Downhill Skiing in Northwest New Jersey Skylands -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 6/19/1999
Last Visited: 8/14/2000
Our tour through Hidden Valley is conducted by Ski School Director Don Fox, while Mountain Creek's Director of Winter Operations, Mickey Sullivan, lists his favorite trails at New Jersey's newest resort.
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Sullivan is also a Professional Ski Instructor Association trainer and examiner.
HIDDEN VALLEY
Hidden Valley will offer the nationally recognized SKIwee program for children ages 4-12, as well as special "Learn to Ski or Snowboard" packages for beginners of all ages.
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Sullivan recommends you try all 46 trails on the four peaks at Mountain Creek, but has agreed to offer several of his favorites at each level."We've done quite a bit of trail re-shaping and widening," Sullivan begins."It may ski a little different than some of the old-timers (at Great Gorge/Vernon Valley) remember it, but in a very positive way."
SUGAR SLOPE
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"We groom it out so it's very friendly for learning skiers," Sullivan says."It's a great place to learn to ski or snowboard."The slope is serviced by the Sugar Quad lift, meaning novices can sidestep the inconvenience of towropes. UPPER HORIZON-LOWER HORIZON
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"It's nice and meandering and pretty much anybody can ski it in the family," says Sullivan."It's a nice easy trail." CANYON-GIANT STEPS Two intermediate trails that stretch nearly a mile down South Peak, Canyon flows into Giant Steps to provide a winding, scenic terrain with a rock ledge on one side.But don't enjoy the view too long, as the trail has a steeper section that is wide and negotiable, giving you some room to play."This is my favorite trail, I think people will really love it," Sullivan adds. GREAT NORTHERN-KYBER PASS
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"It's kind of secluded," Sullivan describes."It offers spectacular views looking out toward New York state.I would just take my time and enjoy the run." BEAR CLAW A mile-long intermediate run that is brand new, this southern-most trail wraps around the shoulder of Bear Peak and offers another scenic view with a New England feel to it. EAGLE HUNT-LOWER EAGLE
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"Try and make sure you're the only one on the trail at the time," Sullivan warns."There will be a lot of people catching air so you don't want to be on the wrong place at the wrong time." KAMIKAZEE The name says it all, as this 4,500-feet expert trail on Bear Peak provides a variety of steep pitches and longer flat areas that drop off.This trail is used for most of the mountain's racing events "Check your speed on this one, especially on the steeper section," cautions Sullivan. PIPELINE The undisputed toughest run on the mountain, this expert trail starts gradually, but surprises skiers by dropping off radically."It appears to be straight downward," Sullivan concludes."Be an expert on this slope.Don't be a hero."
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