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Alta Utah or, Breckenridge, or Vail mid - late December

post #1 of 48
8/31/10 at 10:59pm
Thread Starter 

Hello all:

 

I need some help in deciding where to ski with my Fiancee (just us 2) from Mid December 2010 to the end of December 2010, staying from around 10 - 14 days.

 

A little background information so you can impart some informed advice.

 

I seriously need advice on where to choose to ski. Because it is early in the season, I want her to be spoiled and ski at a place that has good snow - I don't want her to be scared of packed ice. So I looked at ratings of early season ski resorts, and have come up with the following 3 choices. I have never skied at any of these 3 choices - which why I'd like to share the novel experience with her.

 

Alta, UTAH

and Breck or Vail CO.

 

I'm an expert skier and ski in any condition. However, she, has progressed rapidly from beginner to a strong/advanced intermediate skier. I will not bring a car, and my advice is asking you based upon where I will stay (so if I stay in Breck, I will visit Vail for a day, and vice versa). But if I visit Alta, I think I am stuck there (other than visiting snowbird for a day, and probably Salt Lake City for a day).

 

Why did I choose Alta as a possible locale? Because I hear they get great early season snow and a much higher seasonal average than the other two resorts. But other than that, Alta doesn't seem to offer that much more.

 

I keep asking her if she has a preference between an area that has nothing to do other than ski (Alta), or an area that is more likely to not have enough snow to ski early on, but has a wide variety of dining and exploration options (Vail / Breck). She is uncertain herself.

 

I am considering Breck, mainly for it's charming town, and higher altitude to ensure better snow making conditions. (or is that not really a big concern, since the 1,900 extra feet in altitude Breck has over Vail is not really significant?).

 

I read Vail has their back bowls open  75% of the time by Christmas (which I guess can also mean, only a very select few backbowls are open). And I think she would love the back bowls - but realizing they may not even be open. For this reason alone I am inclined to eliminate Vail and opt instead for Breck. But I get the impression that Vail gets more snow (seasonal average) than Breck, which is possible one advantage of vail (350 inch snow/yr) over breck (approx. 280 inch snow/yr).

 

BUT I get the impression that Breck is less convenient in getting around from one mountain to another (from Peak 7 - 9). In Breck, I was looking to stay at Peak 7, but since that is a bit far removed from the village, may choose to stay at peak 9. What do you guys think?

 

To add some background. I'm an expert skier. With my fiancee, we have skied twice together, but our only trip together of any considerable length was at Whistler last year about the same time. She loved it, and loved the lessons and the experience and has taken a strong affinity for the skills required for skiing. But even though she loved the skiing, we both enjoyed having a day off every 2 or 3 days of skiing by doing other trips (exploring, dog sledding, fly-fishing). (We stayed at Whistler for 2 weeks). We enjoyed Whistler immensely because we had a variety of restaurants to choose from for dinner. But other than the dinner variety we had, we were usually too exhausted to do anything fun in the evening, other than going to the pool, or sauna, or yoga/gym. (She complained about going to "school on Christmas day!")

 

So my hesitation with Alta is, even tho it gets so much more snow, on those days we need a day off, I'm not really sure what there is to do, other than snow-shoe, x-country ski. It doesn't seem there is much to do in Alta - even if the snow may be that good, our feet will get sore in the boots. I had considered visiting Salt Lake city for a day - and will call up the tourist bureau tomorrow (I don't think SLC is that far from Alta - only 45 min, which can be done as a day trip). I heard one benefit of Alta is that it has a world recognized ski school - which is great because I want my fiancee to have great schooling so that she continues to built her confidence.

 

So, please give me any advice. Is it worth going to Alta, and in doing so missing the opportunities of exploring the fine back bowls of Vail, or soaking up the rustic charm of Breck? Is it worth going to Alta for the chance of better snow and foregoing the choice of doing anything in the evening (exploring shops/window shopping) that Vail/Breck would afford. I also feel staying at Alta for 10 - 14 days is way too long.

