it, but I'll be interested to see how they play it come April.


*In the interest of full disclosure I haven't had time to get to K since the 8th so I haven't had a chance to ski the new layout.

[Geoff]

I think what they have done so far is good. I agree with JTJ though that perhaps the nets on the crossovers are not necessary mid week.

Yeah they are necessary. The only time they should come down is if they can't run the Skye Peak Express for some reason. It's really nice to ski things like Vertigo and not have to worry about tourons coming out of nowhere.

[wasupersoaker]

the new layout sucks.

[Geoff]

the new layout sucks.

A fine first post. You will fit in perfectly here.