Utah Resort Tour

#1

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9/28/09 at 11:53am

skieast569
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I'm heading to Utah in January and staying in Sandy with a few friends. Any advice on where the smallest lift lines are, ticket deals, etc? We're planning on doing Snowbird, Alta, Solitude, Park City and definitely Powder mountain since we have a rental car booked already. I heard some good things about a pass that goes to three or four of those places, wondering if it's a good deal or not.

Without risk there is no adventure

#2

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9/28/09 at 1:34pm

skugrud
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Just my opinions.
1. Buy your ticket the morning of at a Canyon Sport outlet. That way you can follow the snow.
2. I don't like Park City because of the layout. Look at a map. Many of the runs are ski along a ridge (not much fun) drop over the side (fun but short) then ski a valley floor to the lift. (again not much fun).
3. Do give Snowbasin a shot. Low crowds, long swooping runs, steep chutes you can get to with a short hike. Not as much fresh at Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons and a longer drive.
4. Lack of lines: my suggestion the Solitude and Brig hton. Fresh snow lasts a little longer at them too.
5. Be sure to hit Alta and Snowbird just to say you have skiied them.

You will likely get lots more (and conflicting suggestions). Get there, try as many as you can, pray for snow and form your own opinion.

#3

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9/28/09 at 2:28pm

kramgunderson
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As far as combination passes, I know there's a ticket that gets you into both Alta and Snowbird (which are connected by a trail/lift), and there's a ticket that gets you into both Solitude and Brighton (also connected by a trail/lift). If I recall from the website, the Solitude/Brighton ticket is only around $70, which is a heck of a value.
As far as a pass that gets you into all of them, it probably exists, but I don't know about it.

#4

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9/28/09 at 2:31pm

Pwdrhnd
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The shortest lines and cheapest tickets will be at Powder Mountain. Because they get so little traffic I would hit them a day or two after a storm when all of the big names are skied out and you will still find pretty good snow there. Snowbasin is also great, less expensive and fewer lines. Keep in mind that Snowbasin and PM may get snow when Little/Big Cottonwood don't and vice versa, so keep track of the storms when deciding where to go.

#5

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9/28/09 at 4:41pm

Steve2ski
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Skieast569,

Quote:

Originally Posted by skugrud

Just my opinions.
1. Buy your ticket the morning of at a Canyon Sport outlet. That way you can follow the snow.
2. I don't like Park City because of the layout. Look at a map. Many of the runs are ski along a ridge (not much fun) drop over the side (fun but short) then ski a valley floor to the lift. (again not much fun).
3. Do give Snowbasin a shot. Low crowds, long swooping runs, steep chutes you can get to with a short hike. Not as much fresh at Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons and a longer drive.
4. Lack of lines: my suggestion the Solitude and Brig hton. Fresh snow lasts a little longer at them too.
5. Be sure to hit Alta and Snowbird just to say you have skiied them.

You will likely get lots more (and conflicting suggestions). Get there, try as many as you can, pray for snow and form your own opinion.

Ditto these tips, Canyon Sports has as good of prices that can be had - unless you are a registered Ski Patroller w NSP ID or Registered Instructor with PSIA ID.
Don't look for any special deals beyond Canyon Sports for Alta even with the PSIA or NSP ID and a letter from local area, just the way it is.
Plan on one full day at Alta and at least one full day at Snowbird - nix the combo pass for both areas.
Brighton and Solitude same 1 day at each.
I guess I would do the Canyons on the Park City Side, before Park City and Deer Valley, But then agan I've been to all and not sorry on either of the latter, just The Canyons is a different area.
Oh yeh, The weather (road conditions) on Parley Pass is what to watch for when making the trip to Park City side from SLC. It's I80, but it can get gnarly at times.
Never had problems driving to Powder Mountain or Snownbasin from SLC.

#6

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9/28/09 at 5:10pm

onyxjl
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When you get to Powder, spend the 8 dollars on the cat lift if your crew can handle the ungroomed, and give Powder Country a try at least once.

#7

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9/28/09 at 5:41pm

Altaman
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Quote:

Originally Posted by skugrud

Just my opinions.
1. Buy your ticket the morning of at a Canyon Sport outlet. That way you can follow the snow............................................................................
........................................................................................
.
5. Be sure to hit Alta and Snowbird just to say you have skiied them.

You will likely get lots more (and conflicting suggestions). Get there, try as many as you can, pray for snow and form your own opinion.

Agree with these recomendation. Although I would consider a few more days at the 'Bird. Mineral Basin is outstanding. Alta one day, it cost as much as Snowbird but smaller, doesn't allow snowboards-the best thing it has going for it any more.

