Easter is very early next year (end of March) and I was thinking it might be a good opportunity to head to the Rockies (US or Canada).
If I was going, I would probably head to the slopes for about 10 days and do a few days in one of the East coast cities en-route.
However, the cost of the trip would be much higher than a European trip - probably around DOUBLE :shock: :shock: :shock:
Do people think the significant extra expense is worth it?
How would people compare a US ski trip to a European one? What are the main differences?
Should I go to US?
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Started by Wanderer in Ski Chatter 27-Jan-2012 - 8 Replies
Wanderer posted Jan-2012
Grizwald
reply to 'Should I go to US?' posted Jan-2012
The cost of skiing in NA is only really ever justified in my mind if you're making it a longer trip or planning to couple it with a non-ski holiday-like you mention seeing a city. There are a huge number of resorts in the US and Canada.
In the US I've skied in several of the Californian resorts when I've been doing driving tours of the state-my favourite holidays of all time I would say. Canada I did my instructor quals over there in Banff and before heading onto New Zealand headed west and sampled several. I wouldn't say the skiing is any better or worse just different, but here are a few thing s to consider if it will be right for you or not.
The main reason to head to the US, or Canada (West coast) is not withstanding this year they seem to get more snow in quantity and frequency than in the Alps-many parts of the US in particular have really suffered until recently this year with snowfall.
In the US there are generally hills rather than mountains.
The mountains in Europe are simply bigger, grander, jagged, rugged. Exceptions to this are Toas, Jackson Hole and Mammouth mountain in CA. In part this is also true of Canada but parts of the Rockies are stunningly wild and beautiful. The huge linked areas of Europe can't be beaten with the exception of maybe Whistler if you don't like skiing the same piste over and over again then choose carefully. But particualry I've found in Canada the piste aren't groomed to death so are rather more fun than the flat motorways you can get in euro land.
Which leads onto Vertical: American resorts like to quote the amount of 'vertical' Some who claim to have the largest have around 4000 foot in Europe you can easily get 6000+.
Attitude: In NA I find people treat it more like a sport than in europe and are determined to skis as much as possible in a day as they can not putting much emphasis on stopping several times a day for a leisurely coffee and lunch while having a chat. In Europe the lifts tend to be very quiet first thing while people sleep off that glass of wine too many, or big meal from the previous night, In NA the locals want to be on the first lift. Same for lunch times when the numbers ease up in the US they don't but they are relatively that much quieter you'll not motice.
Queeing ettiqette: Different Euro countries differ from resort to resort but compared to NA are a free for all, in NA everyone seem to queue in an ordely fashion. Nice for keeping half wits marking your top sheets!!
Lift passes: Lift passes are just a bit daft in the US in particualry for the popular resorts. There are exceptions but they are just plain expensive in large part.
Off piste: In NA strictly speaking there is no on and off piste like you get in Europe, rather in bounds and out of bounds-literally ropped off to demark what is what. In bounds everything is up for grabs, patrolled and avy checked-this can vary from resort to resort but gives a general idea of what to expect. The inbounds stuff inbounds on a good powder day can get tracked out quickly in NA, in particular I found in Canada people love their off piste (evident from the fact there is more off piste training in the instructor quals).
Restaurants: NA doesn't really measure up to Europe particaulry for on mountain stuff IMO. What there is tends to be self service burgers and fries. Doesn't matter one iota to me but if the highlight of your day is a nice lunch on a sun soaked terrace think carefully.
Apres: Far lower key in General in NA although some ski areas are serviced by proper working town in the main rather than purpose built resorts so you do get all that goes with that but also bus rides to resorts rather than ski in ski out.
I hope this is of some help to you. I'll be going to Canada next year but it's part of a larger trip visiting family. To answer your post title I think it's worth trying if you're aware of the pros and cons and have the money. I'd have hated to have been in some resorts at or around Christmas given how things were but in March you'd be safer.
If you're wanting to head to the US because you're worried about snow reliability I wouldn't let that be the deciding factor either.
In the US I've skied in several of the Californian resorts when I've been doing driving tours of the state-my favourite holidays of all time I would say. Canada I did my instructor quals over there in Banff and before heading onto New Zealand headed west and sampled several. I wouldn't say the skiing is any better or worse just different, but here are a few thing s to consider if it will be right for you or not.
The main reason to head to the US, or Canada (West coast) is not withstanding this year they seem to get more snow in quantity and frequency than in the Alps-many parts of the US in particular have really suffered until recently this year with snowfall.
In the US there are generally hills rather than mountains.
The mountains in Europe are simply bigger, grander, jagged, rugged. Exceptions to this are Toas, Jackson Hole and Mammouth mountain in CA. In part this is also true of Canada but parts of the Rockies are stunningly wild and beautiful. The huge linked areas of Europe can't be beaten with the exception of maybe Whistler if you don't like skiing the same piste over and over again then choose carefully. But particualry I've found in Canada the piste aren't groomed to death so are rather more fun than the flat motorways you can get in euro land.
