USA East Coast - where?

Thanks folks,

Clive great info - would you prefer Stowe to Killington or are they all
pretty much the same? - I've not yet done my 'googling' for details (I will
be doing) just after a general feel from people who have been, rather than
read the marketing blurb! Also, can you get self catering accomodation or is
it mainly hotels? - we prefer to do our own thing.

Ta, Ian

"Clive Perry" wrote in message
...

"Ian" wrote in message
...
Hi,

Just back from another superb 8 days en famille at Les Arcs, we've been
to
the Alps for many years now and fancy perhaps not doing the 800 mile
each
way drive for a change next year. So what about the States? Somewhere
with
a
direct flight and short transfers (boys are 7, 9 and 12). Would really
appreciate recommendations - is there anywhere approaching the Alps,
Killington perhaps? Have heard it's great service etc. but not that
extensive in the US - all thoughts welcome,

Ta,

Ian
Ian,

This is something we have done for a few years now. Stowe is a good place,
plenty enough skiing for a week and 4 pretty steep black double diamonds
to
keep you amused should it be required. You used to be able to ski over to
Smugglers Notch but last time we went this arrangement had been
terminated.
Some disagreement between the 'owners' ( marketeers more like ) of the two
ski areas I believe. Maybe this dispute has been resolved which will give
even more scope to the skiing available in the Stowe area.

Another option we have taken is to base ourselves in Southern Vermont -
Manchester area - and ski some of the local ski areas reachable within a
20
to 60 minute drive. Stratton, Bromley, Okemo and Magic Mountain are all
worth a days skiing. Stratton and Okemo will amuse you for longer than a
day
as they have quite large ski areas. Chuck any of these into Google and you
will find their web sites which should give you an idea of what to expect.

Cold I hear!!

Yes it's true it does get very very cold, however I found by dressing
properly and taking regular breaks it is not a reason to discount skiing
in
New England. Not every day is cold I can assure you, we had a day at
Bromley
last February that was like skiing in the Alps in April. Also I was in Les
Deux Alpes last week and on Friday it was colder than I have ever
experienced in VT.

Cheers

Clive

Greg, where would you head to? i.e. are places like Whistler, Aspen, Vail so
much better that they are worth the extra flight time (with kids)?

Ian
"Greg Hilton" wrote in message
...
"Ian" wrote in
:

Hi,

Just back from another superb 8 days en famille at Les Arcs, we've
been to the Alps for many years now and fancy perhaps not doing the
800 mile each way drive for a change next year. So what about the
States? Somewhere with a direct flight and short transfers (boys are
7, 9 and 12). Would really appreciate recommendations - is there
anywhere approaching the Alps, Killington perhaps? Have heard it's
great service etc. but not that extensive in the US - all thoughts
welcome,


I'd head West if I was going US skiing. East coast can be freezing cold
(skied one day at Mount Snow and had to come in every hour it was that
cold), rain one day, snow the next, and hence can be icy.


Regards,

Greg

Thanks Hog - where in Europe would it compare to?

Ian
"'Hog" wrote in message
...
Ian wrote:
Hi,

Just back from another superb 8 days en famille at Les Arcs, we've
been to the Alps for many years now and fancy perhaps not doing the
800 mile each way drive for a change next year. So what about the
States? Somewhere with a direct flight and short transfers (boys are
7, 9 and 12). Would really appreciate recommendations - is there
anywhere approaching the Alps, Killington perhaps? Have heard it's
great service etc. but not that extensive in the US - all thoughts
welcome,

The Sunday River area on the Eastern side of the US is quite a nice place
and cuts down on the travel time and lag.

--
'Hog

"Ian" wrote in message ...
Hi,

Just back from another superb 8 days en famille at Les Arcs, we've been to
the Alps for many years now and fancy perhaps not doing the 800 mile each
way drive for a change next year. So what about the States? Somewhere with a
direct flight and short transfers (boys are 7, 9 and 12). Would really
appreciate recommendations - is there anywhere approaching the Alps,
Killington perhaps? Have heard it's great service etc. but not that
extensive in the US - all thoughts welcome,

Ta,

Ian

I was in Tremblant in Feb 2002. It was cold (-27C), fairly windy and
a bit too small for 10 days. No problems with the locals either in
English or my terrible French. Most of the condos are genuinely ski
in/ski out.

The transfer from Montreal was about 90 mins and the total door to
door time was about the same as the horrific Gatwick-Lyons-3v Saturday
transfer of the previous year.

WalWedge

"Ian" wrote in message
...
Hi,

Just back from another superb 8 days en famille at Les Arcs, we've been to
the Alps for many years now and fancy perhaps not doing the 800 mile each
way drive for a change next year. So what about the States? Somewhere with
a
direct flight and short transfers (boys are 7, 9 and 12). Would really
appreciate recommendations - is there anywhere approaching the Alps,
Killington perhaps? Have heard it's great service etc. but not that
extensive in the US - all thoughts welcome,

Ta,

Ian


Killington fits the bill in terms of a reasonable flight etc and reasonable
skiiing.

Personally however I found the place far too 'strung out' with no real heart
to it (perhaps this is typical in the US where a car is a pre-req to go from
shop to shop). Compared to the facilities at most european resorts I found
it very poor.

The service was OK - no better and no worse then experienced in most other
resorts, but certainly nothing special.

