Christmas/New Year 2015/2016 - Skiing in N.America
Discussion
So as not to drag the "Skiing and where in 2015" thread off topic, and since my only N.American skiing was in Whistler for Christmas/New Year 2012/2013, I'm seeking advice fromt he PH collective as to the alternatives in N.America - Colorado, Utah, California?
We're a family of 4 - we've 2 teen girls - all good skiers, daughters fine on all runs (ESF gold+ level), and I realise this will be pricey for the flights alone, but having seen the price of Vail ski passes (!!), are there very good alternatives in N.America where you don't have to pay the earth to ski for 12 days?
Hotels will be out of scope for us, too pricey, so self-catering in a rented condo or some such...
All-inclusive for 2 weeks in the Alps isn't what we're after, especially after the lack of snow in many resorts over last Christmas.
We're a family of 4 - we've 2 teen girls - all good skiers, daughters fine on all runs (ESF gold+ level), and I realise this will be pricey for the flights alone, but having seen the price of Vail ski passes (!!), are there very good alternatives in N.America where you don't have to pay the earth to ski for 12 days?
Hotels will be out of scope for us, too pricey, so self-catering in a rented condo or some such...
All-inclusive for 2 weeks in the Alps isn't what we're after, especially after the lack of snow in many resorts over last Christmas.
Have a look a Breckenridge, Nice town, everything is close to slopes and shops/restaurants, we rented a really nice ski/out apartment that was about 5 mins walk to the main high street, would definitely go back. Also did Keystone on a previous trip, slightly smaller town, however also had a day trip there when we did Breckenridge as they used to do a free bus hopper between the resorts for weekly ski pass holders
Obviously fight is into Denver then shuttle to resort which was fine
Obviously fight is into Denver then shuttle to resort which was fine
Edited by Simon Brooks on Friday 23 January 13:58
Lake Tahoe is where i would recommend. Every time we have been there we have stayed in Heavenly valley which is on the border of California and Nevada. From memory it has nearly 100 runs and is suitable for all abilities. The scenery is stunning and the facilities are first class. The State line runs between south lake Tahoe. We used to stay in lodges but now always stay in Ceasars Palace as it is very nice hotel at ridiculously cheap prices thanks to it being subsidised by the casino. It has a very nice indoor pool and the rooms are very large. Squaw valley and sierra nevada are all within driving distance if you want to try somewhere different for a day. Reno is also not far away if you want to sample a mini Las Vegas one evening. I normally fly to San Francisco then drive but you could go via Reno to cut down on the driving time. I would advise against booking a package as the hotel room rate is so cheap. Lack of snow is not an option ! Locals told me that it is possible to ski until late May/early June in some years !
Another recommendation for Lake Tahoe, excellent place with lots of snow when we went over Christmas 2006. It's still our only US skiing so can't compare it with anywhere else but we would definitely be happy to go back there.
We flew Virgin to San Francisco, picked up a 4wd then had a night in an airport hotel and drove up the next day, it was snowing but the roads were being cleared all the time and it still only took about four hours with a lunch stop at an old railway town which I can't remember the name of. We stayed in a casino hotel on the Nevada side but there's loads of self catering, shops and restaurants on the California side.
You have to drive to the lifts but they are all easy to get to and have virtually no queues. The area was enough for us as there are plenty of varied runs and they are all well groomed so we didn't bother to go to any of the other resorts in the area but they are all easy to get to for a day trip.
On the way home we had a couple of nights in San Francisco which we though was well worthwhile to see the sights and do a bit of shopping.
We flew Virgin to San Francisco, picked up a 4wd then had a night in an airport hotel and drove up the next day, it was snowing but the roads were being cleared all the time and it still only took about four hours with a lunch stop at an old railway town which I can't remember the name of. We stayed in a casino hotel on the Nevada side but there's loads of self catering, shops and restaurants on the California side.
You have to drive to the lifts but they are all easy to get to and have virtually no queues. The area was enough for us as there are plenty of varied runs and they are all well groomed so we didn't bother to go to any of the other resorts in the area but they are all easy to get to for a day trip.
On the way home we had a couple of nights in San Francisco which we though was well worthwhile to see the sights and do a bit of shopping.
With the US the style of skiing (in my experience) is subtly different. I have skied Tahoe, Mammoth, Jackson Hole, Park City and a lot of Vermont. Yes the passes can be expensive but there are frequently deals and competitions in bars etc where you can win passes. For self catering apartments you are basically looking for condo's and I have frequently used the VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) website and only had good experiences.
Be aware though the style of skiing is different, no valley to valley resort to resort skiing mostly the ski area will be across 2 or 3 peaks. In some ways this good because in many ski areas you ski anything inside the area i.e. off the rocks, thru the trees, along the lift pylons etc etc. Queing is always orderly and only at peak times. Most americans only ski for 3-4days.
My favourite place is Mammoth it is a trek but it has always had fantastic snow for me - most US resorts have their snowfall history on their website for the last 10 years.
My favourite trip is Mammoth 6days and Tahoe 6 days. The advantage Tahoe has is half a dozen ski resorts within a 30minute drive - Heavenly, Squaw, Kirkwood, Alpine Meadows, North Star are a few and its easy to do a day at each = make sure you hire a 4x4 tho!
Be aware though the style of skiing is different, no valley to valley resort to resort skiing mostly the ski area will be across 2 or 3 peaks. In some ways this good because in many ski areas you ski anything inside the area i.e. off the rocks, thru the trees, along the lift pylons etc etc. Queing is always orderly and only at peak times. Most americans only ski for 3-4days.
My favourite place is Mammoth it is a trek but it has always had fantastic snow for me - most US resorts have their snowfall history on their website for the last 10 years.
My favourite trip is Mammoth 6days and Tahoe 6 days. The advantage Tahoe has is half a dozen ski resorts within a 30minute drive - Heavenly, Squaw, Kirkwood, Alpine Meadows, North Star are a few and its easy to do a day at each = make sure you hire a 4x4 tho!
Also Jackson hole was great - great mountain and biggest vertical drop in N America (or was). It is remote tho - when I went it took three flights to get there and the ski area was a drive from the town. The town is fantastic. Think Stetsons and line dancing. The Million Dollar Cowboy bar was where they filmed some of the old Clint Eastwood movies - every which way but loose etc. We did combine a snowmobile tour of Yellowstone though 100miles on them - that was great. Also skied Sun Valley Idaho on the same trip.
Utah we stayed in Park City and boarded at the Canyons (boards only) and Deer Valley (skiers only) - I have to say it was a strange place - Mormons and alcohol and all that.
I haven't skied the Rockies yet so cant comment or Canada. Between the two I would probably go for Whistler next - if I don't go back to Mammoth which is real skiers mountain.
Utah we stayed in Park City and boarded at the Canyons (boards only) and Deer Valley (skiers only) - I have to say it was a strange place - Mormons and alcohol and all that.
I haven't skied the Rockies yet so cant comment or Canada. Between the two I would probably go for Whistler next - if I don't go back to Mammoth which is real skiers mountain.
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