Ski Southeast Messageboard

Heading to SLC for a week of work but am off on MLK Monday and planning to head up and get some turns in. I know it'll be super crowded but as a single I can hopefully zip through the singles line?? I haven't been to Utah resorts yet and was thinking about Alta since it's skiers only.....Thoughts? I'm sure all resorts have great terrain just looking for some guidance on where to go given the holiday crowds. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Where have you skied out west? Got a favorite?

Given the crazy snowstorms this week, my inclination would be to drive north to Snowbasin or PowMow to get away from the crowds. There will be travelers starting a ski vacation as well as local powder hounds with Monday off. But if going to PowMow, it's best to buy a lift ticket online in advance. PowMow not only limits the number of season passes, they also limit the number of day tickets. Note that the PowMow access road is in some ways scarier than the road to Alta/Snowbird in terms of how narrow and steep it is. Can get a free bus from the Eden Park & Ride lot.

If you want to stay close to SLC, taking the bus to Solitude may be worth considering. Don't drive up solo unless you want to pay $20 for parking. No free parking at Solitude this season.

If you end up at Alta, the Adult Mountain Workshop in the afternoon would be a good way to get into the good stuff without waiting in line or wondering where to go. It's a guided experience for 2.5 hours for about $100 (including tip) with one of the most experienced instructors. Not a lesson but can ask for technique tips. Especially useful for a first-timer when there is low visibility. When a friend did it the first day ever at Alta, he spent the entire time off the High T in clouds and fog. He had a great time.

Lived in Vail for a season so had 100 days between there and Beaver Creek so I'm partial to the Summit County area resorts. Hard to beat the terrain offering at Vail.

Planning to take the SkiBus up from SLC in the morning. Wasn't considering PowderMtn until you mentioned it but will definitely look into that option. I think it's going to be crowded any place but I'm hopefully to get there early for first(ish) chair and wear out my legs before the late risers get to the hill! Ill definitely look into the workshop option.....sounds right up my alley for a good tour of the mountain!

BeefStu wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2020 1:10 pm Lived in Vail for a season so had 100 days between there and Beaver Creek so I'm partial to the Summit County area resorts. Hard to beat the terrain offering at Vail.

Planning to take the SkiBus up from SLC in the morning. Wasn't considering PowderMtn until you mentioned it but will definitely look into that option. I think it's going to be crowded any place but I'm hopefully to get there early for first(ish) chair and wear out my legs before the late risers get to the hill! Ill definitely look into the workshop option.....sounds right up my alley for a good tour of the mountain!

Have you looked at the Expected Openings section of the Alta Daily Conditions webpage? Be worth paying attention for a few days to get a feel for how long it can take for Alta Ski Patrol to open up the advanced/expert terrain that they watch very carefully for avalanche potential.

You can probably figure out enough to have plenty of fun for a day at Alta, but if you want an idea of how to get started, here's a self-guided tour. I based it on a tour that was on EpicSki by a local Altaholic and my experience in the last 10 years.

https://www.snowpak.com/utah/salt-lake- ... for_expert

^^Thanks for the article. Really good stuff there. I appreciate the guidance! I'll be sure to post a TR on the forum!

PM limits their ticket sales, which can help you/hurt you. If you drive there and they are sold out you are left with Nordic Valley or a by-then very busy Snowbasin.

porter wrote: ↑Thu Feb 13, 2020 12:13 pm PM limits their ticket sales, which can help you/hurt you. If you drive there and they are sold out you are left with Nordic Valley or a by-then very busy Snowbasin.

Always buy your PM tickets online to avoid that.