Powder Mountain Trip

First - thanks to all who offered some advice last year on Powder Mountain
during the holidays. Wife wanted to go back to Breck but the costs during
our timeframe (12/28 -1/2) were astronomical. She generally only skis a half
day or so and then wants to go back to a book and a fireplace. Slopeside at
Breck for a 2 BR was about $600/nt and lift tickets $86/person (5 of us).
Most all of CO and UT were similarly priced.

Ended up with a recommendation of Powder Mountain, UT. Stayed at the Sundown
Condos across from the Sundown lift for about $300/nt and lift tickets at
$48/person (included night skiing).

Snow was fantastic - well over 2 feet over the first three days and sunny
the last. My 3 sons and I decided on getting a mountain host the first day
while my wife was taking her half day lesson which since it was dumping snow
was a good idea as we couldn't see more than 50 yards and didn't know the
layout of the lifts/terrain. We ended up getting a great guide (Pete - who
is also the owner of dps skis www.dpsskis.com and Dave). Great guides, great
snow, great fun - he had my sons and I doing laps off of Paradise lift
through the trees for the day! Great to see your 10 year old fearlessly
bouncing between the aspens (yes between - not off of) in 18-20" of powder!
Especially considering this was first time on snow for the year - too warm
in the midwest for the local hill to even make snow.

Second day - even more snow- wife wanted us to stick around with her on
Sundown lift. She was less comfortable as even the groomed green runs had 6"
of fresh powder on them. There are some fun, but shorter runs skiers right
off the lift which also give the opportunity for some trees as well. Since
this is the teaching lift, most of the black runs off of it were untouched.
Kids and I did laps for hours in the powder plus shared run time with the
wife/mom.

Third day - still more fresh snow - I don't think it ever stopped. Spent the
day on Timberline, Paradise, and Hidden Lake lifts. Less fresh in the center
of runs, but still far from totally chewed up. Great along the edges of most
runs and in the trees. Still an amazing lack of crowds compared to what we
would see at Park City or Snowbird.

Last day - sunny and perfect- most main runs still soft but no fesh lines -
kids immediately suggested.....Trees!!! I was amazed that there was still so
much good snow still left in the trees - even directly off of main runs near
the lifts - again on Paradise and Hidden Lake for the most part. It was
great. Could only do a half day - had to head back to SLC for flight.

Regrets - didn't get to do the Cobabe Canyon area, Ridge cat terrain (buy by
the run $10!!!), or some of Powder Country (very accessible back country)

My take - very nearly empty considering the time of year we went, great
mountain host guides on the weekends - mostly long time locals who know the
terrain, cost was minimal compared to other places for being on the
mountain, somewhat rustic but we were there for the snow not a huge mega
lodge and spa. Just over an hour and 15 from SLC airport, but it appears
most people don't head past Little/Big Cottonwood and Park City. It was
about 15 miles past Snowbasin. Kids enjoyed the night skiing/riding as well
though after going hard during the day it was usually about 5-7 runs at
night before they were ready to fall asleep on the lift.

Now back to reality and work waiting for my next chance - damn my kids are
spoiled - don't even know if they realize how lucky they were to get those
conditions.

Happy New Year and hope the snow keeps falling.

In article ,
"helibrdr" wrote:

First - thanks to all who offered some advice last year on Powder Mountain
during the holidays. Wife wanted to go back to Breck but the costs during
our timeframe (12/28 -1/2) were astronomical. She generally only skis a half
day or so and then wants to go back to a book and a fireplace. Slopeside at
Breck for a 2 BR was about $600/nt and lift tickets $86/person (5 of us).
Most all of CO and UT were similarly priced.

Ended up with a recommendation of Powder Mountain, UT. Stayed at the Sundown
Condos across from the Sundown lift for about $300/nt and lift tickets at
$48/person (included night skiing).

Snow was fantastic - well over 2 feet over the first three days and sunny
the last. My 3 sons and I decided on getting a mountain host the first day
while my wife was taking her half day lesson which since it was dumping snow
was a good idea as we couldn't see more than 50 yards and didn't know the
layout of the lifts/terrain. We ended up getting a great guide (Pete - who
is also the owner of dps skis www.dpsskis.com and Dave). Great guides, great
snow, great fun - he had my sons and I doing laps off of Paradise lift
through the trees for the day! Great to see your 10 year old fearlessly
bouncing between the aspens (yes between - not off of) in 18-20" of powder!
Especially considering this was first time on snow for the year - too warm
in the midwest for the local hill to even make snow.

