Pat's Peak Resort Review

Last weekend (on probably one of the coldest weekends of the year) my oldest son and I went skiing at Pat's Peak. Youngest daughter and her classmates went tubing at the cool tube park.

Rentals:

My son has long since outgrown his skis, boats, poles, etc. that we bought him about 5 years ago and with him still growing and ticket prices they way they are we decided not to purchase a new equipment for hims this year. For rental and lift tickets I used Pat's Peak secure online order form (the night before). Rentals plus lift ticket was $66. I was pleasantly surprised to find the equipment and tickets waiting for us upon arrival. Of course I got the boot size wrong but Pat's Peak competent staff adjusted this appropriately and we were soon making our 1st run. (My son now takes a size 12 in men shoes!)

Slopes

As usual we started at the easier valley slopes to warm up. The morning crowds seemed light and we found that the Downdraft triple only had a slight delay in the afternoon. They were not forcing us two to triple up which was nice. The chair ride up to the summit did get a bit cold especially with the wind blowing. During the ride up there is a new view of the snow-tubing field and the Nastar Racing. The "Puff" trail is a really easy trail. GREAT to learn on. The Turbulence Park Double lift provides a great view of the young snowboarders and ski-boarders contemplating and exercising jumps and other cool tricks. Some of the matching snow suits and gear these "kids" have are unreal. Who knew that you would be making a fashion statement when snowboarding!

At the other side of the resort is the Hurricane triple lift and double lift. Both of these seems to be a long but relaxing ride to the top. I sort of wished they would replace this with a high speed triple or quad in the future. However there is a nice view of the moguls (on the double black diamond Hurrican trail) and a chance to relax. The top provides a nice view of Central and Northern NH. On a clear day you can see Mt. Washington and surrounding mountains. Skiing Breeze, Zephyr, and Blast provide for nice family skiing (slightly more difficult than Puff). It is a very nice size trail (and the long lift ride does give older people like me time to recover ;->) East Wind and Lower East Wind is also a great trail and has become one of my favorites. Duster was literally very "dusty" when we visited with full SNOW making. This "out-of-shape" body (who hasn't skiied in 2 years) also went down two Black Diamond trails "Cyclone" and "Twister" and lived to tell about it! All trails had GREAT powder with very little ice. At the start of the Blast trail there is a nice small area to ski through trees glades. Lots of fun! Pat's Peak also offers a great beginners area!

Overall we hardly had to wait at all on the lifts.

Each lift has a temp reading. I've seem temps from 9 to 27 why we visited. I doubt it was 27 and I'm sure with the wind chill it was colder than that.

Resort

A cafeteria is available. We ordered some hot chocolate ($2.50) and some french fries ($3.50) after a few runs. Pat's Peak does allow you to bring in your own food and drinks as well. There is a bar and a resturant in a portion of the second floor. No outside food allowed.

Location

It's only about 1 hour from the NH/MA border which makes it a GREAT day trip!

Special

Pat's Peak has a great $39 Pay One Price for rentals and 3PM to 10PM tickets on Saturday night. Come early for this special. It was packed!!!