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NS! Help me plan my trip west this year...

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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627

Hey guys and girls.  I am trying to plan an as-epic-as-possible trip west this year and could use a bit of advice from people who are familiar with the areas I'm thinking about. 

My first and really only real priority is fresh snow and steeps.  This is about dunkin' the ol' tits and collecting as many faceshots as possible 100%.  Secondary to that would be a wish for a lack of crowds and semi-convenient access to good BC since I won't be able to afford to ride lifts every day.  Also I don't give a flying fuck about nightlife, I have that at home and that's not what this is about in the least.  Next priority is how cheap it is/could be.  Couchsurfing, hostels, car camping and the like are all on my radar and I have no expectations for comfort or accomodations because it doesn't matter to me at all if the pow is flying.  Also I don't ski park at all, so don't really care how good a mountain's park is.   

Now that said, these places are tops on my list.  I've already been to Utah (BCC/LCC) and will probaly go there for the first week of the trip, but would like to explore elsewhere too if I can line up some couches to crash on.  Already been to CO as well and probably won't go back, no offense to the Coloradoans in here but it just wasn't quite what I was looking for.  I'm trying to save up my vacation time to take 3 weeks off in February after my bday, so probably a week in each of two of the following locations if funding will allow. 

Baker/PNW

Tahoe

Big Sky/Bridger Bowl

Jackson Hole

Thanks in advance for any info.  I'm sure they're all amazing places I'd have a blast at, but that's pretty much why I'm having such a hard time deciding.  Mucho Appreciado mis amigos. 

Jul 23 2012 10:23AM
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*TURBONERD*
Posts: 15080 - Karma: 9,152
Jackson. PM me if you want some detail on it. I've been three times for a week each and the snow is everywhere, liftlines top off at 10 minutes (except the tram), and although I haven't personally accessed the BC, I know it's enormous and that the gates are very easy to reach. I can't help you too much with accommodation, though.
Jul 23 2012 10:39AM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Thanks man, I'll be PMing you as the choices narrow down a bit and not too worried about accomodations since I'm down to car camp if nothing else comes up. 
Jul 23 2012 10:44AM
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Squeenerd
Posts: 731 - Karma: 186
^Jackson. One of the most fun places I've skied. Now I would try to give you tips on places to stay, but i didn't pay for my trip. All I can really do is emphasize how much fun the mountain is
Jul 23 2012 11:56AM
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MacMahoooon
Posts: 9009 - Karma: 3,305
Baker should be top of your list. The terrain inbounds is incredible, as well as some great slack country. Snow can be hit or miss, but all 3 times I've been there I've lucked out with fresh on fresh on fresh. Car camping in the lot is entirely acceptable, and the little down closest has a great tiny ski town vibe.

Jackson is also high on the list. Really expensive for anything on resort, but I was surprised that in Jackson proper it was relatively affordable. The side and back country around the resort is incredible and extremely easy access, and the touring up in Teton pass offers tons of options, including easy 3000ft vert hitchhike laps from the ridge to the valley bottom.

Are you soloing or with a group?
Jul 23 2012 12:22PM
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MacMahoooon
Posts: 9009 - Karma: 3,305
Hit me up if you want some other ideas as well
Jul 23 2012 12:23PM
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TheUngroomed
Posts: 1251 - Karma: 335
Sierra at Tahoe, Mt. Rose ( has the Chutes which is basically inbound BC, if that makes sense) has tons of cliffs and steeps and stuff, also has many BC areas around it, and obviously Squaw and Alpine, which are more expensive
Jul 23 2012 12:51PM
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spliff.Life
Posts: 7847 - Karma: 1,549
mwahahahaha
Jul 23 2012 12:53PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627

Yes this is why they were both on the short list so thanks for the input. 

Ideally I'd like to go with a group, since I'd really like to do a bunch of touring while I'm out there but I'm going no matter what.  Going solo will certainly put a damper on the BC opitons anywhere besides UT, where I already have friends who are guides but there's a lot of time between then and now to find partners or get some people from back here to buck up and come along.   

I'm trying to harass a few photog friends of mine to go and make it worthwhile for both of us with some heinously huckeriffic footy, but nothing definite so far.  Don't wanna say too much just yet but it's not just for fun and games either-  Need deep pow shots with somethingvery special I've been working on for about a year now, since without it a product launch would just seem stupid to me.   

Jul 23 2012 1:45PM
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Snowtorious_BIG
Posts: 659 - Karma: 1,467
I would highly recommend coming to Colorado, we have some of the best parks in the world and great nightlife, you'd love it!
Jul 23 2012 5:01PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
Did you read the original post at all?
Jul 23 2012 5:14PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Lolololol... I lost.
Jul 23 2012 5:24PM
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*jwill*
Posts: 218 - Karma: 21
lol classic
Jul 23 2012 8:56PM
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E-fry
Posts: 601 - Karma: 2,171
whitewater.
Jul 23 2012 9:19PM
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Finkle
Posts: 959 - Karma: 850
My brother and I took a somewhat similar trip last season. We hit up the PCNW and I am glad we did. We skied 11 mountains in 12 days in Oregon and Washington. and the powder gods pulled through for 9 of the 12. Baker is a must if you do, 15 inches the night before and it snowed all day...fresh tracks all day. I think that was the first mountain that ever scared me, you could not tell where the snow and earth ended. It was amazing. Stevens Pass impressed me also. 11+ the night before, good inbounds hike-able terrain and some really nice runs on the backside bowls. I could ramble on and on so I will make the rest short. Besides those two check out Crystal, MHM, Bachelor, Alpental. And don't believe people that will tell you that it only rains out there. Sounds like your gonna have a good time wherever you go!
Jul 23 2012 10:55PM
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