 

Or should I go to Breck and get the chance to explore its wonderful charm - but in doing so I might miss the opportunity of better snow at Alta, and Vail (and Vail's back bowls)? (Whether I stay at Breck or Vail, I will visit the other local Vail/Breck on a day trip just to see what I am missing).

 

Or should I go to Vail, because it is a large place to explore, with probably???? better snow than Breck, but inferior to Alta.

 

Let us ignore cost as an issue. (Tho the funny thing i'm finding is that Alta is the most expensive because I'm looking to stay at the nicest hotel there - not that I have much to choose from!).

 

Chances are, eventually, I hope in our lifetime we will visit the other ski resorts we don't get a chance to visit now. But I'd love to hear what you all advise as to which place I should visit now. Please, if you have any suggestions, please keep it to these 3 choices. I have considered so many other resorts, but suggesting another locale not on the list only throws at me so many other myriad of options (I've considered Beaver Creek too and Grand Targhee) and makes my life so much more confusing.

 

kind regards

CDW

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post #2 of 48
9/1/10 at 3:55am

If you're looking to turn this into her growing into the sport, go to the place wherein she can have the most fun both on and off the hill.  Mid-December is early, but either location you've chosen here should work, depending on snow. 

 

You may consider Park City as well ... there's plenty to do in the town besides skiing and with the 3 resorts there you won't get bored with the skiing.  The town shuttle make it really easy to get around between the resorts and town as well ... again, depending on the snow.

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post #3 of 48
9/1/10 at 4:11am

The skiing is great but Alta offers very limited off-slope opportunities. Personally I would not want to stay there for a week or more without a car. A long weekend of skiing, yes. For a couple going to UT for a couple of weeks who are also looking for some off-slope options I think I'd suggest staying in PC or perhaps SLC and renting a car. We stayed in Vail last year. The skiing is really immense and if the snow is good there's tons of skiing for intermediates and upper intermediates. When you get to the top and look at the back bowls you feel very small. We didn't love the town of Vail, however. I70 runs right through it and the villages lack charm, IMO. To be sure, there's lots of dining opportunities and if you stayed in lodging near the lifts in Vail village or Lions Head it could be a very luxurious vacation. But Vail is essentially a purpose built resort. We seem to prefer a more laid back atmosphere. We also spent a week in Frisco and spent quite a bit of time at Breck. Main street in Breck is lined with old Victorian buildings. It was a real town before it became a ski area. Lots of shops, restaurants, and dining options. We really preferred the atmosphere of Breck. The mountain is spread out but not that hard to get around. You might take one of the mountain tours or a lesson. Lots of intermediate terrain. You could also easily take shuttles to Keystone and I THINK it would be easy to get to A-Basin without a car. Vail offers more skiing than Breck. Breck is also very high, around 9,500 feet while Vail is only about 8,200 feet. Altitude issues might be more likely in Breck.

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post #4 of 48
9/1/10 at 7:34am

If you come to UT, I wouldn't spend 14 days at Alta. there is more here and just LCC. I would look into more of a snow safari spending 3-5 days in LCC, 2-3 in BCC, 3-5 in Park Crity, 2-3 at snow basin, etc...


Edited by tromano - 9/1/10 at 8:31am
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post #5 of 48
9/1/10 at 7:58am

Stay either at Vail or in SLC, and rent a car, that way you are central and can have your choice of the best resorts.

For SLC

http://www.epicski.com/products/snowbird#wiki

click the map halfway down.

For Colorado

http://picsdigger.com/image/182e8f27/

click the map

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post #6 of 48
9/1/10 at 8:39am

Breck's a nice town, but you don't want to ski there early season.  Unless they get slammed with snow, hordes of Epic passers are all jammed onto the slopes with snow-making.  Vail/Beaver Creek get more natural snowfall, slightly smaller crowds and would be somewhat better, but still suffer from Epic pass fallout.

 

Alta has much better snow generally, but there's not much to do in the canyon.  Staying in the valley has all the ambiance of Omaha.  Park City doesn't  have nearly as consistent conditions as LCC and the last few years has sucked early season.  Plus if your an expert, you don't want to go there. 

