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UTAH TRIP

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BenWhit
Posts: 4654 - Karma: 3,256
Hey gang,

My friends and I are headed out to Utah in mid-March. For the four of us, this will be our first trip out west. We have 4 ski days planned and are currently weighing our options; ie. bounce around or stay at one resort. I ski, the others snowboard, but we are all fairly advanced riders. While that hardly says anything, I would say that none of us have any issues with steep/difficult terrain. If anything, that is my strong suit. We have narrowed it down to Solitude, Brighton, and Powder Mountain. Also in mind are Park City & Snowbasin. That said, we are looking primarily to ski in-bounds with the possibility of cheap(er) cat-skiing. Park skiing is on the back-burner (we all have season passes to Mt. Snow). We are looking to stay in the Solitude area considering lodging is fairly cheap and easy to find. We can also rent a car fairly easily to head other places, an hour or two drive elsewhere is not beyond reason, hence we included Park City and Snowbasin. I have no familiarity with these mountains outside of reviews & youtube videos, so any help in comparing/contrasting is appreciated.

Basically, what I'm looking for is a general overview of conditions around that time for that general area (not necessarily mountain specific). Also what mountains have the best/easiest access to in-bounds pow/tree/bowl skiing (and snowboarding)? What mountains would be overshooting for a first time trip out west? What mountains would require the most preparation in terms of avalanche prep, avi beacons, etc.? Lastly, where would you go if you have 4 days out west?

Thanks!
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Jan 13 2015 4:28PM
68 7
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Bear.D
Posts: 52 - Karma: 337
Powder Mtn, hands down... Powder Country is lift accessed, and as awesome as it sounds, but you need to ski down to the bus to get a ride back up (which is easy, and awesome)... Then there's the t-bar on the other side of the mountain, with a massive ridge you can hike for as long, or as little, as you want to find a fresh spot to drop in... I would say this is definitely not where you go for STEEPS, but they don't call it Powder Mtn for nothing... also, I think cat rides were 10$ a pop at the time - we bought one and didn't even end up using it on the last day because we were having so much fun exploring the lift accessed stuff... One day we decided to hit up Snowbasin (which is fun, don't get me wrong), but the snow was bulletproof, and by 10am we had sold our Snowbasin lift tickets and made it to Powder mountain for fresh turns all day... Granted, the place is under new ownership, but I'd be pretty shocked if the T bar, or Powder Country, were not part of their current setup
Jan 13 2015 5:47PM
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turntwood
Posts: 301 - Karma: 295
If you are looking for steep, difficult in bounds terrain I would recommend Snowbird, it's pretty incredible and is really quite a big resort. Brighton is a really fun mountain, but lacks a lot of steepness…but there is a lot of really awesome out of bounds skiing that feeds back into the resort that you can lap over and over with a bit of traversing. Brighton also has a fun park, a lot of rails, and a fun but mellow jump line. Park City has a pristine park, and some fun steep terrain but they usually don't get as much snow. I can't really speak for Solitude, (though I imagine it's quite similar to Brighton), Snowbasin, or Powder Mountain. I've heard Powder Mountain is awesome though. Hopefully in March we'll have a lot of snow, it's usually one of the months with the most snowfall ( I think). If I were you I'd go the Bird for a real "out west" experience. Hope this is helpful!
Jan 13 2015 6:05PM
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methscratchface
Posts: 1203 - Karma: 4,445
ditch the your friends and go to Alta.
Jan 13 2015 10:18PM
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BenWhit
Posts: 4654 - Karma: 3,256
our original plan was to go to Red in BC, but one of the kids has a DUI in the last 6 years and cannot enter Canada easily as a result.

