I'm debating where to go for a trip the week after New Years Day. I'm trying to decide between Telluride/Aspen or Jackson Hole/Big Sky. Any thoughts?

msprings wrote:

I'm debating where to go for a trip the week after New Years Day. I'm trying to decide between Telluride/Aspen or Jackson Hole/Big Sky. Any thoughts?

How many ski days?  I can see either JH or Big Sky but not both in just one week.  If at JH, could spend a day at Grand Targhee.  If going to Big Sky, definitely worth starting at Bridger assuming flying into Bozeman.  Haven't been to Telluride or Aspen but since Aspen is actually four mountains, well three for intermediates and up, also seems better to just stay there.

Where have you skied out west?

If your dates are Sat to Sat (1/3-1/10) then you might see some people first day, but should be nice and quiet everywhere rest of week.

I assume you are talking about a trip that combines a few days at Telluride and a few days at Aspen OR a few days at JH and a few days at Big Sky.  Those are four great destinations worthy of a week straight at each.  They are far enough apart that you have to be fairly ambitious to attempt two in one week, but it could be done by using a mid-week rest day to drive to the other.  Also, what are your budget or flight constraints?  Both western CO or northern Rockies require flights into more expensive airports unless you drive from SLC to Jackson Hole, and in that case you would be better off skiing a few days in UT then driving to JH then back to SLC??  Using SLC as gateway might also let you steer trip to either UT, WY or MT at last minute depending on where there is good snow.  When do you plan to pull trigger on airline purchase?  Can you wait to early-mid Dec to see which area is getting the best early snow?  I don't think you will have to worry about booking accommodations far in advance because first week in Jan after holidays is pretty dead.