Which leads onto Vertical: American resorts like to quote the amount of 'vertical' Some who claim to have the largest have around 4000 foot in Europe you can easily get 6000+.
Attitude: In NA I find people treat it more like a sport than in europe and are determined to skis as much as possible in a day as they can not putting much emphasis on stopping several times a day for a leisurely coffee and lunch while having a chat. In Europe the lifts tend to be very quiet first thing while people sleep off that glass of wine too many, or big meal from the previous night, In NA the locals want to be on the first lift. Same for lunch times when the numbers ease up in the US they don't but they are relatively that much quieter you'll not motice.
Queeing ettiqette: Different Euro countries differ from resort to resort but compared to NA are a free for all, in NA everyone seem to queue in an ordely fashion. Nice for keeping half wits marking your top sheets!!
Lift passes: Lift passes are just a bit daft in the US in particualry for the popular resorts. There are exceptions but they are just plain expensive in large part.
Off piste: In NA strictly speaking there is no on and off piste like you get in Europe, rather in bounds and out of bounds-literally ropped off to demark what is what. In bounds everything is up for grabs, patrolled and avy checked-this can vary from resort to resort but gives a general idea of what to expect. The inbounds stuff inbounds on a good powder day can get tracked out quickly in NA, in particular I found in Canada people love their off piste (evident from the fact there is more off piste training in the instructor quals).
Restaurants: NA doesn't really measure up to Europe particaulry for on mountain stuff IMO. What there is tends to be self service burgers and fries. Doesn't matter one iota to me but if the highlight of your day is a nice lunch on a sun soaked terrace think carefully.
Apres: Far lower key in General in NA although some ski areas are serviced by proper working town in the main rather than purpose built resorts so you do get all that goes with that but also bus rides to resorts rather than ski in ski out.
I hope this is of some help to you. I'll be going to Canada next year but it's part of a larger trip visiting family. To answer your post title I think it's worth trying if you're aware of the pros and cons and have the money. I'd have hated to have been in some resorts at or around Christmas given how things were but in March you'd be safer.
If you're wanting to head to the US because you're worried about snow reliability I wouldn't let that be the deciding factor either.
Edited 2 times. Last update at 27-Jan-2012
Colinlambert_1
reply to 'Should I go to US?' posted Jan-2012
I'm going to Banff in April so I will tell you about the pricing levels.
We are going for ten days skiing and we are looking around £6,500 for 2 adults and 2 teenagers for everything. Including budgeting for eating out.
Crystal ski will have a Club Hotel (Le Brunerie) at Les Deux Alpes in Feb half term, half board, with everthing included, will cost us the same price.
I'm giving you these dates as it's all about school hols for the majority of people when booking.
So we thought why not treat ourselves and go to Canada.
I'll let you know what it's like when I get back.
We are going for ten days skiing and we are looking around £6,500 for 2 adults and 2 teenagers for everything. Including budgeting for eating out.
Crystal ski will have a Club Hotel (Le Brunerie) at Les Deux Alpes in Feb half term, half board, with everthing included, will cost us the same price.
I'm giving you these dates as it's all about school hols for the majority of people when booking.
So we thought why not treat ourselves and go to Canada.
I'll let you know what it's like when I get back.
I was told "if you lean, you fall". I've tried and I did.
Dave Mac
reply to 'Should I go to US?' posted Jan-2012
Top post Grizwald. I like the day vertical too, and chose Breckenride as a centre ~ five resorts covered on the one pass. Vail also offers a lot of variety, A-basin some good challenge.
Whistler and Blackcomb also terrific, but ~ subject to whiteout weather.
The Titons have good peaks! - )
Whistler and Blackcomb also terrific, but ~ subject to whiteout weather.
The Titons have good peaks! - )
Trencher
reply to 'Should I go to US?' posted Jan-2012
The exchange rate might reduce the value of a trip this year. I would always suggest that if you don't often go to to States, you include some time for culture and shopping. If you shop, expect to bring back an extra suitcase, but if you do it carefully you can offset the cost the trip a little.
because I'm so inclined .....
Marksman
reply to 'Should I go to US?' posted Jan-2012
I've not got a lot of experience but have skied in Whistler and French alps.
Whistler pros:-
The public:-
Really can't stress this one enough. If you stand in the street and look confused then people will stop and ask if they can help.
The Staff:-
On our first day we couldn't get hire boots to fit my OH's funny shaped feet so missed the start time for ski-school. No problem, they just re-booked it for another day and seeing she was upset the guy behind the counter gave us a coupon for a free meal at the top of the mountain.
The mountains:-
Just spectacular.
The lifts:-
Because the only route up the mountain is via the lower gondolas then these are the only 2 places passes are needed. No faffing about. No bending around to stick a card in a slot or swiping a card. A list operator comes to you and scans the pass with a mobile device. Also a separate line for people skiing alone. This way you can fill in the extra last place if a group of three want to ride on a four person chair. Wouldn't work in France but isn't abused in Canada. When you get off the gondola then there are no more pass checks on the other lifts, you just ski to them and get on.
