In defense of A Basin - best to hit it on off-peak weekdays if it all possible! And deep season is best. Early season they have runs open but theres rarely sufficient terrain for a full day much less a full trip before the new year. Very fun place though. Feels much more local/mom&pop than many of the big names along the I-70 corridor that I’ve skied.
Right on, I will have to try and get out there when it's midwinter, I went late season, and it was rough. Thanks for the nice comment! Love adding ski areas to my list, and I think this one deserves a circle back.
My best powder day , believe it or not , was in Snowbasin Utah . It was a week day , not too crowded . Bluebird with temperature in 20s . They had a few nice dumps prior . Their Olympic downhill run was closed, for some reason and untouched as far as grooming . And then...It was opened ! We were the first ones to go down . Deep , smooth untouched powder top to the bottom . It is a long , steep enough run with no moguls on it. It was like a powder highway of sort . Stayed there for hours . Up and down with plenty of fresh lines available...Good times!...Good times...
Enjoyed watching and hearing about areas I have not skied and didn't know anything about. Out west I skied Palisades couple times and hit it wrong w bad snow and lots of people. Also years ago hit Whistler BC w bunch of friends in April. It was a blast and so massive. If you didn't like the snow, get on a lift, go to the top or around the mountain and find different conditions. Elliot is right about Silver Mtn. Skied there several years back w my son on accident. We were going to ski Schweitzer and filled in w Silver. Enjoyed both, not crowded, lift systems good and he got hit w tons of snow. Only one comment or so about Taos in my home state.. amazing place, super steep runs, huge vertical now w updated lifts, also huge $$ like CO & UT unfortunately, but for skiing it's in my Top 5 w Telluride, Snowmass, Alta/Bird, and Jackson Hole. Make it snow already!🌨
I am a budget "brown bag" skier. Even so, I have been fortunate to ski frequently at 4 of your choices. I skied 1 day at Anthony Lakes and I was blown away how much that place has for a 1 horse town. The people were great. Everyone I met on the lift kept apologizing that there wasn't fresh snow. I love skiing at small co-ops. I would also suggest stopping at Mt Ashland (co-op) if you have the chance. I grew up at the mouth of the canyons in SLC. After high school, I moved to Eugene, OR. Ironically, I met and married the niece of the Ticket Manager at Snowbird here in Eugene (free skiing). I have family that have worked for Sun Valley for a long time and now my daughter works there (free skiing). I definitely enjoy carving the long groomers and its almost never crowded. I have spent a few days at Brundage. My kids first lessons were there. Great family place. Tamarack resort just around the corner from Brundage is worth a visit. Their terrain has expanded considerably, but not the parking. Minimal crowds and only $60 for weekdays. Finally, Mt Bachelor is my go to mountain. Due to the cost, I wait for the Spring Pass. So I load up a lot of days in the Spring. I usually ski all the way to Memorial Day weekend even in a drought year when most other resorts couldn't even open. I am enjoying your vids. Thanks
Wow, you're in the elite few who have skied Anthonly Lakes! I love Tamarack, It's definitely a hidden gem, and one of the mountains I left hidden on purpose! lol, but you found it! Glad you're enjoying the videos! Thanks so much for your nice comment and for watching.
Anthony lakes is such a great resort. i love the vibe and the snow. it's also dirt cheap and will never be busy just because it's so far from any population centers. cheers
Love silver. Even as a snowboarder it's a great mountain. A lot of traversing but if you send it into a cat track it's not that bad. Very fun hill and never seems too busy.
You need to come ski Red Mountain, Whitewater, Kicking Horse, Revelstoke, Fernie etc. Theres so much more to BC than Whistler. Love that you included smaller operations but Grouse isnt even the best North Vancouver resort. That would be Cypress.
Props for Silver I live 45 min away from the base area there. Just dont forget anything as that Gondola is a long way down. Its a backpack type of place
The thing about your list is that I kinda know where you are coming from. And the comments help too. I haven't spent enough time at Snowbird because we always have new skiers with us for our annual family western ski trip. My list of places I haven't been to but are on my bucket list in no special order is Toas, Palisades, Kirkwood, Revelstoke, Steamboat. Sun Valley has been on the list too but other places always nudges it out. How could I forget JHMR! I'm going to have to start taking two Western ski vacations a year!
