Where is the best place for skiing in early December?

Question

We have two round trip tickets to anywhere, and are considering skiing for our anniversary. My husband has never been, and it's been quite a while for me. He wants to stay in the U.S. and we do not have any equipment. I'd like for there to be more than just skiing (in case he hates it), and night skiing available. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

The big resorts have the best bet for night life and skiing. As to the best chance for snow in early December it's always a 50/50 proposition.  Either will or won't have skiable snow.  This was the best snow year in this century in the Seattle area, but it didn't get started until late December, then look out. It ended a week ago last Monday, and Silver Mountain in Idaho skied last weekend.  

   Skiing has changed in the past 10 years, the equipment is better, easier to use and easier to learn on. The critical piece of equipment is boots that fit properly.  Plan on a learn to ski program for both of you. Get to the rental shop early and get fit for the boots and preregister for the package.  Most areas will have night skiing by the 3rd week of Dec. Delay registration as long as possible or be able to adjust plans due to lack of snow. Have fun.

Answer 2

well if you've got tickets to anywhere then go for the best skiing in the world in northern Italy it is pro skiing hotspot sure the prices may be higher but if your going on serious ski trip this would be the best place . and the mountains are so gorgeous

Answer 3

Since your husband especially has not skied before, I would reccomend sticking to a more tourist friendly area than die-hard skier mountain.  In early December, snow is always an uncertainty.  

For western resorts that depend entirely on natural snow, there is the off chance that there will not be enough to open.  It's really a slim chance, but the possibility exists.  Resorts in the Salt Lake City area or Denver, CO area all support a variety of off-hill activities--even if there is no skiing availible, you won't be bored.  

If you're not a gambler and determined to make it on the slopes, I actually would reccomend an eastern resort, because eastern resorts rely on artificial snowmaking.  It may not be as fantastic as western powder, but eastern resorts only need about two weeks of cold temperatures and not much else to have a skiable conditions.  Eastern resorts like Holiday Valley, NY or Killington are fantastic in the overall, ski-trip-experience department.  Rentals are availible at any major resort.  Good luck and have fun!

Answer 4

chili

ut

co.

switerland

overseas any were

canada

Answer 5

For early season, look for a resort at higher altitude, or that faces North, or that is located farther North.  That is, unless you have asthma or know you don't do well at high altitudes.  I live at 800' above sea level and was really gasping for air when I tried skiing up at 10,000'.  Resorts closer to the East or West coast (such as places in New England) have lower maximum altitudes, but still pretty comparable total vertical drop (i.e. altitude difference between the top and the bottom).

Another thing to consider is the breakdown of beginner/intermediate/advanced trails.  If your husband has never been, you want a place with a lot of beginner trails.  Skiing is a wonderful sport, especially as you get better and better at it, but the easiest way to really hurt yourself is to try to advance too fast.  These people who think they can work up to a black diamond on their first day out are asking for trouble.

Also, consider the crowds.  Anything on the I-70 corridor in Colorado will have lots of people.  Maybe you like that, maybe you don't.  Personally, I could care less about apres ski, but I want uncrowded hills and short lift lines.

Lastly, that's fine if you want to stay in the U.S. but probably the best place I've ever been was Mont Tremblant, which is 90 miles North of Montreal.  The next place I'm dying to go is Whistler, a couple hours from Vancouver.  So maybe give Canada a thought.

Answer 6

Early December is a very hit-or-miss time to plan a ski trip.  Your best bet for early- season snow would probably be Colorado or Utah.  Early season storm tracks tend to favor: Alta/Snowbird, and Brighton/ Solitude, UT,  Wolf Creek, Aspen, and Vail CO.

Answer 7

Try skiing in the SLC Utah area. You can normally ski at either nearby (25 miles) Alta or Snowbird and also at Brighton (which does have night skiing). Plus you can easily rent all your equipment

in the downtown Salt Lake City area and stay at many moderately priced hotels or motels. Some of best early skiing in the West, period!!!

Answer 8

Arapahoe Basin in Summit County COlorado. They are so high up that they get enough snow to stay open from mid october to early june! there are awesome terrain parks, nice cruiser run and the montezuma bowl is a must. happy skiing!