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sunshine vs lech or zurs vs alta vs deer valley vs lake louise? comparison from experience?

post #1 of 31
1/18/09 at 8:23pm
Thread Starter 
anyone who has done them all, your wise counsel is sought..feel free to view it from your own perspective though if possible, respond with kids skiing (expert but young, under 6 yrs) and parents are intermediates. thanks

you can add your own comparison frames of reference.
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post #2 of 31
1/19/09 at 1:49am
I can tick off Sunshine Village, Lech/Zurs and Lake Louise. However, our single trip to Canada was perhaps 10 or 12 years ago now and we only went to Lech/Zurs on a claggy day out from St Anton.

I'd put down Lake Louise as a vast 'real mountain' experience, Sunshine as still open but not so vast. On the other hand Lech/Zurs is much more bijou with lots of intimate, tree-lined skiing and relatively easy runs. That said, we didn't get to explore the place properly 'cos of the bad weather.

If you want somewhere with a bit more to go at then I'd suggest St Anton which is only just down the road.

Some details of our trip to St Anton here:
http://warringtonbears.org.uk/stanton/index.htm

More details of Lake Louise vs Sunshine here:
http://forums.epicski.com/showthread.php?t=61880
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post #3 of 31
1/19/09 at 2:16am
I've done Alta, DV Lech and Zurs (stayed in St Anton over Christmas)

Here are my opinions...
In order of preference:
1. Alta
2. St Anton
3. DV

In order of size (in my perception):
1. St Anton
2. DV
3. Alta

In order of vibe on the slopes:
1. Alta
2. St Anton
3. DV

In order of Apres:
1. St Anton
2. Alta
3. DV

In order of lift systems:
1. St Anton
2. DV
3. Alta

In order of where I want to go again:
1. Alta
2. St Anton.
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post #4 of 31
1/19/09 at 2:37am
I've skied Alta and St Anton/Lech/Zurs a lot. Very different experiences, both great in their own ways. The Arlberg resorts offer a very complete ski experience. There's a vast amount of terrain, the snow cover is often among Europe's best, and the villages have a lot to offer, in terms of food, nightlife and atmosphere.

Alta has better snow than any other resort I can think of, except maybe Whitewater. The skiing is great there, though even combined with Snowbird doesn't offer the scale that the Arlberg does (remember, you are a short, short bus hop from St Anton too). There's F-all to do outside skiing, and that's kind of the whole point of the place.

If it were me (eg, someone who lives less than four hours from Lech and can do a weekend there anytime I want), I'd go to Alta, since it offers a lot of what I can't find in Europe. I'd happily ski powder, stay at one of the lodges, and down beef and beers all week long.

Coming from North America, I might look at things differently.

Also: don't underestimate what one of the posters above said about weather. The dirty little secret about European resorts is that they are by and large above treeline, so weather matters. If it's grey, the skiing really suffers. In the Rockies, you can happily ski all day in a storm, given the tree cover.
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post #5 of 31
1/19/09 at 2:55am
Can only compare Lech/Zürs to Alta.

Sadly I caught LCC on crappy snow conditions so I'm biassed. Due to it's size Alta alone isn't appealing without the added Snowbird terrain for variety IMO. The combo however makes for some great skiing for advanced skiers, worth any trip at any time.

Lech/Zürs is pretty posh, although the terrain is of a different magnitude than LCC (vertical is the same though). More mellow intermediate slopes but there are some decent steeps if you know where to look. The good stuff isn't as obvious as it is in LCC, especially for the backcountry. Less restrictions on skiing out of bounds and you don't have to fight that hard for fresh tracks after a dump.

So to each his own, take your pick.
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post #6 of 31
1/19/09 at 1:45pm
Thread Starter 

thanks - thats a good amount of info

to chew on. sunshine is on tap for mid april, was just toying with arlberg given recommendation from the famous mr klaus mair
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post #7 of 31
1/19/09 at 3:51pm
Alta for the skiing, Lech/Zurs for the experience. I was lucky enough to go both places last season, so I didn't have to choose.
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post #8 of 31
1/19/09 at 5:27pm
I've skied Alta once, Lech/Zurs five times.
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post #9 of 31
2/5/09 at 6:13am
Thread Starter 

Finally, any advice on conditions in Lech-oberlech-zurs in the week of april 9 through april 18, spanning easter. That is becoming the option, then would switch out sunshine this year, but odds are high of good snow in sunshine - weather gods listening hopefully, any advice anyone, thanks.

