Those who have skied in Utah...one more question...

[jerseygirl07067]

Just got our quote back, came in higher than we hoped for Park City or the Canyons. I know Solitude and Brighton/Cottonwood Canyons are supposed to be a lot less expensive, which might tip our trip in the more affordable range since flights are so pricey. On my original post about skiing in Utah, a lot of people said skiing was great there, but they wouldn't stay there. Can you give me more info as to why? Is there really nothing to do beyond skiing?

We are thinking of renting a car, so we could always check out Park City at night. It is waay cheaper for skiing in the other areas and we were contemplating staying there anyway (Brighton, Solitude, etc) . Bad idea? DH said he doesn't care, but I want more specifics. Thx!

[Zansu]

Check Alta/Snowbird.

[lkoala]

I'm not a skier. I've lived in Utah almost all my life and have gone cross country skiing once (and it was a lot of fun). However, I do live very close to the bottom of the canyon that has Snowbird ski resort. Have you considered Snowbird? I think they have more activities than Brighton/Solitude. Either way, if you are renting a car, you can easily get to downtown SLC for all sorts of activities (museums, dining, shopping, kids activities, theater, etc..).

Park City would be a little more of a drive, up a different canyon.

Also, I don't know how comfortable you are driving in winter conditions but it can often be snowy/icy in the canyons and the roads wind down and they are 2 lane roads up brighton/solitude and snowbird. Park City has a 6 lane highway going to it. I am pretty sure all the roads are well maintained but it is something to consider...

[mackmama]

Just got our quote back, came in higher than we hoped for Park City or the Canyons. I know Solitude and Brighton/Cottonwood Canyons are supposed to be a lot less expensive, which might tip our trip in the more affordable range since flights are so pricey. On my original post about skiing in Utah, a lot of people said skiing was great there, but they wouldn't stay there. Can you give me more info as to why? Is there really nothing to do beyond skiing?

We are thinking of renting a car, so we could always check out Park City at night. It is waay cheaper for skiing in the other areas and we were contemplating staying there anyway (Brighton, Solitude, etc) . Bad idea? DH said he doesn't care, but I want more specifics. Thx!

Just trying to clarify your post before answer -- so you are wanting info about staying in Solitude and Brighton/Cottonwood Canyons - correct?

[jerseygirl07067]

Just trying to clarify your post before answer -- so you are wanting info about staying in Solitude and Brighton/Cottonwood Canyons - correct?

Yes, any info would be great!

[mackmama]

Ok I'm contacting a friend who lives there to ask her - will be back with more info.

[mackmama]

Ok my source said that Solitude is the way to go if deciding between Solitude and Brighton. Brighton apparently has little to do with no real hotels (you'd have to rent a house/condo) or restaurants, while Solitude has a lot of new accomodations, pools, restaurants. HTH!

[geochick]

I agree that Solitude does have a more resort-ish feel, but I NEVER recommend Solitude for people coming from out of town for Utah's best skiing. You COULD rent a car and try all of the local resorts, but who wants to do taht? Try Snowbird!

[mackmama]

I'd probably go with geochick's info since she lives there. I'm just passing on what someone else is telling me from afar, so take it with a grain of salt.

[StantonHyde]

On the one hand, I totally agree with geochick. (I live/ski in SLC) On the other hand, if money is the tipping point, then stay in Salt Lake or a suburb and drive to the different resorts. They are all within 30-45 mins. The roads are plowed. You can even park at the bottom of the canyon and take the bus up if it scares you. You will need to rent a 4WD vehicle--so that does add to the cost. That way you have a LOT of reasonable dining options and you could take kids into SLC to see the kids museum etc if you want a break from skiing. You could even rent a house in various neighborhoods on VRBO. Depends on whether you need more convenience or less expensive.