Ski Club 2.0 Home
Snow Reports
FAQFAQ

Mail for help.Help!!

Log in to snowHeads to make it MUCH better! Registration's totally free, of course, and makes snowHeads easier to use and to understand, gives better searching, filtering etc. as well as access to 'members only' forums, discounts and deals that U don't even know exist as a 'guest' user. (btw. 50,000+ snowHeads already know all this, making snowHeads the biggest, most active community of snow-heads in the UK, so you'll be in good company)..... When you register, you get our free weekly(-ish) snow report by email. It's rather good and not made up by tourist offices (or people that love the tourist office and want to marry it either)... We don't share your email address with anyone and we never send out any of those cheesy 'message from our partners' emails either. Anyway, snowHeads really is MUCH better when you're logged in - not least because you get to post your own messages complaining about things that annoy you like perhaps this banner which, incidentally, disappears when you log in :-)
Username:-
 Password:
Remember me:
👁 durr, I forgot...
Or: Register
(to be a proper snow-head, all official-like!)

US help

 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
So after four years trapped in Australia with a couple of long weekends attached to business trips and a couple of weeks in Aus/NZ as my sole release this former 30+ day a year skier has managed to persuade his OH to go to the US in February '09...

I've booked flights to LAX on miles but having never skied in the US before I'm keen to get some help on what next after that.

I'm a strong keen skier, but what I want most out of this trip is buy-in from the OH for future trips so I'm prepared to invest...

So need
- day spas
- obliging instructors to carry skis (only basis on which she'll take lessons)
- off snow activities etc that we can do together as well as sending her off on her own so I can have a quality day
- decent instructors (guides - do you want / need one in the US?) for me
- nice hotel
- short transfers (Geneva/Val D'isere and Christchurch/Queenstown both nearly ended our relationship) - though happy to take another flight to get somewhere

With the US$ being worthless I'm not really budget constrained but keen to hear thoughts.
snow conditions
 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Easy - Mammoth is a short hop on a plane (has its own airport) or is a 5hours ish pleasant drive through the desert.

Or flight up to Reno and take your pick of places round Tahoe - Squaw is probably most high end - Resort at Squaw Creek comes recommeded for pampering I think. Or some of the south lake tahoe casinos are pretty deluxe e.g. the montBleu. sightseeing round tahoe is good so definitely plan on renting a car.

US private ski instruction is geared around sympathy to individuals - try epic ski and you may even get specific recommendations as to which instructor to ask for in a specific resort. Most resorts run "freeride" lessons which are more like a guided inbounds thing aimed at getting you on the best terrain.

If you're willing to go further afield there are a whole load of other places you might look at beyond California served by local airports.

If none of this works consider a change in OH wink ?
snow report
 Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
LAX isn't the best gateway for that. Had you not bought the ticket (or if it can be changed), Salt Lake City would be better. Deer Valley is what I think your OH need. Lake Tahoe is another option that's only a short flight away. But I'm not up-to-date on which is the most pampering resort.

Short of changing flights or getting on yet another plane, Mammoth is the closest to LA. Instead of driving straight through (5~6 hrs), consider stopping at either Death Valley national Park (or Palm Spring) a day or two each way. It does cut into your skiing days. But both places are well worth visiting in their own right even without considering the benefit to your relationship (especially Death Valley).

Mammoth is a hot spring first before it's a ski resort. So you should have no trouble finding spas. There're also quite a few of them strung up and down the valley along the road all the way up to Tahoe (forgot the highway number). The mountain at Mommoth is quite stunning also.

Lake Tahoe is out of this world beautiful. But I'm not sure I'd do Squaw for beginer. I think Heavenly might be better. Also a lot more to do when she's not skiing. The trouble with Tahoe is the transfer. Even from Reno, we're still talking about 2-3 hrs. of driving! Once you're talking about getting on a plane, you can pratically go ANYWHERE. I'd go to Deer Valley myself.
snow report
 You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
abc wrote:
The trouble with Tahoe is the transfer. Even from Reno, we're still talking about 2-3 hrs. of driving! Once you're talking about getting on a plane, you can pratically go ANYWHERE. I'd go to Deer Valley myself.


Sorry this is nonsense - i've been from hotel in Reno to parking lot at Squaw or Alpine in 50 mins (non chain conditions on I80 obviously)

I'm sure Deer Valley or Beaver Creek or Aspen or Whistler can tick all the deluxe boxes but after a flight from Oz a 45 minute hop would be preferable for me.


