UKH

We have a week in the US, or possibly Canada, to ski in February. I've skied a range of NA resorts (Taos, Keystone, several Tahoe resorts, Snowbird, Park City and a day at Whistler) and find them all relatively tame, the best being perhaps Big Sky in Montana. Was wondering about Jackson Hole. Any other ideas ? Has to have good off piste terrain and don't mind skinning or hiking to access it...

In reply to Dave:

Taos, tame? Wow. Did you ski the whole thing?

In reply to Dave:

Aspen?

In reply to meffl:


No. To be fair I didn't. Partly because my lift ticket was confiscated after ducking under a closed gate to access some interesting looking terrain... it was very beautiful, and quiet, and isn't it snowboard free ?

In reply to Dave:

On the basis of what you've said the obvious "armchair punter"'s answer for where to visit next would likely be Jackson Hole. They have an open gate back country policy and its defo considered one of the more demanding resorts in the US.

In reply to Dave:

there is some interesting back country cabins just beyond whistler the "Duffy lake road"

but the skiing was interesting on tele gear a few years ago so maybe a bit soft for you.

if I was skiing na I would look at snow cat skiing. there are several operatots in bc. surely heli skiing for the environmentally concious...

In reply to Dave:

Howdy partner (although I guess you're not in that part of the US). Are you in FB contact with Diana and Toni in Boulder? Toni is a very good skier and seems to be hugely enjoying the Rockies, although I'm not sure if where they are mainly backcountry touring. But might be worth messaging them for local advice on possible good areas round there. Toni works for BCA now so is obviously very much in the 'scene'.

In reply to Dave:

Well you're obviously pretty experienced, but I think some of the hike to terrain on the ridge is about as tough as resort skiing gets. Theres now lift access to the ridge. Look into it. Snowboards are welcome these days.

As an aside, I really like the new mexico vibe, very unpretentious compared to aspen etc. A bit like Scotland is to the Alps on that regard.

In reply to Dave:

I've found Alta to be pretty good - also has (or had) cheaper lift tickets than most places.

In reply to Dave:

Alpental, Mt Baker, Crystal Mt. All in Washinton State.

In reply to Dave:

Thanks all. A few ideas to look into...

In reply to Dave: Jackson Hole is probably the hardest core of the US resorts mainly because it has a cable car, but still quite tame (compared to Europe). I really liked Alta which someone else has mentioned, mostly because of the amazing quality of the powder. Telluride is good too. For a quirky small and very friendly resort, Monarch is worth a visit, and had the best snow in Colorado I thought.

The worst thing about the US though is the chairlifts without foot rests, kills your knees! (assuming thats still the case as I havent been for a good few years)

In reply to Dave:
Humble bragging, trolling, lacking in imagination - not sure?
Try googling "ski c#nt"

In reply to Erik B:


Thanks, as it happens we booked a package week at Jackson Hole. It was even almost reasonably priced.

In reply to Dave: send my regards to the mangy moose

In reply to paraffin: to be fair to the OP, thinking about his post cheered me up in an otherwise grey dreary corporate day. hope all is well with you