 

Aspen has a very nice town, with ton's of activities, restaurants, shops and has a great ski school.   Highlands and Buttermilk open up 12/11 and none of the snow has been touched. Snowmass always opens up extra terrain that weekend and Aspen usually fires up 1a. 

Even in a low snow year, there are so few people, the skiing is generally very good.

 

If you don't go to Aspen, check out Telluride or Jackson Hole/Grand Targhee.  Don't go to Summit County. 

 

Can you wait until the last minute to book?

 

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post #7 of 48
9/1/10 at 1:16pm
Thread Starter 

Hello all:

Thanks for the responses.

 

I would love to wait to the last minute to book, but I will suffer from higher hotel costs and flight costs.

 

I realize spending 2 weeks in Alta would be too much, so what if I stayed in Alta for a week? Does that sound fair?

 

Having thought about it more, in the course of a week we would probably only take a day and a half off from skiing in a week long stay in Alta. We could go snow shoeing/xcountry skiing.

 

Some of you guys are using acronyms I'm not familiar with. What is LCC? BCC?

 

I appreciate your suggestions about getting a car and moving around ... but the truth is ... we DON'T want to drive. And moving from place to place makes it difficult to relax.

 

I had considered Jackson, but b/c I've been there, I'm less inclined to go there again. With Telluride, their average monthly snowfall is less than that of Breck.

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post #8 of 48
9/1/10 at 1:22pm

Sorry.

 

LCC = Little Cottonwood Canyon (Alta and Snowbird)

BCC = Big Cottonwood Canyon (Solitide and Brighton)

 

A week at Alta sounds much more workable.

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post #9 of 48
9/1/10 at 2:03pm

How about a week at Alta and then a week at Park City. between Alta and Snowbird, you should be good for sking for a week. Park City would provide plenty of sking for 2nd week with plenty of other stuff to do. Restaurants, shopping, etc.

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post #10 of 48
9/1/10 at 2:10pm
Thread Starter 

So Shredhead has shed some bit of light. But I wanted to ask others if anyone else holds the same opinion or disagree.

 

Which place is better to go to for Early Season snow (Mid-late December)? Vail or Breck?

 

I realize the answer to that can vary year by year, but does anyone know from past experience if one or the other reliably has better snow conditions in early December?

 

I was seriously considering going to Breck b/c the higher altitude is more conducive to snow making than Vail. But from what Shred told me, it is making me reconsider.

 

Can anyone else corroborate or add other reasons why Breck ski conditions might be inferior to Vail in December?

 

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post #11 of 48
9/1/10 at 2:19pm

The amount of snow can vary tremendously between Vail and Breck.   Sometimes Vail gets hammered and Breck gets none. Breck can end up on the eastern edge of the storm and get little or no snowfall out of any particular storm. Early season is also unpredictable. It is really not fun to ski at Breck when all that is open are the blue groomers. It takes a decent amount of snow for the better stuff to be open. 

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post #12 of 48
9/1/10 at 2:19pm

If you choose Breck, you'll find much of the mountain open by mid December. Peak 10 through Peak 7. The WRD (white ribbons of death) will be a thing of the past. The town has lots to offer in shopping, dining, history and other activities, plus the free bus services makes the entirety of Summit County accessible. Just don't ski on the weekends in order to avoid crowds. With a two week stay, avoiding the crowds on the weekends is easy.

 

Aspen would be a good choice as well for the multitude of mountains to choose from, the town and free bus service to get around.

 

I love Vail, but it can be hit or miss in early season. Opening days with 5 feet of fresh are as likely as just man made well into December.

 

Both Aspen and Vail are pretty hoidy toidy towns. Breck is definitely not. All have great eats and shopping.

 

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post #13 of 48
9/1/10 at 2:28pm
Thread Starter 

As of now, I am leaning toward visiting and staying at Alta for a week (with the occasional visit to Snowbird). And, thanks to all of your suggestions, I may actually consider going to Park City for a few other days. (But hearing how charming Breck is, I might even consider flying there in place of Park City).

