RFI: snow skiing in the USA

[rob_s]

The wife wants us to go on a snow skiing trip with the kids at the end of March. Being a Florida boy, I know less than nothing about these things and am trying to learn what I can to determine if this is going to be a family trip or a “girls trip” with her and our daughters. I haven’t ever even seen real snow, to put things in perspective. Some specific questions I have:
1) where would you go? Let’s assume a good balance of cost:features, an area where there’s other things to do besides skiing, good for kids, etc.
2) speaking of, I assume we wouldn’t actually be skiing for a full 7 days, right? So what other kinds of things are there to do in such environments?
3) exactly how hard is this going to be? I’m pretty much inactive these days between work and family, so I’m assuming a dexterous activity like this is going to be hard to learn, and probably maddening?
4) We are able to rent everything, right? We don’t have even so much as warm clothes. I’m down to go buy myself a puffy coat, but I’d prefer to rent skis, snow suit (do I need a snow suit), etc.

Any other input, information, or feedback would be great.

[BehindBlueI's]

3) exactly how hard is this going to be? I’m pretty much inactive these days between work and family, so I’m assuming a dexterous activity like this is going to be hard to learn, and probably maddening?

I have been to Paoli Peaks (which, before you ask, would not be worth a trip specifically for) and had no prior experience. As long as you stick to the slopes designed for your skill level (meager) it's actually not too hard to learn. You can be competent enough to control yourself and not bust your ass on the bunny slope with a 15 minute class and an hour or so of practice. I am absolutely sure you'd die if you jumped on one of the trails with black diamonds next to them at that point. So, know your limits and all that.

You'll want waterproof clothing that won't let you pack your crack full of snow when you take a tumble.

I don't remember it being terribly strenuous, but do remember the boots lock your ankles so that your knees must remain bent and that got tiring.

Personally, I didn't find the enjoyment to dollar ratio worth it, haven't returned in decades, and have no plans to do so ever. Each to their own and all that, but I would much rather ride a horse and I'm not even a big fan of horseback riding.

[rob_s]

This may well turn out to be an example of simply not wanting to miss out on my kids doing it, with little to no enjoyment of the core activity on my part. And then finding ways to enjoy the surrounding activities as much as possible.

I too, would much prefer something like a canoe trip, but skiing is what’s on the table and I need to decide if it’s going to include me or not.

[EPF]

Wife’s has family in Breckinridge, so I’ve spent quite a bit of time there. It’s my favorite of the Colorado resorts. Less super rich nonsense than Aspen but still has a large downtown area with quality food and shopping etc. My kids really enjoy dog sledding with a local small business. There are other things to do down town during the season like ice skating etc. Other resorts are within day trip distance. If you decide on Colorado, don’t underestimate the affects of altitude and pay attention to the family’s reaction. Breck is 10,000 and up. One daughter was altitude affected enough once years ago to need oxygen (which can be ordered like a pizza there) and on another trip a simple cold/flu became a serious problem for my 9 year old girl because altitude complicated breathing. Overall, it’s a great place and the kids enjoy it.

[EPF]

Forgot to answer:

Everything equipment wise can be rented easily.

It’s usually warm enough in March to have snow but not require heave heavy clothes.

The lessons at the resort are great. Both my kids were skiing after one half day lesson. With multiple kids a private lesson may be worth the expense.

I suck at skiing and mostly snowboard, which I also suck at. it’s not extremely difficult as long as you choose your runs carefully. But I would do some specific leg work to prepare. Lunges, step ups, Squats et. Just body weight stuff.

Anything in March should plan around college spring breakers. Any ski resort in North America will have its share

[shootist26]

The wife wants us to go on a snow skiing trip with the kids at the end of March. Being a Florida boy, I know less than nothing about these things and am trying to learn what I can to determine if this is going to be a family trip or a “girls trip” with her and our daughters. I haven’t ever even seen real snow, to put things in perspective. Some specific questions I have:
1) where would you go? Let’s assume a good balance of cost:features, an area where there’s other things to do besides skiing, good for kids, etc.
2) speaking of, I assume we wouldn’t actually be skiing for a full 7 days, right? So what other kinds of things are there to do in such environments?
3) exactly how hard is this going to be? I’m pretty much inactive these days between work and family, so I’m assuming a dexterous activity like this is going to be hard to learn, and probably maddening?
4) We are able to rent everything, right? We don’t have even so much as warm clothes. I’m down to go buy myself a puffy coat, but I’d prefer to rent skis, snow suit (do I need a snow suit), etc.

Any other input, information, or feedback would be great.

LOL at calling it snow skiing. As if there is any other type of skiing?

