Snow Journal - Serious About Snowsports!

Home

Forums : NELSAP Discussion : NELSAP Discussion
Moderated by: Chris, nelsap, Betsy, the_hop

Anonymous posts are not allowed in this forum

Slopeside Vacations are $$$$! Whaddya think of this vaca idea?

Page: 1

Author	Post
catamount82 Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 552 Location:NJ	Posted: Oct 09, 2009 - 3:11 PM GMT Edited: Oct 09, 2009 - 3:12 PM GMT Since I have daughter for February mid-winter vacation this year, I began looking for affordable ski trip, preferably out west, but will consider the east. Went to Smuggs a couple years ago, and I have to be honest, it was big $$$ to stay there. Everywhere I look around my old eastern and western haunts, all I saw were per night costs in the $200 - $300 range and I'm thinking, "forget this". So, looking through the latest issue of Powder, I come across Bridger Bowl, Montana. So I begin to do a little research. It's 25 miles from Bozeman (which has an airport, YEAH!) and the city of Bozeman has the usual Comfort Inns, Hampton Inns, etc....in the $70 - $100 per night range. Additionally, you have a town where there are things "to do". And Big Sky is close too! So, I was wondering if any of the snowjournal gurus have visited the Bozeman area and what the experience was like. Flights are less than $500 from EWR, I can stay cheap, buy day tickets, and have a little city to explore. Would've loved to go to Alta or Jackson Hole, but it seems that having a city close by is a definite advantage both $$ wise and fun wise. I know I could stay in SLC for cheap, but that road up to Little Cottonwood closes down during big snows and the only viable way to do Alta or Bird is to stay up in the canyon. Would've loved Park City too, but holy $$$!!!! for lodging!!! __________ "Always drink upstream...from the herd"

jaytrem Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Mar 21, 2002 Posts: 801 Location:	Posted: Oct 09, 2009 - 3:26 PM GMT Sounds great to me. I love hitting the lesser known places. If you get snow it won't be tracked out so quick. After weekday powder days at Powder Mountain and Alta my motto became "Alta is for suckers". Montana is sooooo much more appealing. Great state to do a ski tour if you don't mind driving and hotel changing. The only thing some people might consider to be a negative is the lack of high speed lifts. But when your still skiing untracked stuff at 4PM you probably won't miss them too much. So yeah, I'm very excited about your proposed trip.

z1000307470 Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: May 07, 2004 Posts: 331 Location:Bergen County, NJ	Posted: Oct 09, 2009 - 4:04 PM GMT You have a good plan. One more place to check is Western Canada - Lake Louise/Banff, Kicking Horse, Fernie, Apex, Red Mountain, etc. You would have to fly into Calgary or Spokane. I have not yet made the trek, but I have looked due to having a 15 year old. Some of these places do not upcharge during Presidents' week and right now (in Oct) they usually have some great deals.

malchron Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Oct 09, 2009 Posts: 1 Location:	Posted: Oct 09, 2009 - 4:47 PM GMT Not a bad idea. But an el Nino year has bad consequences for the Northwest and Northern Rockies. Check out: http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/predictions//multi_season/13_seasonal_outlooks/color/churchill.php The jet stream will likely deliver the goods to Colorado and South, and if you have ever wanted to ski Taos, or Wolf Creek, the locals will have enough to go around this year. And one thing about Bridger - a lot of the terrain requires avy gear and a local to show you what runs won't kill you. And if the snow is scarce, good luck finding a local willing to share.

