Skiing and crowds (Park City, Alta: rental, mortgage, pricing)

[bugmejohn]

I am going to be out in SLC for work in early March. Which of the 4 local resorts is best for beginners? I am about intermediate, but want to take my gf, who has never skied before. Would likely ski Saturday/Sunday or Sunday/Monday. The less crowded, the better.

Maybe a dumb question, but are the slopes a bit less crowded on Sundays than one might normally expect, due to the higher level of church attendance in the area?

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by bugmejohn

I am going to be out in SLC for work in early March. Which of the 4 local resorts is best for beginners? I am about intermediate, but want to take my gf, who has never skied before. Would likely ski Saturday/Sunday or Sunday/Monday. The less crowded, the better.

Maybe a dumb question, but are the slopes a bit less crowded on Sundays than one might normally expect, due to the higher level of church attendance in the area?

Skibarbie is going to be your best resource as to which resort is the best for beginners. I know that both Brighton and Alta have at least a couple of runs that would be considered beginner runs. She's an expert on the Park City resorts, though, so hopefully she will see your post and reply. You're right about Sunday/Monday being your best choice of days, though.

[easternerDC]

Alta is a good choice for beginners. I would also recommend Solitude. Both Alta and Solitude have a good beginner areas. My husband and I took our brother in law who had only skied 3-4 days to Alta and he had a blast there.

I would stay away from Snowbird - there is really no good terrain there for beginners.

[altajoe]

Deer Valley might be a good option (check on the pricing though). It has good beginner and intermediate terrain, grooms their runs like a carpet and---NO OFFENSE TO SNOWBOARDERS---does not allow them, so the dreaded blind side turning that rattles less experienced and beginner skiers is eliminated.

ALTA also has a decent beginner area, less grooming IMHO and also does not allow boarders. Better pricing that Deer Valley.

[SLCPUNK]

Originally Posted by bugmejohn

I am going to be out in SLC for work in early March. Which of the 4 local resorts is best for beginners? I am about intermediate, but want to take my gf, who has never skied before. Would likely ski Saturday/Sunday or Sunday/Monday. The less crowded, the better.

Maybe a dumb question, but are the slopes a bit less crowded on Sundays than one might normally expect, due to the higher level of church attendance in the area?

I think Brighton and Alta are great for newbies. Sunday and Monday will def be your best days to ski. I've always found weekdays to be wide open with no crowds, so Monday is your best bet IMO. I've been up on the slopes in the middle of the week and felt like I had the entire place to myself, it's just amazing.

[ChrisC]

I agree with the others: Alta is great all around (my favorite in the SLC area). Brighton has great beginner's runs as well. In fact, for someone who has never skied, Brighton probably has a greater number of "forgiving" beginner's runs.

And yes, Sunday/Monday is a good option if you don't want to stand in line so long. I'd avoid the Park City ski areas unless you are independently wealthy. They are great resorts (Park City, Deer Valley, The Canyons) with good skiing, but you will need to offer your firstborn to ski there. Or mortgage your house.

[mlb]

Solitude - hands down.

[skibarbie]

Deer Valley all the way-especially if you want her to keep being your girlfriend! Just kidding,,kinda. DV has the Max4 group lessons which are just that, no snowboarders and great food too. Get your discount lift tickets down here in the valley before you head up, grab your rental gear someplace other than DV as they are at a premium on the rental gear too.
I concur with the other posters that a Sunday, Monday will be less busy than Sat, Sunday..