I have had that same thing happen, and it's tough, but usually they are done by early afternoon so I can break away and ski hard! 2 Ski vacations sounds perfect to me! Thanks for the nice comment!
Lucas limited his list to ski resorts he has skied - which is a fair restriction. I think that leaves out Idaho and Montana (also Arizona and New Mexico). I'd actually break it up from West Coast and Intermountain West since they have different conditions. I haven't skied beyond Colorado, New Mexico and West Virginia. Compared to West Virginia - Colorado skiing is heaven (except for the prices). I've only skied Ski Apache in New Mexico when I lived in Texas - it had an awesome view at the top but otherwise just okay skiing, but great memories (my youth). Even in Colorado, my ski experience has been limited (Breck, Keystone, Beaver Creek, and Loveland Ski Area) - and only as a beginner. I'm hoping to make it to Monarch this season or perhaps a few of the smaller resorts as I get into intermediate range.
I can't think of a resort where it's easier to rack up vertical than sun valley. Is it's just straightfall line from every chair basically. The grooming is Is always great. The new expansion area gives them the one thing they were missing for a number of years. It's about the only resort that Made my legs call it quits before the last chair.
Agreed! and lots of people overlook it and write it off. I have this theory that Picaboo Street was such a strong speed skier because she skied Sun Valley. Like you said if you ski Sun Valley top-to-bottom it's hard not to feel your legs burn.
I went to Sun Valley when the snow was mediocre and lapped the Challenger 6-pack lift. I prefer to lap high speed chairs vs. gondolas. I skied Warm Springs or Limelight to Greyhawk. It is approximately 3000 vert. Decent laps but not as consistent in pitch or as good of a falline as Sundancer or Big Belly (Gros Ventre) at Jackson Hole. Sundancer is one of the best blue groomers I have ever skied. Another great lift and run to lap (1800 vert) is Burnout off of the Backside Express at Northstar. Great balck groomer to lap. Got stuck doing that since the rest of Northstar kinda sucks.
Have a trip going from seattle to Big Sky and we were debating whether to ski lookout pass or silver mountain on our way out for a day. Will have to choose silver now. Ski at Alpental as a my home mountain but don’t think it’s for everyone… kinda backcountryish with limited groomed runs
Thanks! It's so so good, and the locals don't seem to have the same stomach I do for cold weather, so when I went there on a really cold windy day, I felt like I had the place to myself.
I skied Soldier in College and liked it quite a lot. Definitely a hidden gem for Idaho, and especially if I was really eager to go somewhere less busy with good groomers. I actually think it would be a really great spot to shoot ski reviews with visibility. The only critique I have (and maybe this is just my memory betraying me) but I don't remember soldier having a ton of variety when it came to tree skiing. But that could also be due to not knowing the mountain well enough to look. Thanks for bringing it up! I sometimes forget about Soldier.
I went there once while working as a Race Coach, but I didn't feel like I skied it fully enough to give an honest/insightful opinion on it. But I will put it on my list to go in the future, it looked so good when I was there, and it was so hard to ski past the fresh powder while carrying gates.
Yeah that guys list was primarily based on big mountain line access. He’s spot on except for skipping over Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee. Your not a big mountain skier so makes sense your list favors ease of access, snow quality, tree skiing and groomers. These are some great picks for that. Plus the one that you omitted on purpose 🤫
Yes, totally. I've only skied Jackson Hole for work as a ski coach, so similar to Tahoe, I know it belongs on the list, but I just haven't skied it fully enough to give a good read on it.
Lucas was only ranking the ski resorts he had been to this year. He didn't go to Idaho this past year but has other years. He ranks Sun Valley low as do I. His rankings are mostly based on extreme terrain and how accessible it is. Sun Valley lacks in that department. It also has the worst snow of any ski resort out west that I've been to. This past year I was at Pow Mow the day earlier and it was great. I got to Sun Valley and the groomers were icy and off trail was granular. I left early realizing how spoiled I am living in Utah. I'll admit that on a powder day (if they have any) that place would be insane with its long steep fall line (doesn't mean it has extreme terrain) and no crowds. I can't disagree on Snowbird!
