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Where to go on a ski trip?

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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
I know. There are always tons of these threads, but I havent gotten the information I have wanted through the searchbar/ other threads...

Anyway, Im from Birmingham, MI where we probably get less than 50' of snow a year. I have been to summit county, WP, and loveland multiple times and want to change it up. Keep in mind this trip will be mid February.
Here are my options.

1. Utah- Alta/Bird, PC
2. Washington- Baker, Crystal, Stevens
3. Montana- Big Sky, Bridger Bowl



Now I know everyone says it rains a lot in WA. How is the snow usually in February? What about Utah and Montana?


+K for help. Any other recommendations would be awesome.
Nov 25 2012 6:34PM
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SpliffyJ
Posts: 778 - Karma: 565
Yawgoo Valley Rhode Island. Best place out there. http://www.yawgoo.com/
Trails: 12
Lifts: 3 (2 Chairlifts, 1 Rope Tow)
Skiable Terrain: 36 Acres
Snowmaking: 100%
Grooming: At least once daily
Lighted Night Skiing: Yes
Longest Trail: 2200 ft.
Food and Drink: Cafeteria and The Max Restaurant & Lounge
Equipment Rental Facility: Yes
Lessons: Yes; YV Snow Sports School
First Aid: Yawgoo Valley Ski Patrol (YVSP/YVSAR) located near the base of "Proud Mary" Lift.
Forms of Payment: We accept Cash, Personal Check (with a valid state ID), MasterCard & Visa, and Yawgoo Valley Gift Cards, Coins & Certificate.

Nov 25 2012 6:53PM
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yourthemannowdog
Posts: 4541 - Karma: 313
It depends on what you ski. If you wanna ski lots of Pow go to the PNW. They are doing well for themselves this season.
Nov 25 2012 7:04PM
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_Garagely_
Posts: 1948 - Karma: 3,246
Montana has great terrain and snow but Big Sky can be a little windy. If you want huge parks Montana is not the best choice.
Nov 25 2012 7:16PM
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a_burger
Posts: 5235 - Karma: 20,715
You forgot an absolutely stunning vertical drop of 240 feet.
Nov 25 2012 7:18PM
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Pancake_Fucker
Posts: 1842 - Karma: 1,909
Considered going north to whitewater or Revelstoke? Or even to fernie? Great snow and February is a good time. Kicking horse?
Nov 25 2012 7:22PM
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Big_C
Posts: 243 - Karma: -9

i have been to bigsky/moonlight basin multiple times and it has been great, my first time we got 3 ft the night before but the most recent had hardly any and went same time of year, i personally love big sky but am trying squaw valley this january

check this out has some decent info

 http://www.forbes.com/sites/christophersteiner/2011/12/13/the-top-5-ski-resorts-in-the-united-states/

Nov 25 2012 7:25PM
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Funnel
Posts: 7815 - Karma: 1,531
Go option 3. That looks like the best to me.
Nov 25 2012 9:09PM
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Ski_The_E
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 944
Never been to any of them but alta/bird but from what I've heard, 3 is the best option.
Nov 25 2012 9:14PM
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jsnow
Posts: 864 - Karma: 6,920
4. vail breck keystone for the win.
Nov 25 2012 9:19PM
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Chubz.
Posts: 13918 - Karma: 25,661
i've been looking at revelstoke a lot lately. If I can convince my dad to take me there next year i will be soo ecstatic. So much pow
Nov 25 2012 9:40PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
Thanks for all of the responses guys.

I would love to go to B.C and hit up the powder highway, but I feel like its gonna be a pretty long trip. Its 8 hours or so from the Vancouver airport. I could go to Whis, but I dont really have the money for that at the moment. I have been wanting to hit up revy, red, and kicking horse. Anyone know of any cheap hotels somewhat convenient to revelstoke MR?

Also, how do people like Alta? I will be going at the end of presidents weekend, how does it look there around that time? The lodging is cheap, its close to the airport, and they get a shit ton of snow. Im just worried about the crowds.


Nov 25 2012 10:47PM
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YouAllSuck
Posts: 632 - Karma: 1,177
Big Sky is a lot of fun with great terrain, the only drawbacks are their park is small, and when i was there the tram was closed 2.5 out of the 5 days i was their due to wind and avalanche patrol
Nov 25 2012 11:08PM
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BagOTricks
Posts: 815 - Karma: 3,351
Killington is a big ski trip for me.  Live in Western New York, so big mountains aren't an option unless you're flying.
Nov 25 2012 11:13PM
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GEORGEzimmerman
Posts: 1473 - Karma: 440
hit up tahoe
Nov 25 2012 11:38PM
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will_powder
Posts: 3194 - Karma: 5,445
Fly to Calgary, or better yet, Kelowna. Any of the hotels in the town of Revelstoke will be good. There's a bus that has multiple stops on the way to the resort. Its like 10 minutes max from downtown revy to the resort base.

