Willoughby is a nice wide Blue.

Deer Run (formerly Toll Road)

might want to ask in r/icecoast to.

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.

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 :)

Thank you, I forgot about that sub

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.

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

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?

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

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

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.

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.