Skiing out west compared to east coast skiing?

Question

what are the differences

Answer 1

They really both have their ups and downs. I love skiing the east because of all of the great trees and long, easy runs. I also love skiing the west because of the epic powder and steeps (and exceptional glade skiing).

Hope this helps. Good luck

Answer 2

The guy above said it best:

WEST IS BEST.

The east is icy and usually hardpack.  The West has all the good powder.

The West is much less crowded.  Eastern skiing brings in the crowds.

I've skied all over the U.S. and nothing compares to the Rockies:  Utah, Montana, Colorado, etc.

Have fun.

Answer 3

There is some good skiing in NY (specifically Gore Mt.) and VT (the northern areas such as Jay, Bolton, Mad River). I've never skied any resorts in NH, but I have skied Mt. Washington. That is also fun. When the snow cover is good, and you aren't dealing with hard pack, the skiing can be fantastic.

However, the west consistently has those good snow conditions (ie: no hard pack/boiler plate), except certain areas that are exposed to high winds and temperature variations.

The terrain is better in the west for advanced skiers. Rocks, cliffs, steep terrain, and they get better snowfall to fill it all in with.

It's rare that you get a three foot powder day in the east.

One more thing, the vertical is usually at least twice that of their eastern counterparts. More skiing...less dealing with chair lines.

If you want to be a racer...stay in the east. The racing is a lot more competitive, and you ski in more challenging conditions. If you grow up in the west, you never learn how to truly use your edges!! Sort of an exaggeration...but not really!

Anyways, that's my opinion.

Answer 4

Mostly, it's a matter of how much snow is on the ground. East Coast skiers are accustomed to there not being a great deal of snow on the ground, and thus have a little trouble dealing with the huge amounts of powder on the West Coast.  It's all about control of your skis and sometimes which skis you're using... But it's all great :)

Answer 5

hmmm...well, i find that terrain parks in the east are MUCH better. yet the east tends to be a lot more crowded and the snow is very icy. although, the scenery in the eastern resorts are beautiful!

the west is best for more advanced skiiers (most resorts are packed with black dimonds)...but is a great place to learn as well. The snow conditions are 10 times better...

Answer 6

East is generally icy, hard packed

West snow is fluffier, soft packed powder

Hard to describe

WEST IS BEST