Skiing USA/Canada

[Mrs Dazzle]

As this Xmas was not too good with MIL's illness, we've decided to get away from it all next Xmas 2003 and travel to the US for some skiing.

I've skiied many times in Europe, but not in the States or Canada.

Anyone out there recommend a ski resort which will cater for me (advanced, though a bit rusty these days owing to a mangled ankle 5 years ago); DH (skiied for a week several many years ago with the school) and DD (10) who's never been but I'm positive will take to it like a duck to water.

 

[BevS97]

the only place in the US that I have skied is Stowe in Vermont (well I have skied at lots of little places but that's the biggest).

It was about 15 years ago, so it's probably changed a lot since then but I really enjoyed it there and there seemed to be plenty for different abilities. At the time I was a regular skier although never an expert, but I skied with some very advanced skiers and they all enjoyed it as well.

I would have thought your dd would be fine at most big US resorts, they all have good ski-schools.

Bev

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Vail, Aspen or Breckenridge are all good for mixed ability groups, with a wide range of pistes and ski schools with good reputations. None of these are the cheapest resorts in the world though , so you might want to look at some of the smaller resorts in this area. I would avoid the eastern resorts in the US and Canada as they too can suffer from poor conditions early in the season.

Having said that are you sure that you want to troop all the way over the Atlantic to go skiing, when we have the world's finest skiing comparatively on our doorstep? I know that conditions can be poor early on in the season in Europe (as they can be in the States) but if you choose the right resort you shouldn't have too many problems. I've skied in France for the last five Christmases and not had any restrictions on the skiing I've wanted to do, despite a couple of those years being 'poor'. Choose a high resort with a good reputation for snow management and you should be OK. I can't recommend Courchevel too highly: great for mixed ability groups, endless pistes, great at looking after snow, a couple of excellent British ski schools, range of accommodation from budget all the way through to luxury, etc, etc. It's my favourite resort.

Regards

Rob

 

[jean88]

Hi everyone
DH and i are going to Stowe for the first time in Dec 2003, we're staying at the green mountain inn, has anyone stayed there?
Jean

 

[Olaf]

I agree with Rob. I mean if you need an excuse to come to the states, then go to Florida. If not, go to Switzerland. Skiing isn't really my thing. But I did live in Colorado for several years and honestly, I prefer Switzerland.

 

[athurstance]

We've just come back from Sunday River in Maine. It is a fabulous ski resort with miles of trails for all abilities. They even had the USA ski team there competing on some of the black runs. The ski school is brilliant - I was a total beginner and was happily skiing the mountain at the end of the week.
They have a website - www.sundayriver.com - we stayed at the Jordan Grand which is very nice. You can ski straight out the door too.

Angela

 

[#1MMFan]

what about Whistler in BC, Canada... supposed to be rated the top ski resort in North America...

I don't know.. I'm not a skiier!

J

 

[Astrid]

Can't answer your questions flower as I've never skiied in my life (probably a good job too!) but it sounds like you're planning something a bit exciting!!

Astrid x

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Thanks so much for all the replies, most helpful

Rob - I've skied in many European resorts (France has the best skiing available, but for scenery it has to be Kitzbuhel or Grindelwald in my book ). But we want to have 10 days skiing in the US and then a few days in NY or Las Vegas/San Fransisco which Virgin readily offer. There's even a two centre package for a week in Whistler (my fave choice) then down to Hawaii for a week - that way I get to ski, DH gets to sunbathe - but I think the long flight home could put the dampners on that one.

Thanks for all the other idea - Stowe is looking reasonably top of our list, too, Jean. Might see you over there! Angela - thanks for the info, will check this one out.

Astrid, flower - because of the situation with MIL, don't think we'll make Fort Myers this summer, so hence our two weeks somewhere else in the States later in the year (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it - you can help pick the place out of the hat over coffee when we see each other next week

On with the planning Both Darryl and I desperately need something to look forward to at the moment

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Originally posted by Mrs Dazzle
Thanks so much for all the replies, most helpful

Rob - I've skied in many European resorts (France has the best skiing available, but for scenery it has to be Kitzbuhel or Grindelwald in my book ).

Grindelwald yes, and Wengen too, but I didn't think Kitzbuhel had much to offer, views wise. In fact other than the Hanenkahm I'm not sure Kitz has much to offer full stop! But if it's views you want Zermatt can't be beat in my opinion. The Matterhorn is just so damn pretty!

Combining a visit to the Tahoe area plus San Francisco/LA sounds wonderful. Just think, skiing and Mickey in one trip. Bliss...

Regards

Rob

 

[mattjs]

Utah would be a nice fit for your overall plan too in terms of proximity to Vegas/California. And has absulutely amazing skiing. Check out Alta and Snowbird. It's unbelievable!

Two enormous, back to back resorts where you can share a pass and ski between them. The terrain is breathtaking and endless, the snowfall amounts are monstrous (they average over 500"/year) and the powder is the lightest you'll find anywhere.

Very easy to deal with too. Fly into Salt Lake City and catch a shuttle or rent a car. It's a quick 45 minutes from the airport up into the canyon to the resort.

There's a range of options for Lodging. Highly recommend the Alta Peruvian Lodge. Can't beat it. Walk to lifts, great food, incredible price (rates include 3 fantastic meals/day and a lift ticket for each member of your party for each day of your stay). It's the best kept secret in the skiing world!

 

[jean88]

We've been to Mammoth mountain, but not to ski. This place is magic, and we've heard from the skier's that it's the top's. The place to stay is the Jaegerhof lodge, it's owned by tony (who's scottish) and Marie( who's irish), absolutely wonderful place.
Jean

 

[cheryl.UK]

Deffinitely try Whistler.

We went there at easter last year and it is fabulous

None of the stuffiness of europe and with far better hotels. We went to the delta whistler suites which were beautiful.

Fantastic skiing and snowboarding for all ages and abilities and its true what they say about canadians... they really are very very friendly.

 

[Goofyish]

I noticed that the destination for the Lottery Jet Set is Banff in Canada this week, so check out next Saturdays show for a few views of the area