Skiing Close to Boston at Ragged Mountain
A Budget Mid-Week Ski Getaway in New Hampshire
Feb 10, 2009
Skiing at Ragged Mountain is perfect for anyone who just loves the feel of skiing and does not need the social requirements of a Mascara Mountain. Less than 2 hours from Boston and eastern Massachusetts, Ragged Mountain offers slopes and trails for all levels and lots of space, especially during the week. There are two peaks here, Ragged Mountain and Spear Mountain, each with different experiences.
Beginners have an area that is set apart from the high-speed skiers, where they can gain confidence or learn with the help of excellent ski instructors. An especially nice feature is that two trails run from the top of the mountain that are easily manageable for novice skiers once they feel comfortable on those sliding sticks. Easy Winder, off the top of Ragged Mountain is a nice Green (novice) trail that ends with a relatively flat finish. Cardigan and Turnpike trails from Spear Mountain offer a bit more challenge, but are an easier trip at the bottom.
Between the two peaks, the section called The Ravine holds most of the Black (expert) and double Black (really expert) trails, including several double-black glade terrains that are sure to challenge the best. Ragged Mountain itself, except for a few short black trails, holds many of the blue (intermediate) trails. These have enough steep to offer challenge but add sufficient great cruising for recovery.
Ragged is a family mountain, but it is also popular with teens and young adults. On weekends, school ski teams often compete. Even on the weekend there is lots of space and short lift lines, but mid-week it can seem like a private mountain. It has a great ability to absorb people without seeming crowded.
Close to the mountain, the Inn at Danbury has packages that make this an inviting choice. Until the end of March they have a 3-night weekday special that includes the room (double occupancy), breakfast 3 days and lift tickets for 2 for one day, for only $330. Extra guests can be added for $25 per night without ticket or $65 with a ticket. For more flexibility, they offer a mid-week for 2 with ticket starting at $160 per night, with a similar package. The weekend special begins at $345 (depending on the room) from Friday through Sunday (min. 2 night stay).
With the 3-day mid-week option, guests can arrive on Tuesday and buy lift ticket on Ragged’s “Two’s Day” 2-for-1 deal. Wednesday use the Carload On Wednesday everyone arriving in the same car is admitted for a single $79 fee. Then, on Thursday use the Inn’s free ticket, making the mid-week getaway for two about $450, a great deal.
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