 

My other question is ... Can anyone confirm that Alta typically has better snow than Snowbird?

 

If Alta does have better snow, then I thinking of staying in Alta and making the occassional trip to Snowbird.

 

But does anyone actually suggest staying in snowbird? I know snowbird has more to offer than alta.

 

I was of the impression that alta is a considerable more fun and more challenging mountain than snowbird but they have the same % of advanced terrain.

 

snowbird devottee, thanks for the snowbird EpicSki Wiki!

 

So the question is ... I was looking to stay at the Alta Rustler lodge. Do you guys recommend staying there, than at Snowbird?  (Looking back on our past ski trip - we really didn't do much after skiing, so maybe, there being not much to do at Alta, isn't such a big problem. We were just too tired, but we did enjoy trying different restaurants and just exploring).

 

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post #14 of 48
9/1/10 at 4:01pm

The difference in snow between Alta and Snowbird is going to be negligible.  They are literally adjacent to each other - you can even buy a pass that let's you ski from one to the other.

 

As for the conditions at the places you're considering, think of it this way - Alta and Snowbird are head and shoulders above almost anywhere period.  Park City, Vail and Breckenridge all probably have around the same odds of good conditions.  All three had a tough start last year.  In my opinion, i'd rather be stuck in Park City with bad conditions than in Vail or Breckenridge.  First, Vail and Breckenridge get tons of day/weekend skiers from Denver.  When the slopes are only half open due to poor snow, you have tons more people sharing the limited terrain and lifts (just ask anyone who was in Vail during the holidays last year).  Park City's three resorts combined are almost twice the size of Vail, and almost 4 times the size of Breckenridge - so you have way more terrain to spread out skiers.  Plus, you have 6 other big mountains within an hour's drive (including Alta/Snowbird) to find better snow.  And keep in mind, It's less than 4 miles from the top of Alta to the top of Park City - so yeah, Alta gets more snow, but Park City (especially the higher elevations) gets it's fair share too.

 

And there is no need to fly to Breckenridge from Alta to experience a "charming" town.  Park City is very similar to Breckenridge in that regard.  It's definitely more upscale, but it has the same mining town roots.  Plus it has better restaurants, closer to the airport, more skiing and has every type of lodging from 5 star luxury hotels to roadside motels.

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post #15 of 48
9/1/10 at 4:15pm

Alta and Snowbird are right next to each other and you can get a combined lift ticket. Alta does not allow snowboards. Both Alta and Snowbird have challenging terrain. Alta has better beginner and intermediate terrain.  If you decide to stay at either Alta or Snowbird for a week there's no reason not to ski both.

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post #16 of 48
9/1/10 at 5:45pm

Unless you like airports,  flying and driving, I would not consider flying to Denver from SLC to go to Breck. park City (particuarly Old Town) has much the same charm. If the charm is a priority, you may want to consider staying in Old Town as it's got the same kind of mining town architecture as Breck. Between all of the PC areas, you have over 8000 skiable acres.  

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post #17 of 48
9/1/10 at 6:05pm
Thread Starter 

Ok guys thanks for the reverse referral of Breck to PC. So instead of Breck, I am now looking at 3 mountains to stay at in PC.

 

I've read some of the nuances of staying in either PC, Deer Valley or Canyons.

 

I heard Deer Valley is upscale ... but is it snooty?

 

PC seems to have greater access.

 

Which place has the better snow? I think I read Deer valley does.

 

But is it only PC that has the old town charm?

 

Thanks again y'all.

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post #18 of 48
9/1/10 at 6:10pm
Thread Starter 

So what I'm aiming to do now is to get to know Utah pretty well.

 

My plan is to stay in Alta/snowbird for 6-8days. I will probably stay in Alta and make a couple day trips to Snowbird. But I have yet had the chance to investigate the lodging options in snowbird.

 

Then I will move to PC for another several days. Per my post above, the question is which mountain to stay at? It seems like PC has more charm, but I think I'd prefer the nicer lodging available at Deer Valey (I prefer the modern elegant lodging instead of the rustic). What say you?

