Utah trip in March

[NoOtherOptions]

Originally Posted by silverwhale

Thanks for the tips! I think I've decided on Snowbasin, Solitude, and Snowbird. I'm sure I'll be back to try out the other places at some point, and these 3 seem to be a good mix for this trip. How do the trail ratings compare? Like black Utah = double black Tremblant sort of thing? Do you think I'll have trouble transitioning to the different snow conditions? Thanks!

Haha, I think that's what I want to do as well. Well Monday is the Canyons for me. But Snowbasin, Solitude, Snowbird in that order is probably what I'll do next.

[WasatchMan]

Originally Posted by silverwhale

Thanks for the tips! I think I've decided on Snowbasin, Solitude, and Snowbird. I'm sure I'll be back to try out the other places at some point, and these 3 seem to be a good mix for this trip. How do the trail ratings compare? Like black Utah = double black Tremblant sort of thing? Do you think I'll have trouble transitioning to the different snow conditions? Thanks!

The three S's - not a bad choice.

As far as terrain.

Black in Utah = http://i.imgur.com/8ZXQCbz.jpg?1

They aren't quite the same. I mean that is a picture of one of the steepest runs at snowbird, they also have a lot mellow runs that are really fun. You can google around for picture of resorts.


Also if it's a decent powder day, like a foot of new snow. If you've never skied deep powder, you will probably hate it, it's a lot different to ride.

If it's hardpack, it will be more or less the same. I've never ridden on the East Coast, but a few friends have - each time they went it was icy. Utah may feel more soft and 'fresh' when lapping groomers.

edit:

this is apparently a black diamond at tremblant (found on random website)

if so, I would try to stick to blue squares at the resorts you're gonna hit. I wish all resorts would follow the same code on trail maps, or at least add more black diamonds or some other guide. it really confuses people and can get a lot of people hurt or worse.

but yes, utah has a ton of the same terrain as tremblant as well.

[silverwhale]

Ok, thanks. That second picture doesn't look steep at all haha, I can definitely handle stuff way steeper than that. Looks like a square to me. Or it could just be a part of a diamond - sometimes they flatten out for a bit. I wouldn't call just that part a diamond at all though. I had one day a few years ago at Tremblant where it snowed like a foot and a half overnight and it was awesome the next day - and I was on a camber board with no set back, I kept sinking but it was still really fun. So hopefully it won't be too bad! Thanks for the pics though

[neednsnow]

Originally Posted by silverwhale

Thanks for the tips! I think I've decided on Snowbasin, Solitude, and Snowbird. I'm sure I'll be back to try out the other places at some point, and these 3 seem to be a good mix for this trip. How do the trail ratings compare? Like black Utah = double black Tremblant sort of thing? Do you think I'll have trouble transitioning to the different snow conditions? Thanks!

Know that there is a bit of a driving distance between all three of those, but I think you're getting quite a good cross-section of the Utah Experience, for sure. Snowbasin and Snowbird are my favs. I haven't hit Solitude, but Imma be on it in March!

As far as difficulty........just avoid "extreme" terrain and you'll be fine. There are some crazy off-the-cuff shizz you can hit in Utah, you'll want to avoid that. But the Big open bowls that are "blacks" or the gladed runs....you'll be fine if the snow is fresh. If not, eh, good luck.

As for deep pow. It is a work-out, but so fun! Four suggestions. 1 Bring your biggest board. 2 Set/Move your bindings way back on Pow days 3. Lean BacK! Nose-dives suck, but the float on white fluffy fluff is just yummy. 4. Keep your speed. Obviously avoid rocks and trees and cliffs, but speed helps you float over the snow better. If you are afraid of falling.....no worries, it is fresh soft snow! =)

After SOlitude, hit the Cotton Bottom Inn for a burger. After Snowbasin, find the Shooting Star Saloon.

[silverwhale]

Originally Posted by neednsnow

Know that there is a bit of a driving distance between all three of those, but I think you're getting quite a good cross-section of the Utah Experience, for sure. Snowbasin and Snowbird are my favs. I haven't hit Solitude, but Imma be on it in March!

As far as difficulty........just avoid "extreme" terrain and you'll be fine. There are some crazy off-the-cuff shizz you can hit in Utah, you'll want to avoid that. But the Big open bowls that are "blacks" or the gladed runs....you'll be fine if the snow is fresh. If not, eh, good luck.

As for deep pow. It is a work-out, but so fun! Four suggestions. 1 Bring your biggest board. 2 Set/Move your bindings way back on Pow days 3. Lean BacK! Nose-dives suck, but the float on white fluffy fluff is just yummy. 4. Keep your speed. Obviously avoid rocks and trees and cliffs, but speed helps you float over the snow better. If you are afraid of falling.....no worries, it is fresh soft snow! =)

After SOlitude, hit the Cotton Bottom Inn for a burger. After Snowbasin, find the Shooting Star Saloon.

Thanks! I only have one board, so not much of a choice for that. It's supposed to be ok in powder though, camber/rocker combo so probably better than my last board (camber only). I am definitely planning to set back my bindings as much as I can, would it be a problem to just leave them like that even on days without powder? I might be skipping the burger unless it's veggie lol, but I appreciate the suggestions!

Also, I know this isn't a skiing forum, but if anyone has some expertise ... my dad has really old skis, they are super long (I guess that's how they used to size them) but pretty narrow (definitely not powder skis). Will he be fine with them or is it worth looking into rentals? Planning one backcountry day, but it's with a guide since we don't know the area, and they supply skis. Other than that we will just be at the actual resort hills.

[WasatchMan]

Originally Posted by silverwhale

I might be skipping the burger unless it's veggie lol, but I appreciate the suggestions!

Also, I know this isn't a skiing forum, but if anyone has some expertise ... my dad has really old skis, they are super long (I guess that's how they used to size them) but pretty narrow (definitely not powder skis). Will he be fine with them or is it worth looking into rentals? Planning one backcountry day, but it's with a guide since we don't know the area, and they supply skis. Other than that we will just be at the actual resort hills.

Haha nice, Brighton has pretty good Veggie burgers - there are tons of vegan and veggie restaurants in SLC.

For your paps, I would rent skis if it's a pow day and definitely rent for the BC. I only really know snowboard shops but google around and I'm sure you can find some places to pick some up for the day or so. I know Brighton rents out brand new boards and skis for any conditions - i know you're skipping btown but im sure other resorts offer the same.

[silverwhale]

Awesome, thanks for all the help!