March ski trip - where to go for a challenge?
Dec 23rd, 2007, 01:58 PM
#1
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March ski trip - where to go for a challenge?
My friend and her husband are looking to go on a 1-week ski trip in March.
They are advanced skiers and are looking for a challenging hill. Nightlife and après-ski are less of a concern for them.
They very much liked skiing in Banff and Jackson Hole and are looking for something with a similar challenge.
Coming from Montreal, they'd like to take advantage of the strong Canadian dollar and were looking at either Colorado or Utah, but are open to suggestions in Canada, as well.
Thanks for weighing in.
They are advanced skiers and are looking for a challenging hill. Nightlife and après-ski are less of a concern for them.
They very much liked skiing in Banff and Jackson Hole and are looking for something with a similar challenge.
Coming from Montreal, they'd like to take advantage of the strong Canadian dollar and were looking at either Colorado or Utah, but are open to suggestions in Canada, as well.
Thanks for weighing in.
Dec 23rd, 2007, 03:43 PM
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In Utah, Alta offers nice challenging terrain, especially if you are willing to hike a bit.
Blackcomb and Whistler have a number of double-black runs at the top, especially Whistler with the bowls.
Blackcomb and Whistler have a number of double-black runs at the top, especially Whistler with the bowls.
Dec 23rd, 2007, 04:11 PM
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they might look at Taos in new mexico. 51% expert trails. vertical drop off lift access trails is 2612' starting from just over 11,000'. (or they can hike up another 600' - in bounds)
santa fe is the closest aiport at 75 miles but it takes like 19 hours to fly there. next is albuquerque with flights running 7-8 hrs and a 2 1/2 hr drive.
nice lodging in the ski town and plenty of great food.
also the nearby town of taos is a wonderful art center.
or do jackson again.
santa fe is the closest aiport at 75 miles but it takes like 19 hours to fly there. next is albuquerque with flights running 7-8 hrs and a 2 1/2 hr drive.
nice lodging in the ski town and plenty of great food.
also the nearby town of taos is a wonderful art center.
or do jackson again.
Dec 24th, 2007, 11:06 AM
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Thank you for the advice.
I've been asked to update the original posting:
They consider themselves "expert skiers" by east coast standards. Apparenly they don't do avalanche skiing or hike-skiing.
I've been asked to update the original posting:
They consider themselves "expert skiers" by east coast standards. Apparenly they don't do avalanche skiing or hike-skiing.
Dec 24th, 2007, 11:27 AM
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not altogether sure what 'avalanche skiing' would entail other than a great deal of praying -lol.
and one does not need to do any hiking at taos or any or the above mentioned areas if they choose not to.
i'm sticking with taos or jackson recommendations. and i'm adding crested butte. this is a great small town with some kick a** double diamond runs. they could fly to denver and drive or fly on to gunnisons small airport.
and one does not need to do any hiking at taos or any or the above mentioned areas if they choose not to.
i'm sticking with taos or jackson recommendations. and i'm adding crested butte. this is a great small town with some kick a** double diamond runs. they could fly to denver and drive or fly on to gunnisons small airport.
Dec 24th, 2007, 03:02 PM
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They could also drive to Vermont and ski Mad River Glen and Jay Peak. I haven't been to either but am also an "expert" skier who has skied all over the world, and from what I know from friends who ski there on a regular basis it is very difficult and challenging. I'm dying to get there myself, just hasn't happened as I always get stuck at Killington (or out west, just returned from Vail and am doing the Utah Interconnect Tour in January).
Dec 24th, 2007, 07:23 PM
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Hi Mona,
If they enjoyed Jackson Hole, they will enjoy Alta and Snowbird - and you don't have to hike to the best expert runs, just some of them. Have them try out any of the runs, bowls, chutes off the tram, Little Cloud, Great Scott, the Cirque, Silver Fox, Mach Schnell, Dalton's Draw.
The only time I skied Taos was during a bad snow year and I was not impressed. Expecially when the most difficult runs were closed due to icy conditions.
Telluride, CO would be another very good choice, in addition to Whistler.
If they enjoyed Jackson Hole, they will enjoy Alta and Snowbird - and you don't have to hike to the best expert runs, just some of them. Have them try out any of the runs, bowls, chutes off the tram, Little Cloud, Great Scott, the Cirque, Silver Fox, Mach Schnell, Dalton's Draw.
The only time I skied Taos was during a bad snow year and I was not impressed. Expecially when the most difficult runs were closed due to icy conditions.
Telluride, CO would be another very good choice, in addition to Whistler.
Dec 25th, 2007, 03:35 AM
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My ski group, who are mostly expert skiers, has selected Telluride for the trip in March 2008. Others that I have skied:
Crested Butte (backside..Yikes!)
Alta/Snowbird (anywhere!)
Whistler/Blackhome (oops that is Canadian)
Vail back bowls
Stowe front side
I am partial to Europe (just the thought of it!!) but ALAS...the Euro has taken the fun out of the experience!!
Crested Butte (backside..Yikes!)
Alta/Snowbird (anywhere!)
Whistler/Blackhome (oops that is Canadian)
Vail back bowls
Stowe front side
I am partial to Europe (just the thought of it!!) but ALAS...the Euro has taken the fun out of the experience!!
Dec 26th, 2007, 12:01 PM
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As Dayle said, there are plenty of good expert runs at Alta and Snowbird that don't require hiking.
Another place to consider, in addition to the ones already mentioned, is Big Sky, Montana (fly into Bozeman). I haven't skied there, but my expert skier son liked it alot. After spending a winter as a "ski bum" all over the west, it was one of his favorites.
Another place to consider, in addition to the ones already mentioned, is Big Sky, Montana (fly into Bozeman). I haven't skied there, but my expert skier son liked it alot. After spending a winter as a "ski bum" all over the west, it was one of his favorites.
