Ski the West

[snoseek]

They say the northern track is gonna be pretty active, Big Sky would be in that track. I would go there as one of the biggest draws to Vail is the backside and it could be questionable. Other than that Vail is a fantastic place for a vacation-April crowds back way off, Breck is actually a good bet that time of year also, high elevation resorts like Breck are so awesome in April. Good luck and have fun!

add one for a$$pen also, if you can swing it it would be pretty awesome. Maybe hold up to make sure your destination doesn't get skunked this year-last year was kinda tough for hills like steamboat, summit county.

 

[Geoff]

I've done Vail in early April a number of times. The cable TV industry hosts a benefit for the US Adaptive Ski Team called SkiTam. The back bowls can be mostly rotted snow because they sit in the sun and bake but the skiing and snow pack are otherwise usually excellent. I have gotten some amazing slopeside condo + lift tix deals at that time of year. The restaurants are winding down but most are still open. When you're expense report dining, it can be a great place.

 

[WakeboardMom]

I've done Vail in early April a number of times. The cable TV industry hosts a benefit for the US Adaptive Ski Team called SkiTam. The back bowls can be mostly rotted snow because they sit in the sun and bake but the skiing and snow pack are otherwise usually excellent. I have gotten some amazing slopeside condo + lift tix deals at that time of year. The restaurants are winding down but most are still open. When you're expense report dining, it can be a great place.

Thanks. I value your input. So far, that much I knew...Jerry's done Vail in April. It all sounds good to me. He asked me if I knew anything about Big Sky because our passes are good for discounts there.

"Expense?" That ain't happenin'. I'd have to present it to myself, and I'd probably reject it. ; )

 

[tjf67]

There are some great deals with the pass you have to big sky.

 

[snowmonster]

I would second a recommendation for Whistler -- great skiing and all the creature comforts you want. Stay in the Village and walk to the lifts. They usually have a Ski and Snowboard festival at the third week of April so, unless you're into that, avoid that time. First week of April should be prime.

 

[Hawkshot99]

Dear Valley? I spent 1 day there last year and it was amazing. I day tripped there from The Canyons Resort, so only used the lodges. If there hotels/condos are anything like what the lodge was then it would fit in perfectly with what you described. The skiing was pretty darn good as well. Great groomers, and some awesome chutes, bowls and mogul fields.

 

[Geoff]

Dear Valley? I spent 1 day there last year and it was amazing. I day tripped there from The Canyons Resort, so only used the lodges. If there hotels/condos are anything like what the lodge was then it would fit in perfectly with what you described. The skiing was pretty darn good as well. Great groomers, and some awesome chutes, bowls and mogul fields.

Yep. Deer Valet has some pretty good skiing. The Bogner people stick to the groomers. It has some of the best tree skiing in North America and it's mostly ignored. ....and gourmet food in the cafeteria.

 

[4aprice]

Yep. Deer Valet has some pretty good skiing. The Bogner people stick to the groomers. It has some of the best tree skiing in North America and it's mostly ignored. ....and gourmet food in the cafeteria.

Deer Valley is classy indeed but she says she is looking at the 1st week in April and the Park City valley and ski areas there are at a significantly lower elevation then the Cottonwood Canyon areas. I'd be a little bit weary there. Colorado areas mostly have higher base elevations and are usually in pretty good shape for April. Haven't been to Big Sky (yet) so I cannot comment on it except to say that it looks nice in pictures and trail maps.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

 

[Hawkshot99]

Yep. Deer Valet has some pretty good skiing. The Bogner people stick to the groomers. It has some of the best tree skiing in North America and it's mostly ignored. ....and gourmet food in the cafeteria.

There were guys waiting at the sidewalk to help us get our gear out of our cab when we arrived, and they called a cab to get back to were we were staying at the end of the day.

The food in the cafeterias is amazing. Like no "quick" lunch you have ever had at any ski area. While I would not say the food was cheap, when I compared it to the burger I had the day before it was very reasonable.

 

[snoseek]

Deer Valley is pretty awesome I agree.

It sits a little low though. If you wanted classic spring skiing it would be perfect.

 

[Geoff]

Deer Valley is classy indeed but she says she is looking at the 1st week in April and the Park City valley and ski areas there are at a significantly lower elevation then the Cottonwood Canyon areas. I'd be a little bit weary there. Colorado areas mostly have higher base elevations and are usually in pretty good shape for April. Haven't been to Big Sky (yet) so I cannot comment on it except to say that it looks nice in pictures and trail maps.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

Canyawns is only 600 feet lower than Alta. Ditto Pork Sushi. Deer Valet is a little lower. The Snowbird tram is only 11K. Utah isn't the place to go looking for packed powder in April. You want farther north and/or higher elevation.