Last edited by You need to Login to know who's really who. on Sat 31-05-08 18:05; edited 1 time in total
latest report
 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
SydneyPom, welcome to SHs. It seems to me that you would find life easier, cheaper and perhaps happier with a different OH? Didn't you get the entry exam done properly?
snow report
 You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
SydneyPom, have you thought about a less high-maintenance bird? A woman who refuses to carry her own skis and virtually dumps you over a couple of hours bus journey sounds like hard work to me. Laughing
latest report
 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Lizzard,
Maybe she's rich, hence the lack of concern about the spending. Confused
ski holidays
 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
fatbob wrote:
abc wrote:
The trouble with Tahoe is the transfer. Even from Reno, we're still talking about 2-3 hrs. of driving! Once you're talking about getting on a plane, you can pratically go ANYWHERE. I'd go to Deer Valley myself.


Sorry this is nonsense - i've been from hotel in Reno to parking lot at Squaw or Alpine in 50 mins (non chain conditions on I80 obviously)

I'm sure Deer Valley or Beaver Creek or Aspen or Whistler can tick all the deluxe boxes but after a flight from Oz a 45 minute hop would be preferable for me.

You couldn't read?

I don't think Squaw is good for beginer who wants to do non-skiing activities. There's not much else to do that part of Lake Tahoe, unlike South Lake Tahoe. But to get to SLT, the drive is over 2 hrs!!!

From Reno to ANY resort in Tahoe, north or south, you run the risk of storm requiring chains. Not all that likely. But if it does happen, a 50 minute drive WILL turn into 100 minutes. End of relationship?

In these day of security checks at the airport, there's no such thing as a 45 min hop any more. Wake up! Any time you're talking about a flight, you're talking about 2-3 hrs minimum from the time you arrive at the airport to the time you're in your rental car (to begin that "50 min" drive). Wink The difference in flight time from LAX to Reno vs. flight time to Salt Lake City is totally inconsequential.
ski holidays
 You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
Tahoe is a whole area and i didn't realise you meant SLT. I'm sure Deer Valley is wonderful but i've never heard it recommended for the keen skier (unless they are keen only to the extent of groomers) and surely the skier in the party also has to have their needs addressed while a beginner will realistically only need a relatively small network of bunny slopes.

But it might work. Personally if my OH was so hard to please on skiing I'd negotiate a holiday apart rather than try to compromise to the extent that a bit of adverse weather could end the relationship.

You are right that LAX isn't the ideal entry airport but i suspect the Op may face a challenge if he has to articulate why a further long flight is required. Your point on flight time being a neglible part of the equation is well made.
ski holidays
 Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
fatbob, Deer Valley is talked of in such a way by some self-proclaimed "keen" skiers it creates a certain impression. Insiders (which I'm not) point out there's lots more if only one knows where to look.

It also "conviniently" situates right next to two other fairly extensive resort in the same valley, which are reachable by a free bus. I've not skied Park City of late though my impression of 10 years ago was quite good. I did Canyons for nearly a week this past winter. The amount and variety of terrain is indeed amazing.

Point being, Salt Lake area is very much agreed upon by most, keen or less keen, skiers being one of the top destination of the US. And the fortunate location of Deer Valley within that same area let me to suggesting it for family of mixed ability, especially those with money and wants pampering.

Aspen and Beaver Creek/Vail are indeed similar candidates. But they're (relatively speaking) harder to get to from the west coast. At the tail end of a long flight from OZ notwithstanding.
ski holidays
 snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
What would make this all a bit easier is to have a stopover in LA of a day or 2 and lap up some SouthernCalifornian sunshine/pampering before heading on to Salt Lake City (where the proximity of a lot of great skiing to the airport really knocks out any issues about long transfers unless there is mega bad luck with weather) or Tahoe or Mammoth.

On a direct flight the flight time to SLC is under 2 hours. That is longer than to Reno and by air to Mammoth, but after a couple of days that might not be too big a problem, whereas tacking it onto the end of a long flight from Oz may be a bridge (or flight) too far.

Yes I know there is extra time either end but the bottom line is that they are going to have to get out of LA to go somewhere, somehow so it is not going to be a very short trip to wherever. (I imagine LAX was the only viable gateway for a direct flight from Oz, I doubt there are any direct flights to the usual ski airports....most Aussies that I have met at Whistler, which has a big Australian visitor base, came via LAX as I dont think that there are any direct flights to Vancouver, which might be the most likely place to have one if there were any))

Or, after that few days in LA the drive to Mammoth may seem more appealing than another flight. I did it a couple of years ago with no problem (in good weather I must say).

