Two east coast young professionals working full time need an escape out west: Where do we go?
This was the question Brandon and I asked ourselves. We knew we wanted to ski out West, the question was where?
Our priorities were in the following order:
This was the question Brandon and I asked ourselves. We knew we wanted to ski out West, the question was where?
Our priorities were in the following order:
- Cheap flight and Accommodations
- Terrain Difficulty
- Ease of Access
Number 1 on the list narrowed our options quickly to Colorado or Utah. Number 3 solidified Utah; close to skiing, and cheap to stay (in Salt Lake City). We booked our round-trip flight from Washington Dulles to SLC and hotel for around $450 through Expedia’s bundle service from February 10-14.
As for where to ski, Brandon and I both agreed that Alta was a must. We also figured that after two 7 hour ski days, we would like our final day to be of a more cruising nature. Deer Valley would be a nice contrast from Alta, though it is not without its expert powder trails while also offering long, fast groomed trails.
With acres of off piste powder and thousands of positive online reviews, we booked two days at Alta and one day at Deer Valley with demo skis. A two day lift ticket will set you back $189 at Alta and a single day at Deer Valley is currently $128, but you will quickly forget the price as you glide through the best snow this skier has ever been on.
As someone who has skied internationally, from Austria to Switzerland, back to Snowbird and Powder Mountain, I can say with near certainty the snow at Alta is magical. We arrived at 9:45am (would have been 8:45 if not for the Little Cottonwood Canyon road closure) after it has snowed 10 inches the night before. Friendly ticket attendants and demo shop techs allowed us to be on the snow by a little after 10am.
As for where to ski, Brandon and I both agreed that Alta was a must. We also figured that after two 7 hour ski days, we would like our final day to be of a more cruising nature. Deer Valley would be a nice contrast from Alta, though it is not without its expert powder trails while also offering long, fast groomed trails.
With acres of off piste powder and thousands of positive online reviews, we booked two days at Alta and one day at Deer Valley with demo skis. A two day lift ticket will set you back $189 at Alta and a single day at Deer Valley is currently $128, but you will quickly forget the price as you glide through the best snow this skier has ever been on.
As someone who has skied internationally, from Austria to Switzerland, back to Snowbird and Powder Mountain, I can say with near certainty the snow at Alta is magical. We arrived at 9:45am (would have been 8:45 if not for the Little Cottonwood Canyon road closure) after it has snowed 10 inches the night before. Friendly ticket attendants and demo shop techs allowed us to be on the snow by a little after 10am.
If you’re going to take a trip to Salt Lake, Alta is a must.
Alta: we were greeted on the slopes by overcast skies, flat light, and 10 inches of untouched powder. With the huge traffic delay, Brandon and I were subject to 15-20 minute lift line waits on the Collins and Sugarloaf lifts. However, once you move on to the more expert parts of the mountain closer to the Supreme lift and on the other end on Wildcat, lines became much more manageable. Even with the fresh new snow, we were hard pressed to find any part of the mountain that was not mostly skied off by the early afternoon. Day 2 was sunny, mid-40s, and much less crowded.
Deer Valley: If Donald Trump owned a ski resort, I imagine that it would be Deer Valley. With top tier amenities, almost too many chairlifts, and multi-million dollar homes and condos scattered all over, this is a true ski resort. While we can’t compare the snow to Alta, since Deer Valley was not the recipient of a storm before our arrival, we can say confidently that Deer Valley is a skiers’ mountain. Once you navigate the labyrinth of ski lifts and make it up the Empire Express lifts, there are expert chutes with vertical drops that would challenge any expert skier. Access does require a little traversing and hiking (only about 5 minutes). Like Alta, the trek is almost always worth it.
Our chosen hotel for our visit was The Crystal Inn located in Murray, a few miles from the Little Cottonwood Canyon pass to Alta. Priced very reasonably and conveniently located, it turned out to be a great choice. Clean room, free hot breakfast and light dinner, and many like-minded out of town skiers at the indoor pool and hot tub to swap stories and share experiences. However, be prepared for an hour plus drive to Alta on weekends, as Little Cottonwood Canyon can be very slow, especially on powder days.
Alta and Deer Valley have everything good ski resorts should have. As for which one is a better skier’s choice? Alta hands down. Brandon and I both agreed that Alta gave us the some of the best ski days we’ve ever had (with a day at Jackson Hole and Powder Mountain also competing for the top spot). If you’re going to take a trip to Salt Lake, Alta is a must.
Deer Valley: If Donald Trump owned a ski resort, I imagine that it would be Deer Valley. With top tier amenities, almost too many chairlifts, and multi-million dollar homes and condos scattered all over, this is a true ski resort. While we can’t compare the snow to Alta, since Deer Valley was not the recipient of a storm before our arrival, we can say confidently that Deer Valley is a skiers’ mountain. Once you navigate the labyrinth of ski lifts and make it up the Empire Express lifts, there are expert chutes with vertical drops that would challenge any expert skier. Access does require a little traversing and hiking (only about 5 minutes). Like Alta, the trek is almost always worth it.
Our chosen hotel for our visit was The Crystal Inn located in Murray, a few miles from the Little Cottonwood Canyon pass to Alta. Priced very reasonably and conveniently located, it turned out to be a great choice. Clean room, free hot breakfast and light dinner, and many like-minded out of town skiers at the indoor pool and hot tub to swap stories and share experiences. However, be prepared for an hour plus drive to Alta on weekends, as Little Cottonwood Canyon can be very slow, especially on powder days.
Alta and Deer Valley have everything good ski resorts should have. As for which one is a better skier’s choice? Alta hands down. Brandon and I both agreed that Alta gave us the some of the best ski days we’ve ever had (with a day at Jackson Hole and Powder Mountain also competing for the top spot). If you’re going to take a trip to Salt Lake, Alta is a must.
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Getting There
For tips on getting to Alta and Deer Valley see:
Alta planning Deer Valley planning These sites also have information on snow conditions, ski packages and accommodation/activities. |