 

[4aprice]

Canyawns is only 600 feet lower than Alta. Ditto Pork Sushi. Deer Valet is a little lower. The Snowbird tram is only 11K. Utah isn't the place to go looking for packed powder in April. You want farther north and/or higher elevation.

Maybe its a perception thing then. I do know I have seen it raining at Park City and snowing in the Cottonwoods (at the base of the areas). Agreed that Utah isn't tremendously high in altitude compared to some of the others (Colorado resorts). But the Wasatch (and particularly the Cottonwoods) because of topography certainly get their share in April. Deer Valley is certainly an excellent place to vacation and get pampered (and excellent skiing by the way).

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

 

[WakeboardMom]

Yep. Deer Valet has some pretty good skiing. The Bogner people stick to the groomers. It has some of the best tree skiing in North America and it's mostly ignored. ....and gourmet food in the cafeteria.

; ) You got me on two counts there in one sentence.

 

[wa-loaf]

; ) You got me on two counts there in one sentence.

The bathrooms (even on mountain) are pretty nice too.

 

[SKIQUATTRO]

DV gets a rep of a 'cruiser mtn'....there is some sick stuff back there that i was lucky enough to score with some locals....fresh tracks for days after a storm....we are kicking around the idea of going out there for Easter....

 

[JerseyJoey]

DV gets a rep of a 'cruiser mtn'....there is some sick stuff back there that i was lucky enough to score with some locals....fresh tracks for days after a storm....we are kicking around the idea of going out there for Easter....

Agree totally on Deer Valley. I love the place. The bulk of the skiers who ski there never leave the groomers (which are nice as well). That leaves all the other terrain untouched for a long long time after a storm.

I love the stuff over by Ruins of Pompei and some of the tree skiing on that side of the ski area. The Sultun and Mayflower lifts service great great terrain over there. Tons of steeps, bumps, and trees, and all stay fresh for a long time after a storm.

The Lady Morgan lift on the other side of the area (by Park City) services some pretty amazing terrain as well.

Deer Valley is a great ski area.

 

[SKIQUATTRO]

yes, yes it is......first time there was back in the 80's ( i was in 5th grade) my parents took us out there for easter weekend,,,,,girls skiing in bikinis, we had to buy shortsleeve shirts, palm trees in the snow at the mid mountain, lodge, lounge chairs in the snow, people soaking up the utah sun....was fantastic, even in 5th grade i knew that place was like non other....been back numerous times, keeps getting better....the seafood buffett for dinner, table next to the fireplace....yummmmmmmm

 

[Hawkshot99]

DV gets a rep of a 'cruiser mtn'....there is some sick stuff back there that i was lucky enough to score with some locals....fresh tracks for days after a storm....we are kicking around the idea of going out there for Easter....

The group I was with at the Canyons, decided to head over there for a day of relaxing groomers. Then we ventured to the back of the property.

 

[Philpug]

If you want "West", then go to Tahoe.

California sun can't be beat.

It's where all the cool kids are

Marie,
Last Saturday. I had a really long talk with Brandon Bang, Director of Sales for Big Sky. I got really good vibes from him about the place, especially in terms of their offerings. I think you'll find the people to be pretty laid back and easy going. they have one ski show special (I have the code at home) offers lodging, with free skiing for 3-4 days. I really can't speak for the weather. I'd suggest you try this post at epicski.com, there are a lot more western skiers there.[/QUOTE]

Yep a good question for Epic. April skiing is common at Mammoth, Snowbird, Vail/A-basin (we ski there in March for Mothers Day every year)

 

[tjf67]

It's where all the cool kids are

Marie,
Last Saturday. I had a really long talk with Brandon Bang, Director of Sales for Big Sky. I got really good vibes from him about the place, especially in terms of their offerings. I think you'll find the people to be pretty laid back and easy going. they have one ski show special (I have the code at home) offers lodging, with free skiing for 3-4 days. I really can't speak for the weather. I'd suggest you try this post at epicski.com, there are a lot more western skiers there.[/QUOTE]

Yep a good question for Epic. April skiing is common at Mammoth, Snowbird, Vail/A-basin (we ski there in March for Mothers Day every year)

If someone has the gold card the deals that you get going to big sky are really hard to pass on.