Second day - even more snow- wife wanted us to stick around with her on
Sundown lift. She was less comfortable as even the groomed green runs had 6"
of fresh powder on them. There are some fun, but shorter runs skiers right
off the lift which also give the opportunity for some trees as well. Since
this is the teaching lift, most of the black runs off of it were untouched.
Kids and I did laps for hours in the powder plus shared run time with the
wife/mom.

Third day - still more fresh snow - I don't think it ever stopped. Spent the
day on Timberline, Paradise, and Hidden Lake lifts. Less fresh in the center
of runs, but still far from totally chewed up. Great along the edges of most
runs and in the trees. Still an amazing lack of crowds compared to what we
would see at Park City or Snowbird.

Last day - sunny and perfect- most main runs still soft but no fesh lines -
kids immediately suggested.....Trees!!! I was amazed that there was still so
much good snow still left in the trees - even directly off of main runs near
the lifts - again on Paradise and Hidden Lake for the most part. It was
great. Could only do a half day - had to head back to SLC for flight.

Regrets - didn't get to do the Cobabe Canyon area, Ridge cat terrain (buy by
the run $10!!!), or some of Powder Country (very accessible back country)

My take - very nearly empty considering the time of year we went, great
mountain host guides on the weekends - mostly long time locals who know the
terrain, cost was minimal compared to other places for being on the
mountain, somewhat rustic but we were there for the snow not a huge mega
lodge and spa. Just over an hour and 15 from SLC airport, but it appears
most people don't head past Little/Big Cottonwood and Park City. It was
about 15 miles past Snowbasin. Kids enjoyed the night skiing/riding as well
though after going hard during the day it was usually about 5-7 runs at
night before they were ready to fall asleep on the lift.

Now back to reality and work waiting for my next chance - damn my kids are
spoiled - don't even know if they realize how lucky they were to get those
conditions.

Happy New Year and hope the snow keeps falling.

Shhhhhh! Powder Mountain is too far away, the lifts are old and slow,
and the snow really isn't that good. They also have a lot of sharks and
stinging jellyfish. Snow Basin has marble bathrooms and an excellent
Cobb salad. Everyone should go there instead.

Thank you, The RSA Management.

"Dave Cartman" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"helibrdr" wrote:


snip
My take - very nearly empty considering the time of year we went, great
mountain host guides on the weekends - mostly long time locals who know
the
terrain, cost was minimal compared to other places for being on the
mountain, somewhat rustic but we were there for the snow not a huge mega
lodge and spa. Just over an hour and 15 from SLC airport, but it appears
most people don't head past Little/Big Cottonwood and Park City. It was
about 15 miles past Snowbasin. Kids enjoyed the night skiing/riding as
well
though after going hard during the day it was usually about 5-7 runs at
night before they were ready to fall asleep on the lift.

Now back to reality and work waiting for my next chance - damn my kids
are
spoiled - don't even know if they realize how lucky they were to get
those
conditions.

Happy New Year and hope the snow keeps falling.

Shhhhhh! Powder Mountain is too far away, the lifts are old and slow,
and the snow really isn't that good. They also have a lot of sharks and
stinging jellyfish. Snow Basin has marble bathrooms and an excellent
Cobb salad. Everyone should go there instead.

Thank you, The RSA Management.

I thought everyone should go to Vail???????

On Jan 4, 11:07*am, "helibrdr" wrote:
"Dave Cartman" wrote in message

...

In article ,
"helibrdr" wrote:

snip





My take - very nearly empty considering the time of year we went, great
mountain host guides on the weekends - mostly long time locals who know
the
terrain, cost was minimal compared to other places for being on the
mountain, somewhat rustic but we were there for the snow not a huge mega
lodge and spa. Just over an hour and 15 from SLC airport, but it appears
most people don't head past Little/Big Cottonwood and Park City. It was
about 15 miles past Snowbasin. Kids enjoyed the night skiing/riding as
well
though after going hard during the day it was usually about 5-7 runs at
night before they were ready to fall asleep on the lift.

Now back to reality and work waiting for my next chance - damn my kids
are
spoiled - don't even know if they realize how lucky they were to get
those
conditions.

Happy New Year and hope the snow keeps falling.

Shhhhhh! *Powder Mountain is too far away, the lifts are old and slow,
and the snow really isn't that good. *They also have a lot of sharks and
stinging jellyfish. *Snow Basin has marble bathrooms and an excellent
Cobb salad. *Everyone should go there instead.