From Calgary its like 4.5ish depending on Rogers Pass conditions, with Kicking Horse like 2.5-3ish Calgary (which I might argue is at least equally as fun as Revy). Lake Louise and Sunshine are also directly on the way as well and are two of Canada's best resorts.

From Kelowna to Revy its like 2.5ish, but the flights would be more and there's only Silver Star on the way.
Nov 25 2012 11:47PM
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FUUUCK
Posts: 18426 - Karma: 4,888
if you want pow, BC interior or Alta/Snowbird
Nov 25 2012 11:51PM
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DR.SHRED
Posts: 2134 - Karma: 503
if it keeps snowing llike it has been id say pnw
Nov 25 2012 11:53PM
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DR.SHRED
Posts: 2134 - Karma: 503
if it keeps snowing llike it has been id say pnw
Nov 25 2012 11:53PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
For anyone that has been to Alta, how is it during presidents weekend? All of summit county was a mess last year. Also, on a pow day, does the terrain there get tracked out quickly?
Nov 25 2012 11:55PM
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Stainr
Posts: 1186 - Karma: -1,150
1.
Nov 26 2012 7:04AM
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Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
Jackson Hole, WY

your mind will be blown, february is the best time
Nov 26 2012 7:09AM
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k2andcannoli
Posts: 644 - Karma: -36
Don't be a pussy, driving is the only way to do a ski trip. I drive out from Md every year in April and spend the month skiing. Soooooo much cheaper and fun. Why would you spend so much flow and be stuck at one area?
Nov 26 2012 7:32AM
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Big_C
Posts: 243 - Karma: -9
cause they have the money and would rather not spend so much time on the road
Nov 29 2012 7:53PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
Jackson is defiantly on my bucket list. From what i hear, it can be pretty pricey for lodging.
Nov 29 2012 8:12PM
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gr4
Posts: 1499 - Karma: 945
every ski area in the nation is crowded on presidents day. that being said, there are 7 ski areas within 30 minutes of salt lake city so the crowd spreads out pretty well. its nothing like the shitshow summit county becomes on busy weekends.

alta for sure has better terrain than summit county, co and you can always hop over to another ski area for a day if you want to beat the crowds. solitude is notorious for not being as crowded as the rest of the cottonwood canyon resorts.

stuff tends to get tracked out pretty quickly in the cottonwood canyons, especially if it's your first time skiing there and you dont have a local to show you some stashes. there is always pow to be found if you look for it though. ive found pow at canyons weeks after storms, and im sure its true for some of the other resorts too.

other options that you might consider depending on how the snow is and how much you are willing to travel are telluride, toas, and some of the other southern colorado resorts. they typically get differant storms than the more northern areas of the west and have super fun terrain to ski.
Nov 29 2012 8:36PM
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Wallisch_pl
Posts: 5260 - Karma: 1,022
only 12 trails!?!?!

and at first I read this as longest rail
Nov 29 2012 8:41PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
hmm. okay. I am starting to think more and more about telluride. Flights are cheap to CO, and I have cousins in denver, so i wouldnt need a hotel the day i arrive from the airport.

I have been to CO every year since I have been 12, but I have never gone south towards those resorts. I might have to check that out. Another member on here recommended that I do that as well.


and yes, when I mean busy, Im comparing it to breck, vail, winter park, etc. I went to loveland presidents day last year, and I dont think I waited in one line other than 5 minutes at the base.
Nov 29 2012 9:18PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
I know someone mentioned this earlier, but how is Jackson Hole during February? I hear its a pretty high snow month and low crowds. It is defiantly on my bucket list of places to go as well. Not to mention, some of the hotels around there can be fairly cheap..


Dec 8 2012 8:50PM
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steezbox
Posts: 1394 - Karma: 701
What the hell? $450 seasons pass? And adults are considered 13+?

That is just ridiculous.
Dec 8 2012 9:56PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
.
Dec 9 2012 6:26PM
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THUNT836
Posts: 1393 - Karma: 1,033
Brantling in NY, best east coast mountain hands down.

Bordered on both sides (top/bottom) by roads, 4 J bar "lifts" and even a T-Bar if you get bored on those! 10 super diverse slopes and lift tickets are only $30!!! They even have night skiing!! (lighting partially due to passing cars) The modern, '60s era lodge includes a cafe with both soda AND candy!! What more could a stoner want? Finally, this destination resort packs a WHOPPING 240 feet of vertical! Enough for at least 5 turns on your way down, maybe 6 if you're a pussy. hmu if you wanna meet up there and sesh the 8' booter

Click for larger image


This is where my high school race team practiced the 1st 2 years I was on it. Needless to say, I sucked at GS as a result.
Dec 9 2012 9:44PM
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Clebo1
Posts: 674 - Karma: 3
I went last year, just stayed at the super 8 in town.. Like 80 a night split between a few people so it was perfect.

