Best Skiing in Western US

[Mens Rea]

Gentlemen,

I'm planning on heading west this year to ski, and I was wondering if any of you had any recommendations. I'm an advanced skier with a preference for glades and backcountry stuff. I've been to Vail/Beaver Creek and Park City/Deer Valley/Canyons. This year, we're considering several places, including Lake Tahoe and Whistler. Jackson Hole is at the top of the list.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

[jba]

jackson hole/grand targhee is the shizzle but can be hit/miss snow conditions.

SLC is always the best bet if you're booking months in advance, IMHO

[bicyclekick]

[ QUOTE ]
jackson hole/grand targhee is the shizzle but can be hit/miss snow conditions.

SLC is always the best bet if you're booking months in advance, IMHO

[/ QUOTE ]

Grand targhee hit or miss for snow? Ha. They're probably the MOST consistant when it comes to snow year in and year out. We actualy got too much snow the week we were there...86". 45" one night...just a little too much. Jackson not quite as consistant but still they do decent...better than most CO resorts. The hobacks are sweet at Jhole.

SLC - Alta is my personal fav of all areas. Snowbasin is sweet and out of the way (both a plus and a minus...a little over an hour drive from SLC)

Big mountain is pretty cool in MT. Can be really foggy though.

Most of CO is for people who want a 'ski vacation' more than they want skiing. A lot of the CO areas feel resorty and are crowded. They work well for a lot of people...but in reality don't actually get half as much snow as a number of other places.

Gonna spend most of the winter after xmas out west...I can hardly wait!

[banditbdl]

If you're looking for glades/backcountry then there are many answers but Alta is the best I've been to.

[Boris]

So far it's been a kick ass snow year in the Rockies. This being the case, I'd go with Jackson Hole. Also consider Big Mountain in Whitefish, MT if they have good snow. If you go there you can also drive (2 hrs) to Fernie in southern BC. This little mountain rocks when they have snow. Steep and deep.

[Mens Rea]

Thanks guys - I'm definetly leaning toward Jackson Hole. From what I hear, the terrain is outstanding. What are the extracurriculars like? Any particular spots I should hit?

[kenberman]

Jackson has awesome terrain, no doubt, particularly with their open gates. well worth a guide for a few hours. the snow at Jackson is great as well.

Alta has comparable terrain, and even better snow. if you dislike hiking and/or have snowboarders in your crew, then avoid Alta. otherwise, the winter skiing at Alta might be the best in the USA.

My 3rd choice would be the Tahoe area, particularly if your trip is late in the season (March onward). Squaw is famous of course, but Alpine Meadows (same ridge as Squaw) and Kirkwood both have sick terrain. All 3 places get dumped on throughout the year, leaving a base big enough to hold up to the spring warmth/sunshine. You can even stay in South Lake and gamboool. Spring skiing at Tahoe is probably my favorite skiing in the world. see my picture (1st one) in the "Post a cool picture you've taken" thread, just a few down.

I've never been to Whistler, but from what I know the terrain is good. Snowfall is not as good as any of the above places, and it can rain. nightlife is outstanding.

[skiier04]

From my limited western skiing experience I have enjoyed Steamboat the best.... of course over 4' of snow the week I was there helped a little [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[kenberman]

Steamboat does get some good snow, and has good glades. it doesn't have the steeps/hardcore terrain that some other places do. nice town. nice spot for a group or family.

[bennyk]

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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.