1. First off, decide whether you want to ski in the west or east. West coast resorts in general have larger mountains, larger trails, larger resorts w/ more activities, and more powder. East coast is smaller mountains, tighter trails, more crowds, more rustic so to speak, more ice and challenging weather. I grew up skiing the east. Icy trails are fast and can be scary for beginners. They also hurt when you fall (my shattered clavicle can attest to that). West coast powder is more forgiving. I haven't skiied out west enough to make good recommendations, but for east coast resorts: Smugglers Notch (VT), Sugarloaf (ME), Sunday River (ME).

2. No probably not. 7 continuous days of skiing is pretty exhausting. There are other activities such as snow shoeing, tubing, sledding, ice skating, etc. that most ski resorts offer. Need to check them out individually to makes sure. Large ski resorts also have a lot of restaurants, bars, and "winter village" type places for shopping and whatnot.

3. It's all technique. So I really recommend getting a private instructor for your family the first day. Do a day with an instructor and you will generally be competent enough to get off the bunny slope, onto an actual lift, and down actual trails. Skiing isn't something you want to try and "pick up" on your own. You'll pretty much waste your day fucking around and doing it wrong. Kind of like shooting. You won't even know what you don't know. Ice skating and roller blading are the best analogies to skiing. If you can do either of those activities, skiing should be fairly straightforward to pick up.

4. You can rent the required ski gear (skis, boots, poles, helmets, goggles). The workers there will measure and size you for everything. I actually don't know if resorts rent clothes or not as I have all my own stuff. Please for the love of god do not ski in jeans. You will be miserable after a couple hours. LAYERING IS KEY. Your outer layer must be waterproof (you will fall a lot and be covered in snow). Your inner layer should be a warm, wicking layer. I wear a lightweight merino wool baselayer, a fleece type medium layer on top of that, and a wind/water resistant shell over that. Plus ski pants and light and long merino wool socks. Plus helmet/goggles and facemask (east coast skiing =cold).

[0ddl0t]

As a cheapskate, I'd personally introduce the family to snow on a basic tobaggon hill. Younger kids will probably like that more than the ski park and you can buy inner tubes or plastic saucers for next to nothing. There are plenty of free hills anywhere it snows, but even if you pay for one with a lift rope it'll be a pittance compared to lift tickets & skis. If the family loves that, then consider spending a day or two at a ski resort.

Tips: bring layers of clothing - including a second set if you do happen to get wet. Blankets, chemical hand warmers, and a thermos of hot cocoa can save the day if someone gets a chill. Be sure to have lots of food too (you'll burn through a ton of calories just being outside in the cold)

If you're not particularly athletic, learning to ski can be pretty miserable. You'll be falling over and over on groomed ice (not the softest surface) and you'll be (over)using muscles you typically neglect. A good number of people pick it up right away, many do not. As insurance, at least plan on access to a hot tub + alcohol at the end of your first day. In a 7 day trip, I'd say 2-3 at a ski resort would be plenty unless the family just loathes or absolutely loves it.

Other tips:
Rental equipment is way, way cheaper from a shop in town or down the hill than at the ski resort. But it can be bulky and a hassle to transport - especially with a family. And not every rental shop will rent clothing so be sure to call around.


Locations? Tahoe in general wouldn't be terrible, especially if you're a family that likes to be outdoors in general. There are casinos in South Lake with nightly shows etc, and by March you should be able to mix in some hiking, mountain biking, boating, fishing, etc for variety.

LOL at calling it snow skiing. As if there is any other type of skiing?

Water?

[rob_s]

It’s looking like the wife has zeroed in on Jackson Hole as the target location. Any information specific to that area appreciated. Sounding like she’s found a ski in/out hotel room plus 4 days of lift tickets plus gear for the three of them for about $3500 so if I go it’ll be maybe $4k I’d guess.

[Aray]

If you go to Steamboat Springs, you can go to the Bridgestone Winter Driving School. School is legit. My daughter and I went and took a one day class there a couple of years ago, highly recommend. Cool town, fair amount of shopping and decent food.

[Clusterfrack]

It’s looking like the wife has zeroed in on Jackson Hole as the target location. Any information specific to that area appreciated. Sounding like she’s found a ski in/out hotel room plus 4 days of lift tickets plus gear for the three of them for about $3500 so if I go it’ll be maybe $4k I’d guess.

Jackson in the spring isn't guaranteed to have good snow. Last time I was there it was pretty icy. If you want to stay at an expensive resort town, I'd pick Park City. But I'd rather go to Breckenridge than either.

Make sure your kids have good gloves and goggles. These can make or break a day on the slopes.

Remember: a bad day of skiing can last a lifetime.

Also: do not let them learn to snowboard until they can ski.