#8

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9/28/09 at 6:12pm

snofun3
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1) Skip PowMow and go to Snowbasin. Powmow's flat, and even if it has pow, it's boring. The snocat ride is $10, not $8, and you can walk it in 10 minutes instead of waiting for the Cat to come back down.
2) Brighton's overloaded with boarders, complete with 'tude. It's a good hill, but....
3) As mentioned, there are combo tickets for Brighton / Solitude and Altabird, but I think any of them is fine for a day.
4) Snowbasin and Powmow will have the shortest lines, but, see #1.
5) The Canyons is the best of teh Park Shitty areas, but it's good to go with someone who knows their way around, as it can be confusing for a first-timer. Deer Valley is good after a storm since the usual crowd doesn't know how to go off piste, so you get it all to yourself.

"I'm quite certain that I don't need some pre madonna telling me how everyone's foot is different." Greggor.

"Anywhere else is a waist of time." Skier232.

#9

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9/28/09 at 9:21pm

tromano
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Snowbird and Snowbasin are the best resorts in the state. The lines are not bad in January.

Your friends will bag on it as gaper heaven but Deer Vallet skis as well or better than any other resorts in the area IMO.

#10

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9/29/09 at 4:19am

soundrulz
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Skugrud
Are the tickets at Canyon Sport better then the SuperPass? Can you purchase multi passes there?

Skieast569
Alta/Bird are big and will take time to ski them. One day really will not give either justice.
Solitude has HoneyComb area. Great for a few days after a storm. Only problem, takes too much effort to get back into this bowl.

#11

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9/29/09 at 5:07am

Steve2ski
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skieast569,
Forgot to mention on The Canyons, take the guided tour, meets at Red Pine Lodge (mornings) costs nothing and you learn the way around the area. There are 8 mountains (maybe 9 this year) in the area and its easy to just rotate one mountain rather than ski them all.
I totally agree with altaman that Mineral Basin is outstanding, probably as good as skiing comes, it's easily accessable from the Bird side w/o a combination pass. If you spend some time back there, Bird is a 2 day run (minimum).
To miss the morning lines at Alta, get there early, drive to the Albin parking lot(last one) and take Albin/Cecret lifts to Supreme lift then work to Sugarloaf lift and work to back over to Collins, the morning lines will be thinned out (maybe) by then.
Make sure you don't hit Brighton on a school off day, local kids go there and snowboarders are many.

#12

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9/29/09 at 5:45am

prickly
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If I remember my Utah correctly:

Snowbird has the best skiing
Alta has the best soul
PowMow has the best easy powder
Canyons has the best BC access
Deer Valley has the best chili

Snowbasin has the best bathrooms

Disclosure: I've never been to DV or Snowbasin. Want to, though. Solitude also on short list.

Edited by prickly - 9/29/09 at 6:49am

I don't want a holiday in the sun

#13

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9/29/09 at 7:36am

Timr1
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Snowbasin does have the best bathrooms! :) Strawberry Express and John Paul areas are great too!

I also like Solitude and Honeycomb canyon...a somewhat hidden gem among the others. Enjoy!

#14

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9/29/09 at 9:48am

bbinder
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Snowbasins bathrooms are nicer than some resort hotel rooms that I have stayed in!

#15

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9/29/09 at 11:11am

steelman
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I always consider the effects of a nice bathroom before even thinking about the terrain or snow. My bowels are very importatnt to me!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbinder

Snowbasins bathrooms are nicer than some resort hotel rooms that I have stayed in!

#16

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9/29/09 at 11:42am

prickly
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Quote:

Originally Posted by steelman

My bowels are very importatnt to me!

Self censorship is a wonderful thing

I don't want a holiday in the sun

#17

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9/30/09 at 11:10am

skieast569
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Thanks guys! Much appreciated.

Without risk there is no adventure

#18

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9/30/09 at 11:12am

Vince F
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Location: Salt Lake City
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Quote:

Originally Posted by snofun3

1) Skip PowMow and go to Snowbasin. Powmow's flat, and even if it has pow, it's boring. The snocat ride is $10, not $8, and you can walk it in 10 minutes instead of waiting for the Cat to come back down.
2) Brighton's overloaded with boarders, complete with 'tude. It's a good hill, but....
3) As mentioned, there are combo tickets for Brighton / Solitude and Altabird, but I think any of them is fine for a day.
4) Snowbasin and Powmow will have the shortest lines, but, see #1.
5) The Canyons is the best of teh Park Shitty areas, but it's good to go with someone who knows their way around, as it can be confusing for a first-timer. Deer Valley is good after a storm since the usual crowd doesn't know how to go off piste, so you get it all to yourself.

