Best 5: Ski Cruisers

Ben Hewitt is Skiing magazine’s Eastern editor and a devotee of winter sun, soft snow, and freshly groomed trails. Here are his favorite ski cruisers, in no particular order.

1. Cannon, Vista Way Stunning views of Franconia Notch combine with a pitch that’s shallow enough to allow for sightseeing but still steep enough for carving speed. All this on Bode Miller’s hometown hill. Cannon Mountain Franconia, NH 603-823-8800 cannonmt.com

2. Stowe, Perry Merrill Accessed via Stowe’s weather-thwarting Gondola, Perry Merrill beckons with its wide-but-curvy swath of corduroy. And at day’s end, there’s no town more suited to apres. Stowe Mountain Resort Stowe, VT 802-253-3000 stowe.com

3. Sugarloaf, Tote Road You probably won’t be thinking about the low-energy snow guns that line sinuous Tote Road as you link 3.5 miles’ worth of arcing turns. But isn’t it nice to know that great cruising doesn’t have to hammer the environment? Sugarloaf Mountain Resort Carrabassett Valley, ME 207-237-2000 sugarloaf.com

4. Okemo, Tuckered Out Expansive views, lots of sun, steady pitch, meticulous grooming, more curves than a drunken snake: Tuckered Out is quintessential Eastern cruising. It’s a bit steep and curvaceous for beginners, but intermediate and expert carvers go gaga over it. Okemo Mountain Resort Ludlow, VT 802-228-1600 okemo.com

5. Sunday River, Excalibur Taking full advantage of Jordan Bowl’s 1,500 vertical feet, Excalibur is a perfectly buffed example of this resort’s award-winning snowmaking. And the views of Mount Washington are stellar. Sunday River Ski Resort Bethel, ME 207-824-3000 sundayriver.com

Ben Hewitt

Born and raised in Vermont, Ben Hewitt has played several roles throughout his life, including as a homesteader, carpenter, writer, and parent. He is very grateful to his readers for their ongoing support.

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