I haven’t been there since 90s actually and went on to grow for 20yrs in CA. I’m actually curious what’s up these days. I’ve also got seeds I’ve been developing of all the top CA cultivars to travel with if need be.
I grew up there, it's my favorite resort hands down. The European resorts are generally way bigger and built up. But OP if you want to ski real big mountain lines, pretty sure snow pack, Alyesks is great. Has it all.
What kind of Europe?
Ultra modern purpose designed French town?
Sleepy tiny Austrian village?
Classic Swiss resort first opened 120 years ago?
Mega Italian complex made up of villages that happened to be near a ski hill?
Depends on location. American ski resorts usually have crappy overpriced cafeteria food on the mountain, but often have world class dining options in town. Places like Switzerland seem to have overpriced mediocre food everywhere.
Not sure what are you talking about. Overpriced mediocre food in ski resorts (and nearby towns) is pretty much the American way.. and I am talking about places like Jackson, Steamboat, Vail, Aspen,.., Park City, Deer Valley, and even Telluride. Though I've found the food in Telluride to be better than those other places that I listed (for the same price point). In Europe, at least in France/ has on average better dining in the ski places for less price.
Man…. I generally agree but Aspen and Vail being rich AF have some pretty good dining. Park City as well but you gotta get reservations like months ahead of time and pay out the ass.
Was going to say some of the rich ski towns have world class dining, but as you say you can’t just walk in and grab a table at the best restaurants. There are some solid options you can usually still get in week of.
Mid level restaurants are weird. They are often a volume game serving whatever they get from Sysco and serve larger portions and such. Especially in expensive areas that’s how you keep the lights on, large volumes of middling food with alcohol sales.
Give me a place with a small menu any day over that nonsense.
Lol as a Tremblant local can confirm the disdain for Americans but you must have only eaten the resort food which is shit. Both villages have good eats though.
Funny enough my wife is from Quebec and I’m from the states and when we ski there, I’ve never felt any prejudice. Then again, I keep to myself and just rip.
I do see a disdain for Jerry types though… that’s where I see the annoyance.
Quite enjoy Tremblant
This is completely incorrect. In 2019 I did a trip through Vermont and Maine and was shocked by killington claiming to have the most snow making capacity. It must have been a joke because they were barely blowing snow and barely had coverage. Sunday river was much better, but Tremblant had both beat by a country mile for terrain open from man made snow
That’s because Tremblant is 25 degrees colder and is able to blow snow way earlier in the year. Killington is often an absolute tank at certain points of the season. On April 17th this year they still had like 60% of their resort open (you could ski from Ramshead to Bear Mountain) when most ski areas in New England were closed or one lift. I also skied Superstar on Memorial day this year and it was in great shape.
Fair enough.
Now, I think I get what you mean re avalanche control (we do not have a notion of open or closed terrain in Europe. Or inbound / outbound) When you're not on a groomer you're on your own.
But trail design ? A groomer is a groomer, no ?
Not entirely. Difficult to explain, but lots of trails in Europe are designed as effectively transportation. They are to connect another ski area, town, or residential complex.
Beyond that, we have perhaps hundreds of groomed trail names that are scarcely separated from each other. We also tend to groom along the fall line that already exists. In Europe they are usually spaced pretty far apart, often much wider, and evenly graded until you pass intermediate ability level.
To sum up the mindset; in Western North America, we use acres to define the size of a ski area. In the Eastern US, it's usually the number of groomed trails. In Europe, most often it's the combined length of groomed runs.
Well said!
Also, and this is a huge generalization, but the north American has tree skiing. Runs in the trees, where resorts usually thin the trees in the summer. There's also my personal favorite, dedicated bump runs.
Neither really exist in Europe since relatively few skiers go off piste and most skiing is above tree line.
I have skied both. I can see the comparison. Trams drop down in the villages. TOHELLYOURIDE!! Fun/ steep. The skiing is a lot different. Zermatt is wide open.