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post #10 of 31
2/5/09 at 6:18am

That's pretty late for the Arlberg, in my view.

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post #11 of 31
2/5/09 at 6:37am

Not a problem In Lech & Zurs att hat time of the year. some of the best skiiing in the Alps can be found there in late April. 

In April there is frequnetly new snow overnight sometimes major dumps!!

Get up early get as much in (follow the shade) around. You will have great Corn powder snow 

11-Midday snow wil become springlike & slushy after 13:00hrs . 

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post #12 of 31
2/6/09 at 5:55am
Thread Starter 

thanks - someone else also said get up early and out..things get a bit slushy after 1pm..thx much folks for the sound counsel...its that sunny cover and skiing in warm weather which is tipping the scales..towards lech-oberlech-zurs

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post #13 of 31
2/7/09 at 7:10am
Thread Starter 

Just checking, anyone can recommend a hotel, the Goldener Berg looks good, as does the Montana or the Burg or Burg vital though for some reason, GB seems less expensive than the other 3 and some of the Haus' (i guess B&B) dont seem that much cheaper either.

 

any suggestions or comments on the above appreciated, will be there with a six year old monster skiier..

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post #14 of 31
2/7/09 at 7:31am

I've stayed in the Felsenhof and Sandhof and both were nice. I've also stayed in the Hotel Post Lech - that's about as good as it gets. 

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post #15 of 31
2/7/09 at 7:32am

I think Montana is in Oberlech, right? Very nice place too. I don't know if you can actually find a bad place to stay anywhere in that town. 

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post #16 of 31
2/7/09 at 12:29pm
Thread Starter 

Thx, montana is in oberlech. for some reason, goldener berg seems less expensive and online reviews on tripadvisor were ecstatic and going by email responses from the front desk, GB folks are on the ball - very helpful. leaning towards oberlech, now its all about finding a way to chip away at the travel costs..

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post #17 of 31
2/7/09 at 12:37pm

Is Goldener Berg in Oberlech too? AT the top of the village? I think we went there for dinner and Apres. The kids LOVED it because they had the trachten band there. Also, try to get a dinner reservation for Haus #8 down in Lech if you can. The whole place is amazing, and your kid will love it. Might want to do a little T-Bar training if you can because he won't be able to do the Weiss Ring if he can't ride a (steep) T-Bar. 

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post #18 of 31
2/7/09 at 11:53pm
Thread Starter 

yes, Goldener Berg is in Oberlech. If we make it there (depends on markets and economy...well just markets..economy is going down faster than any downhill one can imagine - on that cheery note :) will check out Haus you recommend. T-bars, hmm..heck I've never used one myself but he is a good skiier, will figure a way to strap him on..thanks for the heads up..am now going to Google T-bar to see what they are..can imagine what it is but got to see it...

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post #19 of 31
2/8/09 at 7:26am

I have not been to Deer Valley.

 

I would see it in terms of the bigger area. Lech I usually do via post bus from St Anton.

Lake Louise and Sunshine I did from Banff. Alta from Salt Lake City.

 

They all have plus points.

 

Lech is a fine place to be and St Anton region is one of the world class ski areas.

 

Banff Sunshine Lake Louise Norquay has good skiing but based in Banff there is a transfer time. Much od the season would be too cold for me to consider it. It was plenty cold in March Good snow though and good value.

 

Alta would be expensive and boring to stay in the resort itself. SLC is reasonably priced but a bit boring and suburban. 

 

I would be tempted to pick Lech but is more convenient for me and I value the traditional Alpine atmosphere

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post #20 of 31
2/11/09 at 6:03am
Thread Starter 

Folks - looks like april 8 or so, we will be there. one last question -

1. is the train from Zurich Airport to Langen Am Arlberg, require a transfer at Zurich or is there a direct train?

2. is that the only train change on the way in?

