Ascutney has something for everyone. For beginners, a broad gentle slope near the hotel and far from skier traffic. For low intermediates, a network of green circles and blue squares off the Sunrise double chair. Twister and Lower Snowdance are favorites. For strong intermediates and advanced sliders, anything off the old Summit Triple, renamed Snowdance, and the North Peak Express.
Exhibition is also fun.
For the adventurous, tree skiing on Cabin Chute, Dark Side and Neverglades when there's enough snow. For the weary or non-skiers, slopeside accommodations and amenities. Gateway, for now the only access to the trail system, is a legitimate blue square with a steep start that can get skiied off by late morning. Last week, management closed the trail at midday to groom and plans to close it next week for a blast of snowmaking. Spokeswoman Kim Jackson said snowmakers and groomers will do their best to maintain a consistent surface on Gateway, but skiers should expect sudden ice patches because it is the only way down from the unloading area.