Utah Trip, looking for advise.

[andyzee]

I'm looking to get out to Utah this year for the first time and have started looking into pricing. I was looking into going from Sunday to Thursday or Friday to get the best pricing. However, I asked a friend if he would like to go and he would, but has to try to take advantage of the weekend to preserve vacation time.

So far what I got is 5 night at The Iron Blossom for $ 2265.80. This is for three people and includes 4 days of skiing at either Alta or Snowbird and round trip transportation to and from SLC. Airline tickets have come in at $310-330. Just putting it out there to get some advice or tips. Thanks in advance for any useful hints.

[kingslug]

I go to Utah twice a year, just got back. The price sounds about right. I use my timeshare points so my room is paid for. The flight sounds about right, used to be a lot cheaper. I stayed at the Iron Blossom last April, nice place, real close to the lift, as in walking distance. All i can say about Utah is that it has the best snow i have ever skied, and I've skied all over the world. Alta and Snowbird are my favorites, the Canyons is great too but doesn't get the dumps that they do. Solitude is also great, especialy on weekends when it is less crowded. Ski all three, you can't go wrong. Just don't expect any night life. You'll be so tired it won't matter. If you want real booze you'll have to find one of the few state liquor stores. Everywhere else sells 4% beer, tastes good but doesn't take the edge off. Anything else, just post,I've gotten to know all the areas pretty well.

[SKIQUATTRO]

Alta (http://www.rustlerlodge.com/) - If you are going with a group, the dorm room is the way to go (approximately $190) cost includes hot breakfast and dinner. Ski in ski out, bar, heated pool

[andyzee]

Originally Posted by kingslug

Just don't expect any night life. You'll be so tired it won't matter. If you want real booze you'll have to find one of the few state liquor stores. Everywhere else sells 4% beer, tastes good but doesn't take the edge off.

Thanks, everyone seems to warn me about this. Don't care about nightlife and booze. Just give me mountains, snow, shower, bed and a bottle of wine. Thanks

[blacknblue]

Originally Posted by andyzee

Don't care about nightlife and booze. Just give me mountains, snow, shower, bed and a bottle of wine. Thanks

Then you're in the right place! Great snow, great terrain, and you managed a slopeside place.
Personally, I wouldn't bother with The Canyons--just stick to Alta and the Bird, maybe Solitude if you even want to bother leaving LCC.
There is a ton of great terrain to explore at both places. The Gad lifts at Snowbird have some great tree skiing and powder stashes. Mineral Basin is fun unless the sun has baked it a bit. There are some big, obvious lines under the Tram, such as Great Scott. At Alta, make sure to take time to explore. Follow the ridgelines and don't be afraid of a ten-minute hike. Off the Supreme chair, looker's left, is a great area. I would follow the central ridgeline as far out as you feel comfortable, and drop into the east side.
Let me know if you want to pick my brain any further!
(By the way, who did you book the trip with?)

[RISkier]

I'd suggest you pm tirolerpeter (SP?). He's very helpful. If you're willing to stay down in the suburbs of SLC you can get very good deals. He suggested the Best Western Cottontree in Sandy. It's about $169 per night with lift tickets to your choice of Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, or Brighton for 2 persons. It includes use of the buses out to the ski areas. You could probably stay at one of the Extended Stays in either Sandy or Midvale for even less. It'll cost more for the convenience of staying at the resorts. You should go, it's phenomenal!

[andyzee]

Originally Posted by blacknblue

(By the way, who did you book the trip with?)

Haven't booked yet, just started looking into pricing today and figured it wouldn't hurt to post here and get helpful info. For now I just called Snowbird to get the pricing from them on a room/tix package

[tirolerpeter]

Originally Posted by andyzee

Haven't booked yet, just started looking into pricing today and figured it wouldn't hurt to post here and get helpful info. For now I just called Snowbird to get the pricing from them on a room/tix package

Andyzee, ssusc, check your PM's

[woostahDave]

hey there-
i'm returning on my own to utah for the first time since spending a season in LCC four years ago. i never had to worry about a place to crash then, but now i'm on a tight budget. the extended stays in sandy seem to be the cheapest. can anyone vouch for either location? then again, if anyone knows of a comfy couch in the area...

-dave

[skimore]

Would agree with BnB on staying away from The Canyons. We were out there last week and stayed at The Canyons but did not ski there even though we had a ski in ski out place. A few skied there, not me, and I did not hear any feedback that would make me go. The rest of us traveled to Alta/Snowbird and Solitude and were very glad we did. Liked Solitude lots....found fresh pow all day

Here is some footage from trip

http://www.cnybs.com/Utah