Thank you, The RSA Management.

I thought everyone should go to Vail???????- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

You could go to Vail and pay even more than Breck. Glad this
'dysfunctional' group could be of help. You made the right choice
since it's been cold and windy at Breck for the last couple of weeks.
Single digits or below zero and wind. We finally got into a warming
trend about two days ago where we are seeing high temps in the 30's
again. But the good news is the entire West should see lots of snow
over the next few days. Supposed to be two feet by Monday.

snoig

On Jan 4, 1:02*pm, snoig wrote:
On Jan 4, 11:07*am, "helibrdr" wrote:





"Dave Cartman" wrote in message

...

In article ,
"helibrdr" wrote:

snip

My take - very nearly empty considering the time of year we went, great
mountain host guides on the weekends - mostly long time locals who know
the
terrain, cost was minimal compared to other places for being on the
mountain, somewhat rustic but we were there for the snow not a huge mega
lodge and spa. Just over an hour and 15 from SLC airport, but it appears
most people don't head past Little/Big Cottonwood and Park City. It was
about 15 miles past Snowbasin. Kids enjoyed the night skiing/riding as
well
though after going hard during the day it was usually about 5-7 runs at
night before they were ready to fall asleep on the lift.

Now back to reality and work waiting for my next chance - damn my kids
are
spoiled - don't even know if they realize how lucky they were to get
those
conditions.

Happy New Year and hope the snow keeps falling.

Shhhhhh! *Powder Mountain is too far away, the lifts are old and slow,
and the snow really isn't that good. *They also have a lot of sharks and
stinging jellyfish. *Snow Basin has marble bathrooms and an excellent
Cobb salad. *Everyone should go there instead.

Thank you, The RSA Management.

I thought everyone should go to Vail???????- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

You could go to Vail and pay even more than Breck. *Glad this
'dysfunctional' group could be of help. *You made the right choice
since it's been cold and windy at Breck for the last couple of weeks.
Single digits or below zero and wind. *We finally got into a warming
trend about two days ago where we are seeing high temps in the 30's
again. *But the good news is the entire West should see lots of snow
over the next few days. *Supposed to be two feet by Monday.

snoig- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I WAS coming out to Breck tomorrow (Sunday), but after looking at the
weather forecasts betwen Naperville, IL and Breck, decided to hold off
till Tuesday. Expect there will still be some snow left. G

In article ,
"helibrdr" wrote:


"Dave Cartman" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"helibrdr" wrote:


snip
My take - very nearly empty considering the time of year we went, great
mountain host guides on the weekends - mostly long time locals who know
the
terrain, cost was minimal compared to other places for being on the
mountain, somewhat rustic but we were there for the snow not a huge mega
lodge and spa. Just over an hour and 15 from SLC airport, but it appears
most people don't head past Little/Big Cottonwood and Park City. It was
about 15 miles past Snowbasin. Kids enjoyed the night skiing/riding as
well
though after going hard during the day it was usually about 5-7 runs at
night before they were ready to fall asleep on the lift.

Now back to reality and work waiting for my next chance - damn my kids
are
spoiled - don't even know if they realize how lucky they were to get
those
conditions.

Happy New Year and hope the snow keeps falling.

Shhhhhh! Powder Mountain is too far away, the lifts are old and slow,
and the snow really isn't that good. They also have a lot of sharks and
stinging jellyfish. Snow Basin has marble bathrooms and an excellent
Cobb salad. Everyone should go there instead.

Thank you, The RSA Management.

I thought everyone should go to Vail???????

I don't care where they go, just stay away from my beloved Powder
Mountain Remember, winter time is poisonous eel season!

Dave

Dave Cartman wrote:
In article ,
"helibrdr" wrote:

I thought everyone should go to Vail???????

I don't care where they go, just stay away from my beloved Powder
Mountain Remember, winter time is poisonous eel season!

Very true. Saw a lot of eels on our day there. We spent most of the day
outside the resort, battling with dry light deep snow... it was Hell. And
those bloody eels, shocking.


--
ant
Don't try to email me!
I'm using the latest spammer/scammer's
email addy.

"Dave Cartman" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"helibrdr" wrote:
snip

Happy New Year and hope the snow keeps falling.

Shhhhhh! Powder Mountain is too far away, the lifts are old and slow,
and the snow really isn't that good. They also have a lot of sharks
and
stinging jellyfish. Snow Basin has marble bathrooms and an excellent
Cobb salad. Everyone should go there instead.

