Vail

[Turtlesfly]

Who's been?

Advice for somebody who's willing to go for 3 days for the first time. Looking for the skier's perspective - and not really concerned about pinching pennies.

Thanks

 

[wahoo250]

was there a few years back. stayed at the Marriott. walk out to the lifts. walk to the bars/restaurants. had two feet of snow in 4 days there...wishing I was there now.

 

[better up here]

been to quite a few western lifts and vail was by far the best. have an uncle who heli'ed in the alps, and he says the same thing.

when are you going... i'll call out sick...

 

[Turtlesfly]

i'll call out sick...

Obviously you don't work for XJT.

 

[ILOVEBEER]

Mesa sucks. Why would you even think about working there?? GoJets is the place to be

 

[rjcap]

PM me. I can set you up.

 

[cfi_greg]

Was just out there a few days ago. Make sure you give yourself some leeway in the flights, since mesa usually cancels about half of their DEN flights. Otherwise pretty big mt head to the back bowls. Don't get lost in the frest pow pow

 

[kf4amu]

Went last week, it was my 4th day in the last year. I'm a novice snowboarder, so I couldnt appreciate what it offered. I still can't, but I am just now realizing how awesome it is and how different it is compared to most resorts.

25 degrees beautiful blue sky when I was there. The only problem was the 85 dollar lift ticket when you cant even hit most blues.

 

[skydraulic]

Since we're talking about skiing...I haven't been in years and thinking about hitting the slopes in a few weeks.

1) Is a pair of long-johns worn underneath ski pants sufficient for warmth?
2) As for socks, is one pair of ski-socks generally warm enough in ski boots or do you need to use two?

Last time I went was with a seasoned skiier and used mostly his gear.

 

[real swift]

1) Is a pair of long-johns worn underneath ski pants sufficient for warmth?
2) As for socks, is one pair of ski-socks generally warm enough in ski boots or do you need to use two?

1) Unless VERY cold, you will be warm enough, especially once you get the heart pumping.
2)Wear one pair at a time, but bring spares. Wet socks from sweat and snow get cold, a fresh pair of dry socks are warm.

 

[Dude]

Vail Associates has an airline discount. $65.00 for the lift tickets. I believe that goes for all of their resorts; Breck, Vail, Keystone, A-Basin..... Try the Sonnenalp in Vail. It is a great place to stay. If money isn't tight try to stay in either Vail Village or Lionshead. Shuttles will take you everywhere so you don't need a car unless you want one. Parking is extremely expensive and a pain. It is better to walk and take the shuttle.

Always wear polypropelene long underwear. The key is good layering. As long as the long underwear wicks moisture away from the body you are good. One pair of socks, always! Cold feet is due to poor circulation and wetness. Find or buy a compact boot dryer and dry the boots daily. Make sure your boots fit correctly and your feet will stay warm.

 

[kf4amu]

Their discounts dont work for the holidays. No discounts work really.

To park free take I70 East toward Vail (if you are on that side) and take the 1st Vail exit (west vail I think is the name). Through the roundabout, turn right on Frontage Road. Bout 2-3 miles there is a bus stop and small parking lot. You can park there for free.

As far as the clothes, depends on how cold blooded you are. I hate the cold, and I wear double socks, one of them wool. Under Armor shirt, long sleep cotton shirt, one wool sweater and a big cotton hoodie plus my ski jacket. Flannel pants and ski pants are good for my legs cuz I'm always falling down, and they get a workout.

Ski hoodie (robber style) that covers my face, with a ski cap and a round neck thing.

 

[wahoo250]

Their discounts dont work for the holidays. No discounts work really.



As far as the clothes, depends on how cold blooded you are. I hate the cold, and I wear double socks, one of them wool. Under Armor shirt, long sleep cotton shirt, one wool sweater and a big cotton hoodie plus my ski jacket. Flannel pants and ski pants are good for my legs cuz I'm always falling down, and they get a workout.

Ski hoodie (robber style) that covers my face, with a ski cap and a round neck thing.

Holy sheet...If you dress a little less restrictive maybe you wouldnt be plowing snow with your teeth so much...joking

 

[kf4amu]

It was -18 wind chill last week when I was there!

 

[Turtlesfly]

is the altitude a big factor or not really? I've pretty much skied only on lower elevations (less than 4000, say) and I saw the mountain goes up to 11,500 or so. Do you really have to be in better shape - do you really get worn out faster?

 

[kf4amu]

Yea the altitude kills me. Im out of breath between the couch and the beer fridge. I get used to it around day 3 or 4 though.