I will have to go look at his video! I have been to SV on days where I would rank it low, but like 99% of the time it's really good, but that's just my opinion. They've also in the last year opened up some great tree skiing (near where the forest fires were years ago) and it really opened up alot of options and improved my opinion. UT skiing especially snowbird is just amazing.
I have only skied Alta a Couple of Times for work as a race coach, so similar to Tahoe, I don't have enough experience to give a good honest read on it, but I was impressed by just a cursory glance. Great Question, thanks so much for watching!
Never skied Alyeska? You wont find in bounds terrain like that anywhere else in North America. 660 inches a year helps too. It isn’t a massive Resort though.
@@RicketySkiReviews yup it’s hard to find a place that can stay untracked all day anymore. Sadly they just joined the icon pass so those days might be over. Maybe because it’s so far away from the states it won’t get complete overrun though.
Actually Mammoth is on my list for places I want to go, Zach from some of the reviews previous put it in his top 5 and I am really wanting to go check it out. I didn't have it off the list because I don't like it, I just haven't skied it, and didn't want to give an opinion on a mountain I've never skied. Thanks for watching and the comment!
If and when you get to Mammoth, spend at least one day at June Mountain, you will not be disappointed at June. June is a 25 -30 minute drive North of Mammoth. Plus children 12 and under still ski free at June. J6 is the first high speed Yan Chair and J7 is the most intact Yan high speed chair in North America remaining. Ironically both chairs never had any problems and were retrofitted.@@RicketySkiReviews
For long groomers, Sun Valley probably has the best followed by Jackson. It was Aspen before Aspen from what I've heard, but it doesn't have the ornate feel that Aspen has as it seems like most of the celebrities have moved on.
never been, so I didn't include it, I've only spent time in the village (which is why I referenced it). But no opinions on the skiing one way or another, just haven't skied it yet. Same for Vail. Thanks for the Question to help me clarify, on re watching the edit is confusing! Thanks for watching!
Aspen or Ajax is good but is kind of small . Interesting crowd , for aquared taste . But I was really impressed with Snowmass. Lovely resort . Huge, with great groomers and an excellent bowl on top(forgot the name) . Even more so, I was impressed with Highlands , if you up for really challenging terrain. All those resorts on one ticket with free shuttle in between . That is a lot of skiing to cover .
I legitimately like Grouse, lol, It's super accessible, it's got good terrain, but I can see where it wouldn't be everyone's top choice. Thanks for watching!
Okay… Fantastic list… Can we talk about how overrated Jackson Hole is??? If you like long and steep, and don’t care about standing in line, it’s worth a visit, but if you want anything else it’s extra stinky. If there’s a more overrated resort, I’d like to hear about it!
I completely disagree with your views of Sun Valley. It is a competent mountain, but 2nd best in the west?? No way. Deer Valley blows Sun Valley away with its grooming approach. AM vs PM grooming makes a huge difference. Your edges cut through the corduroy like a hot knife through butter. As for fall lines, Sun Valley has some bad ones on what would otherwise be decent runs. You seem to like to go sometimes to smaller mountains, so I was surpised to not see Grand Targhee on your list (especially since you live in Idaho but I am assuming near the Snake River due to your focus on Oregon). Also no Jackson Hole?? You seem to like carving groomers. JH has two steeper blue groomers off of the Bridger Gondola that have excellent fall lines with over 2700 vertical drop with a short run out at the bottom. 3-4 cattrack lips you can float off of down the runs. Best carving I have ever done in my life. I got 62k vert that day (no fresh snow (it was crusty off piste that day)). As for Bachelor... come on man. The mountain and weather sucks with the one exception of the Summit Chair. Remind me again... how often is that chair open?