I should have said that i'm not necessarily looking for steeps. Just in terms of "difficult" terrain, that's all we have out here on the EC. Steeps and boilerplate ice. I just want to drop into knee deep snow and float for real!
Jan 13 2015 11:58PM
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whynotski226
Posts: 146 - Karma: 39
+1 for Alta
Jan 14 2015 9:43AM
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Matt5838
Posts: 321 - Karma: 335
+1 for alta
Jan 14 2015 9:58AM
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BenWhit
Posts: 4654 - Karma: 3,256
Matt5838+1 for alta


i would love to go to alta but i'm the lone skier in my group!
Jan 14 2015 10:34AM
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cornholio
Posts: 3952 - Karma: 3,057
rent a house in cottonwood heights and drive to whatever place is reporting the most snow when you wake up
Jan 14 2015 11:00AM
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bakerpunk
Posts: 884 - Karma: 1,126
despite the first guy giving powder mountain an internet blowie. ever heard of the term steep and deep? well powder is neither deep or steep. Sure they have a lot of area they call "in bounds" but its so damn flat. I would stay down in the cottonwoods, better mountains, terrain and you are more likely to get some good powder days.
Jan 14 2015 12:27PM
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Justo8484
Posts: 3905 - Karma: 205
Heading out early march, also coming from the east coast. I'll be riding for 5 days, and also trying to do an assortment while I'm out there. I've been to everywhere on your list, and they'll all be fun compared to mount snow. Bird is gonna have the most rowdy terrain if that's what you're looking for, but it'll also be the most crowded of the bunch. As many others have said, powder mountain holds snow, but it is pretty mellow, and there's a lot of spots where snowboarder friends have had trouble maintaining speed due to the flatness. Basin also how some pretty technical terrain if you want to do a little work for it, and is a lot of fun. I equate it to a mini-snowbird. Brighton is like a big natural terrain park, with lots of small drops and fun stuff to jump off of. Not a ton of really gnarly terrain, but I find it pretty fun. Enjoy your trip!
Jan 14 2015 1:07PM
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yungsteeze
Posts: 673 - Karma: 1,969
methscratchfaceditch the your friends and go to Alta.


First thing that came to mind when I read the op was ditch the snerrberderz and shred alta haha
Jan 14 2015 1:40PM
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BenWhit
Posts: 4654 - Karma: 3,256
The referenced post has been removed.


Damn! That was in depth. Thanks man. This will be very useful.
Jan 14 2015 4:03PM
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Blynch2
Posts: 480 - Karma: 1,006
Bump. Midwest kid in salt lake city right now. What mountain should I go to tomorrow?
Jan 16 2015 9:10PM
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BenWhit
Posts: 4654 - Karma: 3,256
Just checked the average snowfall and temps for March in the areas we're looking at. Can anyone speak to what conditions are generally like in March in terms of likelihood of fresh snow, temps, etc.?
Jan 20 2015 10:10AM
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brotherdad
Posts: 2076 - Karma: 13,067
BenWhitJust checked the average snowfall and temps for March in the areas we're looking at. Can anyone speak to what conditions are generally like in March in terms of likelihood of fresh snow, temps, etc.?


In my area at least (Powder Mtn.) you should expect temps in the upper 20's and lower 30's. As for snow conditions, it's really a gamble on your part until we get closer to the date, but it's definitely possible for it to snow substantially while you're here.
Jan 20 2015 10:21AM
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BenWhit
Posts: 4654 - Karma: 3,256
DINKLEBERGIn my area at least (Powder Mtn.) you should expect temps in the upper 20's and lower 30's. As for snow conditions, it's really a gamble on your part until we get closer to the date, but it's definitely possible for it to snow substantially while you're here.


Awesome, thanks! One opinion I've heard of Powder is that the terrain is fellow mellow. Would you say this is true?
Jan 20 2015 10:53AM
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brotherdad
Posts: 2076 - Karma: 13,067
BenWhitAwesome, thanks! One opinion I've heard of Powder is that the terrain is fellow mellow. Would you say this is true?


Most of the inbounds terrain lacks the gnarly pitch you'd find at many of the Cottonwood resorts, but Powder more than makes up for this with its tiny crowds and plentiful snow. On a a typical weekday, having to wait in a lift line is rare.
Jan 20 2015 11:22AM
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BenWhit
Posts: 4654 - Karma: 3,256
Any good places to rent a good pair of skis? Naturally, being from the east coast, I'm skiing on a park oriented ski. Aramada Alpha 1s. Looking for a powder oriented ski rental.
Feb 16 2015 10:33PM
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notjason
Posts: 74 - Karma: 375
Pow mow, just keep it on the dl.

By March, if all goes well as it should, powder country should be prime, fairly cheap cat rides up lightening ridge too.

