Jim

Hi,

I am debating between staying at Avon near Vail or in the village at Whistler. I am planning to spend a week skiing with my girlfriend in early Feb. We live in NYC and have free air-fare to Denver or Colorado.

Has anyone stayed in Avon?? I am concerned that having to take the bus to the village and slopes will really take away from the whole "experience". We are moderate skiers and really like the whole ski atmosphere and don't want to have to spend most of our time on a bus. Is there anything to do in Avon?

Also, I have been to Vail and loved it - never been to Whistler so not sure how it compares when it comes to charm, restaurants, apres, shopping, etc...

Finally has anyone driven from Seattle to Whistler- how painful will that be??

Thanks!

-Jim

sue

Jim,
I live in Vancouver and go to Whistler a few times a year, but I am not a skier. The drive from seattle to vancouver is approx 4 hours, then another 2 hours from vcr to whistler which is on the sea to sky highway, which should be driven during daylight, very scenic, but also dangerous highway, claiming many lives per year. Whistler is very popular with skiers although unusual this year as no snow yet with our warm temperatures. Lots of nice restaurants including The Keg, Spaghetti house, Umberto's, Mongolie Grill, Earls and nice village to stroll through and good shopping too. I cannot compare to Vail, never been there. Also you can go to tourismwhistler.com for more info.

Grasshopper

Conde Nast just did the 50 top North American Ski Resorts and Whistler and Vail came in #1 and #2. I'd say you can't lose either way.

xxx

Free air fare to Colorado should help decide it. Vail this year, Whistler another. The snow is terrific in Vail right now and a previous post said Whistler is still waiting, so there you go. I'm jealous!!

Breckboy

Avon is like a bedroom community for Vail and Beaver Creek. It's not the kind of place you go on vacation, as a destination in and of itself. I am sure you can commute to the ski areas, but it's not something to look forward to. There is no similarity between any ski area village anywhere and Avon.

Do yourself a favor and get lodging in Vail or Beaver Creek.

There is a Walmart in Avon if you do end up staying there (tongue in cheek!)

Waverley

Another alternative to staying in Avon is Copper Mt. I think it is cheaper than Vail and there are lots of condos There and you can drive to Vail or Beaver Creek. Just a warning. It is very dead at night. So you will be driving to Vail a lot.

Rhys

Have stayed at Vail, Avon, and Whistler 3 times. Like Whistler the best, don't need a car, with the dollar strong it's cheaper than skiing in US.
You can't really go wrong at any of those locations, the bus system is GREAT in Vail/Avon....