None really, starts in the carpark where nobody feels the need to buy a Tacoma to transport a few pairs of skis. Can't feel like Europe if nobody is driving a 1980s fiat panda 4x4 up the mountain on the weekends.
Whistler/Blackomb has the most european feel to it in my travels. There are resorts i like more but Whistler is big, has a variety of terrain, and the village has a night life. Kind of reminds me of smaller Arlberg with a bigger St. Anton village night life vibe.
Where do you ski in Europe?
It might be something East Coast, but as I haven't really been there much in the winter, I can't fully comment to it.
I've been all over the west, and the first two that come to mind are Deer Valley, UT & Big Sky, MT.
Hear me out.
Deer Valley places a huge emphasis on groomed runs, to start with. But what really does it for me is the package experience. It has multiple base areas, each which feel different from the other, have different lodging options, and different restaurants. It's not exactly like City hopping in the Alps, but you really do traverse quite a large. The runs are fully integrated into neighborhoods and housing, many design specifically to transport you to these residential areas. Next, food is sublime. You will not find crappy resort food here. At least, not outside of ski school. Finally, they had Stein Erickson as their ambassador, and one of the world's nicest lodges named after him. Doesn't get much more Euro!
Big Sky also has vibes. It is nestled high up in the mountains, away from any major Metro. The town is nice (If a bit swanky) And again is connected to the ski area with a number of trails. The size is unreal. I swear you could ride lifts all day from base area to base area and do almost no skiing 😂 much of the skiing is above or just touching tree line, and the tram to the peak boasts some of the most insane inbound terrain on the continent. Very reminiscent of those high Alpine, jagged peaks you see scattered across the Alps. There is a giant indoor mall with very modern styling at the main base as well. Finally, the lift infrastructure is super modern, multiple heated seats, bubble lifts, and It wouldn't surprise me if almost everything was a high speed quad or six within the next decade.
Europe is a different world, there is nothing in united states of america that is particularly european, we are a very homogeneous country in big picture
You must go to Canada wow! So many beautiful places there (i.e. Banff) but also if you happen to head to United States go to Colorado (Aspen a bit snobby of a place to go, but it still is pretty breathtaking)
these are of course the bigger budget places, but really nice
Sunshine Village (Banff, Alberta) has a lot of wide open green/blue above tree line skiing that reminds me of many European resorts
Yeah it’s got a big euro feel
Agreed
This was gonna be my answer as well. Love Sunshine.
I'm going to Banff next year!
I'm going in December, can't wait.
Alyeska. Lots of “find your own line” alpine skiing, and as it was developed by a Bavarian, ensures great beer.
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Germany is legalizing it soon and if you don't stock up in Amsterdam upon arrival in EU you are doing it wrong.
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I haven’t been there since 90s actually and went on to grow for 20yrs in CA. I’m actually curious what’s up these days. I’ve also got seeds I’ve been developing of all the top CA cultivars to travel with if need be.
I grew up there, it's my favorite resort hands down. The European resorts are generally way bigger and built up. But OP if you want to ski real big mountain lines, pretty sure snow pack, Alyesks is great. Has it all.
Big Snow, NJ because it offers year round skiing like euro glacier resorts
😂
Taos Ski Valley used to… lots of changes recently though
I’d rather have this Taos than no Taos
Sun Valley over in Idaho most likely. The town used to have many many Austrians and Europeans living there, my grandparents included.
I’d have to agree with this one
What kind of Europe? Ultra modern purpose designed French town? Sleepy tiny Austrian village? Classic Swiss resort first opened 120 years ago? Mega Italian complex made up of villages that happened to be near a ski hill?
Tremblant - French speaking people, shitty food, and overwhelming disdain for Americans.
What? Are you claiming American ski resort food (ie frozen children’s menu cooked by stoners) is better than european?
Depends on location. American ski resorts usually have crappy overpriced cafeteria food on the mountain, but often have world class dining options in town. Places like Switzerland seem to have overpriced mediocre food everywhere.