Or Tahoe, which I enjoy a lot. If they are staying at the North end of the Lake then (again in good weather) they could get most places within a 60-90 min drive of Reno. I accept SLT is further away. They could stay at Squaw and ski a number of places within a very short drive if Squaw itself didnt appeal every day............but then the OH may be happy to use the non skiing facilities at Squaw Valley
ski holidays
 And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
I totally agree on scheduling a couple days ON BOTH END of the ski trip, and spend it around LA. It would cut into skiing time. But there's really no other way around it. With some research and creativity, it doesn't need to feel a waste of time.

Or, find a different OH.
ski holidays
 So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
When I lived in Park City, there was only one destination in that valley on a powder day.

DEER VALLEY

Those who perpetuate the moniker 'Bambi Basin' don't know what they're talking about.
ski holidays
 You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
Thanks all,

Re OH - though she came with nothing she'd certainly leave with a nice dowry so for the moment I am bearing this with good grace... I think there's a skier in their somewhere and I just need to find it!

Direct flight from Aus are LAX or SFO, Air Canada now fly Sydney/Vancouver but I don't have any miles or the A$20k (GBP10k) to pay for business class flights but have a ton of Qantas points.

Onward flights aren't such a big deal so Colorado resorts aren't out of reach, Deer Valley sounds like a good idea.

Anybody any experience in "converting" non-skiers beyond the approach I'm taking? I don't think I'm ever going to convince her to do the Haute Route with me and I already take a separate sailing "holiday" (Sydney-Hobart) each year (yup, doesn't sail either!) so can't go off on my own.

Wow, just remembered someone recommended the Stein Eriksen Lodge in Deer Valley a couple of years ago.. hmmm, maybe not!
snow report
 Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
private instructor for the OH
ski holidays
 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Quote:

Anybody any experience in "converting" non-skiers beyond the approach I'm taking? I don't think I'm ever going to convince her to do the Haute Route with me and I already take a separate sailing "holiday" (Sydney-Hobart) each year (yup, doesn't sail either!) so can't go off on my own.


Throwing money (if you have it) at the problem may work. If nothing else you may make the whole trip sufficiently enjoyable for her that she is happy enough to come along and do a little skiing and a lot of something else which might allow you to do a lot of skiing.

You will probably know this yourself but never ever try to teach her yourself........fast track to the divorce courts I believe.

Private lessons are a good idea if you can afford it, or semi private say 3 to a group. Joining a group of 6 to 8 will involve more hanging around than she may put up with.
latest report
 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Fly up to Denver & you've got a relatively short drive (couple of hours) to Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver Creek etc. Loads of options for accommodation, skiing, instruction etc there
snow conditions
 Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Considering the OH constraints I too would vote for Deer Valley it's definitely for those needing pampering, they even carry your skis.

Mike Pow, You lived in Park City and went to Deer Valley on a Powder Day, I'm sorry but Alta, Snowbird, and Powder Mtn are all going to be the choice before DV, but then I'm not into the DV seen.
snow conditions
 You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
SydneyPom, good luck Laughing
latest report
 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
pinhead wrote:
Mike Pow, You lived in Park City and went to Deer Valley on a Powder Day, I'm sorry but Alta, Snowbird, and Powder Mtn are all going to be the choice before DV, but then I'm not into the DV seen.

Sorry? I can understand your point but ONLY if Mike lives in Salt Lake City.

It is after a good 45 min drive, probably more like an hour from PC to the Cottonwood Canyons. DV is right there. No worry about avalanche closing the road and such...

Besides, why compete with gazillion others for powder when you can have it all to yourself (from what I heard, 99% of DV skiers dislike powder)

I do know quite many others who lives in PC and never bother to go to the Cottonwood Canyons. When you're a local and knows all the secret spot the tourist don't, 5 min from your own door step, that hour long drive to go to the "other" Utah resort just become a monumental obstacle! Wink
snow conditions
 You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
SydneyPom, - I lived in Sydney for a bit many years ago. Did a 2 week holiday to Aspen and Vail when I got desperate. 20hrs on planes each way. Worth it though. Have a good one.
latest report
 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
SydneyPom, Potentially good year down in Snowies and NZ if La Nina hangs around, so you can always warm up down there. Some luxury places around thredbo nowadays.

