I need suggestions for a family ski trip out west (we are from Florida). This is what we are looking for:
- easily accessible, within an hour or 2 from airport
- family oriented
- condos at base of mountain
- nice town for mom who does not ski to enjoy

Can you help???

Breckenridge or Steamboat Springs, CO

Big Mountain in Whitefish, Montana

www.bigmtn.com
www.whitefishmt.com

Hi florida, I don't ski but one of my daughters and SIL recently went to Park City Utah this winter. There second ski trip there.

They liked it because it was not that far from SLC airport. They used the shuttle to go skiing. Not sure about condos but no doubt someone here can respond to that.

They did not do their usual all day skiing as my SIL has had health problem and just now is back on his feet. My daughter said it worked out perfect as they really enjoyed their nonskiing time too. And it sounded like they had some great meals.

In addition to the other ideas, Vail and all Summit County--Keystone, Breckenridge.

Another vote for Park City. It meets all of your criteria. It's an easy drive from the SLC airport. There are 3 ski mountains right there -- Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley and the Canyons. All have condos at the base of the mountain and at least Park City and Deer Valley have good ski schools (not sure about the Canyons). They also both have a wide variety of groomed trails, so there is something for every level of skiier. There is a cute town (Park City) for mom and it is on a free shuttle bus system that takes you to Deer Valley and to Park City Mountain Resort so mom (or the rest of the family) can easily go to and from the condo. There is shopping, art galleries, a day spa, restaurants (casual, family-friendly and more upscale), brewpubs, bars, etc. in Park City.

We love Park City!

One more thing I wanted to point out (and no, I don't work for the Park City Tourism Board!) is that the Salt Lake Airport is really easy to get to and to navigate. We also live on the East Coast and there are plenty of easy, nonstop flights in and out of SLC. Plus, it doesn't get snowed in the way Denver can. It is an hour or less *easy* drive from the airport to Park City, as opposed to the more mountainous (and easily snowed in) drive from Denver to CO resorts. We live in the NYC area and find that we can actually leave in the a.m. and ski in the afternoon of the day we travel, it's that easy to get there!

I second Breckenridge, one of my fav places summer or winter. Charming town, beautiful area, two hour drive from Denver airport, tons of condos and vacation homes available (check it out on vrbo.com).
Have fun!

Hi Florida,

I live in Park City and there are more condos, hotels and a few B&B than you could ever use. In addition to the other amenities the others have listed, there is also the Utah Olympic Park, where the bobsled, luge, skeleton, and nordic ski jumps, and aerial jumps are located. It's well worth seeing.

Drive time from the airport to Park City is 40 minutes max.

We are having a great snow year and the spring skiing will be awesome!

Have fun!

I think Summit Co. is a great choice because one ticket lets you ski at several resorts; Keystone, Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver Creek, and A-Basin. There are tons of shops, restaurants, and lots to do for non-skiers as well. www.snow.com

Hi Dayle, my daughter & SIL rave about Park City. They have been to a lot of skiing areas, including Tahoe many times, but I have never heard them so enthused about anywhere as they are about Park City. Sounds like you live in a beautiful and fun place.

Another vote for Park City

Thanks for all these great suggestions. I am going to pursue Park City. I like the idea of an easy drive and we can fly their pretty inexpensively.

If anyone has any recommendations on places to stay that would be awesome. We want a 2 bedroom condo with kitchen, fireplace, washer/dryer that is walking distance to the town and ski area.

Thanks so much!!1

Hi again Florida,

Start at www.parkcityinfo.com. Lots of property management companies and literally thousands of condos that will fit your requirements. Some close to the base of Park City Mtn Reort are:

Snowflower
David Holland Properties
Marriott Mountainside
Snow King

Be sure to ask how recently the property has been renovated/remodeled. Some are older than others.

Most properties at Deer Valley are new/high end and will be very, very nice ($$$).

However, you will pay dearly for ski in/ski out. The nice thing is Park City has free shuttle buses to all resorts and around town, so you can stay almost anywhere.

When are you coming out?

Buon Giorno LoveItaly! You should come out sometime. It's paradise.