Hi, me, my friends and family are headed on a trip out west this season. Were all confident skiers/boarders. I'm looking at various places Snowmass, Jackson hole, big sky, whistler, etc and am curious what resort would be the best choice? I made a trip to whiteface this winter and was having a great time on the super steep terrain. how much steeper/challenging does it get out west? mainly jackson hole and big sky. I know they both have a reputation for hard terrain and am curious if I can handle it, is big sky peak much steeper then trails such as essex and upper skyward at whiteface? also access/airfare is important if anyone has suggestions:)

The four places you mention are big enough to have plenty for every skill level including super experts. Price them out and go with the one that best fits your budget/travel schedule. Those four places are probably a little on the pricier side when looking at the combined lift, lodging and airfare costs. You might save by choosing a ski area closer to major airports like Denver or SLC, but any of the four on your list are worth it if they really catch your fancy. Your skill level is high enough to greatly enjoy any of them. When are you thinking of traveling? Late Feb to early March would be primo at all of them, but some might have advantages over others if you went much earlier or later.

Do you have flexibility on dates for the trip?

Big Sky is good for all levels. Long green runs away from traffic. Lots of groomed and easy glades for intermediates. Advanced and experts have all sorts of options. If you fly to Bozeman, staying there and skiing Bridger for a day or two before going to Big Sky is worth considering. Bridger is also good for all levels. Low cost because it's a non-profit. Great place for a private lesson or going with a guide on expert trails (avy equipment required) off the ridge served by the Schausman lift.

Yea I'm flexible on just about everything. I'm mainly looking for the best experience without a super far drive after the airport. My dads coming along and he wants to go somewhere that's one of the best resorts while he's still young enough to ski it.

Haven't been to Snowmass, but you can't go wrong with Whistler, Jackson Hole, or Big Sky.

If terrain variety is what you are looking for, you will find it at any of those 3 resorts. Each has everything from plenty of greens/blues to 'you-fall-you-die' terrain, if that is your thing.

Drive-time wise, I would allow 1:45 for Whistler, 1 hr for Big Sky, and 45 minutes for Jackson Hole, from the respective airports

Here's some other differentiators that might help you make your decision:

Nightlife/village scene: Whistler's is world class, Jackson/Big Sky is pretty lacking

Lifts: Jackson hole's tram is amazing because you get 4139 ft of vertical and only have to ride one lift/tram. Whistler's lift system is high speed, but it takes you a while to get to the top where all the good terrain is. Big Sky's lift system is older/slower (for expert terrain anyway), and that is my only knock against it.

Weather: Jackson/Big Sky are similar, Whistler can be bad in terms of rain/fog due to lower elevation and warm weather systems (pineapple express) that can hit any time during winter

Elevation: Whistler is 2000-3000 ft lower in elevation if anyone in your group is sensitive to altitude.


Whistler is my favorite place in the whole world, I just recommend spending at least a week there in case you get a few 'pea soup' days. But honestly you will be thrilled with any of those 3 choices, especially if it is your first trip out west.

Hey bud I would personally recommend Salt Lake City, in particular Snowbird and Alta which are massive, deep pow and steeps, open bowls, average 500+ inches and are never really that crowded. Snowbird is ultra modern, and Alta has a historic feel.

You can stay on the mountain or you can stay in the city of SLC and it's only 45min to the mountain. There are many other resorts in close proximity to the area like Park City. Deer Valley, Brighton and Solitude.

Also North Lake Tahoe is nice, the lake is beautiful and you can ski Squaw/Alpine Meadows, gaperville Northstar, or the small Locals oriented Homewood, Mt. Rose all within an hour or less. Fly to Reno or Sac.

If you want to get introduced to Big Sky/Moonlight Basin and Bridger Bowl by a local guide (no cost), then the EpicSki Gathering the last week of March would be well worth considering. The way Gatherings work there will be different guides for intermediates, advanced, and experts. Also includes deeply discounted lift tickets and special rates for lodging in Bozeman and at Big Sky.

Quite possible to do a Big Sky trip without renting a car if staying at the Big Sky Village. Can take a shuttle from the airport 50 miles away. Although with more than a couple people, renting a vehicle is probably economical.

SLC has many options. Note that Alta and Deer Valley are for skiers only. Snowbird is great for adventurous intermediates and up.

How much does price factor in? Jackson, Big Sky and Snowmass are a long drive from major airports. You can fly in close, but you won't be able to get a great fare. Look for a package deal. If price is a big factor, you can't beat Salt Lake.

Of the resorts you listed, Whistler and Jackson would best match your criteria. I'd choose Jackson for a "classic" ski trip, Whistler for a "modern" one or Salt Lake for a "sampler" (and hit at least Alta, Snowbird, Deer Valley and Park City).

If you have not been on a "trail" where you need to lean over to see where you're going, you can find one at any of the resorts on your list. How much steeper do you need?

Consider Taos.

Great terrain, reasonable cost. The ski week lesson packages are awesome. 2 hours a day for a week for <$200 and for all levels. The instructors will take you all kinds of places not even on the map including hiking above the lifts if you're good enough.

Travel is pretty easy. Fly into Albequerque. It's a few hour drive from there, but all through flat desert where whether isn't much of an issue.

I agree. The steep part of Taos is erver bit as challenging as the best that Jackson can throw at you, In a good snow year, Taos is about as good as it gets. Ina bad snow year it can get real ugly real fast.

Good snow vs bad snow years -- about a 50-50 risk, but when it's good, it's very very good.

A 3000 ft vertical would probably be the minimum, Gondola preferred (its a nice treat after spending my whole life in the mid-Atlantic with slow chair lifts) after going to Whiteface it would be hard to fly so far and the mountain having less vertical.

I'm thinking maybe sun-valley by flying into Boise. Alta and Deer Valley wouldn't work because I'm a Snowboarder. SLC/PC is still an option tho. One thing i like about Snowman is the included access to Ajax, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. I like to ride park so Buttermilk would cool to checkout for the parks.