Seeking recommendations for resorts out West

[runninteach]

I'm meeting with my ski crew to discuss our "big trip" possibilities for next season. The four of us are teachers or school employees from Jersey, so our vacation time is limited, but we're thinking of 4-5 days out West somewhere in February. Three of us ski; the other is a snowboarder. Abilities range from intermediate to expert. We're all laidback and enjoy the apres scene as much as the skiing.

We've been to Breck and Vail (loved both) as well as Winter Park and are big fans of Colorado but wouldn't mind trying new territory.

I've been looking into Utah...perhaps Park City. A spot downtown near the town lift and the apres ski scene of Main Street seemed like a good bet.

But I'm wondering what the divas might recommend. What should be on our list for consideration?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Cathy

 

[tcarey]

I love ParK City.It is close to everything- the food is great and the skiing is fantatic!

T

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Utah's a real front-runner. But, given that you say you like the night life as well, consider Lake Tahoe!! Specifically South Lake Tahoe - right at the base of Heavenly but easily commutable to Sierra and Kirkwood - or across the lake on a cruise to Alpine Meadows! And you certainly WON'T lack for night life at/near Stateline, NV!! Lots of good accommodations within walking distance of the town gondola, and might be some real nice packages available including airfare to Reno.

 

[Jilly]

Snowmass and Aspen!! We have a Diva there!!

 

[sibhusky]

I'd pick Park City. Lots of skiing choices, way more than you could really cover in a week and if you stay downtown (I stayed at a great B&B that used to be a school house or something) there are terrific restaurants, galleries, etc. to visit at the end of the day.

 

[Native Vail Gal]

Besides Vail... (duh!)....I like Snowmass/Aspen & Breckenridge...especially if you are look for nightlife (which Vail and Beaver Creek have GREAT locals for, too!)

Have fun!

 

[runninteach]

Some food for thought. Thank you!

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Oh my, don't end it quite yet!! We're having way too much fun with our recommendations!! At the very least, be sure to bump it up a couple of times as your plans develop later, such as in the summer, when we are desperate to talk about skiing and destinations! :D We'll have you and your friends on one of at least a dozen great trips, from fantasy to budget, but always awesome skiing.

 

[oragejuice]

You all keep talking about "out West". I keep thinking you mean Oregon.

 

[itri]

LOL. It was really weird for me who grew up in what we considered the midwest (Ohio) to move out here and realize that some people consider CO to be midwest! And that Ohio is now "back east"!

 

[mollmeister]

Whistler?
Banff?
Jackson? (I love that quirky little town)
Sun Valley? Now THAT is a terrific town (Ketchum, I mean.)

And, of course, Aspen/Snowmass & Vail.

It's been years since I have been to Park City. . . but I want to go back!

 

[oragejuice]

Go to Banff. And take tons of pictures, then come back and make me incredibly jealous.

Elaboration- I'd pick Banff over Whistler if you can. Don't get me wrong, I've dreamed about moving to Pemberton and teaching at Blackcomb, but Banff is so much bigger, and it seems to have a completely different atmosphere. I've never skiied there, but I'm planning on doing so soon... Whistler is crowded, and the gondolas are even more crowded with tourist families with their Uggs and cameras who think that they need to take up all the room instead of your skis. =)

 

[mollmeister]

Go to Banff. And take tons of pictures, then come back and make me incredibly jealous.

I love Banff. It's gorgeous.

Sunshine and Lake Louise are very fun to ski, and totally empty. Fernie isn't that far away, even. The town of Banff is fun. The Banff Springs Hotel is crazy amazing (and the hot springs are great). The Post Hotel is awesome. Emerald Lake Lodge is relatively close by and makes for a fun detour of a day or two.

Really, my only beef is that awful, long, slow, painful (and I mean it HURTS) surface lift to get to my favorite terrain at Louise.

Does this make you jealous? (Lake Louise. Sorry re: quality, these are photos of photos from just before our first digital camera-- 2003.)

Or this? (Sunshine)

Or this? (Sunshine-- look how empty. See that black dot in the middle? That's my friend skiing. On a weekend!)

Or even this? (Summertime near Banff and on the Athabasca Glacier)

Oh, Canada! We had fun living in Calgary and skiing the whole Banff area! Certainly the lack of people and traffic, even on weekends/holidays, kept me from missing I-70 and the roads to Tahoe.

 

[oragejuice]

Darn. Completely jealous. It could partially be fed by the fact that I am sitting in class right now.... But wow, those are some fantastic shots.

 

[skigrl27]

come to Aspen!!

Aspen, Snowmass, Highlands (and Buttermilk if you are a beginner).

One destination, 4 resorts. Outstanding apres - usually voted the best apres scene every year. Tons to do & see...great people & culture. There are plenty of ways to travel here on the cheap too. Just cuz rich people come here, doesn't mean it's expensive for everyone!

If you want more info on traveling here, advice, tips, etc, etc, don't hesitate to drop me a PM. I have all sorts of contacts with property rentals too. Don't be shy!!

 

[mollmeister]

Aspen, Snowmass, Highlands (and Buttermilk if you are a beginner).

One destination, 4 resorts. Outstanding apres - usually voted the best apres scene every year. Tons to do & see...great people & culture. There are plenty of ways to travel here on the cheap too. Just cuz rich people come here, doesn't mean it's expensive for everyone!

Very true. Lots to do. Great hills. . . and there are really are deals to be had if you plan ahead and do your homework.

 

[runninteach]

Thank you much, divas! Gorgeous pics. Wow! Lots to think about. We usually plan & book by June for a big trip over winter break, but not this year as one member of our group is pregnant and expecting in September, so that will impact where we go and for how long. My fingers are crossed for February. Thanks again!

~Cathy

 

[mollmeister]

Thank you much, divas! Gorgeous pics. Wow! Lots to think about. We usually plan & book by June for a big trip over winter break, but not this year as one member of our group is pregnant and expecting in September, so that will impact where we go and for how long. My fingers are crossed for February. Thanks again!

~Cathy

If the baby is coming with you guys, then, if it were me, I'd probably pick Aspen or Banff. I have skied with babies---> preschoolers the last four seasons, all over the West, and these are the places that have (hands down) worked best.

Aspen because the childcare center at Snowmass is TOP NOTCH and there is also a great, trustworthy babysitting service in town (Mom's Day Off). Banff area because Sunshine Village is uniquely set up for bringing baby along. All the services at Sunshine are actually ON the hill. You take a gondola from the parking lot to get to the *base* area. So we used to bring our son up to the big lodge on the hill with us when he was tiny, and the group would just go out in bunches and take turns hanging with the baby (and letting me have a go). Our eldest had his first lift ticket at Sunshine (for the gondie) at 11 weeks!

 

[oragejuice]

Our eldest had his first lift ticket at Sunshine (for the gondie) at 11 weeks!

That's awesome.

 

[perma-grin]

Mollmeister you always have the best pictures!! I never seem to remember to take any. I think that is going to be my late New Years resolution: take ski pictures!