Canadians know how to queue:-
It's so much more relaxed and civilized that Europe. If I could go to the US or Canada I'd do it just for this reason.
Language:-
Bit cowardly this one, but I'm poor with languages. For me skiing in a country where English (or a pretty close approximation to it) is the primary language is more relaxing. I couldn't even try to say "there's a injured man with a head wound hidden behind the second rock outcropping on the left half way down run XYZ" in French or German.
Whistler cons:-
Long haul flight.
Really silly lift prices.
A bit of a plastic resort if compared to older European ones.
The "Service Culture". Wages are low but are supplemented by tips. Therefore if someone opens a door for you or drives your bus, or brings a drink 3 steps from a bar to your table then you should pay them each and every time for doing so. Personally I was divided on this. I like the thought of people who give a better service earning more then those who do the bare minimum, but on the other hand found it pretty grating.
As you can tell I was rather taken by Canada.
Can't speak for any other resorts though, are they similar in attitude?
Cheers,
Owen.
Whistler pros:-
The public:-
Really can't stress this one enough. If you stand in the street and look confused then people will stop and ask if they can help.
The Staff:-
On our first day we couldn't get hire boots to fit my OH's funny shaped feet so missed the start time for ski-school. No problem, they just re-booked it for another day and seeing she was upset the guy behind the counter gave us a coupon for a free meal at the top of the mountain.
The mountains:-
Just spectacular.
The lifts:-
Because the only route up the mountain is via the lower gondolas then these are the only 2 places passes are needed. No faffing about. No bending around to stick a card in a slot or swiping a card. A list operator comes to you and scans the pass with a mobile device. Also a separate line for people skiing alone. This way you can fill in the extra last place if a group of three want to ride on a four person chair. Wouldn't work in France but isn't abused in Canada. When you get off the gondola then there are no more pass checks on the other lifts, you just ski to them and get on.
Canadians know how to queue:-
It's so much more relaxed and civilized that Europe. If I could go to the US or Canada I'd do it just for this reason.
Language:-
Bit cowardly this one, but I'm poor with languages. For me skiing in a country where English (or a pretty close approximation to it) is the primary language is more relaxing. I couldn't even try to say "there's a injured man with a head wound hidden behind the second rock outcropping on the left half way down run XYZ" in French or German.
Whistler cons:-
Long haul flight.
Really silly lift prices.
A bit of a plastic resort if compared to older European ones.
The "Service Culture". Wages are low but are supplemented by tips. Therefore if someone opens a door for you or drives your bus, or brings a drink 3 steps from a bar to your table then you should pay them each and every time for doing so. Personally I was divided on this. I like the thought of people who give a better service earning more then those who do the bare minimum, but on the other hand found it pretty grating.
As you can tell I was rather taken by Canada.
Can't speak for any other resorts though, are they similar in attitude?
Cheers,
Owen.
Marksman
reply to 'Should I go to US?' posted Jan-2012
Oh - Missed one. Canadians understand beer in a way that the French or Americans never will. Germans and Austrians on the other hand...
John101
reply to 'Should I go to US?' posted Jan-2012
Just back from Canada - my first non european ski trip! the main differences I noticed yes the price is huge! It was £50 cheaper for me to buy a season pass than a 2week pass...WHAT!? I know. I was in Banff skied Sunshine mostly but Lake Louise and Norquay also - huge variety of slopes was great. The powder out there is surreal nothing like Europe it snowed 30cm overnight, they didnt groom the piste (grooming isnt a big thing it seems n canada) and we were literally waist deep in powder until it was skied down a bit. The most annoying thing was you have to catch a bus to the slopes depending on which mountain youre heading to journey time is 15mins- 1hr and theres about 3 buses a morning (annoying when youre used to purpose built french resorts).
Useless Observation : almost everyone wears helmets and generally Canadians choose not to put the safety bars down on lifts.
There are a huge number of resort staff like 700 I heard who you see everywhere and are always extremely friendly and helpful whether it be on the mountain, putting your skis in the gondla. There are lots of activities beside skiing - beautiful landscape, wildlife around!
Would I return - yess the skiing is fantastic, and lots to see and do however the only downside for me is the buses to the mountain are a bit of a hassle.
Useless Observation : almost everyone wears helmets and generally Canadians choose not to put the safety bars down on lifts.
There are a huge number of resort staff like 700 I heard who you see everywhere and are always extremely friendly and helpful whether it be on the mountain, putting your skis in the gondla. There are lots of activities beside skiing - beautiful landscape, wildlife around!
Would I return - yess the skiing is fantastic, and lots to see and do however the only downside for me is the buses to the mountain are a bit of a hassle.
Topic last updated on 30-January-2012 at 10:23