Aspen or Whistler?

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

not a freakin chance...unless you're in a helicopter.

I went to Whistler with my Dad 10 years ago..it took us for freaking ever to get out of the Vancouver airport due to customs and whatnot..then you drive through Vancouver traffic and another 2+ hours to Whistler..Whistler is great but realize that there's a good chance you won't have light and dry Rocky Mountain powder and get Sierra Cement..

 

[Dr Skimeister]

Just saying....there is a pretty nice Sheraton property steps away from the gondola at Steamboat.

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

Just saying....there is a pretty nice Sheraton property steps away from the gondola at Steamboat.

I've never been to Steamboat. Would a non-skier have things to do and not be bored for about 5 days?

All my ski trips West or Europe have been with friends. On this family trip I'd be good anywhere as long as my youngest son and I where skiing and the wife was happy. We did tremblant for 5 days a few years ago and that worked out well. She was skiing a little back then though, but now she has back problems.

 

[Dr Skimeister]

I've never been to Steamboat. Would a non-skier have things to do and not be bored for about 5 days?

All my ski trips West or Europe have been with friends. On this family trip I'd be good anywhere as long as my youngest son and I where skiing and the wife was happy. We did tremblant for 5 days a few years ago and that worked out well. She was skiing a little back then though, but now she has back problems.

The mountain base area of Steamboat where the Sheraton is is maybe 10 miles distant from the town of Steamboat Springs. The base area has the typical resort amenities, but not nearly the character of the town. My experience is that the shops and eateries as a general rule are much better in town (although one of the best meals I've ever had anywhere was at Mattie Silk's in the base area). I've many times enjoyed soaking in the pool at the "Springs" after a day of skiing.The Steamboat airport is 35-40 min outside of town.

 

[Greg]

Aspen, hands-down. I hear the beer flows like wine.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Aspen, hands-down. I hear the beer flows like wine.

:beer::beer:

I want to go to Aspen!!!! HPD mind if I tag along..all I need is some floor space to crash..

 

[mattchuck2]

And the women flock like the salmon of capastrano?

 

[ski_resort_observer]

As far as hassle getting out of the city and distance to the slopes getting to Aspen from Stapleton(which is east of the city, isn't exactly just down the road. If the non-skiers like window shopping at expensive jewlery, clothing, art and gift shops and checking out the upper crust like at Rodeo Drive in LA, Aspen would be fun. Don't forget your autograph book! Course, the skiing is pretty awesome too.

 

[deadheadskier]

It will cost you, but if you want you can fly into Aspen. I flew into Vail when I went and recall less than a two hour drive from there.

 

[bobbutts]

I went to Whistler with my Dad 10 years ago..it took us for freaking ever to get out of the Vancouver airport due to customs and whatnot..then you drive through Vancouver traffic and another 2+ hours to Whistler..Whistler is great but realize that there's a good chance you won't have light and dry Rocky Mountain powder and get Sierra Cement..

Same story except make it 20 years ago when I went my my dad.. memory lane
We didn't have trouble at Vancouver airport, but had to switch planes in Seattle. Bottom line the travel took a long time. WAY longer vs. trips CO and UT

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

As far as hassle getting out of the city and distance to the slopes getting to Aspen from Stapleton(which is east of the city, isn't exactly just down the road. If the non-skiers like window shopping at expensive jewlery, clothing, art and gift shops and checking out the upper crust like at Rodeo Drive in LA, Aspen would be fun. Don't forget your autograph book! Course, the skiing is pretty awesome too.

Stapleton??? The old airport?

 

[wa-loaf]

Have you considered Park City?

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

Have you considered Park City?

Park City probably would fit the bill for my wife and you can't be the travel time. I've done the PC resorts and SB/Alta. I'm not opposed to doing it again, but I'd kinda like to go someplace I've never been.

 

[Telemechanic]

What year did Denver's Stapleton Airport close? 1994?

I went to Whistler Blackcomb this winter and didn't have any problems with customs at Vancouver International Airport, I never waited in a line and only spent a couple minutes answering questions. Of course timing can be everything, the customs area is HUGE and obviously can handle longer lines but its grown up a lot since my last visit in 1990. I took a Pacific Coach bus to Whistler Village and it took a couple hours to travel the 75 miles but I feel Whistler's public transportation allows visitors to leave the car at home and still get around the village and surrounding town.

I didn't try any non-skiing activities (does eating count) but some in my group tried the popular zipline tour in the Fitzsimmons Valley between the two ski areas: http://www.ziptrek.com/. With the excellent system of Gondolas at W/B its very easy for non-skiers to get up to the spectacular alpine areas on both mountains. The valley-spanning Peak To Peak Gondola is an amazing ride 1400 feet above Fitzsimmons Creek. They also have Snow Limo Tours for visits to other areas of the ski area for non-skiers: http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/todo/winter/index.htm

 

[jaywbigred]

Aspen, hands-down. I hear the beer flows like wine.

And the women flock like the salmon of capastrano?

Some place warm...

I dunno Lloyd, the French are a$$h0les.

 

[lloyd braun]

Just to clarify a couple things.

Aspen Airport is a 20 minute flight from DIA (Denver) 3 miles from town, and the drive from Denver is 3.5 hours(dry). Fly Frontier they are better than United

Eagle Airport (Vail) is 1 hour and 15 minute drive and usually takes that time. There are no passes only Glenwood Canyon and the elevation is low 5-6K so usually no snow.

Aspen is a city/town that has history and the skiing is awesome. We never have crowds except between Christmas and New Years. 4 mountains to choose from, free transit, etc...

As far as nightlife. There is a reason why Aspen is famous. With over 100 restaurants and bars which are mostly high end you can't go wrong. Whistler has nothing on the nightlife in Aspen NOTHING.

Shopping is 1st class the food is amazing. Check out the LimeLite lodge and also www.stayaspensnowmass.com for info on reservations.

Hope to see you here.

Lloyd

Oh and one more thing, I was drinking beer with Bode Miller last night. You never know who you will be hanging with in Aspen!

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Oh and one more thing, I was drinking beer with Bode Miller last night. You never know who you will be hanging with in Aspen!

I never thought an elite athlete like Bode Miller would be a drinker..anyway how do you know hjm?

 

[lloyd braun]

I never thought an elite athlete like Bode Miller would be a drinker..anyway how do you know hjm?

He is in Aspen often. John McBride his coach lives here. He helped my neighbor out a while back....

http://forums.alpinezone.com/10185-nice-work-bode.html

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

He is in Aspen often. John McBride his coach lives here. He helped my neighbor out a while back....

http://forums.alpinezone.com/10185-nice-work-bode.html

Wow..it sounds like you are living the dream...are you independently wealthy or do you work in Aspen?

 

[lloyd braun]

Wow..it sounds like you are living the dream...are you independently wealthy or do you work in Aspen?

my wife and I both work our asses off to support our family.