ski trip: utah or colorado
Jan 28th, 2015, 05:33 AM
#1
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ski trip: utah or colorado
I am looking for suggestions to plan a ski trip to either Utah or Colorado from Newark, NJ. Will be going with one non-skier, so would like to find an area with other options (snowshoeing, some shopping, whatever would keep him occupied while we ski). The other two of us are green trailers, maybe easy blues, so would like an area with a decent amount of easy runs. Not looking for budget accommodations, but not the Ritz either. If possible a 2 bedroom condo, close to the mountain, ski-in/out would be my preference, but have no idea how wallet friendly/unfriendly, that would be.
Also, someone told me most places have 'mountain guides', that you can meet up with in the morning and they will take the group down the mountain. I am definitely interested in looking into this as the other person I am going with may end up not skiing and I really don't went to spend the day skiing by myself.
Sorry this is SO long, but would really appreciate any assistance you Fodorites could give. Thanks!
P. S. thinking very late February/mid-March, but again am open to suggestions.
Also, someone told me most places have 'mountain guides', that you can meet up with in the morning and they will take the group down the mountain. I am definitely interested in looking into this as the other person I am going with may end up not skiing and I really don't went to spend the day skiing by myself.
Sorry this is SO long, but would really appreciate any assistance you Fodorites could give. Thanks!
P. S. thinking very late February/mid-March, but again am open to suggestions.
Jan 28th, 2015, 06:05 AM
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I think Vail has the mountain guides--maybe others. It would certainly have all the activities you are listing for a non-skier.
For you green skiers, PLEASE take lessons at least 2 days. You will be thrilled and amazed at the progress you make in your skiing abilities and enjoyment. AND if you are skiing alone for a day--take a lesson then.
Copper has great skiing, and it "segregates" its easier slopes to one side of the mountain. Lots to do at the base, and in nearby Frisco (cute little town), either by bus or if you have a car. AND LOTS to do and choose on down into Silverthorne--major shopping outlets.
All easy to access from Denver (2 hours).
There are also discount lift tickets available for a number of the Summit County areas.
For you green skiers, PLEASE take lessons at least 2 days. You will be thrilled and amazed at the progress you make in your skiing abilities and enjoyment. AND if you are skiing alone for a day--take a lesson then.
Copper has great skiing, and it "segregates" its easier slopes to one side of the mountain. Lots to do at the base, and in nearby Frisco (cute little town), either by bus or if you have a car. AND LOTS to do and choose on down into Silverthorne--major shopping outlets.
All easy to access from Denver (2 hours).
There are also discount lift tickets available for a number of the Summit County areas.
Jan 28th, 2015, 12:46 PM
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Breckenridge is good for greenies. I'm one and can ski happily there. Its blues tend to be fairly tame too - tamer than some greens in Taos. Plus the instructors are good.
And if you go on a lesson, you won't ski by your lonesome.
Thinking it's less costly than Vail and has a town with shopping, areas to go snowmobiling, etc. I've heard good word on Copper too.
And if you go on a lesson, you won't ski by your lonesome.
Thinking it's less costly than Vail and has a town with shopping, areas to go snowmobiling, etc. I've heard good word on Copper too.
Jan 28th, 2015, 01:47 PM
#4
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First experience was at Copper. Relaxed atmosphere. I was sick for 3 days with altitude sickness, but DH, who had never skied before, loved it after a private lesson the first day.
The next adventure (I stayed home) was at Breckenridge. They enjoyed the skiing, but the waits for restaurant seatings was not a happy time.
This year, they are going to Brian Head, Utah, so will see how that compares.
The next adventure (I stayed home) was at Breckenridge. They enjoyed the skiing, but the waits for restaurant seatings was not a happy time.
This year, they are going to Brian Head, Utah, so will see how that compares.
