Best Skiing in Western US - Page 4

trotski · #31 12-13-2005, 01:40 PM

If you have any desire to hit the Pacific Northwest, Mount Baker is excellent (especially since it's on your way to Whistler). But my fave in Washington state is Mission Ridge. Driest snow in the state, since it's on the east side of the mountains, and the best-kept secret here. Although that could change since they put in a high speed quad.

I can't compare it to Tahoe or Colorado, since I've never been, but MR is fantastic.

kenberman · #32 12-13-2005, 01:41 PM

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Vail. Blue Sky Basin behind the back bowls is unbelievable when it dumps.

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Probably the best skiing of my life so far. Last winter while I was there, they were getting new snow every night. Unbelievable.

And to answer someone's point above - I am looking for skiing - not a ski vacation. Just me and a couple guys who are all better than average skiiers. The resort is not really a concern - no families. Just skiing.

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I hate to bring the P word in...but think of it like this -

If what you want out of a ski trip is fresh snow and lots of it (and that's what it sounds like)...call it EFS...expected fresh snow...then colorado is generally not the place to go. Colorado has one of the lower EFS values. They're (CO) is off to a super year so far though this year...

That's not to say you can't get big dumps or have a fantastic freaking time in colorado or any of the other places that don't get as much snow, it's just that so many people have pretty big misconceptions about snow in the west.

I recommend checking out this site. They keep historical of almost all the resorts and keep you up to date on who's got what snow with updates every week or so:

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This is why I have basically 3 ski areas on my rotation of Western trips. Jackson, Alta, and Alpine/Squaw/Kirkwood.

there are valid reasons to go other places, but for a ski trip with other good skiers, I don't think you can beat those 3 areas.

Boris · #33 12-13-2005, 01:42 PM

The word from my buddy who lives in Bozeman is that Big Sky is having one of its best snow years in recent memory so far. They also put in a new resort on the backside of Lone peak. Might want to check it out.

bicyclekick · #34 12-13-2005, 01:42 PM

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If you have any desire to hit the Pacific Northwest, Mount Baker is excellent (especially since it's on your way to Whistler).

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Almost went to baker a couple weeks ago when they were getting dumped on but couldn't find anyone else that could go. [img]/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

trotski · #35 12-13-2005, 01:43 PM

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If you have any desire to hit the Pacific Northwest, Mount Baker is excellent (especially since it's on your way to Whistler).

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Almost went to baker a couple weeks ago when they were getting dumped on but couldn't find anyone else that could go. [img]/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

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Bah, that sucks. At one point in November, Baker had the deepest base in N.America...crazy snowfall this year.

bicyclekick · #36 12-13-2005, 01:45 PM

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Bah, that sucks. At one point in November, Baker had the deepest base in N.America...crazy snowfall this year.

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Yeah, I know. It was sick. Really a shame.

Now it looks like the snow is shutting off til at least christmas. At least big dumps. A few 6" here and there mb but nothing worth travelling for. Then of course it's crazy times for ski areas cause of xmas break so looks like I really wont be getting out til after the new year. LAME!!

stoxtrader · #37 12-13-2005, 02:26 PM

another vote for jackson hole here. depending on how flexible you are though I pick 5 places you would like and check snow reports.

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Taos. For a strong skier (no snowboards), taos is awesome.

Who said they liked vail? vail is terrible for a strong skier. Most of colorado isso-so, but they do have good snow this year. telluride, winter park and crested butte pretty much the best mountains in CO i think. I've never been to steamboat, but heard good things about the glades, not the steeps though.

The steeps at taos is awesome. The backcountry at jackson is awesome.

Mens Rea · #38 12-13-2005, 03:02 PM

I'm not really that flexible. I'm from the east coast, so this thing is going to have to get set up in advance. I'm looking at February, so I'll probably have to book near Jan 1.

Regarding Vail - I can see what you mean about Vail not being the greatest for an advanced skier. I found the majority of the trails there to be fairly pedestrian. However, I still thought the blue sky basin was fantastic. I can't remember the trail name, but that one wall on the left side of the mountain coming up the main lift - outstanding. Also, there were some rediculously steep, tight, paths through the woods that were insane.

So, from what everyone says, its starting to look like Jackson Hole. I'll keep checking for opinions.

I appreciate all your opinions

benza13 · #39 12-13-2005, 03:21 PM

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Steamboat does get some good snow, and has good glades. it doesn't have the steeps/hardcore terrain that some other places do.

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Steamboat doesn't have as much of this type of terrian, but it's absolutely there.

As far as snow conditions, there will be a least a 65" base by the time I get there on Thursday. So stay away.

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I'm living in Steamboat this year. We got 9' in about 2 weeks, then its been a week of bluebird. Dumping again today though. Almost the whole mountain open. Most snow in Colorado still (we were tops in the country for a while, not sure about this one now). If you know the right spots you can get freshies up to a week after the last storm sometimes.

That said, the mountain is a little tame, without hiking there aren't too many steeps, and many of the glades are already heavily tracked and will need a big (3'+) storm to be really good again. Its still one of my favorite mountains, just a much better place for cruising groomers than for the most challenging terrain.

Edited to add: If you haven't been to Jackson Hole and are looking for some challenging stuff, go there immediately, you won't regret it.

onthebutton · #40 12-13-2005, 05:33 PM

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Who said they liked vail? vail is terrible for a strong skier. Most of colorado isso-so, but they do have good snow this year. telluride, winter park and crested butte pretty much the best mountains in CO i think. I've never been to steamboat, but heard good things about the glades, not the steeps though.

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Agree on Telluride and Crested Butte. If the snow is good, the terrain is fantastic. If you're looking for a place that always has great snow, and isn't as busy as big resorts, you might want to check out Wolf Creek and Purgatory in Colorado. Best snow I've ever been on between the two, and always lots of it.