Best West Coast conditions (February 2016)?

[Abominable]

Yeah, by the canyons I mean the cottonwood canyons. Staying somewhere (probably SLC) and running up depending on weather, etc. If there's a big storm threat, might opt for a way to spend a night slopeside.

Terrain - I love it all. Wide open bowls to narrow trees; drops, chutes and ladders. But I've had opportunities to ski across the states, snowmobile serviced backcountry and even a bit in Europe, so this is more about my wife's first 'big mountain' ski experience. Wide open, sunny, immaculate corduroy, taking your jacket off to have a beer at the summit in the sun, epic views... that kind of stuff.

I'll still sneak away for some sidecountry / cat tours / things like that where available. Don't like to head out of bounds by myself though, and don't want to put her in a position that would ruin the day for her.

 

[thetrailboss]

Yeah, by the canyons I mean the cottonwood canyons. Staying somewhere (probably SLC) and running up depending on weather, etc. If there's a big storm threat, might opt for a way to spend a night slopeside.

Terrain - I love it all. Wide open bowls to narrow trees; drops, chutes and ladders. But I've had opportunities to ski across the states, snowmobile serviced backcountry and even a bit in Europe, so this is more about my wife's first 'big mountain' ski experience. Wide open, sunny, immaculate corduroy, taking your jacket off to have a beer at the summit in the sun, epic views... that kind of stuff.

I'll still sneak away for some sidecountry / cat tours / things like that where available. Don't like to head out of bounds by myself though, and don't want to put her in a position that would ruin the day for her.

Well, if you want big mountain skiing, the best choice is Snowbird. That said, it is not a good intermediate or lower mountain. Snowbird is for experts really. The grooming has improved a lot, but she might not like it if she does not like steep.

Second choice would be Alta. It is old school and has some good cruisers/groomed terrain for her and great expert stuff for you that only requires a short hike or traverse.

Third might be Snowbasin. No crowds, nice lifts, good grooming and snowmaking, some crazy terrain. Downsides: location, weird vibe, and lots of bowls that you look at but don't really ski because they are above the lifts.

Sounds like you'd like Pow Mow. It is off the grid and has a large cat-skiing operation that is considered in-bounds.

And honestly unless you want groomers and a real foodie/resort scene, then skip Park City and Deer Valley.

Conditions are spring here right now, but we are going to get snow and colder weather on Sunday-Tuesday. After that looks to be staying cool with on and off snow.

 

[Abominable]

Conditions are spring here right now, but we are going to get snow and colder weather on Sunday-Tuesday. After that looks to be staying cool with on and off snow.

Looking forward to it. Thanks for the intel, and I'll buy you a beer if we're at the same place at some point.

 

[4aprice]

Well I just did something rather impulsive. Wife got called to a meeting in SLC end of next week. Looked around, looked doable, have some vacation days to burn and pulled the trigger. Skiing Fri 3/11 - Fri 3/18. Took a bit of pain on flight, but since hers is paid for by work figured what the hell. Have plenty of hotel points to burn so that should ease the pain.

Never been to SLC!

Thinking of starting in Ogden, Pow Mow and Snowbasin for the first weekend. Then head down to the city (Midvale / Sandy?) midweek, for some time in the Canyons.

Who's got the best St. Patrick's Party?

Trailboss and anyone else, would love to meet up for some runs if possible. I've been skiing (snowboarding) my whole life, basically only limited by strength and stamina (and b@lls) as I reach middle age. Wife is fairly new to the sport but will love groomers in the sun. So hopefully I'll be able to peel away from time to time to shred the gnar.

Stoked!

You will not regret it. Stay with what I call the front 4 (BCC and LCC areas). If they don't keep you entertained then nothing will.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

 

[snoseek]

Dont overlook bcc also. Solitude aint a big mega resort but seriously hits all of your criteria

Sent from my LG-H345 using Tapatalk

 

[deadheadskier]

More snow in the past 24 hours at Mammoth than much of the Northeast has seen all season

http://www.mammothmountain.com/wint...ntain-information/snow-conditions-and-weather

 

[thetrailboss]

Feel free to PM for more specific information, Abominable.

 

[snoseek]

I just wrote myself off the work schedule for the next few days. Nice cold couple feet coming in tonight on top of the three feet we got in the past day or two. Im calling tuesday morning to be as good as it gets if lifts dont all open tomorrow

Sent from my LG-H345 using Tapatalk

 

[BenedictGomez]

Pulled the trigger last night on SLC, got slightly burned by Kayak's algo, but not too bad, more annoyed at how ridiculously obnoxious it is to use FF miles these days, it's like the Caddy's pool hours in Caddyshack.

