Anyone with a website for ski packages?
 

Would like to take a week but on the cheap. I can only handle easy blue terrain so far. Salt Lake is my guess for packages anyone else know of site that would have great deals. Oh yes I am looking to go out west from the East Coast.

Try Unitedvacations.com, continental vacations etc. I also saw expedia had a ski sale. Southwest also has some good packages out west. If you are going to SLC check into flying Delta and staying somewhere in Salt Lake with shuttle service such as the Best Western.

thanks skier but isn't SLC like 45 minutes from the mountains? Did check united not seeing anything without air which seems to make the trip cheaper. <BR><BR>Found good air deals but other accomodations and lift tickets are coming out high. Probably just not hitting the right sights. I can combine air but was looking for a sweet deal.<BR><BR>ANY BODY ELSE???

Go to google.com, type in Lake Tahoe Ski Vacations and you will find lots of sites offering ski packages in the Lake Tahoe area.

Try www.skitops.com. This is a web site of ski tour operators - from there you can link to tons of package operators, like lynx, moguls, and ski.com.<BR><BR>I have used ski.com in the past.<BR><BR>I have also booked ski vacations for myself by doing all the research myself, and actually come out cheaper. Find cheap air fare, then find lodging that has a skier's rate or skier's package that includes lift tickets. Actually, you will probably find a lot of these in SLC. SLC isn't a bad base for Utah skiing; you can stay at a lodging that has its own shuttle service or is on the ski bus route, if you don't want to rent a vehicle. Or stay in Park City &amp; just hit those resorts. For the Salt Lake City area resorts, try www.skiutah.com.<BR><BR>The other thing that helps in saving costs, is to stay in an area where you can use shuttles instead of renting a vehicle. I know this is possible in SLC, and in the Tahoe area. I've done Jackson Hole without a car, and found it really easy to get around. Might also try Whistler or Banff areas, with the nice exchange rate - if you can get a good flight.<BR><BR>Good luck - you'll love western skiing!

How is Tahoe in comparison to SL area. Can I find moderate Intermediate to beginner intermediate? Thanks so much for your suggestions that sounds great?

do I fly into SF for Tahoe or is there a closer airport. I would be coming from East Coast but may blend this trip with a trip to Hawaii. Might be dreaming the flights seem great right now. Tahoe much more expensive?

Reno is the closest airport. Sacramento is the next closest. As a ski area, Tahoe has a wide range of accomodations. There is also shuttle services available. Although all areas have beginner/intermediate areas, particularly great places to ski for a beginner/intermediate are Sierra Tahoe and Northstar.

Closest airport to Tahoe would be Reno, Nevada. If you're trying to combine this trip with one to Hawaii, then your airfare may be cheaper if you use SFO as a stopover and drive to Tahoe. I believe it's about a 4 hour drive. From Reno, it's about an hour to hour and a half drive depending on which ski area you're headed to. Northstar (www.skinorthstar) on the north shore of Lake Tahoe is a great ski area for low intermediate skiers. However staying in Northstar village can be expensive unless you can stay midweek or off-season. The South Lake Tahoe area has more budget accomodations. You can check the Heavenly resort website(www.skiheavenly.com) for lift &amp; lodging specials. I've never skied Heavenly so I'm not familiar with the terrain. Hope this helps.

Thanks everyone you have given me a lot to ruminate and explore. <BR><BR>Anybody been to Utah and Tahoe I wonder how they compare? I could probably take a bus from SFO, yes? I don't drive. I know here in NY there is all kinds of transportation to Resorts that are only 4 hours away.

Just got back from a week in Whistler, B.C. Really great terrain, tons of long green and blue runs! This is the site we used and they have a package area. Good luck.<BR><BR>http://ww1.whistlerblackcomb.com

Oh Wendy I have heard wonderful things of Whistler and I just assumed it was for the big kids. Thanks!!!<BR>Was it reasonable? Where did you fly into? Could you see if public transport was possible?

I don't know of any shuttle service from SFO to the Tahoe ski areas. From Reno there's shuttle service available. Casino express (www.tahoecasinoexpress.com) is the one that goes to South Tahoe and it runs about $35 roundtrip. I believe there are scheduled shuttles to north Tahoe areas too although I've always driven.<BR><BR>Whistler/Blackcomb is a great ski area with good green/blue runs with Whistler mountain being a little better than Blackcomb for low intermediates IMO. The closest major airport is Vancouver. From YVR there are shuttles to Whistler. Whistler itself has a pedestrian village and once there, you don't need a car. There's also local bus service if you need to get around the immediate area outside of the village. Try www.skican.com for packages.

Here's the site for one of the YVR-Whistler shuttles www.perimeterbus.com (prices in Canadian).

Kit, I hadn't skiied since high school and was with some beginner snow boarders. We had a ball! We stayed on Blackcomb only because it was so close to our condo. The bus that loops around the village is free and runs every 6 mins. As Patty said you fly into Vancouver. The exchange rate is really great right now! We like to think of it as the Canadian peso haha! I rented and it cost me $58USD for 3 days. Full day lift tickets were $45USD. The thing I liked best was you could go all the way to the top and still have green and blue runs all the way down!

The best terrain in Utah for a beginner is at Park City. There is bus service available from the SLC airport. There are a variety of accomodations available.

I know you want to go out West, and I think you should, but some one of these times take a look at going to Europe. From the East Coast it's about the same cost and is an entirely different experience. Not necessarily better, but definitely different. Much more laid-back, with focus on the entire experience - mountain restaurants, outdoor lounge chairs, less keeping track of how much vertical you got today, etc. Nightlife in many resorts that literally goes until dawn (not what I'm looking for, but again, a real difference). We tried it several year ago and never looked West again.