3. since on the way in, we are in less of a rush, it might be worth taking a train ride, and my son already has a bunch of marklin train models and so i can show a swiss krokodil parked somewhere and i imagine the scenery will be great.

 

thanks again, you guys convinced me..sunshine next year ..oberlech this year

 

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post #21 of 31
2/11/09 at 6:24am

1 - there is a change in Zurich Central Station

2 - there are direct trains, there are also trains that require a change - if you are getting to Langen late night make sure you have already arranged a taxi - ask me how I know

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post #22 of 31
2/11/09 at 7:03am

There's also a bus from the Zurich airport.  Check it out at: http://www.arlbergexpress.com/En-en/zurich_airport_shuttleservice.aspx.  I've never taken the bus, but it could be a better bet than schlepping gear on and off trains, into the taxi from Langen to Lech, etc.

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post #23 of 31
2/11/09 at 8:59pm
Thread Starter 

mid-week, no arlberg express, and thanks..and yes, how do you know, epic?

 

we are arriving in the early morning off of usual transatlantic flight..so there is time..then again, may get good deal on car service...but train ride would be best joy for my boy..

and folks many thanks for invaluable counsel..now wish snow-gods to deliver their manna from the heavens.

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post #24 of 31
2/12/09 at 4:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dustyfog View Post

 

mid-week, no arlberg express, and thanks..and yes, how do you know, epic?

 

we are arriving in the early morning off of usual transatlantic flight..so there is time..then again, may get good deal on car service...but train ride would be best joy for my boy..

and folks many thanks for invaluable counsel..now wish snow-gods to deliver their manna from the heavens.

 My kids loved the train. BTW - there are reserved seats on the train. It's worth making a reservation.


Edited by epic - 2/12/2009 at 10:23 pm
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post #25 of 31
2/12/09 at 1:48pm
Originally Posted by dustyfog View Post

 

yes, Goldener Berg is in Oberlech. If we make it there (depends on markets and economy...well just markets..economy is going down faster than any downhill one can imagine - on that cheery note :) will check out Haus you recommend.

T-bars, hmm..heck I've never used one myself but he is a good skiier, will figure a way to strap him on..thanks for the heads up..am now going to Google T-bar to see what they are..can imagine what it is but got to see it...

 This is a T-bar at Les Deux Alpes. Fwiw I much prefer Poma lifts but snowboarders hate them.

That's summer at LDAlpes btw, note the t-shirt on the liftie.  Great place in summer!

 


 

 

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post #26 of 31
2/13/09 at 5:48am
Thread Starter 

Thanks epic, train journey on way in is probably what we will do..and dude, that T-bar pic is great, thanks. The T-shirts are it - can't wait, what is with the Europeans, no one wears a helmet, here every good skiier has advised me to get one, and I did ... !

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post #27 of 31
2/13/09 at 8:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dustyfog View Post

 

what is with the Europeans, no one wears a helmet

 The Austrians are super friendly. On our first trip everybody kept coming up to us and wanting to practice their English. This happened everywhere. We kept wondering how everybody knew we were Americans. Then we realized, we were the only ones in the whole resort with helmets. That was in 2000. You see a lot more of them now.

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post #28 of 31
2/13/09 at 10:02am
Thread Starter 

oh further, epic, looks like we are going to stay at the Montana, got a good deal relatively speaking ..i recall you mentioned them quite favorably and others have reviewed it in glowing terms on travel sites

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post #29 of 31
2/13/09 at 11:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dustyfog View Post

 

oh further, epic, looks like we are going to stay at the Montana, got a good deal relatively speaking ..i recall you mentioned them quite favorably and others have reviewed it in glowing terms on travel sites

 Montana is awesome. We often had lunch there. If for no other reason than to see their bathrooms (I won't ruin the surprise). Anyway, be sure to go up to Goldener Berg for Apres on the night that they have the band. And remember Haus #8 for dinner one night.

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post #30 of 31
2/13/09 at 2:24pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks, will do ..though my boy is one of those kids who only likes "beige food" ! i have been warning him that he has to change his taste buds. Haus 8 is on tap and will definitely visit the Gberg

 

thanks much folks

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