Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 15, 1995 TAG: 9510130099
SECTION: TRAVEL PAGE: G-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: WALTER ROESSING
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Moreover, another 50 U.S. ski resorts from Vermont and Maine to Colorado and California boast exceptional terrain and facilities, too.
With such a large number and variety of choices, how does one select the right resort for his or her ski vacation?
The key to a successful destination ski vacation is advanced planning. More specifically, your selection process can be simplified by answering the following eight questions:
How challenging a mountain are you seeking?
Seventy percent of U.S. downhillers are intermediates. So, naturally, intermediate skiers should focus on a resort that has an abundance of intermediate runs and trails.
At some resorts, 50 percent or more of the skiable terrain is classified intermediate. A sampling of those resorts include Vermont's Mount Snow/Haystack (61 percent), Stowe (58 percent), Stratton (57 percent) and Okemo (50 percent); Colorado's Keystone (59 percent), Steamboat (54 percent) and Snowmass (52 percent); Utah's Deer Valley (5 percent); and California's Heavenly (50 percent) and Northstar (50 percent).
However, if you're seeking a mega-mountain with steep runs and powder bowls, you should look for a resort that devotes about a third or more of its terrain to advanced/expert slopes.
Among the areas filling that bill are Vermont's Killington (35 percent); Utah's Snowbird (50 percent); New Mexico's Taos (51 percent); and Colorado's Aspen Mountain (65 percent), Beaver Creek (43 percent), Breckenridge (49 percent) and Copper Mountain (41 percent).
The ratings for all ski resorts in the United States and Canada are listed in "The White Book of Ski Areas," an annual publication available in bookstores and public libraries.
When traveling by airplane, who should you contact regarding information and reservations?
Make an appointment with either a local travel agency or telephone the reservation desk at the resorts you are considering. When picking a travel agent, select one who is a knowledgeable skier and has been to the resort he or she recommends.
Here's why.
Two young businessmen asked their travel agent to book a trip at a swinging singles resort. The agent - who knew little about destination ski resorts - sent them to Banff in Western Canada. That was a major goof because the ratio at this resort is 10 men to every woman.
Be sure to ask about a ski package that includes all the essentials: air and ground transportation, lodging, lift tickets and equipment rentals. If there are beginners in your group, inquire about ski school lessons.
Is it better to stay in a hotel near the slopes or in a condominium?
A condo offers more flexibility and comfort for a family, and you can save lots of money by doing some of your own cooking.
On the other hand, a hotel within walking distance of the slopes - such as The Inn at the Mountain at Stowe, Vermont; Summit Hotel at Sunday River, Maine; Little Nell and Ritz-Carlton in Aspen, and the Hyatt Regency in Beaver Creek - is a plus if you prefer convenience, room service, lots of amenities, in-room movies and cable TV.
How active do you want to be after skiing?
Will you and your family want to swim, ice skate, snowmobile and use game rooms? Are you and your spouse interested in dining at fancy restaurants and dancing each night away? Or will you be satisfied with quiet evenings of TV and backgammon?
No two resorts are identical. So ask your travel agent or the resort's reservation clerk about the apres-ski possibilities.
Once you've compiled the answers to the first four questions, you can begin selecting the appropriate destination.
When's the best time to go?
Unless you have a big bank balance, avoid the Christmas/New Year's holiday period. Lodging rates are sometimes double and triple then. Also, you'll find long lift lines at areas like Breckenridge, Keystone and Vail, Colorado, and Park City, Utah, plus traffic gridlocks in California's Lake Tahoe Basin.
The best bargains prevail during the first two or three weeks of December, most of January and early April. The latter is a good choice because there usually are lots of discounts, plenty of sun and blue skies, ample snow coverage and smaller crowds.
Book your vacation as soon as possible if you want to take your trip anytime between Feb. 1 and March 15. That's a popular peak period throughout the ski country.
What about clothing? Will you look out of place if you don't buy the latest in ski fashions?
Not at all. The most important thing is to wear clothes that are warm and comfortable. Dressing in layers, keeping your hands and head warm, and your feet dry is vital.
Have your parka, bib, pants and/or ski suit treated with water repellent. Don't wear jeans. They can get wet and cold. Be sure to pack mittens, long johns, wool socks, goggles and a wool or wool-blend hat that covers the ears.
Once you know where and when you're going, what's the next essential step?
Get in shape. Downhill skiing requires leg strength, endurance and muscle flexibility.
By doing ski exercises at home or at your local health club, you'll avoid the aches and pains that can put a damper on your vacation. Also, you'll reduce the chances of injury by being in top notch physical condition.
What are the most important things to do after arriving at your condo or hotel?
Check the weather forecast each morning before leaving your lodge because your ski day can be uncomfortable if you dress too warmly or too lightly.
Visit the ski area's information desk the first morning to pick up trail maps and ask which runs are best for your ability. Inquire about which runs have sun in the morning and afternoon.
Plan the day in advance before hitting the slopes. Settle on a time and place to meet for lunch so your spouse, friend or kids don't lose contact with you all day if they get separated.
Don't overdo the skiing the first day because you'll be exercising at a high elevation, which will cause fatigue to set in faster than at home. Too much fatigue can lead to falls, injuries, headaches and sleepless nights.
Moreover, many Western resorts come close to kissing the clouds.
There's skiing above 12,000 feet at Colorado's Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain and Winter Park, and at New Mexico's Ski Santa Fe. And the base elevation at some resorts in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and California is 8,000 feet and up.
Being in good physical shape can help you acclimate more easily to those sky-high elevations.
By making that extra effort in planning your destination ski vacation, you're sure to have a more enjoyable experience.
by CNB