Big Sky vs Jackson Hole vs Park City vs ...
Dave Lumby
I'm in the process of trying to find a _destination resort_ in the
Western US that would be suitable for a mixed ability group. We're looking
at a two week vacation and our group comprises -
a) a 4yr old who has spent a couple of days on a nursery slope,
b) a 6yr old who can handle blue (and some blue/black) runs ok,
c) a couple of skiers who dont have the desire to progress beyond
difficult blue/black runs,
d) four skiers who are happy on anything up to single diamonds but
usually shy away from anything more challenging,
e) four of us who would happily ski black runs nearly all day.
For the past three years we've based ourselves in Breckenridge and skied a
few days in the other Summit County resorts. We very much liked the
convenience of Breckenridge and the facilities offered, ie `old town' feel,
condo close to both the slopes and the town, good mix of runs. The only
things we didn't like were, a) the crowds at weekends (esp. President's Day)
b) the runs on Peak 9 got really boring after a few days.
Possibilities for this season include Big Sky, Jackson Hole, Park City,
Telluride & Crested Butte.
My imediate feelings about these areas are -
o Big Sky would have quiet slopes and an adequate mix of trails but
is probably lacking in mountain charm. Nightlife (bars) and shopping
may also be somewhat limited,
o Jackson Hole seems to lack sufficient easy runs but otherwise looks
OK,
o Park City sounds as though it can get as busy as the Summit County
resorts. It would also appear to lack any really challenging
trails,
o Telluride & Crested Butte look pretty good but both areas seem
rather small - a week in each may be a possibility.
At the moment I've rejected resorts around Lake Tahoe as the snow record over
the past 5-6 years seems to have been rather poor (last year being
exceptional).
I'd be very grateful for any feedback regarding my comments on the above
areas. I'd also welcome recommendations for a suitable resort for our trip.
Many thanks for listening and for any feedback you may be able to offer.
Dave
PS When is President's Day in 1995?
PPS Is it a fixed day (ie like Xmas) or does it move around as Easter does?
--
Dave Lumby, Systems Integration Centre, BT Labs, Ipswich, IP5 7RE, UK
Phone: +44 1473 642613 E-mail: D.L...@axion.bt.co.uk
"I don't mind valid criticism, as long as it doesn't come from other people"
Jim Strohm
o The airport is practically downtown.
o You can take a day off and go see Yellowstone park.
o If Jackson Hole is too tough a hill, there's Snow King, which is easier
and most people say it's a lot of fun for a day.
o In spite of what you've heard, Jackson Hole has a LOT of intermediate
terrain.
o Your friends will be really impressed that you're a good enough skiier
for Jackson Hole.
o The town has a quaint rustic atmosphere free of most of the excesses
of places like V**l.
o You can buy beer there without being hassled by religious zealots.
o It's NOT V**l.
Jim
SMarisM
plus lots of new blue and black runs open as a result of new Lone
Peak tram construction. It has a great ski school for your kids, and
you too if you feel like getting some new perspectives. There are nice
long greens for your little one.
I'm not sure what you mean by charm, but if you mean a town at the
base, there isn't one. So if that's important for you, don't go there.
But there's plenty of Montana charm and lots of
restaurants with local flavor a few miles down the road. There are
great opportunities at Yellowstone N.P. a short drive away. Incredible
wildlife, scenery and great fun. Bring your camera. If you really must
shop, there's Bozeman an hour away.
There were no lift lines, there was fresh snow every
day, and you could ski all the way down the longest runs and hardly see
anyone else. I even made first tracks on a green run one morning.
We were there for a week, and it wasn't long
enough. Can't wait to go back.
Susan, Miami
Woollybgr
Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, Powder Mnt., Snow Basin. Getting the
idea here. Two weeks in J-hole and you'll think Ohio is a fun place to
visit. J-hole and Big Sky are great resorts and offer great skiing, but
after 2 weeks they'll get stale. And if you think PC lacks uberterra head
for JUPITER BOWL.
Where ever you go piont 'em staight.
Ski4Smartn
Saw your posting on the net.
Check out our web page at http://www.jaws.com/s4s/home.html - you'll find
one of the most affordable ski trips to Jackson you'd ever find.
Of course I'm selling Jackson, however, it might work out for your group;
here's why. Jackson Hole Ski Resort is located about 12 miles from the
town of Jackson. The complaint about Jackson Hole is that it's too
challenging a ski area, even though considerable intermediate terrain is
offered. In the town of Jackson, you'll find a second ski area called
Snow King. This is an interemediate's paradise. Regular bus service
connects Jackson/Snow King with Teton Village [the base of Jackson Hole
Ski Resort].
About 45 miles from Jackson you'll find another major ski area; Grand
Targhee. This too is basically an intermediate ski area, however, Targhee
boasts it receives some of the greatest number of quality "powder" days in
the country! Further, Targhee reserves about 1,700 acres of untracked
powder for snow cat skiers ONLY. Since Targhee rarely uses more than two
"cats" for access to this area, with a maximum 10 skiers/cat, you can
quickly see this equates to 20 skiers skiing 1,700 acres; about 8-10 2,200
vertical feet runs/day. Targhee operates daily bus service from Jackson
for only $15.00!
Thus, in one ski trip you have something for everyone; easy low cost
transportation to everywhere; a great cowboy town; and if you go on our
Jackson Hole Safari, an unbeatable price as well! Hope to hear from you.
Aaron [DBL...@prodigy.com].
Jay Cassel
judge. Even the experts agree that Jackson is awesome.
The 1996 Junior Olympics are going to be held in Jackson!
Big Sky is also a super site!! They have fast quads,
oodles of area, and tons of fun for the fam.I think that
both of these resorts are killer, so don't overlook 'em!
Liz Cassel
Dennis Kimmel
Grand Targee, King Mountain and even Big Sky. There is lots to do in and
around Jackson for the days of no skiing. There is lots of skiing around
the Salt Lake area, but you still have to put up with Morman Church
domination of almost everything that goes on in Utah. I have nothing
against the Morman Church, but I don't like mixing religion , politics
and other peoples life styles. Both SKI and Skiing magazines gave high
marks to the ski areas around Jackson.
Dennis near Philly
-
DENNIS KIMMEL RXP...@prodigy.com
Patrick D. Dodd
(Woollybgr) wrote:
I agree that PC is the best if you are going to spend a couple of weeks,
but only because it is close to the Bird and Alta. Otherwise, PC is just
an over rated intermediate hill. Yes, they do have some steeps, but you
have to do a little hiking for the good shoots and they get skied out
quick. If you are an intermediate skier then PC is your best bet.
However, if you want some great terrain go to JH.
Pat