It has been such a drag to be without internet for almost a week but ill try to catch up. Lets see, where have i been, Heavenly, Deer Vally, Park City, Canyons, Alta, Whistler, SunShine Village/ Lake Louise/ Mt. Norquay, Vail, Keystone, Breck, also did summer skiing at mt. hood which is really sick. And a random 20 or so midwest areas id never recommend anybody waste their time with. I raced slalom and GS through HS and club teams and 2 years at college but a nasty fall in GS and a compression fracture in the spine ended that dream but anyhooo ive been lucky to have parents who support me and enjoyed travelling to different locations. This most recent trip was with the family and it was great, as MWVT9 can attest, it snowed at some point every day. I love Vail b/c of its size and huge back bowls but keystone is also a joy. I really like the cat that they have that takes you into their back bowls and then traverse accross about a mile, bingo! you got those fools on the chairlift 2 peaks over sayin DANG! who is that guy makin that crazy line over there and how did he get there>>>that guy is me. I find Vail to be more open and a little higher above the tree line so you can carve all over while Keystone is more technical and the trees can be dense. I enjoy both. I really dont like Breck at all, its small, and its hard to get away from the crowds and lines because everything is so close to the base area. Aspen is next on my list to visit, its just that after you drive 15 hrs from MN to CO and you see the sign for Vail its hard to say, ya lets keep going for 3-4 more hrs depending on the weather. Colorado is the only place i drive to, i have a surburban and figure its the same cost flying+renting a suv+ and i like having the proper vehicle and not some Toyota crap that does not know what snow looks like, or worse, a wannabee trailblazer. Black Swan- Ya i totally agree, buying new skis is a joke, especially when you can rent and get “demos” which are the brand new models for about $35 a day and hit rocks with no worries. I have been keeping my eye out on craigslist for some old salomon pocket rockets (i think i just like the Blue color). But i need another pair of skis like i need a hole in my head, i have 5 pairs- all race stock and stiff as hell, not too much fun for freeskiing. And we should put together a ski team… FreeRider- That is a very difficult choice. For me it would come down to a few things, cost, distance, the area, weather. I think Vail is AMAZING and all but the town is really lacking, might as well stay in breck and have some fun, also its THE most expensive resort. Tahoe has casinos, warmer weather, HUGE snow pack this year, Sweet Pine Cones. Either way though your going to have an amazing time. Anybody done Heli-Skiing. That is something id like to do in the next year or 2 as well, gotta start saving some cash tho.
http://www.silvertonmountain.com/page/home This place is next on my list. “Welcome to Silverton Mountain, Colorado. Here you will find amazing lines in every direction and one chairlift perfectly located to deliver you to the goods. Imagine a place where the average total snowfall of over 400” exceeds the amount of daily visitors. Advanced and expert only riding, no groomers, no clearcut runs and a real mountain experience with plenty of adventure on tap. All thrills no frills."
Mountain Stats Silverton Mountain is a unique mountain experience. There is one chairlift that takes you into a high alpine environment surrounded by amazing ski lines in every direction. The terrain is entirely for the advanced and expert skier and those who enjoy adventure. Silverton Mountain operates in a one of a kind fashion in that certain times of year it provides guided only skiing with small amounts of skiers on a daily basis (similar to a cat or heli operation), and other times of year it allows unguided skiing. Avalanche gear is required to ride the lift at all times. Silverton Mountain located in Silverton, Colorado opened for business on January 19th, 2002. If you would like to make reservations please use our online reservations system or give us a call at (970) 387-5706. There are loads of bowls, chutes, cliffs and wonderful natural terrain features to be discovered during a visit to Silverton Mountain. It is the highest Ski Area in North America with a peak of 13,487’ and it is also the steepest with no easy way down. The mountain is left in it’s natural state with the exception of the avalanche reduction work which occurs. The chairlift unloads at the top of a beautiful cirque which provides easy hiking along a ridge to access up to 1,819 acres of snow fields. Silverton Mountain is almost always venturing into new terrain on a daily basis providing new skiing and usually new powder opportunities for weeks after the most recent snowfall. Although we cap the amount of unguided skiers to less than 475 a day, most days have less than 80 skiers on the mountain. There are a team of ski patrollers doing avalanche reduction work for our guests. Our base lies at 10,400’ with a peak lift served elevation of 12,300’. There is hiking to 13,487’, which means with a little effort you can get around 3,000’ vertical drop. Our elevation ensures an early and long season. Chairs: 1 Peak of elevation: 13,487’ Peak of Chair: 12,300’ Base elevation: 10,400’ Annual snowfall: 400”+ Skiable acres: 1,819. Plus 22,000+acres heli & hike to Lift Serviced Vertical Drop: 1,900’ Hike-To & Helicopter Accessible Vertical Drop: 3,087’ Trail Classifications: Beginner & Intermediate: 0% Advanced & Expert 100% Guided group size: 8 or less per guide. Private guides available. Guides can take you beyond the unguided boundaries. Need: Liability releases are mandatory for anyone who wishes to participate (contact us for copy in advance). You will need your avalanche beacon, probe pole, and shovel(rentals available). YOU DO NOT NEED ANY AVALANCHE TRAINING. Season: November through May? (Check for dates and times in April and May). Easiest Run: 35 degrees; (30 degrees is a steep run at your average ski area) Contact: info@silvertonmountain.com or call (970) 387-5706. Closest town: Silverton, CO (6 miles) Closest super store: Durango Where to stay: click here for Silverton Lodging options. Closest Airport: Durango (52 miles), Montrose (50 miles), Telluride (110 miles), or Grand Junction (100 miles) Transportation: Renting a car from the airport is the way most of our guests travel.
^ I have read about this place in ski mag and would love to go. I think it would be amazing. The only thing holding me back is its close to nowhere, would almost have to just fly right in. Do you have plans to do it this season? or are you thinkin some time in the future?
Ski2Much Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > ^ I have read about this place in ski mag and > would love to go. I think it would be amazing. > > The only thing holding me back is its close to > nowhere, would almost have to just fly right in. > > Do you have plans to do it this season? or are you > thinkin some time in the future? I won’t be able to go this year. I live near Pittsburgh, PA. So one ski trip a year is all I get (at best). Hopefully next year.
I’ve been REALLY contemplating a heli day next year. So, keep me posted. I was thinking this place: http://www.micaheli.com/
That place looks pretty sick too.