Nine full days, figuring 5 or 6 days skiing if the legs will allow. Not sure if I'll hit 5 or 6 different places 1 day each, or if they're so big that that's dumb and I should probably pick 3 and do them 2 days each and learn them a bit. I assume I wouldnt need a rental car if I stuck to DV, Park City, and the former Canyons, but if I wanted to ski Alta or Solitude or Snowbird I'll probably need a car, is that right?

Next up I'll book lodging, and try to buy some lift ticket vouchers in advance to save $$$$. If anyone knows any deals on UT lift tickets, I'm all ears.

 

[Abominable]

Next up I'll book lodging, and try to buy some lift ticket vouchers in advance to save $$$$. If anyone knows any deals on UT lift tickets, I'm all ears.

Researching right now myself. Lots of good options. Liftopia has good deals, but those go away the closer you get. Local ski stores show generally 10 - 15 bucks off. The hotels I've called all have some sort of ski and stay situation, generally saving 15-ish on the tickets. There's also this - http://www.visitsaltlake.com/skicity/super-pass/

AND, craigslist. Not sure how much I want to run around Salt Lake City for vouchers but there are some CHEAP deals out there, like 25 bucks a day cheap. Always a roll of the dice with Craigslist, but I generally have good luck here in the East.

What's your schedule?

 

[thetrailboss]

Pulled the trigger last night on SLC, got slightly burned by Kayak's algo, but not too bad, more annoyed at how ridiculously obnoxious it is to use FF miles these days, it's like the Caddy's pool hours in Caddyshack.

Nine full days, figuring 5 or 6 days skiing if the legs will allow. Not sure if I'll hit 5 or 6 different places 1 day each, or if they're so big that that's dumb and I should probably pick 3 and do them 2 days each and learn them a bit. I assume I wouldnt need a rental car if I stuck to DV, Park City, and the former Canyons, but if I wanted to ski Alta or Solitude or Snowbird I'll probably need a car, is that right?

Next up I'll book lodging, and try to buy some lift ticket vouchers in advance to save $$$$. If anyone knows any deals on UT lift tickets, I'm all ears.

Yes, I am not aware of any buses or public transit that run from PC to Alta/Snowbird.

 

[BenedictGomez]

Snowbird is for experts really. The grooming has improved a lot, but she might not like it if she does not like steep.

I have a similar issue. The gf skis all intermediates fine at places like Jay Peak, Smuggs, Stowe etc.., but doesn't venture onto diamonds. Sounds like Snowbird's not good for someone like that?

Yes, I am not aware of any buses or public transit that run from PC to Alta/Snowbird.

Thanks. Luckily it looks like basic car rentals are crazy cheap out there for whatever reason, $25/day.

 

[4aprice]

Remember you are going in Late March/Early April. You could get a week where the temps stay lower and the Park City areas which are lower in elevation are good or you could get a warm week where that lower elevation hurts and its soup at those same areas. I prefer the front 4 which sit at a much higher elevation and would recommend staying in the valley. Any one of the 4 areas up front will keep you entertained so doubling or tripling up on one isn't a bad idea as you probably not touch most of them anyways. I think you could ski Snowbird for a season and not touch it all.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

 

[mishka]

I have a similar issue. The gf skis all intermediates fine at places like Jay Peak, Smuggs, Stowe etc.., but doesn't venture onto diamonds. Sounds like Snowbird's not good for someone like that?



Thanks. Luckily it looks like basic car rentals are crazy cheap out there for whatever reason, $25/day.

imo Alta have a fair amount of low angle groomed trails ....and the same time have even more groomed steep trails. Some of those groomers will not have enough Diamonds if use East coat classification lol also steep groomers get scraped rather quickly specially at Alta and Snowbird

if to ski front 4 car is not needed. Ski bus going every 30 min. as longer your hotel not too far from it root or get shuttled from hotel to skibus stop

 

[BenedictGomez]

Great deal alert for Abominalble, 4Apice, and anyone else going to Utah.

Found an EBAY sale for $40 for a Solitude ticket (no restrictions) and a Snowbird M-F BOGO. I bought a few solely for the $40 Solitude tickets that can be used on Saturday/Sunday versus $79 walkup or $68 Liftopia.