I disagree with some of these points, but overall you make strong arguments! JH I only went twice as a coach, and didn't get to see it fully so I didn't want to speak to it, but I agree it's an amazing area. I liked it, but between coaching and some bad weather I don't feel like I got the full experience. SV rules, but I can see why people don't like it, especially if the snow gets crusty. Have you been there in the past 2 years? They just opened up this whole new area of the mountain (by where the fires were 10 years ago), and it provides some really good glade skiing and opens up some of the other runs more. My biggest gripe is the price, but I do have to say I love skiing Sun Valley. I haven't been able to make it to Grand Targhee yet, but it's my Brother's favorite, I am trying to arrange a trip since they just opened up that spot that was cat skiing and now has chair access. It looks amazing. Hoping to check it out in the next 2 years. Bachelor I must have gotten lucky, but when I was there end of February a few years ago, I had a killer day, but that's the problem with these lists, there's definitely some luck involved. Great points though and thanks for watching!
I do like the manner in which you critique other channels that are ran by companies that do ski reviews. It is hard to find reviews that emphasize the strengths and weaknesses of a ski equally. If the weaknesses are mentioned at all, they are normally "sugar-coated" or phrased in such a way as to minimize it in an attempt to not discourage the buyer from considering purchasing the ski.@@RicketySkiReviews
Hahha all 200 people that watched this probably won't crowd your secret spots, not to mention anyone watching this probably knows about it. PCMR at 3 is insane shouldnt even be on the list. I think he only included places he has skied...? A Basin is awesome you really need to hike,, Aspen, Crested Butte and Taos are so good and should be on anyones list. Jackson is also amazing. Snowbird is #1 for sure. I've been wanting to go to Red Lodge for years. Revelstine and Lake Louse were really imprssive.
That's a fair point! Though, 200 people might be enough to overcrowd Anthony Lakes, lol. And yes, you're totally on the money, I only included places I've skied, which is why even though I know Tahoe / Palisades is insane, I can't in good conscience include it because I haven't skied it. Same for Jackson Hole, I only skied it lightly while working as a Race Coach, but I can't do it justice until I've really spent a full day skiing it hard. But certainly both probably belong in the list. Also I like PCMR, maybe I just got there on a good day, but I loved it. Like I said this isn't as official of a list as the guy who drove around in his van, however, I think this list compliments that guys list, with "hidden gems" that they missed. I'm dropping an East Coast list tomorrow, and I think that's going to be pretty good since I grew up there as a kid (and the ski resorts are much closer together). Red Lodge is cool, and definitely worth checking out, and a very cool old western town when you drive in. I will put Revel Stoke and Lake Louise on my list! Thanks for the nice comment!
@@RicketySkiReviews - Thanks for the content and for the hidden gems! A good friend moved to Spokane and another to Ogden recently so I'm looking even more forward to northern Idaho and Sun Valley this winter since you spoke so highly of those regions.
Agree with Snowbird, I also had equally as good days at Revelstoke.
Great recommendation, I'll put it on my list!
In defense of A Basin - best to hit it on off-peak weekdays if it all possible! And deep season is best. Early season they have runs open but theres rarely sufficient terrain for a full day much less a full trip before the new year. Very fun place though. Feels much more local/mom&pop than many of the big names along the I-70 corridor that I’ve skied.
Right on, I will have to try and get out there when it's midwinter, I went late season, and it was rough. Thanks for the nice comment! Love adding ski areas to my list, and I think this one deserves a circle back.
My best powder day , believe it or not , was in Snowbasin Utah . It was a week day , not too crowded . Bluebird with temperature in 20s . They had a few nice dumps prior . Their Olympic downhill run was closed, for some reason and untouched as far as grooming . And then...It was opened ! We were the first ones to go down . Deep , smooth untouched powder top to the bottom . It is a long , steep enough run with no moguls on it. It was like a powder highway of sort . Stayed there for hours . Up and down with plenty of fresh lines available...Good times!...Good times...
oh rad! I had a similar day at snowbird and I'm still thinking about it 10 years later.