Jan 28th, 2015, 01:59 PM
#6
There are direct flights from Newark to Vail/Eagle Airport. Colorado Mountain Express operates shared shuttle services from the airport to Vail, Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch and Avon with a discounted rate for 3+ passengers. (CME also operates between Eagle Airport and Aspen, Snowmass.) You wouldn't need to rent a car and pay parking fees.
http://www.coloradomountainexpress.com/eagle-airport
The cost of ski-in/out accommodations would be expensive to me, but I don't know what you consider "wallet friendly." Perhaps if you stated an actual dollar amount....
You've left it late for finding what I would call moderately-priced lodging. (We've been booked in Vail for the last week of February and first week of March since last October.)
Vail's complimentary guided tours are offered to skiers at intermediate and above levels. If you're not comfortable on skiing blue runs only, I'd hire an instructor for a half day lesson.
http://www.vail.com/mountain/explore.../MountainTours
Check elsewhere on the vail.com website for multi-day ticket options and definitely buy in advance. You can also do a lodging search on the website and/or call the 800 number and talk with a human.
FWIW, I love Vail and have been skiing there every year since 1977. There are green runs even at the top, and one run (Lost Boy) has what I think is one of the best views on the mountain.
http://www.coloradomountainexpress.com/eagle-airport
The cost of ski-in/out accommodations would be expensive to me, but I don't know what you consider "wallet friendly." Perhaps if you stated an actual dollar amount....
You've left it late for finding what I would call moderately-priced lodging. (We've been booked in Vail for the last week of February and first week of March since last October.)
Vail's complimentary guided tours are offered to skiers at intermediate and above levels. If you're not comfortable on skiing blue runs only, I'd hire an instructor for a half day lesson.
http://www.vail.com/mountain/explore.../MountainTours
Check elsewhere on the vail.com website for multi-day ticket options and definitely buy in advance. You can also do a lodging search on the website and/or call the 800 number and talk with a human.
FWIW, I love Vail and have been skiing there every year since 1977. There are green runs even at the top, and one run (Lost Boy) has what I think is one of the best views on the mountain.
Jan 28th, 2015, 02:12 PM
#7
You could also fly Newark to Salt Lake City and take a shuttle service to Park City. Again, no need to rent a car. There are three mountains to ski (two now owned by Vail) and a charming town for the non-skier to explore.
Your chance of finding ski-in-/out lodging is, I think, a little greater. Lodging costs are, overall, cheaper than Vail. Not sure how the cost of lift tickets compares.
Your chance of finding ski-in-/out lodging is, I think, a little greater. Lodging costs are, overall, cheaper than Vail. Not sure how the cost of lift tickets compares.
Jan 28th, 2015, 02:47 PM
#8
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Watch for the cost of shuttles to ANY ski area. They are now pretty astronomical, to me, if you have a number in your party.
We ALL love ski in/and out. We had it for many years at Manor VAil and Lionshead. Couldn't do it now, I'm sure!! Just get on the bus and be left off at the base!!
We ALL love ski in/and out. We had it for many years at Manor VAil and Lionshead. Couldn't do it now, I'm sure!! Just get on the bus and be left off at the base!!
Jan 28th, 2015, 04:49 PM
#9
But do compare shuttle costs to the car rental plus overnight parking charges. Personally, I would only rent a 4WD/SUV at that time of year. If you have to add ski racks, it gets very expensive very fast.
Jan 28th, 2015, 05:03 PM
#11
A ski-equipped 4WD/SUV for a week through Hertz at DIA would be $1300. Through Avis at Eagle County Airport, slightly higher.
Our lodging in Vail charges $15/night for parking (if/when available). The public parking lots charge $25 per 24-hour period.
Our lodging in Vail charges $15/night for parking (if/when available). The public parking lots charge $25 per 24-hour period.
Jan 28th, 2015, 05:24 PM
#13
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Suzie,
Most of the larger ski resorts have mountain guides, or similar. Usually if the group is large enough, they will divide up according to ability level. This is not a free person to ski with all day.
It's a tour of the mountain to get a first time guest familiar with the layout, lift locations, on mountain restaurants/restroom locations, an an idea of runs appropriate for their experience level.
