Where are the best places to ski during the last week in December in the US?

Question

We are considering a ski vacation after Christmas and before January 1st. Are the ski areas in CO, UT, and WY completely open by then? We live on the East Coast and haven't been West for skiiing.

Answer 1

Utah. We have great snow at that time, its pretty quiet because its right before Sundance, but everything is open and has been since about Thanksgiving.

Answer 2

Colorado has had great snow in December the last few years. The time you are talking about is the most crowded and expensive time at the mountains. You should really start looking for lodging early as the deals go quickly

I would suggest a couple of sites

rentalo.com

redweek.com

vrbo.com

These sites are for private owner condos and timeshares for rent. Ski trips are so much better when you have a little more space than a hotel room offers and you have a kitchen and a fireplace. Normally we find 2 bed 2 bath condos for the same amount as hotels.

JMHO

By the way if you can pull it off, Early Feb. is the best time in Colorado, cheaper, less crowded and PERFECT SNOW ALWAYS

Answer 3

The should be if next season is anything like this season you could try the farmers almanac

Answer 4

The resorts in Colorado are typically completely open by then.  Although there have been a couple years that they don't fully open until earyl January (but that was during our drought years).  Expect large crowds.  So get your planning and reservations done early.

Answer 5

i got the same issues as you have.

christmas weekend is a tough time to judge, however, in the past I have seen great conditions out west as well as in vermont. This year we got lucky in Steamboat, getting hit with 36 inches of new powder in one week. Colorado will get the great "champagne powder" however, your best bet is to go to park city in utah. even if 70% of the mountain is open, its three times the size of anything in the east.