The Powder Chaser's Ratio

[Brownski]

There are subjective factors and extenuating circumstances but the only formula that works is acreage divided by uphill capacity. It needs to be consistent and simple.

 

[x10003q]

Nope. At least not if the data on Ski Central is up to date. I don't have any interest in compiling a comprehensive table, but here are the places that came to mind that folks in the northeast mention for powder skiing. Stratton doesn't make the top five.

Sugarloaf, ME: 1230 21810 0.056
Gore, NY: 439 8400 0.052
Magic, VT: 115 3574 0.032
Jay, VT: 385 12175 0.031
Pico, VT: 265 10650 0.027
Sugarbush, VT: 578 26463 0.022
Stratton, VT: 670 33428 0.020

The list is a bit biased because the places I've skied NE powder are Pico and Sugarbush. Got lucky on a midweek ski safari after a powder storm after lifts closed on Sunday.

Occurred to me that another factor for the northeast to consider is the snowmaking coverage. A resort with 100% snowmaking probably isn't the best candidate for powder turns. Saddleback has 85% coverage for 220 acres served by 5 lifts, but lift capacity wasn't available. I think one peak is only accessible by snowcat. It's in Maine, hours from the nearest city. Reminds me of Mt. Bohemia, which is the place to go in the midwest for powder.

The problem with #2 and #3 is they don't get the kind of snow the next 4 get. That Magic number will go down when if they ever get the FGQ going. The Magic base 1400' summit is 2850' is a bummer for snow (the Stratton main base is 2200').

 

[Harvey]

Right. The ratio is about your chances for fresh IF there is snow.

To get a number to talk about your odds, you'd need something to factor in total snowfall.

And the odds that you can get the day off midweek. ?

 

[x10003q]

I bet Smugg’s is high on the list

Does Mt. Washington via the Cog Railway count as a ski area?

Smuggs for the win. Does Mt Washington get any powder or does it just blow off?

 

[x10003q]

I bet Smugg’s is high on the list

Does Mt. Washington via the Cog Railway count as a ski area?

Smuggs for the win. Does Mt Washington get any powder or does it just blow off?

 

[Benny Profane]

Right. The ratio is about your chances for fresh IF there is snow.

To get a number to talk about your odds, you'd need something to factor in total snowfall.

And the odds that you can get the day off midweek. ?

And they're running more than a few lifts at Gore on a Tuesday.

 

[Harvey]

And they're running more than a few lifts at Gore on a Tuesday.

Wait would that actually improve the score if say the North isn't running, but you can get there by skiing down from the Dark Side?

 

[raisingarizona]

Smuggs for the win. Does Mt Washington get any powder or does it just blow off?

Again, old people’s diapers.

 

[raisingarizona]

I hate maths. I have no idea what’s happening but you might want to figure in average skier numbers for weekends and weekdays.

 

[TheGreatAbyss]

I hate maths. I have no idea what’s happening but you might want to figure in average skier numbers for weekends and weekdays.

Was gonna say the same thing. Could be a massive mountain with a single chair and the ratio would be very low, but if the line looks like below then what is the point?