fmpden

Gretchen, I agree, a little too much obsession over very minor issues. There is a near zero danger of any avalanche on any ski slope. Bad for the skiing business. There is absolutely no danger of an avalanche preventing access to any of the Summit Cty ski areas - A basin, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Copper Mt. There is a slight risk for getting to Vail, Beaver Creek because of Vail pass which can be closed by an avalanche maybe once every other year. But short duration as I-70 is a major road and a closure is a big headache for all of the non-skiing traffic.

As for Snowbird. Snowbird and Park City are nearly back to back with Park City area facing east and Snowbird on the west side of the mountain. Snowbird access is up a very narrow valley from SLC with one way in and out. I would see where an avalanche could close the road to Snowbird. However, not sure how likely that would be. Snow maintenance crews take the potential of an avalanche very serious and work very hard to prevent them. The risk of car accident on the way to the ski area is far greater than the risk of an avalanche.

And again Gretchen is correct that in three days, as beginners, you will be lucky to get on a easy blue slope. Wait till you can spend a week and appreciate the different area. Learning to ski is hard work.

enzian

The avalanche "issue" at Snowbird is on the road in, not on the slopes. The road comes up a narrow canyon with steep sides that are prone to avalanche. They close the road for a bit after a big dump of snow while they clear it. And at times people staying in the resort will be asked to "inter lodge" which means stay inside the buildings ( which are constructed to be safe from avalanche) while they clear the slopes above. These are on the opposite side from the ski slopes--- stunningly beautiful mountains in the summer when not covered with snow.

None of this applies to Park City, which is in a completely different canyon, much wider , much different terrain. You do not have to worry about road closures for avalanche at Park City. It is a great place for beginners and there is lots to do there besides ski and board.

peanut33

Thank you everyone sorry about "obsessing over the details" but it's going to cost a lot of money and I'm basically deciding for a big group of people. Really appreciate all of the input and will try to remember to give an update after we go.

Gretchen

IN spite of myself--Your statement about it being expensive is exactly right--hence my advice. Shop for the best deal. It is even possible you could find a package for a 4 day trip that could be quite good--every once in a while packages are the "deal" of the day. And some might include lift tickets and lessons.
And do consider where you can get discount tickets. I can't speak for Park City, but know that discount tickets are just about always available for Copper, for example==I invested in a goodly number of them this past winter. You can get them online and at King Soopers markets. It's worth shopping for that aspect also if all other things are "equal" about a given area.
Let your group in on this thread.

abram

We have found that travelling with a ski club is the most economical way to take a trip. You don't have to attend any events (although e find that they often throw good parties), but with the economy of scale, they get great prices.

For example, several years ago, we were on a trip to Aspen with a 5 day lift ticket included. We wanted to ski a 6th day rather than take a day off. We were able to add on another day for $27 when window prices for one day were almost $100.

We have, several times, joined a ski club just to go on a trip; membership is usually very cheap, and the clubs have all been very welcoming.

mrssparky

I ski with a group out west for a week every winter.

We love Breckenridge, Steamboat, Utah & Copper. I said Steamboat was expensive because we paid about $80.00 per day to ski at Steamboat. When we stayed at Copper we paid $79.00 for a four day lift ticket. It was part of our lodging package, but it was a substantial savings.

As many have said, there are many great places out west. Have fun!