Best Downhill I've Seen

[CouchingTiger]

This past weekend was the season opener for Bromont in Quebec. A few of us made the trek up there. It was my first time DH-ing over the border.

Conditions were on the wet side, as you'd imagine for this time of the year. There was still some snow on the slopes, which the warm sunny weather was turning into torrents of water in places. Some trails were bone dry though.

I've got to say, the Canadians really know how to build trails. Of the areas that I have been to for lift access DH-ing (Sunday River, Killington, Mt Snow, Waterville Valley, Whistler), none can compare to Bromont. Absolutely the best I've seen, period.

The trails were built to be fun and fast, but tended not to be simple fallline runs like we see here on the more difficult trails. This stuff had serious flow. Tight and twisty with swooping high banked turns and tons of bench cut. The runs also seemed to be endless.

We were probably there on the worst day of the season (conditions wise) yet it was still the best day of DH-ing I've ever had.

I'll be going back for sure.

-Couch

[narlus]

trust me, you weren't there for the worst conditions (that's when it's 50F and raining, and yr freezing yr arse off on the chairlift).

now you see what i've been squawking about!

[CouchingTiger]

Actually meant worst conditions terrain wise, not weather wise. Weather was insanely nice! I can't imagine the place could get much wetter given the snowmelt, spring runoff and recent rains.

Good junk!

-Couch

[MMcG]

Couch,

The weekend of May 18th is the first Canada Cup DH series race at Bromont. Should be a helluva good time.

I may be headed up that way to meet up with the guys from Balfa and hopefully to get a tour of the Balfa headquarters as well.

Just thought I'd pass this event out to you as an FYI.

Mark

[narlus]

some sections were drying out on sat afternoon, and sunday found some bone dry stretches if you can believe it (middle part of adrenaline, and a lot of #20). the lower part of boomerang was still a quagmire...

[CouchingTiger]

Even Saturday had some really dry sections. I was amazed how much really dry terrain there was. Some of the other stuff was a little on the wet side though. Wet rocks rule! At least there weren't that many roots.


I may try and hit the place again late in the month, when the snow has had time to melt off.

Absolute topping on the cake for Bromont, $55 Canbux, full day lift tickets for two people!

-Couch

[narlus]

i tihnk DP and crew are looking @ the 24-25th for a visit. hook up w/ them.

wish i could join ya.

:(

[knucklebuste]

How many hours it take to get up there? It it up top of NH, or VT? Knuckle

[CouchingTiger]

It took 2 1/2 hrs from Bethel, ME. It would take about 3 1/4 hrs from here I'd think. 20 miles north of VT border, above the middle of the state. Take routes 93->89->91->55->10 from here, at least that's the way I would go.

-Couch

[BostonBullit]

yo couch,

when was the last time you were out at Whistler? not questioning your assesment, just looking for a comparison from a local that has been to both places recently (last couple of years).

I'll have to get to Bromont this summer and check that shizz out...

BostonBullit

[narlus]

It took 2 1/2 hrs from Bethel, ME. It would take about 3 1/4 hrs from here I'd think. 20 miles north of VT border, above the middle of the state. Take routes 93->89->91->55->10 from here, at least that's the way I would go.

-Couch


that time estimate is a bit optimistic. even though it's pretty much all highway driving, from my house (north andover) it's about 260 miles. if you keep a good strong pace, don't get caught in any traffic tie-ups, and keep piss and food breaks to zero, you can do it in about 4 hrs.

[CouchingTiger]

Last time I was there was a few years back. It was pretty good but didn't have the depth of trail in terms of variety. I suspect that that has changed recently and that the trails are now more flowing and that there are more of those types of trail (and all others as well).

-Couch


yo couch,

when was the last time you were out at Whistler? not questioning your assesment, just looking for a comparison from a local that has been to both places recently (last couple of years).

I'll have to get to Bromont this summer and check that shizz out...

BostonBullit

[mackin]

hey, is any 1 going to mnt snow this weekend??? know where i can get frame there, cus i broke my marin and i need to enter in the dh race. :)