Salt Lake and Park City/Deer Valley sounds perfect. Only 90 min flight from LAX and an hour from airport to park City. Some good restaurants in the DMZ (de-mormonized zone) too. Not quite up to Sydney standards, but you can't have everything Smile
latest report
 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
abc wrote:
pinhead wrote:
Mike Pow, You lived in Park City and went to Deer Valley on a Powder Day, I'm sorry but Alta, Snowbird, and Powder Mtn are all going to be the choice before DV, but then I'm not into the DV seen.

Sorry? I can understand your point but ONLY if Mike lives in Salt Lake City.

It is after a good 45 min drive, probably more like an hour from PC to the Cottonwood Canyons. DV is right there. No worry about avalanche closing the road and such...

Besides, why compete with gazillion others for powder when you can have it all to yourself (from what I heard, 99% of DV skiers dislike powder)

I do know quite many others who lives in PC and never bother to go to the Cottonwood Canyons. When you're a local and knows all the secret spot the tourist don't, 5 min from your own door step, that hour long drive to go to the "other" Utah resort just become a monumental obstacle! Wink


Spot on abc.

I had a seasons pass for Deer Valley, Park City & The Canyons through my job as an Inghams rep.

Dislike The Canyons and skied there less than 5 times.

Skied Deer Valley on a powder day because of the convenience, the quality, and the lack of competition.

But during the winter I skied more days at Powder Mountain, Snowbasin and Big Cottonwood Canyon (Brighton & Solitude) than I did in the Park City area.

I remember one day when I drove to Snowbird for a 14" pow day. Took me about 40 mins to get to the bottom of the Canyon, then I had to wait for an hour for the bus (it was bumper to bumper) and when I was about to get on the bus the driver told me that the queues for the tram were an hour long.

I said thanks, but no thanks.

Got back in the car and was having first tracks at Deer Valley before I would have even got to the top of Snowbird. And I didn't queue all day.

Is AltaBird great? Absolutely. But there's plenty of great skiing and powder to be had in that part of the world without having to join the circus.
snow report
 You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
Mike Pow, I noticed you did mention Powder Mtn, and I'm sure you skied PC plenty too, so it's not just a DV pow thing. I still haven't been to the Canyons although I skied there before the change in ownership but that was 30 years ago.

I'm a snob though I don't ski with the rich and snooty, just the real skiers.
snow report
 Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
pinhead wrote:
Mike Pow, I noticed you did mention Powder Mtn, and I'm sure you skied PC plenty too, so it's not just a DV pow thing. I still haven't been to the Canyons although I skied there before the change in ownership but that was 30 years ago.

I'm a snob though I don't ski with the rich and snooty, just the real skiers.


My favourite hill, and the one I skied the most, was Powder Mountain.

And if I went back I'd spend more time up that way skiing Powder Mountain, Snowbasin and Beaver.

And real skiers ski Deer Valley. Same lift ticket price as Park City and The Canyons. Same for most of the food & bev too.

If you want a premier service and are prepared to pay for it then you can get it at Deer Valley. But you can also get a true ski experience, and better IMHO, at a price that other resorts in the area charge.

One of the best aspects about Deer Valley that often gets overlooked is that they put a cap on the number of skiers per day. They know how much the mountain and lifts can accommodate to ensure that everyone has a great experience on and off skis. And they stick to it.

Meant I never had to queue for a lift, there was always plenty of untracked, and I could always get a seat at lunch.

Not many resorts in the world can offer that, for snobs or prols. Wink
snow report
 snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
My bias against Deer Valley is probably irrational and thanks for clearing it up Mike. I guess that anywhere that excludes snowboarders runs the risk of attracting a certain type of skier. Now for Alta or Mad River Glen I'd probably be able to overlook it as they have a reputation as being "core" skiing resorts i.e. no fripperies from what I've heard.

Your points however are well made with restricted sales and no competition from wealthy gapers and snowboarders stands to reason that mor eof the goods might be available inbounds.

SLC trip getting booste dup my list of must dos.
snow conditions
 And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
Mike Pow, My brother worked at Alta and then later as a air med dispatcher had passes to the SLC areas and he too loved Powder Mtn. I loved rolling into Alta and being able to sleep right there stumble out and ski.

abc, As to living in the area I worked out of Heber City for several summers.

