We are a group of British skiers who are planning to ski in American next Easter (2004). We have a mix of abilities in our group, which includes children, and one who will be snow shoeing rather than skiing. We were looking a Pack City or Deer Valley as they seem to meet the needs of our skiers who have only a couple of weeks experience but it would seem that the snow is likely to be better in early April in Snowbird and Alta. Fodors says Snowbird is an experts dream but a novices nightmare (and we do have a fairly nervous novice with us) and not for skiers of doubtful skills -which is putting us off Snowbird. Should we stick with Park City/Deer Valley and risk lack of snow or would Snowbird be okay for us?
Thanks for any advice you can give us.

Deer Valley is a great place to ski for all ability levels. Plus, of all the Park City resorts, they're the best at keeping up the snow making when mother nature doesn't cooperate. But, are you sure Deer Valley will be open that late? I'm not sure when Easter 2004 falls during the year, but they close April 7 this year which is much earlier than Easter.

Can't say anything about Snowbird and Alta. I've never skiied there but also have heard that its for more advanced skiers. Those who do ski there love it!

Good luck!

My friend just came back from Snowbird two weeks ago. He has skied his entire life and said that although he had a great time, it was VERY scary at some points. Stick with Park City or Deer Valley.

Snowbird and Alta are about 45 min. from Park City so if PC conditions are sparse, you could drive or take the bus. If you choose to leave PC, I would recommend Solitude and Brighton in Big Cottonwood Canyon, also about 45 min. away. These 2 areas have more beginner and intermediate trails than Snowbird/Alta.

I have skied Deer Valley for several years. Its great for all ski abilities, but expensive. Snowbird would not be good considering you have some beginers. Park City is a great town and has the best night life in Utah, a very conservative state. I would stick with Deer Valley or Park City Ski Area.

Hello Waterbat!

I live in Park City and have been skiing Utah, specifically Snowbird, for 30 years. My recommendation is to see when Easter falls next year. As stated by the previous posters, Deer Valley & possibly Park City, may not be open for Easter. If it's a good snow year & Easter is early come to Park City. It has everything you want.

If not, definitely go to Snowbird. Snowbird and Alta are higher and get more snow. April skiing is WONDERFUL! No crowds, great snow, great weather. You will often have fresh powder in the morning and tee shirt weather by afternoon. Snowbird doesn't have a lot of beginner runs. Besides, their beginner runs are really more like "blue" runs everywhere else (except for Jackson Hole which is even more diffeicult than Snowbird overall). However, Alta has lots of great beginner and intermed runs and you can ski both on one ticket as long as you are all skiers. Snowboarding is not allowed at Alta.

Write back if you want more info! You'll love Utah skiing.

Thanks for your advice everyone. Looks like we will avoid Snowbird. Have checked with Marketing Dept of Deer Valley and they close April 11th 2004. Easter is the week before so could be viable.
Thanks again
Waterbat