How to avoid the crowds on the slopes
Long line-ups, mobbed trails, packed cafeterias… Here’s a brief guide on how to avoid the crowds at your favourite ski hill.
As those lucky enough to be able to hit the slopes on weekdays well know: from Monday to Friday, crowds simply don’t exist. Night skiing provides another opportunity to have the slopes (almost) to yourself.
In fact, crowds are mainly a problem that occurs on weekends. As these are the days that many people have off, congestion at the lifts is inevitable—especially at the major resorts.
To avoid the throngs, be an early bird. Getting to the hill early will enable you to get on the main lift quickly and head for those trails that haven’t yet become crowded. The aim is to delay your return to the chairlift as long as possible… especially around 10 a.m., which is the peak time for lessons.
A few North American resorts (mainly in the western United States) offer “First Tracks” packages that enable skiers to avoid the morning crowds. In addition to giving access to the main lift before everyone else, these packages include a hearty breakfast served in one of the participating resorts’ restaurants. This type of package, among others, is available in Québec at Mont Tremblant.
Planning on stopping for lunch in the cafeteria? Once again, get there early—around 11 a.m., if possible.
These tips not enough? There is always the option of membership in a private ski club. This solution is currently available in the U.S. (Hunt Hollow, New York; Otsego Club, Michigan). In Canada it’s available in Ontario (Georgian Peaks Club, Collingwood) and in Québec the first private ski club is expected to open in December 2008 in the Mount Glen Resort near Knowlton, in the Eastern Townships.
