I am a solid intermediate skiier, looking for a first-time experience in the west.

These are the areas people at work have recommended.

I have received a brochure from Beaver Creek, and it looks wonderful. My reservations - not a direct flight there, cost and what some have commented about the "snobbiness" due to the wealth there.

I have not received anything from Snowmass, so don't know how the accomodations (cost and choice) compare. It appears it may be more laid back than Beaver Creek, but not sure how it compares with things to do.

Deer Valley seems like a nice option - direct flight, but it is costly as well, though I don't think as much as Beaver Creek. I have read it's pretty quiet and Park City would be where we would have to go for fun. As far as the skiing at Park City, I think it's too busy and crowded for what we want - we're pretty low key. I also like the no snowboarders at Deer Valley. It appears though we would have to stay in Park City as it seems alot cheaper and more options. I had hoped we could stay at the mountain we are skiing.

Can anyone give me a rough comparison - cost, accomodations, beauty (my husband is set on Colorado - he thinks it will be much prettier than Utah), ski quality and closeness to what we want - low key, uncrowded, some activity but not bars, etc., and choice of nice condo (on or near the resort) options. We had hoped not to have to spend more than $250 a night, but I don't now that that is possible after some looking. Avon near Beaver Creek got some very negative comments - built up, suburban, etc. - not the atmosphere we want.

Someone gave me a site (below) for Deer Valley/Park City. Wondering if anyone knows of similar one for Colorado.

Oops...

Here's the site.

http://www.parkcitytravel.com

Also, what month is best to ski. I see prices are lower in January - is there usually good snow that early, and is it usually the coldest month as it is here in the East?

Hi Loren, As far as snobbiness, they are all pretty similar.

As far as snow..well this year Utah has Colorado beat by a lot! we really are having an off year.

The only one I have been to is Snowmass and as an intermediate skiier myself, I can highly recommend it. We were there last March and got ski in/out accomadations (1Bedroom Condo or hotel room) for $150 per night. Snowmass is a ski village with lots of shops and restaurants and will be somewhat crowded. But the skiing is great, there are a great deal of wide green and blue runs. It is a very popular place that is moderately priced.

Paul:
Do you remember where you stayed at Snowmass? $150/nt is a great rate!

Loren -- search this site for the thread on Colorado vs Utah skiing and you will get lots of helpful information.

I haven't skiied Beaver Creek, but I've heard that it is probably the most expensive, most posh resort in the country.

I would put in a vote for Deer Valley. It is a little pricey, but there are lots of solid, intermediate trails, good food, great service, etc. You can also ski several other resorts nearby, including Park City and the Canyons, if you get bored. Park City is extremely close (in fact, there is a free Park City shuttle that will pick you up in Deer Valley and take you to Park City) and is a cute little town with restaurants, shops, etc. The other plus for me: easy access. It's a direct flight from the East Coast to Salt Lake and a short drive to Park City -- no need to connect to a smaller airport, no long drive through the mountains, and no weather delays in Denver.

Here is the website we used for accommodations: www.skithewest.com. We have stayed at the Park Station before -- comfortable and well-located.

Good luck!

Debbie: Snowmass Mountain Chalet. You can find it on the internet. There were other choices last year also. Keep in mind that I got the $150 per night rate because it was a last minute booking (about 2-3 weeks prior to arrival) and they try to fill rooms. I basically started to call hotels and condos in Snowmass and told them what I wanted and was willing to pay. I had three properties to choose from. The Mountain Chalet was the best location and value for the money.

I can only tell you about Beaver Creek & Snowmass (I live in the Denver area).

Beaver Creek is perceived to be (I've never stayed there during ski season) one of the most snobby and expensive ski resort areas. The skiing, I've been told, is good, though as it's so close to Vail, I always choose Vail over Beaver Creek. There is a small town-like part, where you can walk around and decide where you want to eat. Other than that, you have to drive or use a shuttle. There probably isn't a huge price range of dining choices. It is a beautiful area. My guess is that Snowmass is a bigger ski area than Beaver Creek.

