The Wine Dog’s Spring Ski Roundup

Posted on 14. Apr, 2009 by Administrator in Lifestyle

words by Wine Dog – Bob Ecker

Heading to the mountains for winter fun is what many enjoy in December, January, and February, but serious fun on the slopes doesn’t have to end yet. Spring skiing (and boarding), snow shoeing, cross country or winter hiking activities are still awesome this time of year. The roads are clear, the skies are blue and balmy, and people ski in shorts and bathing suits, hey – nothing is better. And by late March, April, May – most crowds have thinned and only those lucky enough to “get it” arrive for the thrills, usually basking in the warm sunshine. Whether by car or plane, there are plenty of fantastic ski resorts still going strong and some offer sensational lodging, lift tickets, and rental deals all the way into June. Here’s a short list of wonderful ski resorts, all different and worth checking out this spring, or next season.

Mammoth Mountain, Eastern Sierra

With over 4,000 acres of awesome ski terrain, it’s no wonder that people make the drive to Mammoth. This time, I tried out a new Mercedes-Benz GL320 Bluetec SUV, the newest innovation in diesel technology. This big Mercedes is one sweet ride. But besides that, the GL320 is the first diesel of its class that exceeds all California emission standards. I brought lots of stuff; my great K2 Apache skis, plenty of food, and even my dog. Mammoth Mountain is an enormous place, and though it can get crowded, there’s plenty of room for all. It purportedly has the longest season of any ski resort in the world. It’s also accurately rated – the steeps are really steep, and the intermediates, well intermediate. And though there are plenty of condos, please note that the Westin Monashe Resort is the place to stay in Mammoth. With all new and clean suites, a great pool, and being situated right next to the Village Gondola, the Westin is ideal. There’s one restaurant in Mammoth that I must mention – Lakefront Restaurant in the Tamarack Lodge, near the cross country/snowshoe areas. This well regarded Cal/French restaurant is the best dining spot in all of Mammoth. Chef de Cuisine Frederic Pierrel is a French master and his menu, plus off-menu specials, are deliciously presented with great refinement and care. Do check it out. By the way, Horizon/Alaska Airlines now flies directly from LAX to Mammoth.

www.mammothmountain.com

www.mammothmonache.com

www.alaskaair.com

Whistler/Blackcomb,
British Columbia

With 8,171 skiable acres of terrain, the amazing Whistler/Blackcomb, about an hour and a half north of Vancouver, British Columbia, is the largest ski resort in North America. And soon, Whistler/Blackcomb will host the Alpine venues for the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics. Whistler just opened Peak 2 Peak Gondola, connecting both mountains. The 2 ¾ mile ride takes only 11 minutes, and also sports the world’s longest unsupported cable span (nearly 2 miles!) between the two middle towers. Runs accommodate all types of skiers, from racers to beginners. Whistler/Blackcomb was recently voted Best Place to Ski by Conde Nast and is a true, world class resort. A place to see and be seen, Whistler is known far and wide for its superb dining, bar and club scene, international access, and superior lodging. If you can swing it, stay at the marvelous Whistler Four Seasons. Air Canada and other Airlines fly to Vancouver, where you can get to Whistler/Blackomb by convenient shuttle.

www.whistler.com

www.fourseasons.com/whistler

www.aircanda.com

Sun Peaks, British Columbia:

Many may not have heard of Sun Peaks, but once you go, you’ll never forget it. Sun Peaks is sometimes described as the “Anti-Whistler”, which isn’t a dig either way. Where Whistler presents a huge vibrant scene, Sun Peaks, about two hours northeast (by plane) from Vancouver is moderate in size, comfortable, easy to navigate, contains a charming village and offers fantastic, sunny skiing. When I last visited in January for the very cool Canadian Icewine Festival, scores of Australians were descending on Sun Peaks for their summer holiday. They return to Sun Peaks for the ambiance and low key attraction, despite the long distance. Sun Peaks is also the home to the Austrian Ski Team, a unique and important honor for the resort within the world of professional skiing. Stay at the quaint Sun Peaks Lodge right in the middle of the village. Best to use Air Canada to fly into Kamloops, then take the shuttle to the Ski resort. I can’t wait to return.

www.sunpeaksresort.com

www.sunpeakslodge.com

www.aircanada.com

Snowbird, Utah:

This is one of those great ski resorts that sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of other nearby gems like Alta, Deer Valley, and Park City Mountain Resorts. Believe me, they’re all wonderful, but Snowbird is a casual friendly snowy gem. Located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, hardly an hour’s drive (or shuttle) from the Salt Lake City Airport, its 11,000ft. Hidden Peak isn’t too shabby. Snowbird is marvelously balanced between beginner, intermediate, (my speed) and advanced runs, which make it perfect for skiers of many abilities. I love this place. The big 125 person aerial tram takes you way, way up and then you can take the Peruvian Tunnel which is the only high altitude ski-tunnel this side of Europe. It connects the front side (Peruvian Gulch) to the Mineral Basin. You hop in and take a magic carpet right through, it’s a blast! The backside Mineral Basin is gigantic, yet doable even for humble dogs like me. Almost every airline flies into Salt Lake City. Check it out!

www.snowbird.com

Telluride, Colorado

There is no doubt about it – This mountain and this town are special. Situated in the Southwestern portion of Colorado, there’s only one road in, and one way out of Telluride. Flights (USA AIR) do fly in, but as my flight attendant told me, “We’ll try and land in Telluride.” Because the airport is at 8,740 feet – the highest commercial airport in North America, the capricious weather can cause flight cancellations or diversions to Montrose, CO. Nonetheless, Telluride is one of the most unique and wonderful places to visit, let alone ski. Originally a mining town, Telluride is still tiny, with about 2,500 year round residents. Yet, it’s a real town with a surprising amount of American history and culture. The Opera House, built in 1895, attracts big acts that come to perform in the mountains. “What amazing views, a breathtaking American town, in a gorgeous setting, said Linda Clark, who was visiting from Vancouver. “As someone who is a bit reticent, I was also really pleased that it was set up for any level of skier.”

Telluride Mountain is an American beauty! Many of the Colorado Rockies’ peaks top out at over 14,000 feet, making it one reason why people come to visit Colorado: You can see for miles and miles in every direction. The New Sheridan Hotel – circa 1895, is the oldest hotel in Telluride and has been recently entirely remodeled, combining history with modern touches. And what a great bar! “I like that it’s difficult to get here,” said Clarke. She has a point. Telluride is quiet, though not quite deserted, and stunningly beautiful.

www.tellurideskiresort.com

www.newsheridan.com

www.usaairways.com

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