OT: Ski Resorts, Already thinking of a winter wonderland Options

[johnmhudson111]

I was told, not asked mind you, that we were going away for Christmas and since I always wanted to go snow skiing that is what we are going to do. So having NEVER been skiing before any suggestions on resorts, is one area better than another? The only requirement is that it be in the USofA. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/flag.gif)

[jasons]

Since you are a total beginner, you don't "need" to go to Colorado, Utah, Tahoe. You could opt for one of the smaller east-coast areas like Snowshoe in VA, 7-springs in PA, or go up to New England to Killington or Stowe(which are both big resorts).

The best skiing is out west, but if you are a beginner you won't be able to fully take advantage of that. Plus lift tickets at some of the resorts are mucho $. By the time you get your lift ticket, rent equipment, buy lessons and get raped for food, you will be well over $100 per person per day, just for skiing. It also depends what you like to do.... If you are just 2 adults and you like gambling, Reno is a good option. If you live a very affluent lifestyle, then Aspen is for you. If you have a family with kids then you have different choices.

Since you are a beginner, I wouldn't get to hung up on the quality of the skiing, I would look at the other things you will want to do on your trip. You will probably only be good for a couple of days of skiing before you are too sore and tired of falling.

[johnmhudson111]

QUOTE (jasons @ Aug 23 2005, 09:31 AM)

Since you are a beginner, I wouldn't get to hung up on the quality of the skiing, I would look at the other things you will want to do on your trip. You will probably only be good for a couple of days of skiing before you are too sore and tired of falling.

It is planned to be my wife, son (9 years old by then (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/ohmy.gif) when did that happen), me, and my sister in law and her husband. We would like to have alot of activities besides skiing so that we have other options. My parents may also show up, which would be a load of entertainment in it's special way....... (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/drunk.gif)

[rhodyguy]

go to borders and buy a copy of Skiing magazine. there should be quite a few areas advertising package deals. travel, accommodations, rentals and lessons. if you aren't in good shape you might start training now. even if you are in good shape, ski specific conditioning is a good idea. you need to book soon, as that's the busiest time of the year. look for ski reasorts with elevation and snow making capabilities. lots of choises in summit county colorado area. breckenridge, copper mnt, loveland, vail, beaver creek, loveland...i'm sure i missed some. i don't know what elevation nesbit is, but you're going to be gasping when you start exerting yourself at 7k+ft.

k

[jasons]

QUOTE (rhodyguy @ Aug 23 2005, 06:52 AM)

lots of choises in summit county colorado area. breckenridge, copper mnt, loveland, vail, beaver creek, loveland...i'm sure i missed some. k

You missed one of my favorites, if not my favorite area of all time. Arapahoe Basin is in Summit County. Its the only area I've been to that people set up barbecues and kegs in the parking lot! (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/clap.gif)

[SGB]

I've Skied a lot of places. I think Utah offers the most for the $. It has been a few years, but last time we went, we did 2 days at Park City (south of SLC, where Redford does his film thing- la de da) and 2 days at Powder Mountain (north of SLC- low $ and simple layout w only 3 lifts but has night skiing). Colorado is pretty. Steamboat Springs has better value than Aspen or Vail. East skiing i dunno, but I've been told it is great for the $. Where ever you go, take a lesson rfrom a pro. It is critical to having a good time (hurtling uncontrolled down mountain MAY not be appealing).

[charlesmac]

Last year i went to South Carolina in December, can't remember the name of the resort, but they had less than half the runs open and it was blown snow, more like ice. They just didn't get the snow they usually do, plus it was warmer when we went. That's one thing to consider, I like natural conditions much better. Skiing out west, or snowboarding in my case, is great. I learned at Heavenly, Lake tahoe. Gotta be my favorite, at least the scenery. Steamboat is great, Copper, Breckinridge, so many to choose from. Definately do some research to see what else is offered, snowmobiling, showshoeing, cross country, whatever you think you might like.
Oh, I might get to go to switzerland for a few days in the spring!! come on lottery!!!!

