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-   -   Ski trip to Lake Tahoe or Jackson Hole? (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/ski-trip-to-lake-tahoe-or-jackson-hole-191871/)

Sandi Sep 27th, 2001 11:35 AM

Ski trip to Lake Tahoe or Jackson Hole?
 
I'm thinking of taking an extended trip from Las Vegas after New Year's for some skiing to either Lake Tahoe or Jackson Hole. I'm only an amateur skier. Have only been to Winterpark Colorado (twice). I'm looking for scenery as much as anything else. Also, if one is considerably less expensive, that would make a difference, too. Any comments or suggestions? Thanks! <BR>

J T Kirk Sep 27th, 2001 11:51 AM

I like Jackson. Great skiing, but maybe a little too intense. I've never skied Tahoe, so I can't compare. But, Jackson is a great town with wonderful nightlife. And the scenary -- WOW. Yellowstone (if they're still allowing snowmobiles, if not, do it via snowcoach) and Grand Teton Natl Park are worth checking out. There's some great crosscountry skiing and showshoeing in Grand Teton Natl park. <BR>There are some inexpensive (relatively) places to stay and eat in Jackson. Personally, I go there to ski, but I find so many other things to do, I rarely get to ski.

Sandi Sep 27th, 2001 01:20 PM

Captain Kirk, <BR> <BR>Thanks for your reply! Jackson sounds beautiful, but Lake Tahoe is nice too, I'm sure. That's why I'm having trouble deciding. <BR> <BR>When you say the skiing at Jackson is intense, I guess you mean high skill level required to do the runs? I'm only up to the greens at Winterpark and some of those are intimidating. Thanks for your thoughtful response. <BR> <BR>Sandi <BR>

cg Sep 27th, 2001 01:40 PM

Sandi - <BR> <BR>To add to JT's apt description, Jackson really is great. As for green runs, there are plenty at the ski hill (it is huge). I went there almost every winter growing up, and moved from green, to blue to black with plenty of variety. The blue hills can get a bit icy if it goes for a long time with no new snow, but the green hills are kept well-groomed as I recall. It is quite expensive - I think it's up to around $60 for a day pass. <BR> <BR>Another option is Grand Targhee, which is about a 45-minute drive over to the other side of the Tetons. The scenery is absolutely astonishing, and Targhee caters more to green and blue skiers (especially blue) as well as experts. <BR> <BR>Can't speak to Tahoe as I've never been there (hope to fix that soon). Have a great trip!

Toni Sep 27th, 2001 04:45 PM

Jackson Hole is gorgeous but the skiing is difficult i.e. many black diamond runs. The town is so charming...old time west and the "Million Dollar Cowboy Bar" is unequaled anywhere. All this said I would think that a beginning skier would most likely have a better time in Tahoe. More choices for an intermediate/beginning skier.

aj Sep 27th, 2001 04:53 PM

I prefer Lake Tahoe because I also like to gamble and see shows when we go. Harrahs and Harveys are both lots of fun and have ski packages available. Many different ski choices out of Tahoe--from beginning to difficult. Free shuttles to the different slopes.

John R Sep 27th, 2001 05:14 PM

I doubt that you could beat Tahoe for the scenery. Skiing at Heavenly Valley is one incredible view of the lake after another. It has a good mix of runs too... some hard stuff and some easy stuff. <BR> <BR>Going from the California side to the Nevada side at Heavenly along the Ridge Trail you get amazing views of Lake Tahoe to the north followed almost immediatly by amazing views to the Carson Valley floor in Nevada to the southeast. Takes your breath away.

Sandi Sep 28th, 2001 09:32 AM

<BR>Thanks again to all for your replies. I am still up in the air at this time, but am sure whichever one I pick will be a good time. <BR> <BR>Sandi

Kay Sep 28th, 2001 10:13 AM

I know what you mean--I like to ski, but love to see the mountains in the snow in the winter. <BR> <BR>I learned on greens at WP, so I know what you are used to. I went skiing with friends at Kirkwood in California one time--we were staying at the lake, but drove to the ski area for the day. It had greens and then some easier blues; small so not not hard for a stranger to figure out; not too crowded. Not dramatic scenery right at the ski area, but close to LT. My husband went skiing at Squaw Valley, but I couldn't get the day off so I went there in the afternoon and rode the tram--it looked great for someone who had been on the greens at WP. You ride a tram or lift up to a green area up on the mountain so you can see the lake while skiing. There is a long sloping road back to the base. <BR> <BR>Of course, there are many other ski areas there, but I haven't been to them. Nor have I been to Jackson Hole, but I have read it is mainly a more advanced mountain.

Skier Sep 28th, 2001 12:29 PM

Tahoe has more areas to ski than Jackson Hole and more areas for novice skiers. The ski school at Squaw Valley is top notch and at Alpine Meadow you can actually ski the bowls as they are not too difficult. Plus, getting to Tahoe is easier and you can getter better deals. Save Jackson Hole when you are a better skier.

Christina Sep 28th, 2001 12:45 PM

I haven't been to Jackson HOle so can't compare, but I love Lake Tahoe -- I've only been to Tahoe, Aspen/Snowmass and Park City, though, for major resorts. I think Lake Tahoe has lots of good intermediate runs (green too as I recall, but I ski blue so maybe forgot). I also like it because I stay in Stateline and when I go alone, it's nice to have some casual nightlife -- I just go to the casinos and play some cards and have a drink or something, I like that--the casinos in Lake Tahoe are very laid back in comparison to Las Vegas. It also means there is lots of good transportation to the airport (shuttle bus to Reno) if you don't want to rent a car.

BillJ Sep 28th, 2001 10:37 PM

Sandi, I agree with Skier above. I've skied every mountain in the Tahoe area, including Kirkwood. I've also skied Jackson HOle and Targhee. We did not find Jackson's ski hill to our liking. Know for extreme skiing, most of the intermediate and single black diamond slopes (as I recall) were narrow trails. The atmosphere is terrific however, and the charm of Jackson Hole (the town) cannot be matched. On the other side, we found Targhee to be wonderfully friendly to the intermediate and beginner, and a great place to ski. <BR> <BR>The ski areas at Tahoe are seemingly endless. You could probably ski at Heavenly for a month and not ski the same trail. The ski packages at South Tahoe (or anywhere) should be pretty economical, but it's not long to New Years. <BR>North Star (near Truckee) is fantastic for families and beginners, with condo's at the foot of the hill. Squaw Valley looks intimmidating from the parking lot, but is great for beginners and intermediates at the upper bowl. My kids and family all learned to ski at NorthStar and Kirkwood, and we have had great times there and Squaw and Heavenly. While the lure of the Tetons would be understandably strong, for skiing, I'd stick to Tahoe.

Sandi Sep 29th, 2001 04:31 PM

Hello again. Decided on Lake Tahoe over Jackson Hole. Got a good price on airfare for the whole trip and decided to save a trip to Jackson for another time when there would be more time to visit Yellowstone, too. <BR> <BR>Also decided to ski at Heavenly, just looking for a convenient and nice place (and not too expensive) to stay. Won't have a car, will use transfers to and from airport. Any more suggestions out there? <BR> <BR>Thanks!!! <BR> <BR>Sandi <BR>


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