Help a Floridian Plan a Ski Trip

[bullsgirl]

I am planning a ski trip for 3 couples for 4 nights over MLK weekend. We live in Florida, and this will only be my 2nd time skiing ever, although there will be a few people with intermediate level experience. I am finding there are a lot of options for skiing, so I am hoping some of you guys can help me narrow down options based on your positive experiences. Here are our wants:

-within an hour driving distance to an airport southwest flies in to 
- around $200 per night per couple for hotel or cabin
- ski in/ski out (my husband taught me that phrase)
- some other entertainment options besides skiing ( shopping, nightlife, whatever)
- we are open to either a bigger resort or a much smaller town
- around 3-3.5 hour flight from Florida preferred.

thanks in advance, all ideas are appreciated! 

[icechalk]

I'd research Utah skiing. Some very nice resorts just out from Salt Lake City. I have skied park city, the canyons, deer valley. Haven't been to alta but hear its very nice.

Transportation to and from airport so easy- lots of shuttles, affordable and quick. Much easier than a car rental. Most ski towns have free buses or shuttles around town, to and from restaurants etc. some are totally walkable.

The proximity of SLC to the resorts is why I recommend it over Colorado, although I have enjoyed a number of Colorado resorts a lot too. Also have skied Jackson hole but that's a tiny airport.

[bullsgirl]

Maybe a silly question...we have some drinkers in the group. Is there any kind of nightlife in Utah?

[expatpumpkin]

If you're willing to drive a bit further from the airport, you can't go wrong with Vail Valley in Colorado. Southwest flies into Denver and it's about a 2-hour drive to the resorts. Breckenridge / Beaver Creek / Vail = snow + shopping + nightlife + foodie paradise. It's all there. And the après-ski (another new phrase for you?) is fantastic

Utah's great too! Some silly alcohol rules (must eat if you're drinking, etc.) but still amazing!

[keweenawlove]

Sept 26, 2013 20:12:32 GMT -5 bullsgirl said:

Maybe a silly question...we have some drinkers in the group. Is there any kind of nightlife in Utah?

I had a conference in downtown Salt Lake and there were quite a few fun bars. They have something like a 3% alcohol limit for beers on tap so if you like strong beers, stick to bottles.

I skied Snowbird there. I was told it wasn't the greatest for beginners because there's a pretty big jump from greens to blues there. It was my 2nd time ever downhill skiing and I still made it down some of the blues. I heard Alta was better but they don't allow snowboarders there.

[definitelyO]

with a 1 hour driving limiitation that rules out all of Colorado.

how about Whistler? (nevermind saw the 3 hour flight limitation). I'm not sure of anything other than UT - can you ski in Vermont - maybe that would work? I think if you were to ease your travel restrictions that could open up way more options!

[mam677]

It's a little more than a 3-hour flight from Florida, but Sandia Peak might fit the bill. www.skinewmexico.com/Sandia_Peak/Main/The_Freeze_Continues.html

[sushi]

Where in Florida are you coming from? Florida has more ski clubs than any other state. The Florida ski council trips, where all the clubs crash a mountain twice a year, are a blast and might be great if you have varied abilities. They have parties for adults and kids, different lunch and dinner gatherings, and people of like ability ski together.

If you want to do it on your own, your best bet is CO or UT. Both have excellent (and forgiving!) snow. The CO mountains are a bit farther from the airport, but there are shuttles. Once you're at the resorts you rarely need a car since they all have shuttles.

Finding ski in/ski out for $200 at the major resorts is going to be extremely difficult.

[bullsgirl]

I think we decided to loosen up the driving time and go for Breckenridge. We have found some decently priced resorts and condos there, but are still open to any specific resort recs!

[jaime183]

I love the town of Breck but it's hard to find a place there that is both ski in/out and walking distance to town.
Vail has more options for both of those

colorado resorts are farther from the airport but it sounds like what you're looking for.

[Brit]

Sept 29, 2013 11:33:08 GMT -5 pagas said:

If you are willing to drive to Breck, I would go to Vail instead. It is the same amount of time and I like Vail so much more. Plus you aren't as high up and it isn't usually as cold.

This. Vail is so much more awesome!

Also, if you decide against Colorado, I would consider Heavenly. It is about an hour from Reno - I guess a little longer flying time than you wanted, but the flights to Reno are usually cheap and I feel like you get a lot for your money in terms of the lodging at Heavenly. Also, great walkable nightlife.

ETA: Vail and Heavenly are tied for my favorite ski resorts of all.