Mid-Jan trip, where to go - Snowboarding Forum

lo0p · 11-21-2011, 07:19 PM

Some friends and I are planning to take a few days off around MLK weekend in Jan (most likely 5 nights / 4 days of riding).
We were initially looking at Whistler, but I think 4 days is not enough for a place that big. I want to have the time to enjoy it fully when I go there.
So while Whistler is not necessarily out, we're looking at other options and I was looking for some suggestions.

A few things to consider:
Something easy of access would be nice, so we don't waste a bunch of time on the round trip (we'd be leaving from NYC)
We'll have 2 beginners with us
Don't really plan to hit the park, so that's not a factor

Thanks

EDIT: Should have probably posted that in the General Forum

neednsnow · 11-22-2011, 09:42 AM

I've done this trip (MLK) 4 different years (From Philadelphia). Sometimes it has been great, sometimes it has been less than fantastic. It seems that when I go, the snow turns on right when I leave.....argh!!! I now go over President's weekend and though its more crowded, the snow is so much better in Feb!!!

I went once to Mt. Baker in Washington (gets the same systems as Whistler) and it sucked! I hate to say it, because I know Baker, but the conditions did not warrant the travel time it took to get out there for such a short trip.

I would suggest hitting SLC. There are a ton of good resorts within 40 mins driving of town, Big Gnar Gnar for the experienced and mellow green/blues for the beginners. Plus, on your last day you can ride till 2 and still catch an evening flight back to the EC and still be home by midnight. You'll want to ride Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude. If you want to go for a little exploring drive, you'll want to check-out Powder Mounain (lots of terrain and little amenities) or Snowbasin (even more terrain and lots of little bells and whistles in the middle of nowhere.)

Thats my two cents.

lo0p · 11-22-2011, 10:23 AM

I just checked out Snowbird and it seems very nice. I'll take a look at the other 2.
Thanks

nevrsumrrider · 11-22-2011, 10:51 AM

SLC For sure. super easy access. I would also add canyons to your list. great hike to terrain and some easy stuff. If there is snow don't skip powder mountain. It is worth the drive every time. That place is one of my favorites.

11-21-2011, 07:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
lo0p Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NYC Posts: 210	Mid-Jan trip, where to go Some friends and I are planning to take a few days off around MLK weekend in Jan (most likely 5 nights / 4 days of riding). We were initially looking at Whistler, but I think 4 days is not enough for a place that big. I want to have the time to enjoy it fully when I go there. So while Whistler is not necessarily out, we're looking at other options and I was looking for some suggestions. A few things to consider: Something easy of access would be nice, so we don't waste a bunch of time on the round trip (we'd be leaving from NYC) We'll have 2 beginners with us Don't really plan to hit the park, so that's not a factor Thanks EDIT: Should have probably posted that in the General Forum __________________ .lo0p Last edited by lo0p; 11-21-2011 at 07:21 PM.

11-22-2011, 09:42 AM	#2 (permalink)
neednsnow -LIFETIME MEMBER- Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: PA Posts: 1,208	I've done this trip (MLK) 4 different years (From Philadelphia). Sometimes it has been great, sometimes it has been less than fantastic. It seems that when I go, the snow turns on right when I leave.....argh!!! I now go over President's weekend and though its more crowded, the snow is so much better in Feb!!! I went once to Mt. Baker in Washington (gets the same systems as Whistler) and it sucked! I hate to say it, because I know Baker, but the conditions did not warrant the travel time it took to get out there for such a short trip. I would suggest hitting SLC. There are a ton of good resorts within 40 mins driving of town, Big Gnar Gnar for the experienced and mellow green/blues for the beginners. Plus, on your last day you can ride till 2 and still catch an evening flight back to the EC and still be home by midnight. You'll want to ride Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude. If you want to go for a little exploring drive, you'll want to check-out Powder Mounain (lots of terrain and little amenities) or Snowbasin (even more terrain and lots of little bells and whistles in the middle of nowhere.) Thats my two cents. __________________ Neednsnow.com: Traveling the States and Taking Pictures

11-22-2011, 10:23 AM	#3 (permalink)
lo0p Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NYC Posts: 210	I just checked out Snowbird and it seems very nice. I'll take a look at the other 2. Thanks __________________ .lo0p

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11-22-2011, 10:51 AM	#4 (permalink)
nevrsumrrider Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 35	SLC For sure. super easy access. I would also add canyons to your list. great hike to terrain and some easy stuff. If there is snow don't skip powder mountain. It is worth the drive every time. That place is one of my favorites.