Western trip...where to go?

[Edd]

1st week of March is the plan but we are flexible on the destination. Out of the following choices:

Tahoe
Colorado
Montana
Utah

Who's got the snow so far this season? Went to Utah (Cottonwoods) and North Lake Tahoe last season. Not into Utah's lame booze restricitons but if they have far and away the best conditions it's tough to rule them out. South Lake Tahoe sounds pretty good if I hear conditions are nice. We've never skied Colorado or Montana.

All input is appreciated.

 

[billski]

I have heard tremendous reports from colleagues about massive dumpages in Tahoe this year. Haven't hear about any of the others, including CO which I'm bound for next month. Tahoe snow has a different consistency, often called "cement".

 

[frozencorn]

Have friends in Tahoe. The word epic comes up fairly often this season.

Another friend just came back from Colorado and was somewhat disappointed with conditions (he went to Vail/WP).

Never done Utah or Montana, but they're on the list for sure.

 

[Talisman]

Tahoe snow has a different consistency, often called "cement".

Sierra Cement, is an old put down like VT ice. The comment is based on truth but not entirely accurate, but the cement sticks to the steeps like fluff can't. I'm in CA/NV now skiing Tahoe and Mammoth and loving it, deep snow, warm and sunny. Conditions could be different by March, but there is plenty of 'cement' to make the steeps and chutes fun to ski.

 

[Puck it]

Utah conditions are ok. They are not getting their normal snow amounts. I think CO is getting more now.

 

[wa-loaf]

Utah conditions are ok. They are not getting their normal snow amounts. I think CO is getting more now.

Southern CO has been getting pounded, but Summit County is still having a bit of a dry spell.

I hope Utah turns around soon. I'm heading there in 2 weeks.

 

[ta&idaho]

Tahoe resorts have received upwards of 300 inches already this year, and it looks like they're getting pounded again. No way to predict what the weather will be like in a month, but they've received enough snow that everything will be open and covered. Conditions are more variable in the sierras than in the inland ranges. Best thing about Tahoe: you can pretty much guarantee that you'll either have lots of snow or amazing sunny weather. You might also consider Mammoth, either on its own or in combination if you're going for a long trip. Can't go wrong for a March trip.

 

[Philpug]

At this point..Blue Knob, Pa.

I am looking to head to Tahoe in March myself..I haven't been there since "straight skis".

 

[ta&idaho]

At this point..Blue Knob, Pa.

.

Looks that way: http://www.epicski.com/forum/thread/91721/blue-knob-pa-insane-8feb2010

 

[RISkier]

As noted, the Summit County CO and places like Vail and Beaver Creek have not had a good snow year. Southwestern CO has had a lot of snow. Telluride for example has had lots of snow. UT has also not had a normal snow year. Tahoe has had a good snow year so far. Things can change a lot in 2-3 weeks and you never know when you might get a dump of fresh, but right now you'd be pretty sure you'd at least have a good base in Tahoe or Southwestern CO.

 

[billski]

Tahoe resorts have received upwards of 300 inches already this year, and it looks like they're getting pounded again. No way to predict what the weather will be like in a month, but they've received enough snow that everything will be open and covered. Conditions are more variable in the sierras than in the inland ranges. Best thing about Tahoe: you can pretty much guarantee that you'll either have lots of snow or amazing sunny weather. You might also consider Mammoth, either on its own or in combination if you're going for a long trip. Can't go wrong for a March trip.

Tahoe in March - Guaranteed sunburn

 

[Edd]

I'd also heard about some heavy dumps in Tahoe recently. Seems like that's where we should go. It's a guys trip so we're headed to the South side and hopefully score a place close to the casinos. Heavenly and Kirkwood for sure. It'll be tough not to scoot over to Squaw for a day. See how the weather goes.

 

[Puck it]

Southern CO has been getting pounded, but Summit County is still having a bit of a dry spell.

I hope Utah turns around soon. I'm heading there in 2 weeks.

Conditions are good for an Eastern skier in Utah but the locals are complaining. I had two core shots out there from rocks in the chutes, but I had fun.

 

[snoseek]

Northern and central colorado mountains are having a pretty awful year. It's still pretty good skiing but kind of thin and the steeper stuff is barely now just opening. I can't imagine how a-basin is skiing right now. I have speant as much time at T-Ride this winter (7 Hours!!!) than locally (1 hour). Utah is skiing ok but not a banner year and a little thin (for Utah). It could all change so fast. One decent storm and it really doesn't matter. I would go to Mammoth/Taos/Southern Colorado or Tahoe

 

[snoseek]

Why don't you just fly into a central location like SLC, rent a car and follow the snow?

 

[hammer]

Any thoughts on the best place out west to plan for well in advance? I'm leaning towards Utah for next February but am open to suggestions.

Also, are any areas out west less or more intermediate-friendly?

 

[Marc]

Any thoughts on the best place out west to plan for well in advance? I'm leaning towards Utah for next February but am open to suggestions.

Also, are any areas out west less or more intermediate-friendly?

Of the four resorts where I skied in Utah last year, I liked Snowbird the best by far. Great mix of terrain, typically reliable snowfall. Connection to Alta which is also a cool place, though the lodges are a little dated. Snowbird takes great care of their facilities and has something for everyone.

 

[ta&idaho]

Any thoughts on the best place out west to plan for well in advance? I'm leaning towards Utah for next February but am open to suggestions.

Also, are any areas out west less or more intermediate-friendly?

In Utah, Powder Mountain offers an old-school Utah experience (think Alta before the high speed lifts, the Snowbird connection, etc) with intermediate-friendly slopes. Brighton and Alta have plenty of intermediate terrain. Intermediates will be less happy at Snowbird and Snowbasin.

In Idaho, I highly recommend Brundage Mountain, staying in the town of McCall. Takes two flights from the East Coast, but the town is charming, the cost is low, the snow is outstanding, the slopes offer something for all skier levels, and your friends probably haven't been there.

In Tahoe, Northstar, Heavenly, and Homewood all offer lots of intermediate options. Tahoe conditions are a mixed bag, but by February you'll either have good snow or great weather.

 

[SKIQUATTRO]

buddy of mine just went to Breck....."thin" was his comment

 

[soulseller]

I just got home from Mammoth/June last night, they are having a really good snow year, June was boot to knee deep all day, Mammoth is busier so it gets tracked out quicker but still amazing. Here is there snow history (which has not been updated for the past week's 20"+)
http://www.mammothmountain.com/MyMammoth/#tabs_conditions-snowfall

From what I hear CO, WY, MO are not doing so good this season but I believe they have picked up a bit as of late.