Ye Olde East V. West discussion

[abc]

Only one problem with Breck and everything Colorado, the OP said he maybe sensitive to altitude!

 

[thetrailboss]

1. I wouldn't worry about trail length, especially the maximum. I think what happens is that in the East they build these long, winding, very flat green trails from the top like the Great Northern, which end up becoming very long trails in length. They cut across tens of trails, and are a PITA. The idea is seems to be that everybody, including beginners can go to the top of the mountain. Otherwise, probably green terrain would have been really boring. They don't bother in the West, because green trails from mid mountain is sufficient for beginners. Actually, it is rare to have green trails from the top of the mountain in the West. If you are interested in verticals, try this http://mountainvertical.com/. They try to true up to cut through the numbers.

2. I think that for what you will do, West will be very fun since the cruisers will be softer. As an intermediate, I went to Alta, and it was the best skiing ever for me. I didn't have to worry about ice, trail crowds, etc. I think it is easier not to worry. I did a few of their simple blacks, and that was easier to Eastern blacks too, again, due to snow conditions.

3. Uyah was fine for me, nbever been to CO, though. I think this one is genetic. Some folks are fine, others have problems.

4. nope.

As for recommendation, I'd go to Alta. You can also try tons of stuff. Over two weeks, I went to Snowbasin, Solitude each for one day, and skied Alta the rest of the time. It is that much fun. I was there mid-December. They had gomore snow than Stratton gets the whole season.

We've had a lively discussion about mountainvertical.com.