Cross Country Roadtrip from New Jersey

[Deimus85]

Me and 3 of my friends are planning a cross country bum road trip to any of the Rocky Mountain areas. We have 4 people, so driving will be a lot cheaper than flying.

Anyone with experience know of the best bang-for-the-buck area to go to? We are not looking to drop a ton of money on lodging and lift tickets.

Google maps says Denver is 26 hours from New Jersey, and that Jackson Hole and SLC are 33 and 32 hours, respectively. Since we are driving so far, the extra 6-7 hours to get to a "better" area wouldn't be an issue.

Should we plan to drive to one area and just hit up a bunch of mountains in that area? Or should we just get a multi-day pass to one mountain?

Also, any knowledge of a multi-mountain pass that can be used at more than one mountain in an area? I was looking at this: Liftopia - Resort Details


Any input would be appreciated.

A response from the thread I originally posted in regarding this question:

Originally Posted by neednsnow

This is new thread-worthy.

I did said trip, last year, and will do it again, this year. The Mountain Collective Pass is a good shot, though, if you're boarding, you'll have to try to sell your Alta investment....Alta is ski-only. If you're doing the Collective, I suggest grabbing one of the Epics. I say go balls-in and make it to Tahoe. Mountain Collective + Epic Pass will get you riding at 12 resorts for about 1100 bones. Sounds big, but it is an investment of a lifetime. Also, think about buying a few geiggerigs......water packs that have a Skullcandy Passport that provides discounted or free lift tickets.

Craigslist was my route for places to crash. I can suggest more later...time to get to work.

[mojo maestro]

Keep an eye on the weather. 26 hour drive to Denver in good weather can turn into a 3 day adventure if it snows.

[C.B.]

If we're talking bang for your buck, you may want to look into Montana as well.

[Deimus85]

Originally Posted by C.B.

If we're talking bang for your buck, you may want to look into Montana as well.

What resorts?

[C.B.]

Big Sky and Bridger Bowl would be my picks, although I don't claim to be an expert on the topic. I think you can ride at moonlight Basin and big sky on the same pass now, which is like 5000+ acres on 4000+ vert if I remember correctly.

[mojo maestro]

In CO, Shell gas stations offer 2 for 1 "vouchers", usually good at several different resorts. Available mid January, after the holidays. Maybe other states?

[Deimus85]

Do any Colorado Mountains offer resident discounts? I know someone who lives in Denver.

[neednsnow]

SKI FREE® Free Lift Ticket with Shell Fuel Purchase Yes a great deal, especially for people putting miles on thier cars.

[Tarzanman]

Holy crap. That is a lot of time in the car. Do you guys plan to lodge on the way, or are you just going to split up the driving?

Don't forget to check the engine oil level whenever you get gas, and make sure that everyone eats salads for the 24 hours before you go (will cut down on bathroom stops).

How long are you going to spend out west?

[Deimus85]

Going to try to drive right through. I only want to stay for a week.