Enjoyed watching and hearing about areas I have not skied and didn't know anything about. Out west I skied Palisades couple times and hit it wrong w bad snow and lots of people. Also years ago hit Whistler BC w bunch of friends in April. It was a blast and so massive. If you didn't like the snow, get on a lift, go to the top or around the mountain and find different conditions. Elliot is right about Silver Mtn. Skied there several years back w my son on accident. We were going to ski Schweitzer and filled in w Silver. Enjoyed both, not crowded, lift systems good and he got hit w tons of snow. Only one comment or so about Taos in my home state.. amazing place, super steep runs, huge vertical now w updated lifts, also huge $$ like CO & UT unfortunately, but for skiing it's in my Top 5 w Telluride, Snowmass, Alta/Bird, and Jackson Hole. Make it snow already!🌨
Oh that's awesome! Thanks for the recommendations, I'll put them on my personal list!
I love Snowbird and i go there every year but the connecting cat tracks are the death of me especially skiing with kids ;) .
No Joke! Cat tracks are brutal with my kids too, I have them all hang onto me to keep the speed up. Thanks for the nice comment!
I am a budget "brown bag" skier. Even so, I have been fortunate to ski frequently at 4 of your choices. I skied 1 day at Anthony Lakes and I was blown away how much that place has for a 1 horse town. The people were great. Everyone I met on the lift kept apologizing that there wasn't fresh snow. I love skiing at small co-ops. I would also suggest stopping at Mt Ashland (co-op) if you have the chance. I grew up at the mouth of the canyons in SLC. After high school, I moved to Eugene, OR. Ironically, I met and married the niece of the Ticket Manager at Snowbird here in Eugene (free skiing). I have family that have worked for Sun Valley for a long time and now my daughter works there (free skiing). I definitely enjoy carving the long groomers and its almost never crowded. I have spent a few days at Brundage. My kids first lessons were there. Great family place. Tamarack resort just around the corner from Brundage is worth a visit. Their terrain has expanded considerably, but not the parking. Minimal crowds and only $60 for weekdays. Finally, Mt Bachelor is my go to mountain. Due to the cost, I wait for the Spring Pass. So I load up a lot of days in the Spring. I usually ski all the way to Memorial Day weekend even in a drought year when most other resorts couldn't even open. I am enjoying your vids. Thanks
Wow, you're in the elite few who have skied Anthonly Lakes!
I love Tamarack, It's definitely a hidden gem, and one of the mountains I left hidden on purpose! lol, but you found it!
Glad you're enjoying the videos! Thanks so much for your nice comment and for watching.
Anthony lakes is such a great resort. i love the vibe and the snow. it's also dirt cheap and will never be busy just because it's so far from any population centers. cheers
Totally, it's a hidden gem
Love silver. Even as a snowboarder it's a great mountain. A lot of traversing but if you send it into a cat track it's not that bad. Very fun hill and never seems too busy.
You need to come ski Red Mountain, Whitewater, Kicking Horse, Revelstoke, Fernie etc. Theres so much more to BC than Whistler. Love that you included smaller operations but Grouse isnt even the best North Vancouver resort. That would be Cypress.
Great recommendations thank you! I'll admit, I'm not as well versed in BC ski areas as I'd like to be but I love that area.
@@RicketySkiReviewsyou ranked it higher than Whistler... Ya
Props for Silver I live 45 min away from the base area there. Just dont forget anything as that Gondola is a long way down. Its a backpack type of place
Totally, I had a friend forget gloves once, like welp
The thing about your list is that I kinda know where you are coming from. And the comments help too. I haven't spent enough time at Snowbird because we always have new skiers with us for our annual family western ski trip. My list of places I haven't been to but are on my bucket list in no special order is Toas, Palisades, Kirkwood, Revelstoke, Steamboat. Sun Valley has been on the list too but other places always nudges it out. How could I forget JHMR!
I'm going to have to start taking two Western ski vacations a year!
I have had that same thing happen, and it's tough, but usually they are done by early afternoon so I can break away and ski hard! 2 Ski vacations sounds perfect to me! Thanks for the nice comment!
Lucas limited his list to ski resorts he has skied - which is a fair restriction. I think that leaves out Idaho and Montana (also Arizona and New Mexico). I'd actually break it up from West Coast and Intermountain West since they have different conditions.