I am guessing it has been a while since you have skied Deer Valley. It has changed a lot and had been "discovered" by locals. Great pow stashes and tree skiing is the best. Added more "expert" terrain. This is no longer your momma's Deer Valley.

I still prefer Snowbird, Alta, Solitude, Snowbasin, but Deer Valley is pretty good.

#19

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9/30/09 at 2:31pm

TransRocky08
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We were in Utah this January and plan on going back next winter. Not sure where there are more lift lines or where you can get lift tickets for a good price (I'm not a local!) but definitely go to all resorts since they vary so much. We found both Little and Big Cottonwood VERY special, but Park City is fun and honestly, Deer Valley is worth the trip too! Id do it all, since its so close and the snow is so great. Umm, unfortunately we didnt go to Snowbasin, but looking forward to checking out its bathrooms!
Have fun!

And yes Skugrud, its nice to say "I've skied Alta and Snowbird"! hehe

#20

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9/30/09 at 4:09pm

snofun3
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Quote:

Originally Posted by Vince F

I am guessing it has been a while since you have skied Deer Valley. It has changed a lot and had been "discovered" by locals. Great pow stashes and tree skiing is the best. Added more "expert" terrain. This is no longer your momma's Deer Valley.

I still prefer Snowbird, Alta, Solitude, Snowbasin, but Deer Valley is pretty good.

I ski it on every free day I get with the quick start pass, which is 3-4 times / year.

Reread what I said - "Deer Valley is good after a storm since the usual crowd doesn't know how to go off piste, so you get it all to yourself." I said usual crowd, not locals, and said that they didn't go off piste (hint pow and trees) so you get it all to yourself -

Whatever.....

"I'm quite certain that I don't need some pre madonna telling me how everyone's foot is different." Greggor.

"Anywhere else is a waist of time." Skier232.

#21

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9/30/09 at 4:58pm

4ster
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Bathrooms! Absolutely, unequivocally, without a doubt the only reason to visit Snowbasin. I always stop in on my way to Powder Mountain.

JF

"Apparently, a person who dives headfirst down an icy cliff wearing a spandex jumpsuit is supposed to celebrate with a nice glass of tea."

David Fehrety on Bode Millers 60 minutes interview

#22

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9/30/09 at 5:06pm

pete
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Location: Iowa
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can't argue the experts, loved Snowbasin, wife loved Snowbird

If you wishing to pile on the miles, consider that Brighton has night skiing. wife and i hit it after Snowbird for quick food and drink then night skiing ... was a very cold night but they have more lit acres of trails than the typical midwest resort on a whole. Boarders mostly remained in the park area ..

#23

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9/30/09 at 5:47pm

Topper
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Location: Utah
Post Count: 139

Snowbird for steeps and Powder, Alta has some shorter, steeps and of course great powder. Solitude a nice smaller mountain lots of hidden stashes
Brighton very good skiing and relatively inexpensive lots of local snowboarders and it leads the area in snowboard and ski thieves.
Canyons has some great terrain and a very weird lay out so plan your day
Park City would be a great mountain if it were in Colorado ! Since it is here in Utah with Snowbird and Alta and the rest within one hour it gets a very unfair rep. If your skiing ridge line and run outs your on the wrong part of the Mountain.
Deer Valley in years past this was a powder day secret. They do treat their guest very well and th best on mountain food you will find anywhere. Great tree skiing some really fun bowls still good on a powder day. Most that put down deer valley have never skied there.
Snowbasin Great mountain but on the wrong side of the mountain. It get a tad less snow then the Park City area mountains. The last few years have been great snow years so it really hasn't matter that much. Food is also very good, As others have said the restrooms the poshest place to park your butt west of the Mississippi
Powder Mountain has some fun stuff good place to learn how to ski powder. Very little in the way of steeps. Good powder but it is not the secret That it once was. It is along drive from the Sandy area If you are up to Powder Mountain or snowbasin check out the Shooting star Saloon in Huntsville great burgers
Lift lines in January mid week will be small no matter what mountain you choose to ski.

#24

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9/30/09 at 7:55pm

mdf
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Since this thread seems to have legs, I'll piggyback my question here -- getting around SLC.

I have pretty much decided to take my 17 year old son to Utah for his February vacation (President's week). I'm thinking of mostly Snowbird / Alta, with the busiest part of the week at Solitude or Brighton. I'm tempted by Snowbasin as well, but I don't want to go so many places we don't really see any of them. (We did the other side -- PC / Canyons / DV several years ago. Even though that was back before my son became a good skier, they are in the been there, done that pile.)

My solo Utah experience is one day at Solitude / night at Brighton last year (or the one before?) and a four days at Snowbird / Alta in 1986.

We will probably follow the commonly recommended strategy -- stay in the valley near the mouth of the Cottonwood Canyons. A brief search finds several suitable motels.