frers33 Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Jul 01, 2008 Posts: 50 Location:SE Massachusetts/Salt Lake	Posted: Oct 09, 2009 - 4:51 PM GMT Edited: Oct 09, 2009 - 5:08 PM GMT In a nutshell, you'd be surprised how close SLC is to PC. From Cottonwood Heights near 10000 S and 3000 E at 215, The Canyons is roughly 26 miles and 30 minutes. We skied there two years ago for the season and made the trek six days a week. From the same area, Alta-Bird (LCC) and Solitude-Brighton (BCC) are about 15 miles and 30 minutes as well. Don't worry about Alta getting skied out, it's still great. If you don't mind a little hiking, untraked pow stashes can be found at Deer Valley and Solitude for days after a storm. From what I've seen, BCC doesn't seem to close as much as LCC and Snowbird usually locks down when avalanche control is being done along 210. Additionally, to help you plan your ski day, Salt Lake Sheriff's Office issues closure/opening alerts by text or email. Subscribing to the service can be done on their website. You can get discount tickets for participating UT ski areas from local ski shops such as Lift House at the entrance to BCC. Utah, Montana, Maine...It's all good and remember, no friends or family on a powder day. __________ The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.”

jaytrem Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Mar 21, 2002 Posts: 801 Location:	Posted: Oct 09, 2009 - 4:51 PM GMT Quote: You have a good plan. One more place to check is Western Canada - Lake Louise/Banff, Kicking Horse, Fernie, Apex, Red Mountain, etc. You would have to fly into Calgary or Spokane. I have not yet made the trek, but I have looked due to having a 15 year old. Some of these places do not upcharge during Presidents' week and right now (in Oct) they usually have some great deals. That's we're I'll be Pres. weekend and the week before. Was there last year too, good stuff. Totally different feel than Montana though. This year flying in and out of Calgary, last year flew in and out of Seattle. So the middle fo the trip with be similar, Big White, Sun Peaks, Silver Star, Kicking Horse. All those can be skied for free with a Descente Passport jacket. I just hope the exchange rate drops again. Was nice last year. Descente Passport jacket

jimk Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Aug 27, 2004 Posts: 747 Location:Wash DC area	Posted: Oct 09, 2009 - 6:30 PM GMT Edited: Oct 09, 2009 - 6:31 PM GMT Nothing wrong with the Montana plan. I'm curious about that part of ski country too. But couldn't you get airfares much lower than 500 each to Denver, Reno, SLC, Seattle? Say at 225 each = 450 for two vs 1000? The difference would pay for 5 or 6 nights at a Comfort Inn? Ski areas like Loveland, Brighton, Mt Rose, Mt Baker sell inexpensive lift tics.

4aprice Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Jan 16, 2006 Posts: 709 Location:Lake Hopatcong, NJ	Posted: Oct 09, 2009 - 7:12 PM GMT My suggestion is Utah.(Salt Lake City) I think I've seen Parley's Canyon (I-80 to Park City)closed once in the many times I've been there and you wouldn't have wanted to be skiing that day anyways. Just make sure to rent a 4 wheel drive. Alex Lake Hopatcong, NJ

skilady Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Oct 02, 2009 Posts: 13 Location:	Posted: Oct 10, 2009 - 1:35 AM GMT Hi, Sounds nice and you did some research...kewl. I went to Steamboat Springs a few years back... I used for rent by owner on the net. I got a great condo, not slope side the bus pickup was at the end of the driveway. I contacted the owner...he charged $100.00 a day (2 bedroom - 3 bathrooms and recently renovated, nicely decorated condo). It was in March, so end of season. Went to A-Basin another time...did the same thing..and got a good deal too. Just an idea!

MissDaEast Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Dec 17, 2002 Posts: 1786 Location:	Posted: Oct 10, 2009 - 2:18 AM GMT Edited: Oct 10, 2009 - 2:32 AM GMT The February vacation time is a pretty safe bet for good conditions at most places. Bozeman sounds great. I don't think there's "slopeside" skiing there, but lots of options close by, at any rate. How old is your daughter? Is she in high school or college, and up for some deep powder and tree skiing, or is she just getting to know the sport? I would think that if she is really young, and not a snow freak, you might want to think about keeping her comfortable and happy (not threaten her with challenges that are uncomfortable or frightening). Younger kids are happy if they are dressed warmly and socially engaged; even a small local hill can be a lot of fun, if Dad is sharing in the fun. A long trip out west might not be worth the expense. If she's older, and "into" it, there'd be nothing better than a big mountain experience and the thrill of seeing something so awesome as the Rockies. In any event, my thoughts are to concentrate on your time having fun together, and go where you can afford to enjoy even a rainy/icy/cold day. Addendum: As someone else stated, if you were considering SLC, your concerns about the driving/weather conditions in Little Cottonwood Canyon would not preclude you from accessing the many areas around Park City (Deer Valley, The Canyons, etc.) .

