Suggestion needed for FIRST ski trip!
 

My family of 5 - 2 adults and 3 teens ages 13, 16 & 17 - wants to take a ski trip this Christmas. I am looking for a suggestion as to which resort/area to choose. The three teens have never skied, the adults haven't skied in 20 years. My main concern is actually not the skiing, but the availability of other activities. For instance the 17 year old wants to snowmobile and the 13 year old wants to go tubing. The adults want 'stuff' going on and maybe some fun restaurants. We will probably only ski one day and do other activities the rest of the time. I'd really like to get that 'ski town' feel - if that's possible. Budget is somewhat of a concern, especially since Christmas seems to be the most expensive time to go. Any suggestions are appreciated. <BR><BR>Thanks, Kathy

What part of the country are you interested in? Vail has Adventure Ridge which looks like great fun and to keep expenses down you could stay in one of the villages close by that have shuttle access.

I have heard great tales about Banff (Canadian Rockies). The exchange rate cant be beat and they offer a lot more than just skiing. My sister (who doesnt ski) went with her family and had a great time and couldnt believe how little everything cost. Look into some websites- there are plenty. And when you are looking at the website remember- canadian $$ amount is a lot different than US $$ amounts.

Park City, Utah. It has 3 resorts -- Park City, Deer Valley and the Canyons. I can personally attest that Deer Valley has a wonderful (but pricey) ski school.<BR><BR>There is a cute town with shopping, galleries and restaurants. There is snowmobiling nearby -- not sure about tubing.<BR><BR>It is very easy to get to -- about an hour's drive from Salt Lake City airport -- unlike many of the Colorado resorts.<BR><BR>And, there are accommodations at various price points with access to a free town shuttle that will take you to the town, Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley (just be sure your condo/hotel is on the bus line).<BR><BR>We've used this broker before -- www.skithewest.com.<BR><BR>Good luck!

Oh, yeah, one more thing -- what we like about Park City and Deer Valley is that both have lots of green trails and groomed blue trails. We usually go as a group with mixed abilities. I'm a beginner, some in our group ski double blacks, but most ski middle-level blues. There are plenty of choices for all.

While Banff is a great place, I don't think it is good for beginner skiers and it can get really, really cold there. I suggest Steamboat Springs, it has a top notch ski school, is easy to fly into and will be considerably less than Vail or Aspen. Steamboat has been rated one of the top ski areas for families in a number of ski magazines and family circle.

Hi Kathy,<BR><BR>I agree with with jvs about heading north of the border. Check out www.bcskicountry.com for info about some incredible family resorts in western Canada. Better value, snow, and resort-like feel than Banff. Although not quite as picturesque as Banff. <BR>Enjoy,<BR>Bram <BR>

Tahoe would be an excellent choice (IMHO).

Thanks for all of your replies, but I thought I had posted this question in the Colorado forum. I was primarily interested in Colorado, or perhaps northern New Mexico as we are driving to save expenses. Anywhere else would be out of driving range and therefore out of budget range. Thanks again for your replies and I'll keep them in mind for the future.<BR><BR>Kathy

Kathy your question appears in the US Forum. There is no Colorado forum. There is however a search capability that will allow the user to narrow down the interests by state. That's why you see questions with the location in the title. Most users do not log on and immediately narrow down their interests by doing a search.

I would suggest Breckenridge. It is a great ski town with plenty of beginner trails. Also many other resorts nearby for variety in Summitt County. The town of Breck gives you that "ski" feel with lots to do. Try www.vrbo.com for a deal on a condo. I used this site last year and got a great ski in, ski out for a reasonable price.