 

Thank you for your fantastic input!!!!!!!!!!

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post #19 of 48
9/1/10 at 6:23pm

deer Valley is very upscale, No snowboards allowed. If you like sking groomed slopes at all, probably the best grooming in North America. I have skied there plenty and don't really feel there's snootiness. There are plenty of well heeled skiers that not too adept at skiing off groomers. So, if you get a pow day, it's actually a good place to be. Great food in on mountain restaurants. Snow not too different (aside from grooming) between PC resorts. Very good bus system to transport all over PC. You really can't go wrong whereever you stay. However, if you're not going to have a car (which I think is a mistake, if for no other reason than conveneince) I would make sure you're close to a busstop. For variety, I would ski a different one each day. You won't get bored.  

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post #20 of 48
9/1/10 at 6:25pm

P.S. You can either stay at mountain or there are condos all over PC that are not slopeside. Probably a good idea to get a PC planner to get a map of area.

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post #21 of 48
9/1/10 at 7:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cdw02 View Post

As of now, I am leaning toward visiting and staying at Alta for a week (with the occasional visit to Snowbird). And, thanks to all of your suggestions, I may actually consider going to Park City for a few other days. (But hearing how charming Breck is, I might even consider flying there in place of Park City).

 

My other question is ... Can anyone confirm that Alta typically has better snow than Snowbird?

 

If Alta does have better snow, then I thinking of staying in Alta and making the occassional trip to Snowbird.

 

But does anyone actually suggest staying in snowbird? I know snowbird has more to offer than alta.

 

I was of the impression that alta is a considerable more fun and more challenging mountain than snowbird but they have the same % of advanced terrain.

 

snowbird devottee, thanks for the snowbird EpicSki Wiki!

 

So the question is ... I was looking to stay at the Alta Rustler lodge. Do you guys recommend staying there, than at Snowbird?  (Looking back on our past ski trip - we really didn't do much after skiing, so maybe, there being not much to do at Alta, isn't such a big problem. We were just too tired, but we did enjoy trying different restaurants and just exploring).

 

 

Your plan to hit LCC for a week and then Park City is really a great idea.

 

As far Alta vs. Snowbird, Alta and the bird get the same snow.

 

The difference is that Alta is on average more mellow and has less legit expert terrain, is less rocky and skis very nicely with a 50-60" base. The bird has much more expert big mountain terrain and requires more like a 80-90" base before its all well covered. As far as which is more fun... you should post your own thoughts in December, but I like the Bird better. That time of year Alta is a better bet for off trail skiing than snowbird.

 

As far as where to stay in Park city, I would look for a condo in Downtown PC. That way you are in the middle of it all. Park city is very cute and you should be able to find a studio cheap before Xmas.

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post #22 of 48
9/1/10 at 8:36pm

I have never stayed at Alta, but it is likely a better choice than Snowbird considering a budget. Also, there a tribal communal atmosphere at those lodges.

I would think all the lodging at Snowbird is much more expensive, esp considering the price to eat.  It was 20 bucks for breakfast 15 years ago.

Snowbird is less than a mile away, you will need a bus to get there, and I believe there is a shuttle btn the resorts.

This year I'll be staying at the Cliff, tomorrow I'm going to book my prize for winning the Snowbird Wiki contest.  3 nts at the Cliff plus 6 lift tickets!!!  Not a bad $prize$.

http://www.snowbird.com/lodging/clifflodge/rooms/onebedroom.html  (i'm paying a little extra for the suite where I enjoy my win in luxury)

Thanks EpicSki for getting me up on the hill this year for my stay. (instead of my usual spartan accommodations down in the valley)

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post #23 of 48
9/2/10 at 9:13am


 

Quote:
Originally Posted by cdw02 View Post

I would love to wait to the last minute to book, but I will suffer from higher hotel costs and flight costs.