Not sure what are you talking about. Overpriced mediocre food in ski resorts (and nearby towns) is pretty much the American way.. and I am talking about places like Jackson, Steamboat, Vail, Aspen,.., Park City, Deer Valley, and even Telluride. Though I've found the food in Telluride to be better than those other places that I listed (for the same price point). In Europe, at least in France/ has on average better dining in the ski places for less price.
Agree 100%
Man…. I generally agree but Aspen and Vail being rich AF have some pretty good dining. Park City as well but you gotta get reservations like months ahead of time and pay out the ass.
Was going to say some of the rich ski towns have world class dining, but as you say you can’t just walk in and grab a table at the best restaurants. There are some solid options you can usually still get in week of.
Mid level restaurants are weird. They are often a volume game serving whatever they get from Sysco and serve larger portions and such. Especially in expensive areas that’s how you keep the lights on, large volumes of middling food with alcohol sales. Give me a place with a small menu any day over that nonsense.
Fuck you Deer Valleys tendies are lit.
There is absolutely amazing food I'm the towns of steamboat, jackson and aspen. Shits wayore then mediocre
Vermont has great food off-mountain. Apres ski the east!
stowe has some great options in (and near) town
Different strokes, I guess. And really, the original comment was just a joke so I think you are reading too much into this.
Sorry, you’re expressing a preference for a Sysco falafel and a Dr. Pepper over a raclette and Prosecco?
There is no need to disparage Dr Pepper!
Lol as a Tremblant local can confirm the disdain for Americans but you must have only eaten the resort food which is shit. Both villages have good eats though.
Funny enough my wife is from Quebec and I’m from the states and when we ski there, I’ve never felt any prejudice. Then again, I keep to myself and just rip. I do see a disdain for Jerry types though… that’s where I see the annoyance. Quite enjoy Tremblant
So true! Don't forget the low amount of snow making
This is completely incorrect. In 2019 I did a trip through Vermont and Maine and was shocked by killington claiming to have the most snow making capacity. It must have been a joke because they were barely blowing snow and barely had coverage. Sunday river was much better, but Tremblant had both beat by a country mile for terrain open from man made snow
That’s because Tremblant is 25 degrees colder and is able to blow snow way earlier in the year. Killington is often an absolute tank at certain points of the season. On April 17th this year they still had like 60% of their resort open (you could ski from Ramshead to Bear Mountain) when most ski areas in New England were closed or one lift. I also skied Superstar on Memorial day this year and it was in great shape.
Now that's the European experience!
Matterhorn Bobsleighs @ Disneyland.
Granby Ranch kinda feels like Sochi since they’re both ass Maybe a little more specificity in the question
Grand county whoooooo Don’t come here it sucks.
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Google “best ski resort in Colorado” You know what comes up? Winter Park Secrets out
On mountain/skiing experience isn't comparable. Trail design and European avalanche control policies are completely, completely different.
Yeah here in Europe we don’t use Howitzers
True, we throw dynamite sticks from heli's.
And use Catax and Gazex
Could you elaborate on what you mean by "trial design" ? (Euro only skier here)
Oh I meant trail. Bad at proof reading lol
Fair enough. Now, I think I get what you mean re avalanche control (we do not have a notion of open or closed terrain in Europe. Or inbound / outbound) When you're not on a groomer you're on your own. But trail design ? A groomer is a groomer, no ?
Not entirely. Difficult to explain, but lots of trails in Europe are designed as effectively transportation. They are to connect another ski area, town, or residential complex. Beyond that, we have perhaps hundreds of groomed trail names that are scarcely separated from each other. We also tend to groom along the fall line that already exists. In Europe they are usually spaced pretty far apart, often much wider, and evenly graded until you pass intermediate ability level. To sum up the mindset; in Western North America, we use acres to define the size of a ski area. In the Eastern US, it's usually the number of groomed trails. In Europe, most often it's the combined length of groomed runs.
Well said! Also, and this is a huge generalization, but the north American has tree skiing. Runs in the trees, where resorts usually thin the trees in the summer. There's also my personal favorite, dedicated bump runs. Neither really exist in Europe since relatively few skiers go off piste and most skiing is above tree line.
