Easiest trail down from the top of Burke Mountain?

Submitted by Fun-Succotash6777 t3_10eemow in vermont

Happy Tuesday! I apologize if this belong in r/skiing but I felt like I would hit a more local crowd here :) I started skiing as an adult a few years ago and was confident on most blue trails but only went once last year and as a result my skills have dialed back a bit. This year's snow hasn't been the best motivator but I have gotten out there a few times to try and get back after it and I'm ripping the greens and ready to get back to some blues. Can anyone tell me the easiest blue trails at Burke to get started? TIA

0

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

Naive_Midnight_5732 t1_j4qeeiy wrote

Deer Run (formerly Toll Road)

9

TillPsychological351 t1_j4qowq4 wrote

This. If the trail is groomed, this really is the only easy way down the mountain.

Burke's definition of intermediate would be a black diamond at many other resorts. Big Dipper and Willoughby are fun, but they have some rather steep sections.

3

Fun-Succotash6777 OP t1_j4qrelb wrote

Awesome, thank you! I'm Ok with kind of steep and wide with no obstacles (like Spring Fling at Sugarbush) but easier is definitely better for now :)

1

Naive_Midnight_5732 t1_j4qrjoa wrote

Also I’m almost positive there is very little cover on the top of the mountain. Best to stick to the lower lift until we get some significant snow fall.

1

Constant_Education_4 t1_j4qs4en wrote

Correct answer, although it's likely to have some icy patches. High meadows pass is the easiest trail on the lower mountain.

1

Fun-Succotash6777 OP t1_j4qtpyp wrote

I am super comfortable on the lower mountain - it's the lift ride to the top that has me wigged out :) Hoping some of the 1-3 inches of snow per day in the forecast can stack up a bit, this is just depressing. But yes, in current conditions I'll play at the bottom of the mountain.

After Deer Run ends, which trail would you recommend tying into?

1

sugarbush94 t1_j4wdhlo wrote

Near the end of Deer Run you can do the last moderately steep pitch of Big Dipper, it transitions from slightly steep to wide and mellow, then dumps you out at the Bear Den/Mid-Burke lodge area.

As mentioned above, Deer Run is best after grooming, which has not been possible yet this year.

2

Constant_Education_4 t1_j4t4jih wrote

You'll end up at the mid burke express, so your only way down to the lower mountain is high meadows pass.

1

sugarbush94 t1_j4wez55 wrote

Another option for you to consider in the current conditions... From the summit head down Upper Fox's Folly. Follow the mellow groomed trail (some narrow sections) until you get to the top of Warren's Way (it's closed to the public so there's going to be a rope there.) Here you have two options. Go right onto Deer Run, or left will bring you to Upper Bear Den. This left option brings you over to Upper Willoughby just above Lower Bear Den. The trails from here down tend to be well groomed and are wide.

You'll find the most forgiving conditions in the first couple hours after opening.

2

MarketplaceMallBTV t1_j4sbcf1 wrote

Willoughby to bear den back to willoughby is good and you’ll skip some of the tougher sections. Carriage road to powder horn is also doable. Coverage is tough so take it with a grain of salt. These recs are harder than toll road but easier than Big Dipper

1