But... cars.

Hertz no longer has Subarus. To guarantee a 4 wheel drive, it looks like I would need to rent a full size SUV. For that money, I can skip the car and stay at Snowbird instead. Some official-looking Utah highway sites says 4 wheel drive or chains are required for Little Cottonwood all winter long. Can that really be right? Or do they close the road altogether before they get to the point of enforcing that?

Or should I get a cheap car and use the bus as a contingency plan if the road is restricted? (Getting up really, really early, I presume.)

Sort of vague questions, I know. How does everyone else manage getting from their bed to the snow?

#25

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9/30/09 at 8:42pm

snofun3
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Quote:

Originally Posted by mdf

Since this thread seems to have legs, I'll piggyback my question here -- getting around SLC.

I have pretty much decided to take my 17 year old son to Utah for his February vacation (President's week). I'm thinking of mostly Snowbird / Alta, with the busiest part of the week at Solitude or Brighton. I'm tempted by Snowbasin as well, but I don't want to go so many places we don't really see any of them. (We did the other side -- PC / Canyons / DV several years ago. Even though that was back before my son became a good skier, they are in the been there, done that pile.)

My solo Utah experience is one day at Solitude / night at Brighton last year (or the one before?) and a four days at Snowbird / Alta in 1986.

We will probably follow the commonly recommended strategy -- stay in the valley near the mouth of the Cottonwood Canyons. A brief search finds several suitable motels.

But... cars.

Hertz no longer has Subarus. To guarantee a 4 wheel drive, it looks like I would need to rent a full size SUV. For that money, I can skip the car and stay at Snowbird instead. Some official-looking Utah highway sites says 4 wheel drive or chains are required for Little Cottonwood all winter long. Can that really be right? Or do they close the road altogether before they get to the point of enforcing that?

Or should I get a cheap car and use the bus as a contingency plan if the road is restricted? (Getting up really, really early, I presume.)

Sort of vague questions, I know. How does everyone else manage getting from their bed to the snow?

4wd is NOT required all the time going up to LCC, but if there's a decent dump, figure either 4wd (or chains) will be required, or they'll close the road. The bus certainly is an alternative, but I'm not into the mass transport scene when on vacation.

You don't have to get a full size 4wd at Hertz, there's plenty of Exploders, RAV4's etc.you can get that's work for the intended purpose.

And, oh yeah, I'll put the Snowbasin food up against DV anyday. The Italian at the top of John Paul, or the German at the top of the Gondola is beyond reproach. And, of course, the bathrooms.......

"I'm quite certain that I don't need some pre madonna telling me how everyone's foot is different." Greggor.

"Anywhere else is a waist of time." Skier232.

#26

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9/30/09 at 8:51pm

Mr. Crab
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What Topper said. Liftlines in January are pretty much non-existent. Christmas and Pres weekend, well that's different...

#27

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9/30/09 at 9:29pm

SkiSmiles
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What about the going down part? Isn't there some concern about being up there and having restrictions put in place? So, don't you really want 4WD or chains available if you go up, even if there are no restrictions at that time?

Smiles

Quote:

Originally Posted by snofun3

4wd is NOT required all the time going up to LCC, but if there's a decent dump, figure either 4wd (or chains) will be required, or they'll close the road.

#28

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9/30/09 at 9:37pm

tromano
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Location: Logan, UT
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Quote:

Originally Posted by SkiSmiles

What about the going down part? Isn't there some concern about being up there and having restrictions put in place? So, don't you really want 4WD or chains available if you go up, even if there are no restrictions at that time?

Smiles

No. no. no. You are thinking logiclally. If you get snowed in thats the best possible thing that can happen. ;)

#29

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10/1/09 at 8:50am

4ster
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Quote:

Some official-looking Utah highway sites says 4 wheel drive or chains are required for Little Cottonwood all winter long.

What that actually means is that you are required to have chains is the car during the winter season, not that you are required to have them on the wheels.

JF

"Apparently, a person who dives headfirst down an icy cliff wearing a spandex jumpsuit is supposed to celebrate with a nice glass of tea."

David Fehrety on Bode Millers 60 minutes interview

#30

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10/1/09 at 9:25am

Pwdrhnd
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Location: Portland, OR
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Quote:

Originally Posted by 4ster

Bathrooms! Absolutely, unequivocally, without a doubt the only reason to visit Snowbasin. I always stop in on my way to Powder Mountain.

JF

The bathrooms are the main reason to visit, but the lodges are beautiful too. The ski shop feels more like a country club pro shop and the food is very good and reasonably priced...so reasonable that our instructor/guide wouldn't even let us buy his lunch

. Maybe they just get paid a lot!

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