As to the theme of the thread SLC does have some great restraunants and shopping to keep an OH happy.
snow conditions
 So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
I prefer to socialise with real skiers but share the slopes with gapers NehNeh
ski holidays
 You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
Quote:
If you want a premier service and are prepared to pay for it then you can get it at Deer Valley. But you can also get a true ski experience, and better IMHO, at a price that other resorts in the area charge.

One of the best aspects about Deer Valley that often gets overlooked is that they put a cap on the number of skiers per day.

Thanks, Mike Pow, for shareing an insider's view (and pointing out the obvious, which apperently not so obvious to others). Smile

I've never understand all the bashing Deer Valley or its like such as Aspen or Stratton gets. These so-called "expensive" resort all charge about the same for lift ticket as their nearest neighboring resorts. They have clean bathroom instead of a wet mess with stalls. They have more high speed (even covered!) chairs, more staff to help out when you need them. What's not to like? Base out of New York, I ski Stratton often enough. I found it no more expensive than say, Okemo or Stowe, which are both highly recommended but just not "luxury" resorts.

Sure, there're high end, ultra-expensive shops and lodging/food establishment there. But there're also more "regular priced" shops, food and places to stay too. (well, perhaps no youth hostel, I don't know for sure). So for a typical skiing family, you can still find decent lodging, places to eat for similar price as any other resorts in the area. And for the same price of lift pass, you get a less crowded mountain (especially on the more advanced terrain) because the self-proclaimed "real skiers" are not there to track your powder out!Wink

fatbob, two planker snobs comes in both the rich and cheap version. BTW, my prediction is MRG will be the next to go on the "skier only" policy. If only because the terrain is so "snowboard unfriendly" (steep, narrow, trees) that the snowboarders will still stay away once they "did it" once.
snow conditions
 Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Didn't know that DV was the same price as other Utah area resorts. Assumed that there was some sort of premium attached to it. Squaw used to be a lot more expensive than neighbouring Alpine, Vail & Beaver Creek > Copper & WP etc. Only been to Utah in the summer however so while I took a drive by had no real way of assessing the terrain.

All SLC resorts must be busier on a midweek powder day than those further from a major city though due to the "sickie" factor? Or are there so many that it isn't an issue.
snow conditions
 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
fatbob, Squaw is considerably bigger than Alpine. And Vail is quite a lot bigger than Copper or WP (probably bigger than both of them put together)! With such a huge size difference, it's understandable to have slightly higher lift pass prices. I think Squaw is about the same price as Heavenly, for example.

Deer Valley is actually more expensive than Alta. But so does Park City or the Canyons: they're all higher priced than Alta or Solitude. Not all the resorts have the same price lift ticket. Still, Deer Valley, Beaver Creek/Vail and Stratton are priced exactly the same as their neighboring resorts. So I really don't see the point of the "real skiers" bashing these "luxury resorts" for being expensive? They simply aren't any more expensive than comparable resorts in the same region.
snow report
 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
abc, I think the bigger = better point is interesting. If I lived in Vancouver and had to choose which direction to head on a powder day - chances are that Mt Baker might trump Whistler. The drive would be more pleasant (border crossing notwithstanding), I'd be able to park in front of the lodge and my lift ticket would be 50-60% of the price.

Would I take a new girlfriend on a seriously flash date there? Probably not but then I'd like to think that she'd be more into the skiing & the scenery if she'd got through the application process wink

Undoubtedly flash resorts serve a purpose as do private resorts. And lets not forget that everyone who shells out $30 for a valet parking spot is in part subsidising the season pass for the dirtbag eating lunch from his ziplock bag so everyone wins.
ski holidays
 Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
fatbob wrote:
Didn't know that DV was the same price as other Utah area resorts. Assumed that there was some sort of premium attached to it.


Was making the comparison between Deer Valley, Park City & The Canyons. All located in the Park City area.
snow report
 You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
Quote:

If I lived in Vancouver and had to choose which direction to head on a powder day -

"If I live..." is a totally different equation than if I go there for a week! For a weekend, not to mention a single powder day, size don't come into play at all. Crowd (lack of) does. 30 min. lift lines simply cut into skiing time too much.

But when it comes to buying season pass, inevitably those who could afford it tend to get the pass from the LARGEST area within the same area. Because, after all, size does matter if you're spending more than a few days in one resort.
latest report



Terms and conditions  Privacy Policy