Skiing in March- where can we get the most bang for our buck?
Nov 29th, 2006, 09:05 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Skiing in March- where can we get the most bang for our buck?
My husband and I just realized we have a week off together in March, 10-18th to be exact. I have skied before (I’m mediocre), and although he is very athletic, this will be his first time skiing. So we’re not serious skiers. We’ll be coming from Ft. Worth, TX and could either fly out of DFW or drive to either Colorado or New Mexico. My question is this, where can we make our dollar stretch the farthest? Ideally, I would like a 1 bedroom condo, so we could fix a few meals. Ski in and ski out would be awesome, especially if we were to fly, so we wouldn’t have to deal with a rental car. Of course, if there were a shuttle, that would solve that problem.
So, what mountains have the more reasonably priced lift tickets and equipment rental? I’d be open to the east or the west. Canada could even be an option as we have loads of FF miles (depending on seats available). I’d really like to keep the total cost of this trip under $2K (very possibly using FF miles)
Thanks for your help!
~TXgal
So, what mountains have the more reasonably priced lift tickets and equipment rental? I’d be open to the east or the west. Canada could even be an option as we have loads of FF miles (depending on seats available). I’d really like to keep the total cost of this trip under $2K (very possibly using FF miles)
Thanks for your help!
~TXgal
Nov 29th, 2006, 09:36 AM
#3
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The closest place would be Ruidoso NM:
http://www.ruidoso.net/skiing/index.html but snow can be an issue there, especially that late in season.
Next up would be Red River, Angel Fire which are north of Albuquerque. They are nice sized and would be good for both of you. They are about 3 -4 hours from ABQ by car. [Family oriented places].
http://www.redriverskiarea.com/
http://www.angelfireresort.com/
I would not go to Taos, way to advanced for either of you [but no snowboarders which is nice when you are beginning].
Heading into SW Colorado, I would recommend Durango or Wolf Creek. Again, both places have good areas for both of you.
Durango would also have the best ski lessons for your DH. It is a terrific place to stay too. You could fly into ABQ and the drive is 3 hours or you could drive the whole way, but that would take a lot of time. There are packages from Love Field to Durango check them out on:
http://www.durangomountainresort.com/page.php
http://www.wolfcreekski.com/
For info on Durango, type DURANGO in the search box above on top of this page...I have posted hotels, restaurant info re Durango on here before.
Hope this helps...
Debi
http://www.ruidoso.net/skiing/index.html but snow can be an issue there, especially that late in season.
Next up would be Red River, Angel Fire which are north of Albuquerque. They are nice sized and would be good for both of you. They are about 3 -4 hours from ABQ by car. [Family oriented places].
http://www.redriverskiarea.com/
http://www.angelfireresort.com/
I would not go to Taos, way to advanced for either of you [but no snowboarders which is nice when you are beginning].
Heading into SW Colorado, I would recommend Durango or Wolf Creek. Again, both places have good areas for both of you.
Durango would also have the best ski lessons for your DH. It is a terrific place to stay too. You could fly into ABQ and the drive is 3 hours or you could drive the whole way, but that would take a lot of time. There are packages from Love Field to Durango check them out on:
http://www.durangomountainresort.com/page.php
http://www.wolfcreekski.com/
For info on Durango, type DURANGO in the search box above on top of this page...I have posted hotels, restaurant info re Durango on here before.
Hope this helps...
Debi
Nov 29th, 2006, 11:18 AM
#5
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,483
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Blue Mountain is nice, but might be hard to get to. It is north of Toronto. It is definitly not a mountain for pros, but beginners should like it. Plus you dollar might go a bit farther in Canada.
http://www.bluemountain.ca
http://www.bluemountain.ca
Nov 29th, 2006, 12:35 PM
#6
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,754
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi TXgal,
I would recommend staying in the west because snow and weather conditions are more enjoyable for beginners. Softer snow and warmer temps (less humidity).
Deer Valley (no snowboards allowed) in Park City UT might be very nice for you. It's NOT cheap, but you can ski there and at Park City Mtn Resort (yes, snowboards) where both have EXCELLENT ski schools and lots of wonderful green and blue runs.
You don't have to pay DV prices, but could stay somewhere else and take the free shuttle buses everywhere you want to go.
Check out www.parkcityinfo.com and skiutah.com. for starters.