I haven't skied beyond Colorado, New Mexico and West Virginia. Compared to West Virginia - Colorado skiing is heaven (except for the prices). I've only skied Ski Apache in New Mexico when I lived in Texas - it had an awesome view at the top but otherwise just okay skiing, but great memories (my youth). Even in Colorado, my ski experience has been limited (Breck, Keystone, Beaver Creek, and Loveland Ski Area) - and only as a beginner.
I'm hoping to make it to Monarch this season or perhaps a few of the smaller resorts as I get into intermediate range.
I can't think of a resort where it's easier to rack up vertical than sun valley. Is it's just straightfall line from every chair basically. The grooming is Is always great. The new expansion area gives them the one thing they were missing for a number of years.
It's about the only resort that Made my legs call it quits before the last chair.
Agreed! and lots of people overlook it and write it off.
I have this theory that Picaboo Street was such a strong speed skier because she skied Sun Valley. Like you said if you ski Sun Valley top-to-bottom it's hard not to feel your legs burn.
3,200 in vert in one blisteringly fast run....it was DOPE.
@@keith2076 yup....over and over. 😍🤩
I went to Sun Valley when the snow was mediocre and lapped the Challenger 6-pack lift. I prefer to lap high speed chairs vs. gondolas. I skied Warm Springs or Limelight to Greyhawk. It is approximately 3000 vert. Decent laps but not as consistent in pitch or as good of a falline as Sundancer or Big Belly (Gros Ventre) at Jackson Hole. Sundancer is one of the best blue groomers I have ever skied. Another great lift and run to lap (1800 vert) is Burnout off of the Backside Express at Northstar. Great balck groomer to lap. Got stuck doing that since the rest of Northstar kinda sucks.
I’m moving to Utah for resort work and hoping I get to snowbird on the weekdays!
Oh that's awesome! You've got good things ahead!
Have a trip going from seattle to Big Sky and we were debating whether to ski lookout pass or silver mountain on our way out for a day. Will have to choose silver now.
Ski at Alpental as a my home mountain but don’t think it’s for everyone… kinda backcountryish with limited groomed runs
Oh awesome! That sounds like a great trip! Thanks for watching.
YES! Snowbird ROCKS! It's heaven.
Totally agree with Sun Valley and Mnt. Bachelor too! Great list.
Thanks! It's so so good, and the locals don't seem to have the same stomach I do for cold weather, so when I went there on a really cold windy day, I felt like I had the place to myself.
What's you opinion of Soldier Mountain?
I skied Soldier in College and liked it quite a lot. Definitely a hidden gem for Idaho, and especially if I was really eager to go somewhere less busy with good groomers.
I actually think it would be a really great spot to shoot ski reviews with visibility.
The only critique I have (and maybe this is just my memory betraying me) but I don't remember soldier having a ton of variety when it came to tree skiing. But that could also be due to not knowing the mountain well enough to look.
Thanks for bringing it up! I sometimes forget about Soldier.
Lol......the best hill hands down is Kicking Horse in Golden BC on snow 🌨️ day this is a skiers dream .........
I have pretty limited info on BC but I appreciate the recommendation. Will check it out next chance I get.
Have you not skied Alta? It’s easily a top 5 if not 1-2.
I went there once while working as a Race Coach, but I didn't feel like I skied it fully enough to give an honest/insightful opinion on it. But I will put it on my list to go in the future, it looked so good when I was there, and it was so hard to ski past the fresh powder while carrying gates.
Yeah that guys list was primarily based on big mountain line access. He’s spot on except for skipping over Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee. Your not a big mountain skier so makes sense your list favors ease of access, snow quality, tree skiing and groomers. These are some great picks for that. Plus the one that you omitted on purpose 🤫
Yes, totally. I've only skied Jackson Hole for work as a ski coach, so similar to Tahoe, I know it belongs on the list, but I just haven't skied it fully enough to give a good read on it.
Looks like his van broke down in Calgary so he missed MT, WY, ID.
Regardless, this list was super cool with all of the local spots.
