Denise3

We are an adult family of 5 (three sons ages 28, 22, 19)who would like to ski during the holidays and are not sure where to go. We are novice skiers and are overwhelmed with the choices (Colorado or Utah, and then what city?) Is ski in/ski out a better choice? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

BigRuss

Breckenridge is pretty idiot-proof for novices (survived a couple of times, and my skiing needs vast improvement to reach terrible).

Plus, there's more than a fair bit of places to go around the town and nightlife without the higher costs of Aspen. Biggest problem with Breck or Vail or Keystone or Copper Mountain is the drive from Denver is much longer than SLC to Park City.

khor

Park City! You can stay in town at either a hotel or VRBO and easily access the ski slopes for three different resorts (Park City, Deer Valley, and The Canyons). Ski-in, ski-out would be the easiest choice, but if your budget or availability does not allow for that, it is easy to get around town with a rental car. The Marriott used to have a free shuttle to Park City Mountain Resort. I would choose a rental/room within walking/shuttle distance of Main Street for the après-ski/dinner scene. Main Street has many, many options for dinner and beyond.

POlson

We have had some very enjoyable trips to Park City. My DH says the skiing is great and I love the food and shopping.

Ackislander

Two suggestions:

1. Book soon, wherever.

2. Consider trip insurance if the holidays are Christmas to New Years. Being stuck at DFW or O'Hare while your rental condo sits empty is a pretty frustrating and expensive experience, especially if you are planning a short (<5 days) trip.

Denise3

Thanks everyone!

sf7307

Check the snowpack at each of your possible destinations over the last few (or more) Christmases. We love Park City, but when we were there a few years ago the week before Christmas, the snowpack was very low and skiing was not very good.

fmpden

First, you do realize that the Christmas/New Year is peak, peak ski time at any resort. It will be very crowded and highest prices so as long as you are prepared for that you will be OK.

Ski in/out is always the most convenient and highest demand. And also will command the highest prices. Breckenridge has much higher percentage of these types of properties as compared to Park City. Read descriptions carefully. Breckenridge has lot of ski in but very limited ski out property along 4 oclock run. Handy for returning from the slope and less so getting back up the slope.

Breckenridge and Summit Cty ski area are much larger than the Park City complex so can handle the crowds better than Park City. And the dependable of Christmas/New Year snow is much better because of the higher elevations.

At that time of year, Breckenridge probably would be your better choice. And as someone else mentioned, you need to make reservations yesterdays.

biny

As noted, the holidays are one of the busiest and priciest times to go skiing, and early season conditions can be hit or miss. But there is definitely something special about spending the holidays in the mountains, and if mother nature cooperates, the experience can be truly picture perfect. I don't think you can go wrong at any of the major ski towns in Colorado or Utah. They all have excellent ski schools, plenty of snow making to ensure at least some skiing, lots of off slope activities, and all are decked out for the holidays. While ski-in/out is a nice luxury, it definitely isn't mandatory. And it might not make as much sense if you'll be skiing several different resorts, or the location requires skiing trails that are beyond your ability/comfort level.

Generally speaking, the further you get from Denver, the less crowded the slopes will be (and the harder they will be to get to). Again, holidays are busy everywhere, but Telluride will have a fraction of the crowds of Vail, for example. And i have to disagree with fmpden on Breckenridge vs Park City. The odds of good snow are probably pretty similar. Yes, Summit county is higher, but the Wasatch in general gets more snow. And Summit county is arguably the most congested ski area in the rockies - popular with both destination skiers and locals from Denver. Breckenridge has a lot going for it, but minimal crowds is not one of them.