 

 

 


Depending on your gateway and dates, I don't think you will pay much more if any and you could actually pay less.  Before Christmas is a very slow period and you can often find last minute deals that aren't available months in advance.  Booking an area that already has a good skiing is priceless.

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by cdw02 View Post

 Can anyone confirm that Alta typically has better snow than Snowbird?

 

 

 

But does anyone actually suggest staying in snowbird?

 

 ... I was looking to stay at the Alta Rustler lodge.

 

 

I think Tromano summed it up pretty well.  Same snow, but Alta generally skis better early season with less base.  

 

Staying in both is nice, but completely different.  Alta's lodges are quaint and have communal dinning.Nice for meeting new people, but not very romantic. Personally, I would probably pick the Alta Lodge over the Rustler.

 

Snowbird's lodges have more amenities and a few different dinning choices. The Cliff has a spa, with a really nice rooftop pool. 

 

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by SnowbirdDevotee View Post

I have never stayed at Alta, but it is likely a better choice than Snowbird considering a budget.

 

That's not always the case.  The Early Bird Special is back up and it's pretty hard to beat.

http://www.snowbird.com/lodging/hotdeals.php?deal=51

 

 

Park City has a fairly nice town, I just not a big fan of the skiing. I would just try to get your fill of skiing in before you make the switch. 

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post #24 of 48
9/2/10 at 9:53am
Thread Starter 

Actually, I'm finding Alta more expensive than snowbird.

 

Shred, I was wondering why you recommend Alta Lodge over Rustler?

 

I generally prefer more upscale-modern acommodations (i.e. comfortable bed, preferably not a sofa bed) which is why i was initially considering the rustler, but we both look forward to communal dining. But it sounds like the food is better at the Rustler. 

 

I've read reviews on trip advisor ... and one lady said the Rustler is actually very isolating and NOT communal. So I just called up the Rustler and they said we have the option to have communal dining.

 

The rooms look nice at the A Lodge, espec the corner rooms. A lodge does look nice ... but anything specific why u prefer them over the Rustler. The rustler is quite expensive! Now I'm seriously considering the A lodge! haha. thanks for the advice!

 

Shrek, I'm also wondering why you are not a big fan of the skiing in PC? Specific reasons? Trails too easy? Way too groomed? more crowded? less steep? Less snow since lower alt?


Edited by cdw02 - 9/2/10 at 10:59am
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post #25 of 48
9/2/10 at 10:11am

CDW02, I know I'm coming late to this discussion, but since the date is still a good ways off, I'll give you another angle. I never lived in Vail, but I did live in Breck & Keystone. When I go skiing with just the guys, we usually meet at Alta & Snowbird. I really like Alta & Snowbird for their terrain & snow, but there's not much apre-ski, nor is there much to do apre the apre-ski. I am not interested too much in the latter when I go there as I'm just looking for deep powder. One of my ski buddies wife said it best when she spent a long weekend at Snowbird. "What do you guys do here when you are not skiing?" His reply was, "That's what I've been trying to tell you, we come here to ski".

 

If my fiancee was uncertain about what she wants in terms of a a ski vacation, I'd error on the side of having more options. You want her to really enjoy herself, right?

 

There's a reason why Vail is usually ranked the #1 ski are in the US. The ski area is huge, there are trails for every skier, there's a town (albeit a designed one) and there's plenty of things to do on your down days. You can also ski Beaver Creek or the Summit County areas as well. Check out the Epic Pass & you can use it for a later ski trip to Heavenly as well.

 

Breckenridge at one time had the most on hill housing in the US (don't know if still true), so there are plenty of places to stay on the mountain. Also, there's the shuttle that will take you to the other Summit County ski area's & over to Vail. As been mentioned, this is a "real" old town and there's plenty of shopping, eating and it has high rankings for nightlife. Yes, if you stay on Peak 7, you will probably need a car, unless you don't mind waiting for the shuttle.

 

I won't get into Park City as it has been discussed here by more knowledgeable skiers/snowboarders than me. Have fun!