[i love porsche]

i say if you are new to skiing, go to a smaller, family oriented resort...smugglers notch in VT comes to my mind...its one of my favorites on the east coast...lots of room and not a crowd, there is also alot of other things to do..with a hotel on the mountain and much lodging close by,

a family oriented resort will be much more laid back and more pleasant to learn on

[TROJANMAN]

BRECKENRIDGE, CO

best place for a family, and Summit county is super affordable to stay in. plus you can ski Keystone and A-Basin on the same pass. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif) and it's probably cheaper for you to fly to CO than any other state. and Breckinridge is super friendly for beginners because the base of the mountain is relatively flat.

[Sammy]

Here's my list of favorites:
1) Alta (SLC)
2) Snowbird (SLC)
3) Monarch (west of Colorado springs)
4) China peak (Fresno side of mountain range from Mammoth)

I like these places because they are not that crowded, great skiing, and the cost is either cheap or very reasonable. BTW it's been many moons since I visited these places, lots might have changed.

[Mark Henry]

I would take lessons at smaller hills first...you will get more out of your big trip if you know how to ski a bit.

Why not Canada? You still get more bang for your US buck.

Canada Mt Tremblant and St. Anne's Quebec...Helo skiing in the rockies.

I've also been to Stowe, Smugglers and Jay's peak in VT very nice powder.

[iamchappy]

Dont go east, I have skied just about everywhere in the states, Depending on what you want to spend will determine where you should go, least expensive is usually Montana.
All mountain areas will have areas for beginner skiers.

My favorite and the only place I care to go anymore is Jackson Hole. You cant beat the views of the Tetons.

[johnmhudson111]

QUOTE (Mark Henry @ Aug 23 2005, 01:47 PM)

Why not Canada? You still get more bang for your US buck.

I just hate Canada (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/ar15.gif) (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/lol2.gif) just kidding....

What is crossing the border like these days? None of us has passports, not that we couldn't fix that.

[Toast]

Mammoth in California, Kirkwood in Lake Tahoe, and Alta in Utah.

(insert skiing smilie)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/mueba.gif)


I've been jonesing to go skiing since June! (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/monkeydance.gif)

[johnmhudson111]

Maybe I can visit these guys....

[johnmhudson111]

QUOTE (iamchappy @ Aug 23 2005, 02:21 PM)

My favorite and the only place I care to go anymore is Jackson Hole. You cant beat the views of the Tetons.

Jackson Hole sound pretty cool, my son would have a field day with it, his name is Jackson (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif) Plus if Yellowstone is close by that might be a cool side trip....


Need a skiing smiley (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/type.gif)

[MJHanna]

QUOTE (Toast @ Aug 23 2005, 01:31 PM)

Mammoth in California, Kirkwood in Lake Tahoe, and Alta in Utah. (insert skiing smilie) (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/mueba.gif) I've been jonesing to go skiing since June! (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/monkeydance.gif)

Alta is for Skiing ONLY no snowboarder allowed. Its my favorite. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smilie_pokal.gif) But it does not have the "rest' of the package you are looking for. Go to Park City......

[djm914-6]

QUOTE (i love porsche @ Aug 23 2005, 11:50 AM)

i say if you are new to skiing, go to a smaller, family oriented resort...smugglers notch in VT comes to my mind...its one of my favorites on the east coast...lots of room and not a crowd, there is also alot of other things to do..with a hotel on the mountain and much lodging close by, a family oriented resort will be much more laid back and more pleasant to learn on

Yup, that's my favorite family resort too. If you gat a place on the mountain, you never need to see your car for the time you're there. Three mountains with lots of trails and lots of apre ski family activities.

My next choice is Steamboat CO. The town is very nice and the skiing is great. I can also attest that the ski patrol and ER are very nice too.

[Toast]

QUOTE (MJHanna @ Aug 23 2005, 12:50 PM)

Alta is for Skiing ONLY no snowboarder allowed. Its my favorite. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smilie_pokal.gif) But it does not have the "rest' of the package you are looking for. Go to Park City......

That's why I like Alta. Keeps my poles from being bent by poking snowboarders sitting on the slopes as I pass by them at high speeds. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/happy11.gif)

[rhodyguy]

something else to bear in mind. as a novice skier, there's not much point in picking an area that has a large proportion of black diamond runs. plan on having your kids take their lessons with a group of kids and you take yours with an adult grouping. here's a little test to see how ski ready your legs are. place your back against a wall. slide your back down so you knees are at just greater than 90*. hold that for 20 seconds, raise up, do it again, and again. are your thighs burning yet? breathe!!!

k