Gore Mountain Beginners

Gore Mountain for Beginners

Only 11% of Gore’s terrain is marked as easiest. Consequently, beginners sometimes feel confined to either the North Creek Ski Bowl or the Northwoods Area. Venturing to the top of gondola or to the one green trail on the North Side (Pete Gay) are about the only two places outside the immediate base areas that are beginner-friendly. Still, even this limited beginner ski terrain is more than some of Gore’s competitors like Sugarbush or Whiteface.

First timers learn to ski on the Bear Cub run or Starting Gate, both of which are served by their own surface lifts. The “Snow Train” magic carpet is particularly popular with kids. Beginners then progress to the Sunway chair where they can ski the lower portion of the Sunway trail or exit at the midstation to ski Jamboree.

The Pete Gay trail on the North Side is the only upper mountain beginner run that doesn’t head back to the base area. The trail’s gentle pitch, dips and rolls make it a favorite with novices.

The North Creek Ski Bowl is another option for novices, but there are no beginner trails leading down into the Ski Bowl from the main mountain, so once there a car is necessary to novices to return to the main base area. The Village Slopes is a fantastic bunny slope (something lacking from the main mountain) and is serviced by its own triple chairlift. After mastering their technique on the Village Slopes, beginners can progress to the Peaceful Valley trail from the summit of Little Gore Mountain.

Gore Mountain Ski School

The Gore Mountain Ski School is housed in the Northwoods Lodge near the base of the gondola.