TravelGuides

(TGA) - We are from Middle Georgia and have been skiing in the east (in Feb) for about 10 years (NC and WV). We are going to Snowshoe this Feb but both of our kids will be in college next year so it will be tough for them to take time off in Jan or Feb. So we're thinking about taking a trip out West over their Christmas Holidays (2009/2010). Any suggestions on where to go. We have become a bit spoiled with the ski in / ski out accomodations - so I would like someplace that has rentals on the slopes (preferably easy slopes - I'm no black diamond skier).

Thanks!
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We also used to ski in the East (Vermont) and after one trip out West we will never ski in the East.

I am limited to the places I have visited but I also have written a number of ski travel articles for a NY based sports magazine. X-mas is of course tough due to airfare, lodging and snow conditions. I am a firm believe that snow conditions are the most important issue and there are some years that you can't go wrong skiing anyplace in Colorado or Utah at X-mas and other years when the conditions are poor.

I love Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee and if I was a gambler I would guarantee great conditions over x-mas. The only downside is that while both places have novice trails Jackson Hole especially caters to more advanced skiers. Grand Targhee is gorgeous but is a quite place, about 1 hour from Jackson.

From the places that I have skied I would suggest Steamboat. I am actually booked there again this March. Steamboat tends to have great conditions and they have tons and tons of ski in-ski out condos that you can rent privately. If you look at www.vrbo.com you will find hundreds of possibilities. I like Storm Meadows as it is on a green trail just above two chair lifts and the gondola. The price is also usually very reasonable. If you chose Steamboat there are dozens of other ski in - ski out places.

I have skied Heavenly near Tahoe and a few of the Salt Lake City resorts. Park City, Deer Valley, etc. are really nice but really pricey.

All the places have rentals on the slopes, most lift ticket prices are about the same. Once you settle on where you think the weather will be good I would focus on lodging and airfares. That can make or break the deal. Usually flying into Salt Lake or Denver is less expensive then flying into Reno, Jackson Hole or other places that are there primarily for the skiing and don't have a lot of other air traffic.
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