resort suggestions out west
11 posts
8 users
3k+ views
8 users
3k+ views
Hi, me, my friends and family are headed on a trip out west this season. Were all confident skiers/boarders. I'm looking at various places Snowmass, Jackson hole, big sky, whistler, etc and am curious what resort would be the best choice? I made a trip to whiteface this winter and was having a great time on the super steep terrain. how much steeper/challenging does it get out west? mainly jackson hole and big sky. I know they both have a reputation for hard terrain and am curious if I can handle it, is big sky peak much steeper then trails such as essex and upper skyward at whiteface? also access/airfare is important if anyone has suggestions:)
The four places you mention are big enough to have plenty for every skill level including super experts. Price them out and go with the one that best fits your budget/travel schedule. Those four places are probably a little on the pricier side when looking at the combined lift, lodging and airfare costs. You might save by choosing a ski area closer to major airports like Denver or SLC, but any of the four on your list are worth it if they really catch your fancy. Your skill level is high enough to greatly enjoy any of them. When are you thinking of traveling? Late Feb to early March would be primo at all of them, but some might have advantages over others if you went much earlier or later.
Do you have flexibility on dates for the trip?
Big Sky is good for all levels. Long green runs away from traffic. Lots of groomed and easy glades for intermediates. Advanced and experts have all sorts of options. If you fly to Bozeman, staying there and skiing Bridger for a day or two before going to Big Sky is worth considering. Bridger is also good for all levels. Low cost because it's a non-profit. Great place for a private lesson or going with a guide on expert trails (avy equipment required) off the ridge served by the Schausman lift.
Big Sky is good for all levels. Long green runs away from traffic. Lots of groomed and easy glades for intermediates. Advanced and experts have all sorts of options. If you fly to Bozeman, staying there and skiing Bridger for a day or two before going to Big Sky is worth considering. Bridger is also good for all levels. Low cost because it's a non-profit. Great place for a private lesson or going with a guide on expert trails (avy equipment required) off the ridge served by the Schausman lift.
Yea I'm flexible on just about everything. I'm mainly looking for the best experience without a super far drive after the airport. My dads coming along and he wants to go somewhere that's one of the best resorts while he's still young enough to ski it.
Haven't been to Snowmass, but you can't go wrong with Whistler, Jackson Hole, or Big Sky.
If terrain variety is what you are looking for, you will find it at any of those 3 resorts. Each has everything from plenty of greens/blues to 'you-fall-you-die' terrain, if that is your thing.
Drive-time wise, I would allow 1:45 for Whistler, 1 hr for Big Sky, and 45 minutes for Jackson Hole, from the respective airports
Here's some other differentiators that might help you make your decision:
Nightlife/village scene: Whistler's is world class, Jackson/Big Sky is pretty lacking
Lifts: Jackson hole's tram is amazing because you get 4139 ft of vertical and only have to ride one lift/tram. Whistler's lift system is high speed, but it takes you a while to get to the top where all the good terrain is. Big Sky's lift system is older/slower (for expert terrain anyway), and that is my only knock against it.
Weather: Jackson/Big Sky are similar, Whistler can be bad in terms of rain/fog due to lower elevation and warm weather systems (pineapple express) that can hit any time during winter
Elevation: Whistler is 2000-3000 ft lower in elevation if anyone in your group is sensitive to altitude.
Whistler is my favorite place in the whole world, I just recommend spending at least a week there in case you get a few 'pea soup' days. But honestly you will be thrilled with any of those 3 choices, especially if it is your first trip out west.
If terrain variety is what you are looking for, you will find it at any of those 3 resorts. Each has everything from plenty of greens/blues to 'you-fall-you-die' terrain, if that is your thing.
Drive-time wise, I would allow 1:45 for Whistler, 1 hr for Big Sky, and 45 minutes for Jackson Hole, from the respective airports
Here's some other differentiators that might help you make your decision:
Nightlife/village scene: Whistler's is world class, Jackson/Big Sky is pretty lacking
Lifts: Jackson hole's tram is amazing because you get 4139 ft of vertical and only have to ride one lift/tram. Whistler's lift system is high speed, but it takes you a while to get to the top where all the good terrain is. Big Sky's lift system is older/slower (for expert terrain anyway), and that is my only knock against it.
Weather: Jackson/Big Sky are similar, Whistler can be bad in terms of rain/fog due to lower elevation and warm weather systems (pineapple express) that can hit any time during winter
Elevation: Whistler is 2000-3000 ft lower in elevation if anyone in your group is sensitive to altitude.
Whistler is my favorite place in the whole world, I just recommend spending at least a week there in case you get a few 'pea soup' days. But honestly you will be thrilled with any of those 3 choices, especially if it is your first trip out west.