kureiff

Husband and I are trying to decide between a two day and two night trip to Las Vegas in February or a three day and three night trip to Jackson Hole in February. Price is about the same for both trips.

We belong to a ski group, and we can get a good deal at Jackson. We did this trip last year, and we had a lot of fun skiing and sledding and walking around Jackson. But we didn't like the long lift lines, and we can ski all the time at home for a lot less money.

I've never been to Las Vegas and I've found some decent deals for February. We'd likely stay at the Paris hotel. Thoughts about the Paris hotel?

Other information: I'm pregnant so how's the smoke in Las Vegas? I don't want to breathe a lot of cigarette smoke. We like active vacations so we're leaning toward skiing at Jackson, but, again, I've never been to Las Vegas so that might be fun. It looks like there are some great dining options in Las Vegas.

So pros or cons or opinions or advice? Thanks!

Little_Man

wow, they are just so different... Normally, I'd pick Jackson Hole, but as you said you can ski at home, so maybe Vegas one last time before the baby, because it's a true cliche that Vegas is no good for kids...
As long as you can walk a fair distance, Vegas is fine.
I've never been in the Paris. If possible, since it's just two nights, though, I'd try to upgrade to Venetian, Bellagio, Wynn.

martym

Just a comment on cigarette smoke--pretty much smoking is allowed everywhere in Las Vegas. There were even people smoking cigars, no less, in the hallway outside our room on a non-smoking floor at the Mirage when we were there in Oct. When we complained, the hotel indicated "that people get confused about where they can smoke and not smoke" and nothing was done about it. So if you don't want to breathe smoke, IMHO, don't go to Vegas.

Dukey

You can ski at home (unfortunately without the big Jackson vertical drop)

You didn't like the long lift lines

Jackson was great fun but expensive

You've never been to Vegas

IMO the answer is go to Vegas.

Lori

As a regular visitor to Vegas (we were there last week as a matter of fact) smoking is everywhere. Yes, there are non-smoking floors in hotels, non-smoking areas in restaurants, etc. but it "lingers" in the air. Feb. in Vegas is a huge convention month (I have to be back there again in Feb.) and there are no really decent deals anyplace. If you got a good rate at Paris take it. The location is great, very central. Just don't a non-smoking city.

Devonmcj

Kureiff, you're still in your first trimester, aren't you? Stiil, why take the chance skiing while you're pregnant? It sounds like Las Vegas would be a better choice.

Catbert

I really dislike Las Vegas so my advice is biased. That said, have you ever ventured into Yellowstone in winter? You can take a snowcoach or snowmobile tour and see things you'll never see in summer. It's truly magical.

Hazelmn

I hate Vegas. It is crowded, there is smoke everywhere, and everything you do costs more money, even if you don't gamble.

I'd do Jackson. Like another poster said, you can always do a side-trip to Yellowstone. Also, what we did one year from Jackson was went to the other side of the Tetons, to Grand Targhee ski resort. It is a quieter resort w/ no lift lines, and the snow is actually better. Fewer runs, but it actually seems like there are more because there are fewer skiers. I recall it taking about an hour to get there from Jackson, and you would still fly in/out of Jackson airport.

Dohlice

I love both places but I'd rather be pregnant in Jackson Hole. Have you been there more than once? When I was there this year I never waited in a lift line - maybe you just had bad luck? We also snowmobiled to Old Faithful and it was wonderful.

NeoPatrick

Wow. This one is really tough for anyone but you to answer. Obviously those that prefer skiing will suggest that's best, while those who love Vegas will suggest that.

It's not unlike asking in a restaurant "which should I get? The steak or the fish?" The answer is clearly, whichever you're in the mood for.

I consider myself to border on being an anti-smoking Nazi, but to be honest, I really don't find the smoke in the public areas in Vegas bad at all -- they mostly have amazingly strong air systems, apparently.

kureiff

Thank you for your suggestions and thoughts. Big change of plans yesterday afternoon, so we'll be reevaluating. I appreciate the time you took to respond.

And, Catbert, cross country skiing in Yellowstone is truly incredible! Yellowstone really is a magical place in the winter.

droolpatrol

Every pregnancy book will tell you never to ski when pregnant, even in the 1st trimester. No matter how good you are, someone else could crash into you, injuring or even killing your baby. There is also much less oxygen at the top of the mountain. Lack of oxygen to a fetus can result in mental retardation. Not worth the risk IMO. Unless it is just too painful to see others ski when you can't, you can still enjoy Jackson by walking around, snowshoeing, winter hiking, taking wildlife viewing tours, and of course, get all the massages you want. Congratulations!

kureiff

We live near 5000 feet in altitude. I had permission from my Dr. to ski both this pregnancy and last pregnancy. I was beyond my first trimester, and not *every* book or *every* Dr. will tell you that it's a bad idea.

Regardless, it's no longer an issue.

Little_Man

so sorry kureiff about the sad news, just read it over in the lounge. Please Take care of yourself.

Catbert

Kureiff, you have my condolances. I saw on another thread that you live in Montana so you are accustomed to the beauty that your state has to offer.

One of the things that really angers me about Fodors is people who dispense advice when it's simply not their place. Stick to the questions and let folks get other advice from professionals.

wtm003

Kureiff, I am so sorry. Take care.