Anyway, I was surprised it turned out to be the Warren Miller deal, which was not mentioned in the auction, but even MORE surprised to find out this WM deal also includes a free lift ticket to Powder Mountain, which I was considering going to given the positive AZ mentions. With free tickets, that's a no-brainer now.

So for $80 total ($78.40 really) I scored 2 Solitude tix, 2 Powder Mountain tix, and a Snowbird BOGO (which I may or may not use).

The EBAY seller has 3 left at the link below:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Solitude-Sk...425701?hash=item4afa084465:g:RRUAAOSwX~dWm7sO

 

[thetrailboss]

Great deal alert for Abominalble, 4Apice, and anyone else going to Utah.

Found an EBAY sale for $40 for a Solitude ticket (no restrictions) and a Snowbird M-F BOGO. I bought a few solely for the $40 Solitude tickets that can be used on Saturday/Sunday versus $79 walkup or $68 Liftopia.

Anyway, I was surprised it turned out to be the Warren Miller deal, which was not mentioned in the auction, but even MORE surprised to find out this WM deal also includes a free lift ticket to Powder Mountain, which I was considering going to given the positive AZ mentions. With free tickets, that's a no-brainer now.

So for $80 total ($78.40 really) I scored 2 Solitude tix, 2 Powder Mountain tix, and a Snowbird BOGO (which I may or may not use).

The EBAY seller has 3 left at the link below:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Solitude-Sk...425701?hash=item4afa084465:g:RRUAAOSwX~dWm7sO

Yes, the WM films here had this deal. I have to use mine

 

[180]

great deals for Utah, however I am headed to Sun Valley and Steamboat. No deals what so ever and rental cars are way expensive

 

[4aprice]

Great deal alert for Abominalble, 4Apice, and anyone else going to Utah.

Found an EBAY sale for $40 for a Solitude ticket (no restrictions) and a Snowbird M-F BOGO. I bought a few solely for the $40 Solitude tickets that can be used on Saturday/Sunday versus $79 walkup or $68 Liftopia.

Anyway, I was surprised it turned out to be the Warren Miller deal, which was not mentioned in the auction, but even MORE surprised to find out this WM deal also includes a free lift ticket to Powder Mountain, which I was considering going to given the positive AZ mentions. With free tickets, that's a no-brainer now.

So for $80 total ($78.40 really) I scored 2 Solitude tix, 2 Powder Mountain tix, and a Snowbird BOGO (which I may or may not use).

The EBAY seller has 3 left at the link below:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Solitude-Sk...425701?hash=item4afa084465:g:RRUAAOSwX~dWm7sO

Thanks for the info will check into it. Think you will really like Solitude and from your description your SO will too. Lots of good cruisers off the HSQ (I want to say American Eagle but I may be confusing it with somewhere else) on the far right of the resort looking up. If Honeymoon Canyon is open you may want to sit her down (there's a neat little bar at Moonbeam lodge) and make a couple of loops. Being the tree fan you are the near side wall (off the back of Powderhorn) has great trees. New Summit lift changes the Summit area a little but those runs are nice too.

Pow Mow 1.5 hrs north. Worth it, yes, but get a early start on it the day you go. Plenty of intermediate stuff off Hidden Lake which I'm sure the gf will love. Some good tree areas for you and steeper stuff down below Hidden lake. Had one of the best Cheeseburgers ever up in the Hidden Lake shack up top. Don't miss the bar there either as its pretty fun for apres ski.

Like I've said before I (Maybe we as my family agrees with me) am a big fan of Brighton. If it is going to be snowing during the skiing day I really recommend this place. Its got plenty of intermediate stuff for the gf and plenty of harder stuff for you including great tree areas. It is also one of the cheaper mts out there. You really don't want to get caught out in some of the open areas out there in a snow storm.

I hope it snows for you when you are out there as Utah powder really is a treat.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

 

[Abominable]

Great deal alert for Abominalble,

Good deal, thanks for the heads up, BUT, this needs to be physically shipped or is it via email? I'm outta here tomorrow night.

Looks like shipped, just wanted to be sure.

Thanks.

 

[Abominable]

Good deal, thanks for the heads up, BUT, this needs to be physically shipped or is it via email? I'm outta here tomorrow night.

Looks like shipped, just wanted to be sure.

Thanks.

Disregard, just pulled the trigger on two, shipped to hotel in Utah. As the kids say these days, "Good lookin' out."

Thanks.

EDIT, no shipping required, even better, thanks!