Recommended Skiing Destinations

[johnblake]

I'm trying to plan a ski trip for later this month and into March. We'll probably fly into CA and will either rent a car and drive, or fly again. We're looking for a great place to ski (good terrain and lots of snow), that also has reasonably priced accomodations, and decent food.

Places I've really enjoyed: Whistler, Mt Baker, Mt Bachelor, Steamboat Springs, Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird, Mt Hood, Crystal Mtn.

We'll probably focus on Tahoe or SLC because they are relatively easy to get to, and the northwest and BC have little snow (although that can change fast).

I haven't spent much time in Tahoe. I did spend a 2 day weekend at Squaw once, and found it too upscale for my tastes (we stayed on the mtn).

One idea is to rent a 4wd in northern CA, and wing it. I like this approach because we can drive to the snow (I'm a powder snob). Does anyone have suggestions on where to stay around Tahoe or SLC? Can we get away without making reservations in advance? We're thinking 10-14 days.

We're flying in from Hawaii, and can get great deals to Oakland, and reasonable deals to SF.

THanks.

 

[sailaway]

Just came back from SLT three weeks ago just before major snow hit. First time there as I usually go to Aspen. Amazing the number of motels in that town and I did not see a no-vacancy sign. If you have kids, it is worth staying in one downtown across from the gondola that goes all the way into the middle of town so you do not have to load up in a car and go in and pay for parking at the large parking garage or drive up to one of the bases on the mountain (two). That way you can simply walk over with boots on carrying skiis and return. There are some across the street although I blindly booked the Travel Lodge which was only150 yards away.
There also casinos such as Harrahs and Harveys that run free shuttles if you like to gamble. Worth while to call ahead and maybe bood first three days as such then wing it afterwood. Two weeks is too long to stay in SLT.

Sailaway