Most of the tours are about 1 - 2 hours, start mid morning or mid afternoon. During busier holiday weekends, and again depending on the size of the resort, they will have both morning and afternoon tours.
I know Snowbird, Park City and Deer Valley all have them.
A shuttle up from SL International will take 30 minutes to Park City and should be reasonable for 3 people. Cheaper than a rental car that you won't use once you are here anyway. Park City has a free shuttle bus system that goes everywhere you want.
Most of the larger ski resorts have mountain guides, or similar. Usually if the group is large enough, they will divide up according to ability level. This is not a free person to ski with all day.
It's a tour of the mountain to get a first time guest familiar with the layout, lift locations, on mountain restaurants/restroom locations, an an idea of runs appropriate for their experience level.
Most of the tours are about 1 - 2 hours, start mid morning or mid afternoon. During busier holiday weekends, and again depending on the size of the resort, they will have both morning and afternoon tours.
I know Snowbird, Park City and Deer Valley all have them.
A shuttle up from SL International will take 30 minutes to Park City and should be reasonable for 3 people. Cheaper than a rental car that you won't use once you are here anyway. Park City has a free shuttle bus system that goes everywhere you want.
Jan 28th, 2015, 07:15 PM
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I'm a non-skier who has gone with skiers to Park City, Aspen, and Breckenridge, and has also visited Vail, Beaver Creek, Copper and others. They'd all be great - I particularly like Park City and Breck because I like the towns themselves, but Vail Village is also great (can't beat the restaurant selection, except maybe in Aspen), Beaver Creek is very nice (although there's less to keep a non-skier occupied within the resort), and Copper has the advantages Gretchen noted above. The one area I'm not a huge fan of is Snowmass (but my skiers love it - I just don't find it appealing for non-skier, I'd rather be in the town of Aspen than out at Snowmass Mountain 20 minutes away).
Jan 28th, 2015, 07:33 PM
#15
starrs, each rental company has their own equipment add-on options. Usually, ski racks and, minimally, all-weather tires. I don't know if any company offers snow tires. I also don't know who's responsible for providing chains which are sometimes required for Vail Pass, Eisenhower Tunnel, Loveland Pass, etc.
Jan 29th, 2015, 01:45 AM
#16
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We have skied many times and rented cars--and been caught in blizzards getting back to Denver and have managed fine without the cost of a 4WD. AND we have brought our own chains and never had to chain up.
I would agree about Snowmass for the non-skier--but for cruising blues it is great. Nearby Aspen Highlands would be great for the greens.
BUT it is also a 4 hour drive rather than 2 from DIA.
Our family (the part not in Denver) has stopped bringing equipment and rent on the mountain, or nearby. The cost of bringing has gone up with the baggage rates!!
Breck is very cute and fun and good skiing.
What was said about the mountain guide is true--not an all day activity. Couple of hours.
Group ski lessons will be the best investment you can make at a Colorado resort--you'll improve by leaps and bounds in a day if you are already on light blues!!
I would agree about Snowmass for the non-skier--but for cruising blues it is great. Nearby Aspen Highlands would be great for the greens.
BUT it is also a 4 hour drive rather than 2 from DIA.
Our family (the part not in Denver) has stopped bringing equipment and rent on the mountain, or nearby. The cost of bringing has gone up with the baggage rates!!
Breck is very cute and fun and good skiing.
What was said about the mountain guide is true--not an all day activity. Couple of hours.
Group ski lessons will be the best investment you can make at a Colorado resort--you'll improve by leaps and bounds in a day if you are already on light blues!!
Jan 29th, 2015, 12:11 PM
#17
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We got caught in a blizzard en route to Breck in a Nissan Altima. But I can drive a normal car in snow and handle the tiptronic shift like it's a regular stick. If you're not a snowy driver, get something more robust.
We got caught in a blizzard en route to Breck in a Nissan Altima. But I can drive a normal car in snow and handle the tiptronic shift like it's a regular stick. If you're not a snowy driver, get something more robust.