Also had a pool and a hot tub so it was pretty pimp for how cheap it was, super nice people too
Dec 9 2012 10:31PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
I am planning a trip to Baker/Steven's, may make it to Whistler on this trip, for this winter. Turns out that getting to Bellingham is highly affordable.

But here's something to think about if you are truly going for the skiing and not a week of hangovers and groomers.

What really is your ability level? What is your groups level? I'd really figure that out, look at trail maps and figure out which resort offers the most acreage for your group. Perhaps you're a super rad skier and your group is as well, great, go big! I'm just now able to ski like 95% of Mammoth (less the crazy drops) and still dont feel like I would get enough out of a Jackson trip yet. So I'm holding off another year or two so that when I go, I can really ski the mountain. But again, I have no idea where your level is at though, or your groups, so maybe take that stuff into consideration so you're able to really enjoy everything the mountain offers.
Dec 9 2012 11:45PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
I like your insight. Id say im advanced for sure. Im not gonna say im the best skier on the mountain, but steeps defiantly dont scare me. The high alpine bowls at WP, and Breck is what i like. Now i know they arent comparable to jackson, but they defiantly arent easy. As for my group, it would just be my buddy. Same skill level as me. My dad would come along, but he would only ski a day or 2 for a few hours. He is good with wherever though
Dec 10 2012 12:00AM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
If your experiences are with Summit County/WP, really have a look at videos from youtube about what resorts you are thinking about. The reason I say this is that the I70 resorts seem to do something I haven't really seen elsewhere. To me a double black means scary as shit and I probably want to be really sure I'm kosher with doing the run. For the I70 resorts, it pretty much just means "natural terrain." And the ratings are pretty relative to the mountain. For me the steepest runs at WP were all pretty mellow compared to the sierras and I pretty much cruised around (except for the moguls, I fucking suck at moguls). So be weary while looking at trail maps, watch some videos to go along with them. Big Sky is pretty huge, I dont think you would go wrong there, just keep in mind the stability isn't great and it will likely be cold as fuck. Baker would probably be solid as far as terrain goes, but if you've never skied heavy powder, you may end up wanting more time in the hot tub than on the actual runs. Whitefish (although smaller than bigsky) would leave you with similar terrain options to WP but likely with more snow and no crowds. You could also check out some of the Utah resorts outside of Alta like Solitude. I wish I could give you tips on Alta, but I haven't been there, I've only seen edits/photos of super rad terrain, so it's one of the places I'd like to go once I know I can really enjoy.
Dec 10 2012 12:52AM
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FrenchFriar
Posts: 90 - Karma: 71
YEAH RI!
Dec 10 2012 2:02AM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
Alright thanks man. I know WP and summit county dont compare to the tetons, but the mary jane chutes and the vasquez cirque sure arent "mellow". I feel like im up for the challenge at JAckson to be honest. I like the idea of whitefish, but if i went to montana, I would for sure be going to Big Sky. its been on my hit list for a while now .

and that makes 2 of us on moguls. I hate moguls.
Dec 10 2012 6:42PM
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CartelCrew
Posts: 46 - Karma: 37
Utah is where it is at. Alta/Bird is great skiing, but don't leave out Brighton/Solitude. They get almost as much snow and are very different terrain. Alta/Bird are sustained steeps, while B/S are much more mellow and not as powder competitive. Brighton is great for cliffs, trees and side country. Solitude has quality terrain and makes for a chill day. Only 1 hour away is Powder Mountain which has terrain that is worth checking out too. All in all, you can't beat the snow here when we get weather.
Dec 10 2012 9:52PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
How is February usually? It looks like solitude and brighton are pretty far away from alta/bird, so that might not work. Id defiantly want to go to alta for at least 2 days to see what its like. A lot of other people have mentioned solitude as well, so i defiantly have to look into that. Thanks!
Dec 10 2012 10:25PM
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iLiKeShiFTieZ
Posts: 695 - Karma: 350
pc and alta
Dec 10 2012 10:47PM
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CartelCrew
Posts: 46 - Karma: 37
Feb/March is the best. Stay at the bottom of the canyon and all 4 resorts are 20 minute drive. Cheaper, and better food. PC not so good for snow comparatively. I would say take a tour of them all. Epic trip.
Dec 11 2012 12:10AM
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