Lucas was only ranking the ski resorts he had been to this year. He didn't go to Idaho this past year but has other years. He ranks Sun Valley low as do I. His rankings are mostly based on extreme terrain and how accessible it is. Sun Valley lacks in that department. It also has the worst snow of any ski resort out west that I've been to. This past year I was at Pow Mow the day earlier and it was great. I got to Sun Valley and the groomers were icy and off trail was granular. I left early realizing how spoiled I am living in Utah. I'll admit that on a powder day (if they have any) that place would be insane with its long steep fall line (doesn't mean it has extreme terrain) and no crowds. I can't disagree on Snowbird!
I will have to go look at his video! I have been to SV on days where I would rank it low, but like 99% of the time it's really good, but that's just my opinion. They've also in the last year opened up some great tree skiing (near where the forest fires were years ago) and it really opened up alot of options and improved my opinion.
UT skiing especially snowbird is just amazing.
I assume you are combining Alta and Snowbird?
I have only skied Alta a Couple of Times for work as a race coach, so similar to Tahoe, I don't have enough experience to give a good honest read on it, but I was impressed by just a cursory glance. Great Question, thanks so much for watching!
Never skied Alyeska? You wont find in bounds terrain like that anywhere else in North America. 660 inches a year helps too. It isn’t a massive Resort though.
Oh my gosh, that sounds awesome. I've never been but it will definitely have to go up on my list, especially since I hate crowds. Thanks for the tip!
@@RicketySkiReviews yup it’s hard to find a place that can stay untracked all day anymore. Sadly they just joined the icon pass so those days might be over. Maybe because it’s so far away from the states it won’t get complete overrun though.
Here's hoping, I know early season has become a bloodbath in Vermont and Colorado for the few mountains that open early.@@sterling7313
I've heard that the northwest areas like Mt Hood the snow is kind of heavy from the wetness of the region compared to other areas. Is that true?
Yes, especially in the late season, but if you're up there around January or just on a good day, the skiing can be really excellent.
Is Utah west cost?
No mammoth mountain in Ca?
I think I said in the video, but I know it's super good, I just haven't been there yet. It's definitely on my list though for the next season!
Wow Mammoth did not make the list.
Actually Mammoth is on my list for places I want to go, Zach from some of the reviews previous put it in his top 5 and I am really wanting to go check it out.
I didn't have it off the list because I don't like it, I just haven't skied it, and didn't want to give an opinion on a mountain I've never skied.
Thanks for watching and the comment!
If and when you get to Mammoth, spend at least one day at June Mountain, you will not be disappointed at June. June is a 25 -30 minute drive North of Mammoth. Plus children 12 and under still ski free at June. J6 is the first high speed Yan Chair and J7 is the most intact Yan high speed chair in North America remaining. Ironically both chairs never had any problems and were retrofitted.@@RicketySkiReviews
For long groomers, Sun Valley probably has the best followed by Jackson. It was Aspen before Aspen from what I've heard, but it doesn't have the ornate feel that Aspen has as it seems like most of the celebrities have moved on.
Sun Valley rules
you didnt like aspen? never been? or its just too ritzy?
never been, so I didn't include it, I've only spent time in the village (which is why I referenced it). But no opinions on the skiing one way or another, just haven't skied it yet. Same for Vail. Thanks for the Question to help me clarify, on re watching the edit is confusing! Thanks for watching!
Aspen or Ajax is good but is kind of small . Interesting crowd , for aquared taste . But I was really impressed with Snowmass. Lovely resort . Huge, with great groomers and an excellent bowl on top(forgot the name) . Even more so, I was impressed with Highlands , if you up for really challenging terrain. All those resorts on one ticket with free shuttle in between . That is a lot of skiing to cover .
Grouse mountain #4. My dude lol
I like that mountain, like the easy access and hate large crowds, but was only there once on a great powder day.
Grouse mountain... you troll lol
I legitimately like Grouse, lol, It's super accessible, it's got good terrain, but I can see where it wouldn't be everyone's top choice. Thanks for watching!
This guys name is Lucas Catania and he makes good ski videos.
Awesome, yes thanks for commenting this!
Okay… Fantastic list… Can we talk about how overrated Jackson Hole is??? If you like long and steep, and don’t care about standing in line, it’s worth a visit, but if you want anything else it’s extra stinky. If there’s a more overrated resort, I’d like to hear about it!