"Clive Perry" wrote in message ...
"Ian" wrote in message
...
Hi,

Just back from another superb 8 days en famille at Les Arcs, we've been to
the Alps for many years now and fancy perhaps not doing the 800 mile each
way drive for a change next year. So what about the States? Somewhere with
a
direct flight and short transfers (boys are 7, 9 and 12). Would really
appreciate recommendations - is there anywhere approaching the Alps,
Killington perhaps? Have heard it's great service etc. but not that
extensive in the US - all thoughts welcome,

Ta,

Ian
Ian,

I would agree with the person that suggested you go west, the flight
time is only an extra couple of hours and the snow is better (pisted
powder rather than ice and or artificial snow), the weather usually
better and the ski areas more extensive. I would recommend Whistler
and Breckenridge for extensive areas (though not as big as the biggest
resorts in the alps) with direct flights and short transfers.

Thanks Carl, I'll have a look at their info.

Ian
"Carl_M" wrote in message
om...
"Clive Perry" wrote in message
...
"Ian" wrote in message
...
Hi,

Just back from another superb 8 days en famille at Les Arcs, we've
been to
the Alps for many years now and fancy perhaps not doing the 800 mile
each
way drive for a change next year. So what about the States? Somewhere
with
a
direct flight and short transfers (boys are 7, 9 and 12). Would really
appreciate recommendations - is there anywhere approaching the Alps,
Killington perhaps? Have heard it's great service etc. but not that
extensive in the US - all thoughts welcome,

Ta,

Ian
Ian,

I would agree with the person that suggested you go west, the flight
time is only an extra couple of hours and the snow is better (pisted
powder rather than ice and or artificial snow), the weather usually
better and the ski areas more extensive. I would recommend Whistler
and Breckenridge for extensive areas (though not as big as the biggest
resorts in the alps) with direct flights and short transfers.

"Ian" wrote in
:

Greg, where would you head to? i.e. are places like Whistler, Aspen,
Vail so much better that they are worth the extra flight time (with
kids)?


Hi Ian,

I've never skied in the US with my kids, they are 4 and 1, and the 4
year old is having her first go on skis in a few weeks time with Mark
Warner in La Plagne.

Having said that I took them both to Australia over Xmas, which was 24
hours flying so West Coast of America is probably less than half that!

Vail is expensive but when I skiied there looked very good for kids,
forts built just off the runs to explore on skis etc etc! Vails website
says:

Learn the basics of skiing and riding on specially designed children’s
terrain.
Children will get the opportunity to ski and ride in areas set up just
for kids.
Discover exciting bumps, jumps, twists and tunnels in Chaos Canyon.
An animal kingdom, enchanted forests, secret "hide-a-ways", and magical
tree trails create an atmosphere of fun, excitement and learning.

I've skied alot around Colorado, and also Jackson Hole (also meant to be
very good for kids).

I've skied 2 days on the East Coast, even Killington is tiny compared to
most Alpine resorts, but I reckon given the right weather ie no rain and
not too cold, it could be fun, plus you could combine it with a trip to
New York/Boston for shopping.

but I reckon flying direct to Denver and then driving to one of the
nearer resorts maybe your best bet.

I'm going to wait until both kids can ski a bit before I hit the US with
them. I've never been to Whistler but fancy trying that with the kids.

a quick google found this:

http://www.coloradokids.com/skiing.htm

Having said all that, what is that you expect to get in the US that you
don't think you can get in Europe?

Personally I like places like Vail, Snowbird and Jackson because you can
ski "safely" anywhere within the marked ski area boundary and be ok, so
you can get some real good lift served off-piste without the expense of
a guide.

The downside of the US is longer flight times, jet lag, VERY expensive
lift pass. The Vail 6 day lift pass is $378.00 (£200 at the moment).
However there are many deals around to get this cheaper. The goodside of
West coast skiing is nice snow, good potential for powder, cheap eating
out. In the West they call firm packed snow ice!!

regards,

Greg

Ian wrote:
Thanks Hog - where in Europe would it compare to?

Er, no direct comparison but you might think Wengen for size?
Quite like Lake Louise perhaps.

--
'Hog

Don't often venture a comment here but it seems to me that everyone who has
commented on Tremblant so far has put on the anti-french hat engendered by
the press and passed their opinion without actually having been to the place
!!
I went there with Crystal a couple of seasons back in April and found it to
be excellent both from skiing and hospitality/quality of accommodation
points of view.
There is ample choice of runs down both sides of one mountain including some
good fun very narrow double diamond blacks! Also some great mogul fields.
Why the hell should the english always expect people to speak their language
without making any efforts themselves, and i am english through and
through!!
"Paul Schofield" wrote in message
...

"Greg Hilton" wrote in message
...
"Ian" wrote in
:

Hi,

Just back from another superb 8 days en famille at Les Arcs, we've
been to the Alps for many years now and fancy perhaps not doing the
800 mile each way drive for a change next year. So what about the
States? Somewhere with a direct flight and short transfers (boys are
7, 9 and 12). Would really appreciate recommendations - is there
anywhere approaching the Alps, Killington perhaps? Have heard it's
great service etc. but not that extensive in the US - all thoughts
welcome,



Does anyone have any experience of Tremblant - it would seem to have the
advantage of a resort at the ski station and looks okay in the photos. Of
course the Quebecois are more surly than the real French and even less
likely to use English, but maybe in the resort the American service
attitude
prevails.

--
Paul Schofield

Time flies like an arrow
Fruit flies like a banana