Recall quite a few Tdubbers being familiar with this area. We have a group of 8 or so, ski and snowboarders, looking to head out there in January.

Anyone work with a travel agent they would recommend for best pricing for group package deals??

Recommendations on places to stay?

I am aware that Alta is top shelf but doesn't allow snowboarders. I believe Deer Valley is the same. Just have heard despite that , that the park city area offers a ton of other options...

Pretty much looking for first hand experiences of good times and bad times and what I can't miss and what we should try to avoid.

Non ski suggestions are welcome, our group loves a social scene, and everyone in the group is an advanced rider in terms of difficulty - black diamonds welcome. We all have plenty of out west experience.

Thanks in advance, it is about time for a new skiing/snowboarding 2011 thread...I don't feel it was necessary here since we have a specific destination in mind.

7/21/2010 9:47:26 AM

I was out there in March. Skied Park City, The Canyons and Deer Valley. If I went again I'd want to skip Park City (the resort) and go to Alta (even though its pretty far away from Park City proper). Deer Valley was my favorite stop, its not wonder its repeatedly voted one of the top resorts.



[Edited on July 21, 2010 at 9:52 AM. Reason : skip]

7/21/2010 9:51:02 AM

The Park City resorts are definitely more of a 'destination' in that it's more of a place to be seen. The skiing/snowboarding is quite good (especially deer valley), but you pay out the ass for it.

The resorts just outside of SLC are more geared towards locals and people who are more concerned with skiing than being seen skiing. Alta, Snowbird, brighton, solitude are all fantastic skiing. Alta and Solitude are my favorite places to ski in Utah by a wide margin. Lift tickets are much cheaper at these resorts than the park city resorts.

If partying is high on your list, you'll probably want to stay in park city, which is about a 30-40 minute drive from SLC.

The only travel agent i've have any experience with is moguls, which was because someone else planned the trip.

7/21/2010 10:07:35 AM

Just want to plug the Jackson Hole area for an awesome group trip. I took a group of 11 people there at the end of February. It was incredible. We were there for 5 days of skiing, and took one of those days to snowmobile in literally the best place in the U.S. to snowmobile. I wish we had done 2 days of snowmobiling it was that awesome.

The reason I am suggesting it, is because Jackson Hole Central Reservations is able to get you airline tickets far cheaper than what you see listed online. last year, they have fly 4, get 2 airfare free ontop of their much cheaper rates. Our airfare ended up around $250 a person after all the discounts. But if you book this early, you probably wont get the rates. You have to wait a little sooner to book (we booked in October).

7/21/2010 10:22:20 AM

Jackson Hole, Utah sounds awesome.

I'd also recommend Sun Valley, Colorado....Aspen, California...and Whistler, Vermont.

7/21/2010 10:34:09 AM

^lol

^^ we actually did JH last year, and did everything but snowmobile. Incredible place, no doubt, we couldnt have had a better time.. We are really big into trying to make sure we try new destinations though. We have hit Summit County in Colorado twice, Tahoe area in CA, and Vermont area.

Utah and Whistler are the two spots that keep coming up as must visit. Park City area seems much more accessible than Whistler though, and last years winter fiasco in Vancouver has me leary of spending all the money to get there in lieu of a safer play to Utah FYI.

Could someone compare Aspen to what Utah has to offer? That is getting thrown around as well...

7/21/2010 10:54:44 AM

I understand that. We like to switch it up as well. We are going to Big Sky in Montana this year. Still good snowmobiling there.

7/21/2010 10:57:41 AM

Bobby D mentioned Park City was a "destination" type place; Aspen makes Park City looks like a local hangout in comparison.

The skiing is very good, don't get me wrong, but you'll notice its mainly the people who like to ski for two hours a day and spend the rest of their time shopping, socializing or going to the spa.

In that general area, I'd much prefer Vail, Beaver Creek or Bachelor Gulch...Aspen is just a little too hoity toity for my liking.

7/21/2010 11:06:09 AM

Quote :

"Just want to plug the Jackson Hole area for an awesome group trip. I took a group of 11 people there at the end of February. It was incredible. We were there for 5 days of skiing, and took one of those days to snowmobile in literally the best place in the U.S. to snowmobile. I wish we had done 2 days of snowmobiling it was that awesome."

That's good to know and I will keep that in mind! Me and 5-6 friends are planning on going there this winter.

7/21/2010 11:51:32 AM

Carzin definitely is the man to talk to about Jackson Hole. I was very surprised at how cheap the trip was and we didn't sacrifice anything in terms of comfort or fun. The only real cost cutting measure we made was staying in the town of Jackson rather than at the resort, but I actually prefer having a grocery store and tons of restaurant choices to having to pay a premium for every single thing by staying at the resort 24x7.

7/21/2010 3:01:17 PM

Quote :

"I was out there in March. Skied Park City, The Canyons and Deer Valley. If I went again I'd want to skip Park City (the resort) and go to Alta (even though its pretty far away from Park City proper). Deer Valley was my favorite stop, its not wonder its repeatedly voted one of the top resorts. "

I was out then too. I hit up sundance and canyons. I'd say sundance was no better than anything out here, it was a small resort, and i had some awful weather. I stayed in provo, but the ride to the canyons was definitely well worth it. if up to it, try 9990', you won't forget it. Deer valley is ski only i think, so if you're boarding, you wouldn't want to go anyway. Have fun

7/22/2010 5:32:10 PM

note that Alta does not allowed snowboards...unless you are Chelsea Clinton

7/22/2010 7:56:12 PM