 Magic Mountain has 1700 feet of vertical, with "vertical" the key word here.
Terrain
Perspective can be a tricky thing, but you will soon discover that the upper half of the mountain visible from the base is as steep as it looks. Peer over the top of Master Magician from Wizard and the trail disappears from view about eight turns down. It can be avoided by taking a ride on Broomstick, which isn't as steep. On the other hand, it's only a couple of ski lengths wide. Wizard itself is a fine intermediate run from the summit, fading to green in its lower third, and it provides access to black diamond Upper and Lower Talisman and Sorcerer.
Magic isn't all advanced and expert terrain, reputation notwithstanding, and Magic Carpet from the summit is an enjoyable, scenic run that beginners shouldn't miss. Together with the middle part of Wand (intermediate but frequently groomed) which leads to a cluster of green circle trails that end at the base lodge, beginners should be satisfied.
Intermediates, too, will have few complaints. There's the aforementioned Wizard, and Whiteout to Medium to Wand to Mystery is a classic New England cruising experience. Several satisfying combinations from the top will keep the interest of blue square skiers and riders all day.
And "from the top" is a hallmark of Magic. There are a couple of short surface lifts just above the lodge, but the real action is top to bottom. A double and a triple provide the ride to the top (the latter ends just short of the summit) so there's a real feel that you're getting the whole mountain. There is also a double chair that only goes about halfway up the mountain and provides access almost exclusively to beginner and intermediate trails.
For the freeriders looking for a terrain park head down Video Blvd. for the Hocus Pocus Park which has features for all abilities. There is no halfpipe at Magic yet but they hope to add one at some point.
Magic's recent on-again-off-again history has left it behind in some respects. The lifts are old but serviceable, the base lodge is huge but Spartan, and the winch cat that could be used to good effect isn't in the budget for now. But snowmaking coverage has steadily improved, extended to 87% of the terrain, and crowded trails or long lift lines won't hamper your style. And hard times certainly haven't changed Magic's major asset, its excellent advanced and expert terrain. Here you'll find a true test of skill on trails and in glades with individual charms and quirks. That's something that no amount of money can buy.
A modest condo cluster hugs the base area, and Dostal's Resort Lodge and the Blue Gentian Lodge are also right there. But the Londonderry-Weston-Chester area doesn't lack for lodging choices.
Off-slope Fun
The Ala-Kazaam tubing park right at the mountain is a draw for locals and guests alike, but that's not the end of things to do when you take off the boards.
On Saturdays there's a lively après-ski scene at the bar upstairs in the base lodge, along with live entertainment. Londonderry itself has a good selection of shops, restaurants, and pubs; there are several Nordic centers nearby; sleigh rides are always popular, and Manchester, where you can shop 'til you drop, is a pleasant and easy drive.
Inside Line
When a big snowstorm favors the southern part of the state, Magic's steep glades are a great place to make tracks. |
| | Snow Conditions (updated)04/13/2013, 8:30am | | Operating Status: Open for Summer Fun | | Snowfall: | | Past 24 hours: | Pst 48 hours: | Snow Totals: | | 0" | 0" | 0 "
Past 72 Hrs | | Surface Condition: | Base Depth: | Roads: | | | " - " | | | Open Terrain: | | Trails: | Lifts: | Acres Open: | | 0 of 43 | 0 of 4 | | | Percent: | Grooming: | Snowmaking: | | % |
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trails % | | Weather: | | Sky Condition: | Noon Base Temp: | Noon Top Temp: | | °f | °f | | Hours: | | | | Night Skiing and Tubing: | Night Skiing: | Night Skiing Trails: | Night Skiing Lifts: | | | | | Tubing Available: | Tubing Hours: | # Tubing Lanes: | | | | | Terrain Park/Halfpipe: | | Park Available: | Location: | # Features Open: | | 4 | | Pipe Available: | Halfpipe Location: | Halfpipe Last Cut: | | | | | Cross Country Skiing: | | XC Available: | XC KM: | XC Skating KM: | | | | | |