The main thing at Christmas is snow depth. Even though you are in CO and they have had snow already you can't be guaranteed powder without bare and icy spots. Check which areas get the most snow. There is a big difference in the different Colorado resorts. You say the teens only want to ski one day. Well they can't learn in one day and once they are there and see that skiing is such fun then they will be hooked. I would almost suggest they learn to snow board as that is what most of the teens enjoy doing and they will have an extremely rough first day but will pick it up so much quicker. (Please no mean comments about boarders vs skiers)It is embarrassing just learing when you have tiny kids whizzing by and catching air but you will see lots of older first time boarders. We have been all over Colorado and I have never been to Breckenridge but that might be the place for you as it has lost of action and would be fun for the teens. Steamboat is a great place to learn except the green runs have the unfortunate location of being fed by above blue runs so skiers come whizzing by you like you are a stalled car on the freeway which can be intimidating. Every resort in CO has a plus point and I think as long as you find one with plenty of snow and get easy ski in and out access then you are set. We love Crested Butte and Telluride and Snow Mass in Aspen. You may e me. Ski mags and Ski 2002 type books are a good base of info.

Hi Kathy and your question does appear under Colorado. @ ideas. One Keystone had a great deal on thier web page for lift tickets if purchased befor nov 11<BR>Adult 4-Day Lift Ticket*<BR><BR>$99 valid from:<BR>11/01/02 - 12/25/02<BR>1/06/03 - 3/07/03<BR>3/31/03 - 4/20/03 <BR><BR>$111 valid from:<BR>11/01/02 - 4/20/03 <BR><BR>*Internet offer only. Tickets must be purchased by November 15, 2002 and at least 14 days in advance of arrival. 4 days of skiing must be used on 4 separate days within a 7-day period, and are not interchangeable.<BR><BR>http://www.keystone.snow.com/sr.lifttickets.asp<BR><BR>Next to save $$ on lodging try renting from owner sites. the one I like Best is www.summitnet.com. Within that site is a form that you can fill out with specifics. Note that it will go to both private owners and mgmt companies.<BR>SummitNet also has great infor on other activites.<BR>As for ski town well Breck fits but may not fit your budget, Frisco is also a good choice and maybe less.<BR><BR>Other areas to think about is Crested Butte. Some sites that may have condos direct are www.skibyowner.com and www.vrbo.com <BR>

Dear coskier----wanted to thank you for the transportation coupon website you posted on this forum a while ago. That was a SUPER long web address, but it worked perfectly. I really appreciated you taking the time to type that whole thing out--- I saved a few bucks!!! Thanks much!!

Kristen your welcome! here it is again for those interested<BR>http://www.skicoupons.com/coupons.cfm?region=4&group=2&ccat_id=5&csubcat_id= 0<BR><BR>really I just copy and paste! Other ski area coupons within the site.

Hi Kathy,<BR>My husband and I have lived in CO for almost 20 years and we'd suggest Steamboat Springs. It's user friendly, and while we like both Vail and Aspen, I think it's a bit better value. I've had relatives stay in condos at that time of year. There's tubing on the mountain and snowmobiling nearby. The town is a short distance from the ski area and while it's small, it has some nice shops, galleries, and restaurants.<BR>We wish you a wonderful stay in Colorado!

Lots of good advice here so nuthin much more to say except maybe, break a leg! Oh.........

I just wanted to comment on your note that you only wanted to ski 1 day. <BR><BR>Honestly...if you are bringing new skiers.. I am not sure I would bother skiing for 1 day. They will not progress far enough on the slopes to really have skied. I know my first ski trip was pretty bad because it took me all 3 days to get to where it was remotely fun....its the subsequent trips that turn fun once you have learned. <BR><BR>Just a thought that you should really commit to skiing and learning for the kids or maybe you should skip it altogether.<BR><BR>As far as places, it would have to be Breckenridge or Steamboat to probably be able to do all that stuff in a close distance. (ALthough i personally have never liked skiing at Breck). Maybe Vail. <BR><BR>Joe

I would recommend Snowmass. The expert skiers can go to Aspen if they want, but Snowmass has runs for all levels. I used to go there with a group of folks I worked with for a week every year and we had 1 man (60+ years old) that learned to ski there; up to 2 guys that had been in the ski patrol in a) Utah and the Swiss alps. Lots to do, beautiful, many lodging types. It was really nice.

Agree with Joe, beginning skiers are not going to get much out of one day of skiing. You fall alot your first day and get frustrated. That said, Steamboat should fit the bill.