I live in Park City, Snowbird is my favorite ski area and I've been skiing all over the west for over 30 years. Happy to share experience!
I would recommend staying in the west because snow and weather conditions are more enjoyable for beginners. Softer snow and warmer temps (less humidity).
Deer Valley (no snowboards allowed) in Park City UT might be very nice for you. It's NOT cheap, but you can ski there and at Park City Mtn Resort (yes, snowboards) where both have EXCELLENT ski schools and lots of wonderful green and blue runs.
You don't have to pay DV prices, but could stay somewhere else and take the free shuttle buses everywhere you want to go.
Check out www.parkcityinfo.com and skiutah.com. for starters.
I live in Park City, Snowbird is my favorite ski area and I've been skiing all over the west for over 30 years. Happy to share experience!
Nov 29th, 2006, 01:56 PM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,023
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
How about Big Mountauin in Whitefish, Montana. Opens this Friday and we had a nice dump Monday and more expected Thursday.
www.bigmtn.com
www.bigmtn.com
Nov 29th, 2006, 03:19 PM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
My take, for not very serious skiiers...go (come)somewhere near here (Seattle). We have Mission Ridge, Whistler (canada), Crystal Mountain, Mt. Baker, etc.,and Mt. Bachelor in Oregon, and we have had lots of snow. The main reason I recommend the Pacific NW is that there is lot's of variety in a small area, and you don't have to fight the altitude issue. When we went to Park City last year, I was stressed at going to 10,000 ft or more from sea level...just a thought.
Nov 29th, 2006, 03:32 PM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,518
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think the question here is, which resorts have the best prices on mid-week lift tickets, or the best lift/rental/lodging packages? I haven'n skied yet this year, so I don't know what lift tickets cost. I have looked into lodging, and so far have found the best deals at Whistler on owner-rented condos, though allura Direct:
http://www.alluradirect.com/
We've had some very nice skiing there in March in the past. There is some kind of transport from Vancouver airport to Whistler---train? But I'm not sure how it works.
Big Mountain in Montana has also been very reasonable in the past, but we haven't been there lately.
http://www.alluradirect.com/
We've had some very nice skiing there in March in the past. There is some kind of transport from Vancouver airport to Whistler---train? But I'm not sure how it works.
Big Mountain in Montana has also been very reasonable in the past, but we haven't been there lately.
Nov 29th, 2006, 06:54 PM
#12
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 8,219
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We've often stayed in studio condos with a Murphy bed--they're usually cheaper than a one bedroom, and since the Murphy beds have a real mattress, they're quite comfortable.
The four day lift ticket rate at Alta, near Salt Lake City is $50 per day.
The four day lift ticket rate at Alta, near Salt Lake City is $50 per day.
Nov 30th, 2006, 04:06 AM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for all your suggestions! Enzian, you are correct- I am looking for the cheaper lift tickets, equipment rentals, and lodging. I have actually skiied Alta and Snowbird- about 9 years ago! That was actually my last time to ski. FF tix are not available using AA to Salt Lake City. Using Delta they are, just more miles. So SLC is certainly an option. As is NM and Colorado. I need to look into Canada.
Any more ideas?
Any more ideas?
Nov 30th, 2006, 05:12 AM
#14
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,485
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would recommend Park City. Easy flight to Salt Lake. You can take a shuttle to Park City (no need for rental car). There is an excellent transportation system that will take you to Deer Valley or Park City Mountain Resort. Both have lots of groomed blues and greens -- so very easy for beginners to intermediate skiiers. A cute town with plenty of restaurants/shopping -- some inexpensive choices too. Lots of lodging options from hotels to condos. DV ain't cheap, but you will find plenty of runs in the area.
Nov 30th, 2006, 08:52 AM
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Okay!!!! We can fly r/t into Toronto using miles on the dates I want (March 12-17). I'm having trouble getting into SLC with the dates (unless i want to use my Delta miles at 100,000 total vs AA at 50,000 total). Any thoughts on Toronto ski areas? I saw Blue Mountain...
Nov 30th, 2006, 10:19 AM
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My aunt and uncle have a vaca home 15 min away from Mt. Sunapee... that is where we really wanted to go! however, they close the house for the winter and do not open it until late spring/early summer. Plus, we would really like to be in a "Ski Village" atmosphere...
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
teacherD
United States
15
Jan 3rd, 2007 01:08 PM