Not the steepest mountain, but definitely some steep stuff there under the paradise lift and in certain areas of powder country.
Feb 17 2015 2:48AM
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mtnjax
Posts: 14 - Karma: 30
Ski City Super Passs on Liftopia gets you access to Snowbird, Alta, Solitude and Brighton

like mentioned above, you need to ditch your buddies and at least ski half a day at Alta. it would be totally worth it
Feb 17 2015 6:35PM
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-wakes-
Posts: 358 - Karma: 201
BUMP!


Headed to Snowbasin mid March because I have free lift tickets through the powder alliance. What are conditions like (coverage and all that good stuff)? Might also go to Alta which I'm pretty stoked about.
Feb 25 2015 7:00PM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37301 - Karma: 118,490
split view pretty much nailed it up above. if you have the time, definitely check out snowbird. a personal favorite of mine. its the busiest for sure on a pow day, but even after waiting an hour in traffic up LCC, i found fresh lines all over the place on a 30"+ day. soo many steeps, chutes, cliffs, and things to jump off of. definitely one of the funnest places on earth when its soft and fresh. Northern Utah is quiet and houses some awesome skiing at some really cool low-key areas. its kinda like your classic EC ma and pa resort but with awesome cat skiing and glades. you guys will love it im sure.


conditions could be anywhere from awesome to horrible at this point, but pattern appears to be changing and we finally have snow back in the forecast till next week.
Feb 25 2015 7:20PM
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BenWhit
Posts: 4654 - Karma: 3,256
anyone have opinions on demoing vs renting? I'd love to ride a pair of fat skis if the snow allows, but I'll be bringing my Alpha 1s alone with me. Probably easier to reserve a rental somewhere right?
Mar 6 2015 5:23PM
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ATLskier
Posts: 8203 - Karma: 406
BenWhitanyone have opinions on demoing vs renting? I'd love to ride a pair of fat skis if the snow allows, but I'll be bringing my Alpha 1s alone with me. Probably easier to reserve a rental somewhere right?


Just ride the alpha 1s unless it snows a lot. Or go to 2nd tracks on 3300 south and pick up a used pair of fat skis for super cheap. Evrything is 25-50% off right now.
Mar 6 2015 5:54PM
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BenWhit
Posts: 4654 - Karma: 3,256
it's gonna be 55 and sunny all fuckin week
Mar 13 2015 1:55PM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37301 - Karma: 118,490
BenWhitit's gonna be 55 and sunny all fuckin week


yall ski today? holy wow was it hot. tomorrow should be the same story. sunny and sick.
Mar 15 2015 7:38PM
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Skibumsmith
Posts: 5425 - Karma: 11,773
The bird comp went off today. The skiing sucks dick but it's still fun.
Mar 16 2015 2:18AM
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Loco-Deer-Slayer
Posts: 1401 - Karma: 701
It truly is depressing the amount of snowfall we had in UT this year.
This year is on track for recording the lowest amount of snow since 1945 (not to mention blistering temps).

[URL]https://utahavalanchecenter.org/blog/2397[/URL]5

FUCK.... ME.... SIDEWAYS....
Mar 16 2015 6:58AM
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BenWhit
Posts: 4654 - Karma: 3,256
Hit Pow Mow today. It was super funny, lapped the park in the afternoon for an hour. It was appalling how little snow there was
Mar 19 2015 7:42PM
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equinn
Posts: 718 - Karma: 3,673
I went to utah 2 weeks ago and it was insanely warm. tee shirt skiing basically. I went to park city, canyons and brighton. Park city didnt have the greatest snow because it was pretty slushy but the park was PRIME. Canyons awesome at the top but it had pretty bad cover on the mid mountain section, but Brighton was amazing. There was a ton of snow, the park was awesome (but we didnt go in it too much) and the snow was awesome. The top of Milli was AWESOME. if you traverse pretty far skiers right, you will get awesome snow and some fun cliffs too, but dont go too far or the cliffs will be too big haha.
Mar 19 2015 7:53PM
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BenWhit
Posts: 4654 - Karma: 3,256
grabbed a redeye back to boston friday night. had a great time out in the UTE and thanks to everyone for their help. video coming soon
Mar 22 2015 9:15PM
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