I'm sure you could take Greyhound from SFO to Tahoe....but, I can't imagine how long it would take. I live in Sacramento, CA....It is 2 - 2 1/2 hours from SFO to Sacramento. Sacramento to South Shore Lake Tahoe is another 2 1/2 to 3 hours. That's 4 1/2 - 5 1/2 hours total. Now, consider, that is without bumper to bumper traffic (which we get), and completely clear roads from Sacramento to Tahoe. If is snowing and/or chain control...it can be another couple hours. Also, on a bus, that thing is going to stop constantly....<BR>

This is great and I have only skimmed but thanks everyone for the commment. Soo Helfpul!<BR><BR>Dick I did a year abroad, and have been to Europe many times. I have not been out west. Don't know anything of the majestic beauty you see in Car Commercials.:):) I have been to Switzerland/Austria/Northern Italy but I was too poor to ski at the time. <BR><BR>I want to see the west and possibly hop over to Hawaii. The west thing is kind of nauing at me. But I understand the alure of cultural influences of Europe. <BR><BR><BR>Thinking out loud here if you did not notice. I worry about the lack of safety precautions in Europe. Just for my ski level. But I guess I would get a guide. Do you get the wide open experience in Europe that you get in the west? I have only been to New Mexico and was totally taken with this experience.<BR><BR>Patty and ChildCare lady thanks for your hints and stories. Love talking skiing! Heading to Vermont today were I expecting subzero temperatures, the sunny West is calling me!

Continental airlines usually has lots of package deals to ski resorts at www.continental.com

Kit, the skiing in Europe (and here I mean the Alps specifically) is much more open than out West. The tree line is much lower, so virtually all of the skiing is well above tree line except for the runs back into town that you normally only use once at the end of the day. Also, the length of the runs is typically greater - we're going to Cervinia in March and the longest run has a vertical drop of nearly 8,000 ft over 12 miles - there's really nothing in North America that approaches that. The other thing I like is that you're typically not skiing from the summits, so the scenery around you is more interesting.<BR><BR>Although I don't think you need to be worried about safety, there is considerably more personal responsibility expected in Europe, which I also like. There's no such thing as &quot;out of bounds&quot; - you ski where your ability can take you. Also, there's no closing time, as in the States. The lifts close each day, of course, but if you want to take the last ride up, have dinner in a mountain restaurant, and ski back to town in the moonlight that's up to you. They typically let you know when the trails are last &quot;swept&quot; by the patrol each day, but if you want to ski after that it's your choice. But if you restrict your skiing to regular trails (pistes) at regular hours there's really no safety issues. You don't need a guide unless you want to do some serious off-piste skiing, which is not really an option for beginners or even most intermediates.<BR><BR>We're likely headed to Cannon tomorrow - and preparing to freeze. Sure has been cold around here lately (I'm about 35 miles west of Boston), but it's nice to have some decent snow on the ground.

I just got an email from United about packages to Colorado resorts; Keystone, Copper, Winter Park, Breckenridge and also Whistler. The packages included airfare, lodging, and lift tickets. <BR><BR>Please use promotional code SKIUV75 to receive these <BR>special savings. Click below to plan and purchase your <BR>ski vacation today.<BR>&lt;A HREF=&quot;http://www.unitedoffers.com/600-1sap...536e&lt;/A&gt; Is the link to the info that they gave me in the email.

Hi Dick,<BR><BR>Thanks for the feedback on Italy! I was at Sugarbush when you were at Canon. At sugarbush this weekend again. Hope the snow holds up and it is not too warm.<BR><BR>Can you tell me anything about cost and ski schools in Europe. I need some lessons also. I am only a gentle blue so far. I am SOOOOO frustrated. Tempted to go up to Grey rock for a week but the allure of Europe is much more, well alluring! Any ideas?<BR>

Grasshopper thanks for info also I will check them out.<BR><BR>

Sarah:<BR><BR>I agree with Dick...Europe is the place to go!<BR>I would get a ski package that includes lessons. Austria, especially Lech, is well suited to your needs.<BR>The costs are less than a trip out west!!<BR>But..you mentioned Grey Rocks. I learned to ski in Grey Rocks many moons ago!, We had a large group go up and had a wonderful time. The lessons you receive can not be beat on either side of the Atlantic! And ya got to love those Canadian exchange rates! Just one thing..it can get very, very cold up in lovely Canada! An aside to Dick, &quot;Why Cervinia? Although the slopes were wonderful, and so was the food...I found the town kinda of...well...quiet and a bit ugly! ( I skied one day comming over from from Zermatt) Sorry, I am just jealous that I can not go to Europe this year!!<BR>JOH<BR>JOHN

Thanks John but why Austria over Italy. How does it suite my needs? So going round and round over this. Was looking into Taos yesterday than back at Grey Rocks. I am thinking about the cold up there also.<BR><BR>Italy is the pull because well it is Italy but why do you say Austria?

One of the best web site for exploring the possibilities of a ski vacation in Europe is www.ski-europe.com<BR>You can fill out an online questionnaire based on your interests, ski ability, etc., and it will give you several ski resort suggestions that fit your needs (although it asks for your email, you don't have to enter it). Sarah, you asked about Austria and Lech came up well on beginner and intermediate skiing (FWIW, I don't think Taos is the best place for a beginner/intermediate skier to try the West--Taos is best for people who like to ski the steeps).

Sarah - Sorry, I can't comment on cost of lessons in Europe. Haven't taken a lesson in years, though I probably should and I highly recommend them.<BR><BR>John - Cervinia because of what you said - the skiing and the restaurants. Don't care about the town (we're staying out of town) and don't care about nightlife. We're skiers and foodies and also don't want to go somewhere where we have to worry about the snow. Cervinia seemed pretty snow-sure, and certainly appears to be so far this year.<BR><BR>Dick