[mpdsnowman]

What was funny is everyone was doing the same thing basically with the exception of the bostonites. They just kamikaze'd themselves off the road

But again the meet needs to have a relatively decent drive cause out there its not like we can just go down to the end of the road and pull someone out. its alot different.

Killer whats steamboat?? two hours from Denver maybe??

[killclimbz]

The boat is a three hour drive in good conditions. Definitely one of the best ski towns out there. I'd say for that sort of drive though Crested Butte should also be considered, though this is probably the year for the Butte instead of next season.

[stoepstyle]

We should all shred the K-Town, Lurkwood, or Crunkwood, otherwise known as Kirkwood for all those that dont know

[local_gnarshred]

only been once but totally down too shred mammoth its a good 12 hours from me

[jimster716]

Originally Posted by mpdsnowman

Well it goes back to the basics of what makes it work... Easy fly in is a must, easy driving state to state is a must. A three hour drive from the nearest airport is not good particularly when you encompass weather. Keep in mind alot of people who go to these things may not know how to drive in bad snow weather. Hell we pulled 5 people out of the ditches in Vermont

Out west if your talking a three hour drive and someone gets stuck there out!! until someone can get them...

I know SLC is the easiest all around
Denver/Co is next in line
Taho seemed tollerable
Mt. Hood seemed fine

Places like Baker and Wolf creek should remain for those locals really.

Also keep in mind you want a location that is good for all types of riding skills. I have found that 50% of the people who attend these have less than two years under their belts. Thats what makes Jay Peak perfect for the east coast. We can take a relatively new rider and turn them into an intermediate plus by the end.

You want to make the mountain work for you. By that I mean

Easy access via air and car
full range of skill levels
Mid to low key environment
Ticket promotions/group rates etc...
accommodation distances

SLC is the ticket then. The airport to downtown is like 15 minutes. From downtown SLC, you can go to any of the major resorts within an hour or so by shuttle or even public transportation. If the meets are 50% inexperienced people, I highly recommend Solitude or my fave, Snowbasin. Canyons, Brighton or Snowbird are amazing options as well. And the Utah powder is amazing...I love Mammoth as my "home mountain" in CA (even though I'm closer to Mt. High in socal as a season pass holder) but the sierra cement is downright painful on a cold, blowing day on the chairs.

The downside to SLC is the reduced alcohol beer and very little nightlife.

[killclimbz]

I have to agree that SLC is probably the easiest spot to do a meet. Inexpensive flights, quick access, pretty reliable snow, lot's of choices. Lift ticket prices are reasonable if you are paying by the day too. Great world class backcountry.

Summit County/Denver would probably make next on the list, as it's also easy to find inexpensive flights and it's a fairly quick ride up to Summit. Pretty reliable snow, lot's of choices. Plenty of party options. Lift ticket prices suck at the majors. The mom and pop hills like Loveland are reasonable and less crowded though. Great world class backcountry.

After that, Tahoe isn't bad. Not as cheap to get there. Fly into Sac and have a two hour drive, for a bit more Reno, or even more for the SLT airport. While the terrain is killer, snow fall is less than reliable in California. It can snow for weeks or end or be sunshine for weeks on end. Plenty of party options. Probably not a great choice for a La Nina season. Great world class backcountry.

Hood, not sure. Seems that the access is there, rain can be a problem, but it's a La Nina season which really seems to like to just poop all over the PDX/PNW region with tons of snow. Good backcountry, maybe world class, but the locals are a lot more quiet about it out there.

[hockeyjock]

I too vote slummit county, good snow, lots of choices.

[killclimbz]

Originally Posted by hockeyjock

I too vote slummit county, good snow, lots of choices.

Wouldn't you rather get out of your backyard? I know I'd rather go somewhere else...

[mpdsnowman]

Thats the point exactly. Even if one lives and snowboards at a major resort it is nice to go other places especially when you consider the savings by joining a meet.

[hockeyjock]

Yes I would like to go somewhere else just thought it would be nice for the others