Hardpack ScrapeOff: Platty vs Belle, Hunter.
- Thread starter TheGreatAbyss
- Start date
Harvey
Administrator
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2020
Yes not sure we are the most objective group. Plattekill has, in spades, much of what we cherish.
It's funny, when the discussion gets into high speed lifts, I wonder...
Is the goal to get max runs in between 9 and 9:45 on a pow day, or is it to ski pow all day?
BTW LOVE the title of this thread!
TheGreatAbyss
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2020
Well my question is really not about pow, I'm sold that Platty is the best place to ski in the Cats for that. It's more about how fun their trails are when it's not pow. I skied Hunter yesterday on a mid week hardpack day and quite liked it, but I also know how crazy it gets on weekends with those narrow trails and a bunch of yahoos loaded up on Bud Light...
I try my bestBTW LOVE the title of this thread!
That’s why I threw in my daughter’s observation of Hunter v. Platty. She’s not part of this group. Honestly, I don’t know about you all....but my wife and kids kinda laugh at me, that I’m part of a ski blog group, my nyskiblog exploits. Be that as it is, even she can see and feel the difference between the two.
lukoson
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2020
I don't know. Definitely prefer quality conditions but I still like quantity and getting out as much as possible. I've had some great days even when conditions weren't great. As long as I'm outside with friends and/or family, burning some energy, getting some fresh mountain air, etc. I still count it as a win and better than sitting at home.
I hear ya. It’s good to be out. My problem on very firm days is I’m just not motivated. Having to constantly think about staying on my edges, rattling my fillings....it’s too much work and just doesn’t inspire me so I get bored and lose interest/desire quickly on those kind of days, when I have to ski them.
I’d still rather do it at Platty!
TheGreatAbyss
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2020
Everyone wants to ski pow all the time, but here on the East Coast you gotta learn to enjoy the speed and the carve of hardpack as well. Too many people don't have the right skis, and don't get them tuned enough. If you're skiing a 90+ waist noodle you're gonna have a bad time.
All that being said I don't enjoy it when it's a true sheet of ice either.
All that being said I don't enjoy it when it's a true sheet of ice either.
Yeah, I hear you. I’ve put in 40 years of loving the east coast hardpack...it’s just that I enjoy it a little less each year.
But that shouldn’t stop you from putting in your time at Platty!
Ripitz
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2020
We all know Platty is the coolest. It’s a definite winner on powder and vibe. When it comes to icy tracks, I just can’t or want to ski them all day. I like to mix in a beer lunch on the deck or apres in the lot. I never set up in the lot at Hunter but the bar pre COVID was always fun. I heard it’s the longest bar in a ski lodge. High tops in the corner and maybe some sushi. Quite a few trails have decent sun exposure to soften things up. Always fun hauling ass into the wide open of Broadway for big turns. I’ve never had much problem with lines there. There are enough lifts to bounce around on. Tomahawk lot at the Belle has nice views with the lift right there. The gondola flying by overhead accentuates the alpine vibe. Overlook deck is chill with the skiers zooming around it. The headwall is short but it can set you up for some fast GS turns in the midsection. I like to wait until no one is around and point’em. The Belle has more shade so it can get sketchy especially at the end of the day.
