2 more, Great, Late season resorts

Last time we explored the bet “qualifiers” for selecting a Spring Skiing resort. These included looking for a high base elevation, and or, a northern latitude. These qualifiers led us to our first two selections, ski regions both …



Ø Summit County, CO (Keystone, Copper and Breckenridge)



Ø Banff / Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada





Today we will explore two more last season gems, where you can be far more certain on finding good snow cover ( and often even fresh powder snow overnight ) and great deals – particularly if you remember to book with Rocky Mountain Vacations / Ski Organizers. That number to call by the way is 800 733 4028.



Spring Skiing? Consider …



Winter Park, Colorado



Why This Works For You: Here is a Colorado classic that has much to recommend if for last turns of the season. To begin with, the base elevation, which at 9,000 feet, is among the highest in North American skiing, means that spring comes late here. In fact, this corner of the state, just north of Berthoud Pass, is known to be one of the coldest regions in Colorado. Consider the fact that summertime temperatures here rarely exceed 75 degrees here, and you can imagine how long the ski season can be here.



Then add in location – as in distance to travel. Winter Park is a mere 67 miles west of Denver. Yes, some mountains like Park City are even closer to the gateway airport, by not by that much. So if you can get a morning non stop into Denver, you might just grab an afternoon half day at WP.



Or how about taking the famous Ski Train from Denver to Winter Park. This institution leaves historic Union Station and drops you almost at the lifts for $55 round trip. It’s a beautiful ride up, and a après ski party on the way back down.



But location and a late season is not the only reason to book Winter Park. How about 3,000 + vertical serviced by 7 high speed quads. Or an abundance of Green and Blue intermediate terrain, plus ample Black and Double Blacks. Truth is, this is really a very nice, well rounded ski mountain, rising above two unpretentious ski towns (Frasier and Winter Park) where dining is not expensive by resort standards and the locals friendly folk.



Where to Lodge: I like the simplicity and value of Beaver Village. Like many of the condo properties here, Beaver Village was built back in the 70’s – but it’s well maintained and the two bedroom units are large by today’s standards. For more modern, ski in, ski out lodging, select the Zephyr Mountain Lodge. This most costly option offers onsite dining and room service – unusual in this generally no frills, down home resort. But no matter where you lodge, expect to find virtually all the terrain open right to the end of the season. And of course that is what a die hard, late season skiers/boarders are really seeking!



Snowbird, Utah



My first ever spring ski trip to the west was to Snowbird, Utah – and to this day it remains one of my best ever. Arriving in Salt Lake City, you actually drive east into the Wasatch Range, on up Little Cottonwood Canyon about 16 miles to this dramatic ski mountain with a compact cluster of concrete and wood trim buildings at the base. Everything is made of concrete for a reason – avalanches are a real and persistent danger here. Sturdy is the order of the day, and architectural style comes second.



Why This Works For You: Well, to start with, Snowbird receives 500 + inches of snow per winter. That is one of the biggest numbers is North American skiing. And as this Canyon is steep on either side, the sun doesn’t bake the entire mountain from dawn to dusk. Add to this generally low traffic levels and you have a big, often steep mountain covered with fresh snow almost nightly. And this includes the entire month of April, and on into May. Snows a lot here.



It used to be that Snowbird was only for upper level skiers – the so-called experts. But now, with the new Mineral Basin area (accessed, get this, via a mountain tunnel and a magic carpet ride near the summit of the mountain) intermediates have ample terrain at Snowbird as well.



Where to Lodge: Easy choice. The Cliff Lodge. It’s the best lodging at Snowbird, and in my view, the only place to be. So save your money till you can afford a slope view room on the 8th floor or above. It’s worth it. Ask us about when the rates fall, and book into that week. From the vantage point of your Cliff Lodge room, you can sit with a drink and watch as the groomers perform amazing feats on the steeper terrain facing the Cliff. Memorable.



Want more?



Stay tuned, two more last season resorts coming up.

Labels: Snowbird, Winter Park

posted by Mr. Ski Organizer @ 6:20 PM