Snowmass is 20 minutes or so from the middle of Aspen. There is a town-like part at Snowmass, with good range of restaurants, stores and all that, or you can take the shuttle bus (free) to Aspen for a much larger (and more expensive, of course) selection of restaurants and stores. When I've been to Aspen, I've felt underdressed walking around at night in only my ski jacket - I don't own a fur coat! I would say Snowmass is more laid back and moderately priced than Beaver Creek. I can't remember what the views are like from Snowmass, but the area is generally beautiful. I think Vail has the best views of other mountains from the top of the ski resort. If you stay at Beaver Creek, you can certainly also ski at Vail. Snowmass has many intermediate runs.

Yes, January tends to be the coldest month in the Colorado ski country, though it still isn't as cold as skiing out east. Yes, there's usually pretty good snow by then.

The web site snow.com has all the information for the resorts owned by Vail Resorts: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge & Keystone. The main website for Snowmass is aspensnowmass.com

OK, thanks to all. We've now ruled out Beaver Creek.

Someone suggested to us we might like Steamboat.

Any comparisons between Steamboat and Deer Valley or Snowmass?

Steamboat is great. Great intermediate runs, ususally great snow, and hot springs. Better prices than Snowmass, especially on meals

You have hopefully not ruled out Beaver Creek based on this thread, the individuals that have responded have never skied there!. Park City is nice. Deer Valley seemed to be the most expensive ski area I have skied. There was obvious snobbiness here. The city of Park City had a free shuttle and they will be geared up because of the Olympics. The accomodations in PC are much less expensive than DV. Example Stein Erickson Lodge >400.00 per night. You must drive an hour from Salt Lake, sometimes takes longer. Snowmass was less expensive, although close to Aspen which is bIG $$$$. Steamboat is more family oriented as kids can ski free, many ski in/out condos. My favorite is Beaver Creek. Many ammenities. If someone has told you Avon is Built up I guess I can't understand that. Maybe they haven't been there. We stay at the Inn at Beaver Creek. It is near the heart of the village within a two minute walk. It is 25 feet or less from the Strawberry Park Lift and has great service and the people were always friendly. The costs are expensive, but not any more than the places you have picked except for Steamboat. You are also close to Vail which has even more ammenities but is significantly more crowded. You can fly into Eagle/Vail, which is a 35 minute drive to BC. Your remark on the brochure is correct, and these two resorts, Vail/BC remind me of a more European ski resort. If you go to Steamboat, fly into Hayden airport, just outside of Steamboat. Any more questions just post!

OK, Here's my two cents worth & I have skied several times at Vail, BV & all Aspen areas. I live in Park City. All of the resorts above are great - usually good snow, fabulous restaurants, etc. BV & Deer Valley are probably quite comparable are far as cost of accomodations. BUT - I have found very few "snobs" at Deer Valley and you can stay anywhere in the Park City area for far less than the cost of Stein's (they are about the most expensive there is anywhere but if you can afford it - it's well worth the price). The three ski areas in Park City are so close together that you can go from one to the next in about 10 minutes drive or free shuttle bus. there are so many lodging choices, I know you can find a nice convenient & quiet condo or hotel to your liking. the skiing is fantastic, plenty of runs to suit you. December & January are usually the coldest months and the snow is also great by then. Feb & March are usually higher priced due to demand. Big clue - skiing in Utah in April is the best! April is the second highest snowfall month for Utah. Powder days & warm sunny afternoons - and NO crowds at all - plus low room rates. You'll have fun where ever you go.

Tough decision, I've skied all the above mentioned places. If you really want
beauty you CAN"T beat Lake Tahoe. As for skiing I would opt for Park City,
you've got Deer Valley and Park City right next door to each other, both perfect places for intermediate skiers. A 45 minute drive and you'll find ALTA (no snowboarding) and Snowbird. Snowbird is more challenging but worth the drive. We went to Snowmass first week of April one year and stayed at a ski
in ski out for $105/nite. It's big and nice with wide open runs. All in all you
can't beat any of the above mentioned places. Good luck