I completely disagree with your views of Sun Valley. It is a competent mountain, but 2nd best in the west?? No way. Deer Valley blows Sun Valley away with its grooming approach. AM vs PM grooming makes a huge difference. Your edges cut through the corduroy like a hot knife through butter. As for fall lines, Sun Valley has some bad ones on what would otherwise be decent runs. You seem to like to go sometimes to smaller mountains, so I was surpised to not see Grand Targhee on your list (especially since you live in Idaho but I am assuming near the Snake River due to your focus on Oregon). Also no Jackson Hole?? You seem to like carving groomers. JH has two steeper blue groomers off of the Bridger Gondola that have excellent fall lines with over 2700 vertical drop with a short run out at the bottom. 3-4 cattrack lips you can float off of down the runs. Best carving I have ever done in my life. I got 62k vert that day (no fresh snow (it was crusty off piste that day)). As for Bachelor... come on man. The mountain and weather sucks with the one exception of the Summit Chair. Remind me again... how often is that chair open?
I disagree with some of these points, but overall you make strong arguments!
JH I only went twice as a coach, and didn't get to see it fully so I didn't want to speak to it, but I agree it's an amazing area. I liked it, but between coaching and some bad weather I don't feel like I got the full experience.
SV rules, but I can see why people don't like it, especially if the snow gets crusty. Have you been there in the past 2 years? They just opened up this whole new area of the mountain (by where the fires were 10 years ago), and it provides some really good glade skiing and opens up some of the other runs more. My biggest gripe is the price, but I do have to say I love skiing Sun Valley.
I haven't been able to make it to Grand Targhee yet, but it's my Brother's favorite, I am trying to arrange a trip since they just opened up that spot that was cat skiing and now has chair access. It looks amazing. Hoping to check it out in the next 2 years.
Bachelor I must have gotten lucky, but when I was there end of February a few years ago, I had a killer day, but that's the problem with these lists, there's definitely some luck involved.
Great points though and thanks for watching!
I do like the manner in which you critique other channels that are ran by companies that do ski reviews. It is hard to find reviews that emphasize the strengths and weaknesses of a ski equally. If the weaknesses are mentioned at all, they are normally "sugar-coated" or phrased in such a way as to minimize it in an attempt to not discourage the buyer from considering purchasing the ski.@@RicketySkiReviews
Thanks so much! It's not always popular, but it's what I would want as someone who buys skis.
Hahha all 200 people that watched this probably won't crowd your secret spots, not to mention anyone watching this probably knows about it. PCMR at 3 is insane shouldnt even be on the list. I think he only included places he has skied...?
A Basin is awesome you really need to hike,, Aspen, Crested Butte and Taos are so good and should be on anyones list. Jackson is also amazing. Snowbird is #1 for sure. I've been wanting to go to Red Lodge for years. Revelstine and Lake Louse were really imprssive.
That's a fair point! Though, 200 people might be enough to overcrowd Anthony Lakes, lol.
And yes, you're totally on the money, I only included places I've skied, which is why even though I know Tahoe / Palisades is insane, I can't in good conscience include it because I haven't skied it. Same for Jackson Hole, I only skied it lightly while working as a Race Coach, but I can't do it justice until I've really spent a full day skiing it hard. But certainly both probably belong in the list. Also I like PCMR, maybe I just got there on a good day, but I loved it.
Like I said this isn't as official of a list as the guy who drove around in his van, however, I think this list compliments that guys list, with "hidden gems" that they missed. I'm dropping an East Coast list tomorrow, and I think that's going to be pretty good since I grew up there as a kid (and the ski resorts are much closer together).
Red Lodge is cool, and definitely worth checking out, and a very cool old western town when you drive in. I will put Revel Stoke and Lake Louise on my list!
Thanks for the nice comment!
@@RicketySkiReviews - Thanks for the content and for the hidden gems! A good friend moved to Spokane and another to Ogden recently so I'm looking even more forward to northern Idaho and Sun Valley this winter since you spoke so highly of those regions.