Snowbird, Utah

This is the fourth and final post chronicling my 2011 ski trip to Utah, a pilgrimage that will definitely occur on an annual basis as long as I am able. Snowbird was certainly the biggest as far as the resorts go. 3,200 foot vertical drop and tons of trails. Great skiing (as good as Alta) and it also had the added bonus of the high speed tram which gets you to the top in about five minutes, and this really allows you to get in a lot more downhill time. Although the skiing was just as good as Alta, the lodge lacked the atmosphere of Alta, which is two miles away. It had sort of a 1970's utilitarian feel to it, a concrete and steel creation that seems more at home as part of a freeway overpass or some other sort of municipal infrastructure construction. Still, it was laid out well and was certainly doing what it was designed for. I liked the place very much but still favor Alta. Another minor drawback was the presence of rowdy snowboarders who act like they own the place and felt little need to act courteously with their fellow snow sports enthusiasts. They really did not get too out of hand I suppose, but were overly aggressive at times. Their presence was not in any way missed up the road. I did not take as many pictures here because frankly, I was having too much fun skiing. After Alta, I'd say that this was my favorite Utah resort. Being that you can get a combo lift ticket that allows you to ski both places it is a sure bet that I'll be back here. in fact, you can get a super pass that allows you to ski Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, and Brighton, although I'd just be interested in the first two.      

This is the view from the top of the high speed tram. Salt lake city is off to the right.

Out the rear window of the tram is the Snowbird lodge and other village structures .  

A better shot of the lodge. 

This view is off the back side of the tram...

This shot of me is standing right where the last picture was taken, getting ready to ski down the run.

This is the top, right before I took off down the mountain... 

...and at the bottom, looking back up at where I just skied. This is the "bookends traverse" to "white diamonds" that you see in the trailmap below.

Rear of mountain trailmap.

Front view trailmap. My favorite run was a black diamond called "Primrose Path", an over one mile long natural half pipe.

Alta, Utah

This is the third installment of my 2011 Utah ski odyssey. Alta was absolutely the finest ski resort that I have ever had the pleasure of carving turns at, and I will certainly be skiing there every year as long as my legs will hold me up. This place is old school, and it shows. Built in 1939, it has that authentic feel and not the Disney on snow feel that so many resorts like Solitude have. From the panoramic views, rough hewn furniture in the lodges, and a million other little things that are reminiscent of a European ski resort, this is what skiing is meant to be. Other resorts may have 5 star hotels, wonderful spas and shopping, etc., and if that is what you are after, fine, go to Vail or Deer Valley, but if you want the best possible overall skiing experience (sorry snowboarders, you'll have to go 2 miles down the canyon to Snowbird) this is the place to be. I never believed in love at first sight, and then I saw her, and her name was Alta. Unbelievably Ski Magazine ranks this jewel at #28th overall, but let's break down those numbers:

Snow- #1

Terrain variety- #8

Challenge- #5

Value-#3

Weather-#3

Scenery-#5

Overall satisfaction-#1!

Well, there you have it. Not in the top ten for on mountain food, lodging, dining, terrain parks (they don't have or need one), off hill activities, or family programs. This is a skier's mountain, and this is what they do: provide the best skiing experience in America. End of story.

Getting ready for my first run near the base lodge.

 Here I am at the top of the Collins lift. It had been sunny most of the day, but as the lifts were getting ready to close the sun hid for a little while behind the clouds.

It began to burn through again just in time for my last run.  

 Even the parking lot had spectacular scenery. 

The deck of the Alta Lodge.

This cozy little bar is called the Sitzmark. It was very intimate, holding no more than 20 or so guests. It  made the top ten Apres-ski hot spots recently in USA Today. It was like traveling back in time to 1939. I had two beers here, the only drinking that I did for the entire trip.

The top photo was the right window next to the fireplace, this is the left. I am guessing the entire room is no more than 20 by 20 feet.

The Sheriff of Alta.

Alta trail map. the skier's map to Heaven (Nirvana, or Mecca. choose your own word for paradise).

Anyone lucky enough to ski here will attest to the wonder of this magnificent skier's mountain.

Deer Valley, Park City Utah

Deer Valley ski resort in Park City Utah has been ranked the number one ski resort in North America several times and it is easy to see why. The skiing is certainly up there with anything that I have experienced, but where they really shine is in all of the extra amenities like the fine dining options, lodge, spa, and lodging accommodations. They are truly first class. I was there for the skiing, and I was certainly impressed in that department. The scenery was also breathtaking, as you can see from these photos. My only complaint is that one of the lodges is halfway down the mountain and prevents you from skiing all the way to the bottom without taking a lift over it. This is a minor thing in the overall scheme of things though. Really hardly worth mentioning. I would certainly recommend Deer Valley to anyone who is a skiing enthusiast. One other nice thing about it is that they do not allow snowboarders. I really don't have a beef with snowboarders, but the lack of their rowdy behavior enhanced the overall experience.  

 This was taken at the top of Bald Mtn., one of the four peaks at the resort. Below is the Jordenelle Reservoir.

 Spectacular scenery...

 ...challenging skiing...

 This is the Steinmark  by Marriott. You ride a tram to get there

"Come ski with me"

Solitude, Utah

I spent four days skiing in Utah this month and am happy to report that everywhere I skied was excellent. First, I skied Solitude. Located in Big Cottonwood canyon, this is a very nice family resort with a family vibe. Unfortunately, a couple of the lifts were down due to a power failure, but there were still many runs to chose from. Although it was a nice place with great skiing, I don't think I will go back. Don't get me wrong, but the scenery, although very pretty, was not as spectacular as the other places that I visited. I don't want to unfairly bash the place, it had good skiing, but if you are going all the way to Utah there are better places.

Impressive marker at the entrance to the resort

This is the view of the lodge from the mountain side

Solitude trail map

Smuggler's Notch Vermont

I happened to have an opportunity to do some work in Vermont this week and of course had to get a little skiing in. I chose Smuggler's Notch and let me tell you right now that it was an excellent choice! Nestled in the Green Mountains, the resort stretches over three mountains, with the center mountain, Madonna, being the tallest. It was an incredible morning! Bright, sunny, but brutally cold at -15 degrees. Thank God it was not windy as well.It had been snowing steadily for the entire week before I arrived and I was delighted to find tons of fresh powder awaiting me. I was expecting  icy conditions comparable to Whiteface, but was ecstatic to find conditions that were reminiscent of mountains out west. This resort was rated 9th best in the East by Ski magazine, but I was told by the locals that the skiing is every bit as good as Stowe nearby, which was ranked 3rd, right behind Whiteface. Granted, they have slow lifts, no gondola, and the shopping, on-mountain food, après-ski vibe may not be as good, but they sure delivered the goods as far as snow, terrain variety,challenge, and scenic beauty.I highly recommend this place to skiers and riders of all abilities, as the three mountains have something to offer for everyone. It is also ranked 1st in the East for family programs.Highly recommended to all skiers and riders who have a chance to travel there!                 

The mountains were encased in arctic -like cold   

A  bright, bright, bright, sunshiny day! 

Upper Exhibition  lift on Sterling mountain

Madonna Lift 

Summit of Madonna 

Upper Chilicoot blue run 

Cccccccccooooolllllldddddd! 

Madonna summit 

 Skiing in a...

...winter wonderland!

Trail Map