2bamafan

I'm planning a 4 day quick ski trip over Presidents Day weekend (Feb 21). The airfares to Burlington, VT vs. Albuquerque have comparable prices from Birmingham, AL. Any thoughts on which destination would be more desirable for an intermediate to advanced-intermediate skier. (Still not comfortable on "blacks", though).

bm

Not sure about Taos, but if crowds are an issue with you, Stowe will be very, very, very busy.
That said, they do have some great intermediate terrain there, especially on Spruce Peak (which will be less crowded than the Mansfield side).

KMK

I must preface this by saying, that while I am an advanced/expert level skier and have skied many resorts in both the East and West, I have never skied at Taos or Stowe. (Although I am going to Taos this winter - yeah!)

First of all, I assume you know that snowboards are not permitted at Taos, so you and anyone who goes with you better be skiers only! I also presume you know it is 150 miles from Albuquerque to Taos, and are willing to make that drive.

Second, the snow quality will be better at Taos than at Stowe. Taos will have that light, powdery stuff that doesn't ice up; their groomed runs will not have a great tendency to get icy late in the day as is common in the East. Stowe will be prone to ice. That much I can predict, that is just the nature of western vs. eastern skiing - who will have more snow, I'm sure even the weather forecasters are just guessing!

Taos has a reputation as an expert's resort, although like all resorts it tries to maintain trails for skiers of all abilities. I have heard it said, however, that many of the blue runs they have ought to be rated black. Perhaps someone else can tell you if there is enough 'true' intermediate terrain to keep you happy. However, Taos also has a reputation as having one of the best ski schools in the country, so if you are interested in improving your skiing by committing to some lessons, I suspect you would learn a lot and have a great time.

From the little I know, Stowe may be more balanced in the terrain department. Not sure how far it is from the airport, but Vermont is a tiny state!

In my opinion, though, I would never pay money to fly to an eastern resort. I only go to the eastern resorts because I can drive to them; if I was flying, I'd go west. The quality of the experience, because of the better snow, is FAR superior in the West.

I think you would probably have a good time at Taos, but I think there might be better choices for you in the West. Check out airfares to Salt Lake City or Denver; either of those gateway cities open up a wealth of quality western resorts with suitable terrain for you.

2bamafan

Thanks KMK. Southwest flies from B'ham to Albuquerque and SLC, but not Denver. Denver can be much more expensive from Bham. I didn't mention SLC because I'm going there on Dec 28th.

I think I'll focus on Taos OR save up my cash and hit Winter Park. I've only got 4 days so I don't want to "kill" a day getting to/from the resort. Of course, if I choose Taos, I'll have to deal with the 150 mile commute. I believe Winter Park is only 60 miles from the airport. Any comments would be appreciated.

xxx30

With only 4 days for a ski trip you should go to Stowe you will not have to adjust to being over 7000' above sea level.This adjustment can take aa day or two.At stowe you can ski right away.

jmack

Stowe is 35 minutes from the Burlington airport by car. The slopes are well suited for an intermediate skier and the town of Stowe is charming.

repete

I'd say Taos in a heartbeat, but I like the suggestion for SLC, which has so many more options and the widest range of budget choices -- from dirt cheap to deer valley -- in the country.

Stowe can be lovely, but on President's weekend, its tight trails won't handle the crowds like western bowls will. Plus, if I have a choice between eastern ice and western powder, it's really no choice at all.

Fodorite018

I have not been to Taos, but have skied at Stowe and in the west. We enjoy Stowe, but for skiing definitely the west is much better. Not near as icy.

ski4me

I have skied at Taos, although it has been about 10 yrs ago. I ski mostly blue, blue/blacks, with a few runs down the blacks (usually on my bottom end) just for kicks. I had plenty of runs to keep me happy. It will probably be busy, but when we were there the staff handed out hot chocolate to every one waiting in line! One the crouds disapated to higher runs it was much less crowded. I have never run into icy except in spring in New Mexico or Colorado.

You do have another option to ski just outside of Albuquerque at a small ski area, I think it is called Sandia Peak. I really enjoyed it. It is smaller, but more than plenty for me to have a ton of fun skiing. The people there were exceptionally friendly, as I find at most smaller ski areas. Also Albuquerque would offer alot more options than Taos as far as lodging, eating, and other activities. It has been awhile but when I was at Taos these was some lodging at the base of the mountain & that was about it. The mountain is aways out of the town of Taos.

The airport at Denver is on the far east side of town. I might be off, but I would think it would take more like two hours from the airport to Winter Park with good traffic. Can anyone out there confirm my thoughts? I really liked Winter Park however. There is a train that runs from Denve to Winter Park Ski area, but I don't know much about it. It might be a good option over driving is the schedule works for you. Have fun and SKI4ME!!