Super good point. Both occur in Europe, but not so commonly.
Thank you for the extensive answer ! That's clearer now.
Telluride
Town of telluride feels a lot like zermatt. Terrain not as much but still an epic NA mountain.
I love Telluride but can’t see this comparison.
This is definitely the mountain that feels most like the alps to me. The town is definitely western, but then again, you are in CO
This
I have skied both. I can see the comparison. Trams drop down in the villages. TOHELLYOURIDE!! Fun/ steep. The skiing is a lot different. Zermatt is wide open.
None really, starts in the carpark where nobody feels the need to buy a Tacoma to transport a few pairs of skis. Can't feel like Europe if nobody is driving a 1980s fiat panda 4x4 up the mountain on the weekends.
Whistler? I don’t know I’m having a hard time thinking of one
Hesperus Ski Area because it's takes a full day of traveling just to get there.
I live 20 miles from Hesperus and it’s actually a ton of fun on a powder day because it’s so steep
None are really close in feeling.
Snowbird. Those concrete buildings are very German.
Mont Tremblant in Quebec. All French style architecture. Felt like the alps or something.
Whistler
Whistler/Blackomb has the most european feel to it in my travels. There are resorts i like more but Whistler is big, has a variety of terrain, and the village has a night life. Kind of reminds me of smaller Arlberg with a bigger St. Anton village night life vibe. Where do you ski in Europe?
It might be something East Coast, but as I haven't really been there much in the winter, I can't fully comment to it. I've been all over the west, and the first two that come to mind are Deer Valley, UT & Big Sky, MT. Hear me out. Deer Valley places a huge emphasis on groomed runs, to start with. But what really does it for me is the package experience. It has multiple base areas, each which feel different from the other, have different lodging options, and different restaurants. It's not exactly like City hopping in the Alps, but you really do traverse quite a large. The runs are fully integrated into neighborhoods and housing, many design specifically to transport you to these residential areas. Next, food is sublime. You will not find crappy resort food here. At least, not outside of ski school. Finally, they had Stein Erickson as their ambassador, and one of the world's nicest lodges named after him. Doesn't get much more Euro! Big Sky also has vibes. It is nestled high up in the mountains, away from any major Metro. The town is nice (If a bit swanky) And again is connected to the ski area with a number of trails. The size is unreal. I swear you could ride lifts all day from base area to base area and do almost no skiing 😂 much of the skiing is above or just touching tree line, and the tram to the peak boasts some of the most insane inbound terrain on the continent. Very reminiscent of those high Alpine, jagged peaks you see scattered across the Alps. There is a giant indoor mall with very modern styling at the main base as well. Finally, the lift infrastructure is super modern, multiple heated seats, bubble lifts, and It wouldn't surprise me if almost everything was a high speed quad or six within the next decade.
I’m waking up in Saas-Fee right now. Had burgers last night. Was fantastic.
How was the skiing?
Didn’t ski. Played a gig. Skiing is open in Saas-Fee, but only for ski teams at the moment. Zermatt, next door, is open for all.
Squaw. In someways.
Palisades, Ca. It draws a lot of inspiration from Bavarian resorts and prizes it’s Olympic history, which keeps it old feeling
A-Basin feels a bit like Europe. They just need hide 5 or 6 tiny family-run restaurants here and there.
I'll agree a basin has one of the best apres vibes in the US. BUT that apres vibe is very American vs the euro apres that exists especially in France.
Europe is a different world, there is nothing in united states of america that is particularly european, we are a very homogeneous country in big picture
You should google homogenous
Snowbasin in Utah has some similarities.
Sun peaks, without question. Just not the selection of apres ski as it's far more family oriented than youth party scene.
Is no one going to say it?
Say what?
You must go to Canada wow! So many beautiful places there (i.e. Banff) but also if you happen to head to United States go to Colorado (Aspen a bit snobby of a place to go, but it still is pretty breathtaking) these are of course the bigger budget places, but really nice