catamount82 Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 552 Location:NJ	Posted: Oct 10, 2009 - 8:09 PM GMT Edited: Oct 10, 2009 - 9:02 PM GMT Thanks MissDaEast....my daughter is almost 14, she's 5'-8" and a pretty powerful package. We went to Breck 3 years ago and she really held her own and can ski a black diamond or two. I'm not that into trees as I consider them immovable objects and rather stay to the open terrain. So, I think most anywhere we go we will find our "groove" in the skiing department. I don't think intimidating her will be a concern as I'm almost 50 and have used up 95% of my knee mileage! I rather fancy the Montana idea and will certainly consider Utah as I've been there 4 times myself. I kinda like the less hectic scene and SLC is a pretty vast place. Bozeman (pop 27,509 in 2000) seems like it might have enough to keep us occupied and it'll be a new experience for this old ski warrior! Ski Lady, that sounds like it was an awesome vaca in Steamboat! Trackbiker gave me some links to search for rentals by owner and other economizing ideas. Thanks for the ideas! __________ "Always drink upstream...from the herd"

Talisman Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Nov 06, 2002 Posts: 941 Location:	Posted: Oct 10, 2009 - 10:33 PM GMT So I've been to a Bozeman a couple of times for skiing and hiking. Bridger Bowl is close to down town and Big Sky and Moom Light Basin are ~ an hour away. Bozeman is a pretty good base for skiing with lots of restaurants, brew pub and western charm. The Montana State helps the vibe. I enjoyed the drive to Big Sky/Moon Light basin as deer, prong horn, elk, moose and big horn sheep we around almost every ride. The best snow was at Moon Light basin, Bridger has a lot to explore and Big Sky is huge. There are discount tickets available for MLB and BS at the Round House and other ski shops in Bozo. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

skilady Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Oct 02, 2009 Posts: 13 Location:	Posted: Oct 11, 2009 - 2:41 AM GMT You are welcome and you can just goggle for rent by owner. Most of them have pics or will send you pics if you ask...don't be afraid to ask for a lower rate. Oh there is an online site where you can get passes for less liftopia.com (but you use them or loose them), there are a number of ski area, maybe you'll get lucky. I also rented skis at A-basin and if you decide to go that way check out the prices before you go. At Steamboat it is less expensive to get them from a shop downtown as opposed to on the mountain. We packed lunches too! Just a good if not better!

skipatrol40s Profile \| Galleries Rank: Member Since: Apr 29, 2002 Posts: 1319 Location:	Posted: Oct 11, 2009 - 1:16 PM GMT Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Village Center Inn is 50 feet from the Tram. When you include lift tickets in the package you end up paying about $25 per night per person. The Village Center Inn was one of the original buildings in Teton Village. No hot tubs but they do have a full kitchen which can save you a lot of money. Its very relaxing being that close to the lifts in the morning. We wake up and cook a nice breakfast. No rushing around in the morning. If its a powder day we can get in the lift line early to catch the second tram. If its not a powder day we take our time getting in the lift line. No worries. For lunch we ski down to the room. Having the full kitchen saves a ton of money. Great deal for kids and family. My group is booked Feb 6-13 for the 9th consecutive year. Call Village Center INN today 307 733 3990 or 800 333 0914 This photo was taken Oct 6, 2009. On powder days at JH everyone has this big all day long.

Page: 1