Thank you, The RSA Management.

I thought everyone should go to Vail???????

I don't care where they go, just stay away from my beloved Powder
Mountain Remember, winter time is poisonous eel season!

Dave

Dave,

Looks like Powder Mountain got hit again with another huge storm! Hope you
get out and get some turns in on it!

On Jan 4, 3:07*pm, "hr(bob) "
wrote:
On Jan 4, 1:02*pm, snoig wrote:





On Jan 4, 11:07*am, "helibrdr" wrote:

"Dave Cartman" wrote in message

...

In article ,
"helibrdr" wrote:

snip

My take - very nearly empty considering the time of year we went, great
mountain host guides on the weekends - mostly long time locals who know
the
terrain, cost was minimal compared to other places for being on the
mountain, somewhat rustic but we were there for the snow not a huge mega
lodge and spa. Just over an hour and 15 from SLC airport, but it appears
most people don't head past Little/Big Cottonwood and Park City. It was
about 15 miles past Snowbasin. Kids enjoyed the night skiing/riding as
well
though after going hard during the day it was usually about 5-7 runs at
night before they were ready to fall asleep on the lift.

Now back to reality and work waiting for my next chance - damn my kids
are
spoiled - don't even know if they realize how lucky they were to get
those
conditions.

Happy New Year and hope the snow keeps falling.

Shhhhhh! *Powder Mountain is too far away, the lifts are old and slow,
and the snow really isn't that good. *They also have a lot of sharks and
stinging jellyfish. *Snow Basin has marble bathrooms and an excellent
Cobb salad. *Everyone should go there instead.

Thank you, The RSA Management.

I thought everyone should go to Vail???????- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

You could go to Vail and pay even more than Breck. *Glad this
'dysfunctional' group could be of help. *You made the right choice
since it's been cold and windy at Breck for the last couple of weeks.
Single digits or below zero and wind. *We finally got into a warming
trend about two days ago where we are seeing high temps in the 30's
again. *But the good news is the entire West should see lots of snow
over the next few days. *Supposed to be two feet by Monday.

snoig- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I WAS coming out to Breck tomorrow (Sunday), but after looking at the
weather forecasts betwen Naperville, IL and Breck, decided to hold off
till Tuesday. *Expect there will still be some snow left. G- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

They are calling for 6" to 12" inches today but I don't see it
happening since it's bright and sunny right now. However, I-70 is
being closed for avi work. This morning both Vail pass and the tunnel
were closed but are probably open by now. Despite all the weather
channels reports about how much snow we are getting, Summit County is
kind of getting missed by the storms. It is snowing but the reports
this morning for the last two days give Loveland 16", Keystone 8",
Breck 6", Copper 12" and Beaver Creek 24". Thats' kind of the way
things have been going here for the last couple of weeks. The skiing
is good but pretty much any other Colorado resort is a better choice
than Breck.

snoig

In article ,
"helibrdr" wrote:


"Dave Cartman" wrote in message

doo.fr...
In article ,
"helibrdr" wrote:
snip

Happy New Year and hope the snow keeps falling.

Shhhhhh! Powder Mountain is too far away, the lifts are old and slow,
and the snow really isn't that good. They also have a lot of sharks
and
stinging jellyfish. Snow Basin has marble bathrooms and an excellent
Cobb salad. Everyone should go there instead.

Thank you, The RSA Management.

I thought everyone should go to Vail???????

I don't care where they go, just stay away from my beloved Powder
Mountain Remember, winter time is poisonous eel season!

Dave

Dave,

Looks like Powder Mountain got hit again with another huge storm! Hope you
get out and get some turns in on it!

I love that place! Sadly, this is the first time 1995 I won't go
snowboarding, but it's for all "good, fun reasons." My snowboarding
buddy's wife's baby is due this winter and I'm in the middle of a move
from Oahu to Kauai.

I did get an invitation for a last minute "guys trip" to Vail last
night. These are some of my oldest and best friends, but the timing is
wrong. And I had hoped to meet up with Bob in Colorado this February on
a family trip, but alas, I'll waterproofing and tying floats to the
U-Haul trailer instead

The first time I went to Powder Mountain, there was a sign over the
ticket window which said (I may have the lift name wrong) "Sundown Lift
open by request only." I thought that was awesome.

I'm glad you had a good time and had good conditions. I think that
place is pretty special.

Dave