2016 winter or spring break ski trip out west -- any way to do this more affordably?

[Anonymous]

Look at Copper Mountain for sure. The slopes are naturally segregated by ability level because of the terrain, so you will not be overrun by experts (or unsafe wannabes) trying to make their way down on top of you. Great ski school for kids, as well: you will be shocked how fast they progress - good luck keeping up. Why go out west if you are beginners? Because learning on narrow, icy slopes with way too many others in the east is no fun. Football field-wide slopes with fresh snow win every time.

We fly into Denver, stay a night to get used to altitude, buy groceries either there or in Frisco, cook meals both by preference and to save money. VRBO has great deals (we especially like Copper One, and some of the owners include lift tickets in the cost). Copper One is ski in/ski out, which is a perk I would always prioritize with kids ... when they are done, they are DONE. And you still have to get them home.

Christmas snow is iffy any where - Spring Break depends on the year. Be prepared to do other activities if you are unlucky.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why go out west if you're all beginners?

Are you kidding? Skiing in powder is so much easier than skiing on the rocks and ice of eastern mountains. On the other hand skiing the east is so hard, it makes you a better skier--so that when you finally get out west, you think you've died and gone to heaven.

Beginners don't ski powder. They ski groomers.

I get excited just reading posts about skiing, and it's all because I have had the experience of skiing in the West. I grew up skiing in the East (mid-Atlantic but yearly trips to Vermont -- so crowded). I thought that skiing was fine. But then, in my 30's, I finally got to go to Park City. And I realized just how wonderful skiing could be!

I recommend that beginners start out in the West. That way, they'll catch the skiing "bug," rather than slogging through the mediocre ski experience in the East. It's much easier to ski in the West on their nice snow, and you'll have more success and have a better experience. There's plenty of terrain for beginners. Then you'll be able to manage the "lovely" conditions we tend to have here in the East.

I found that, by going through VRBO, we could find a decent condo at a decent price. There are tons of condos in Park City. We avoid Christmas because of the prices, and try to go in January (MLK) or spring break in March.

We fly on Southwest out of BWI to SLC, or from Dulles to Denver if we are skiing Colorado. (Both are non-stops.) On Southwest, skis and a boot/pole bag count as one checked bag, and each person gets two free checked bags.

IF you arrive in Park City early enough in the day to ski, you can ski for free on the day you arrive.

Also, Utah has a "passport" bargain for 5th and 6th graders where you get big discounts at the various resorts in Utah. You must get your passport in advance.

Enjoy!