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post #26 of 48
9/2/10 at 10:38am

Your right, Alta lodging for the most part is more expensive than Snowbird unless you want to dorm it. That early bird special at Snowbird looks pretty sweet to. Your options for dining at Snowbird would also be better. Some of the restaurants are pricey but others not so much The Lodge Bistro located at The Lodge at Snowbird & El Chanate on the lower level of the Cliff Lodge are my 2 favorites & are reasonably priced.

 

I've only stayed in the Cliff Lodge & can say they have some of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept in plus having a pool & several hot tubs right outside is sweet. I'm sure their other accommodations would be just as comfortable. I've only been there a couple of times so I'm not a local but that's the way I see it. Plus the beers are cheaper at the bird....

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post #27 of 48
9/2/10 at 10:59am

on snow. Snowbird is higher and has more north facing terrain than alta. The snow get preserved longer at the bird.

 

Alta can and does sometime receive more during the storm though.....

 

on apres I have had some fun times up and gold miners daughter, and the P Dog. IMO though I am much to tired g to stay up much past 8 or 9 anyways after skiing all day. I d if you want apres ski harder and make yourself tired. 15 trams laps min :).

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post #28 of 48
9/2/10 at 11:23am

The Rustler is the poshest.   Alta Lodge is cheaper, still pretty nice and I like the vibe a better.  I usually stay at the Peruvian, but it's pretty worn and a little funky, but I still really like the Pdog. I stay in the Cliff quite a bit too, because it has the most going on relative to the canyon. 

 

I love the skiing at Alta/Snowbird.   PC, not so much.  Short pitches with long run outs of homogenized skiing.  The thing I hated the most skiing at DV and as they closed run at the end of the day, getting funneled into a huge lift line at the Crown Point lift to get off the mountain.  The last thing I want to do at the end of the day is stand in line.  PC's downtown is nice, but the rest of the town is a big suburb.

 

Steamboat would be another good early season ski town. 

 

What is your gateway airport?

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post #29 of 48
9/2/10 at 11:57am
Thread Starter 

I too had considered steamboat - and will save that for some future date. But ultimately decided to go to Alta/snow b/c of the better snow condns than steamboat in Early season. I say all this based on the statistical snow report - so unless some of you have some experience saying that Steam often and reliably gets alot of snow in the early season - please speak up. (I have never skied in Co or Ut)

 

Gateway airport = ALL of the NYC airports. So I have no problems getting out of this god forsaken skyscraper-ridden concrete city! (haha, just kiddin, love this tiny little town!)

 

Let me make it clear, even though there doesn't seem to be much to do in either Alta/Snow ... i don't think thats something to be tooo worried about. We have yoga, the pool, hottub, just walking around. Our day off's will include, fly fishing, snow shoeing, but unfortunately horseback riding is not possible during the winter months (it is in steamboat!). So, I guess I'm not tooo worried about her being bored. I remember most days we were just too tired from skiing to do much else (and we're young! (late 20's). And there are some fee based activities in snowbird.

 

You guys are saying P Dog - but i don't see any restaurant or hotel in that name. What is P Dog?

 

While on the topic of steamboat - do they have good early season skiing? But I take it Alta/snowbird typically has better early season skiing than Steam? But is it worth completely changing course and instead of going to Alta/Snow going to Steam instead? And does Steamboat have a beautiful quaint town? (Having read some more about steamboat ... it sounds like ALOT of fun!)


Edited by cdw02 - 9/2/10 at 12:12pm
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post #30 of 48
9/2/10 at 12:16pm

P-Dog is the bar in the Peruvian Lodge. 

 

Yes, Steamboat has a nice town and it also has a lot of activities

 

What are your dates? Coming out of NYC, you have a lot of flight options.   Your going to pay rack rate at Alta almost all the time and the Early Bird special never sells out, you might not get the Cliff, but you'll get a room.  I just don't see an upside to booking this early, unless your dates extend past Christmas day? 

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EpicSki › The Barking Bear Forums › Mountain/Resort Related Forums › Resorts, Conditions & Travel › Alta Utah or, Breckenridge, or Vail mid - late December