[spin]

<p>Going on my first trip skiing west of Appalachian mtns. We will be hitting snowbird, alta, and others for 4 days.  Flying w/ ski gear too for first time. Any advice?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Is a boot bag a good investment? someone suggested using that as carry on that way boots won't get lost (which would be a major bummer .. skis i could deal with but boots .. noway).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>skiing in powder? this will be mostly a new adventure for me. Been skiing NE "packed powder" for 20 yrs so this should be interesting.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestions!</p>

 

[MBannon]

<p>Only advice I can give is to be mentally prepared for the altitude.  Some of those ski runs start at 11,000 feet!  Don't be surprised or discouraged if you find yourself struggling or even feeling sick.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Bring good clothes, too, obviously.  It can get pretty cold up there at those heights.  Have fun!  If you are into backcountry skiing, PM me.  My buddy lives in Ogden and does lots of that type of skiing.</p>

 

[ksurp]

<p>I have one of the Transpack boot backpacks. It worked great on our last trip west to Telluride.  I could get my ski boots, helmet, goggles, gloves, and lots of layers into it. I packed my ski pants and lots of other stuff in my ski bag around my skis. (The only issue was our skis came in on another plane and were delivered a few hours after we arrived) </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Bannon's point about the altitude is a good one. It can take a little getting used to. Drinking a lot of water will help as I found I got dehydrated a lot faster than normal and be careful with alcohol consumption. You may find yourself out of breath more than normal. In Telluride our room was at 9000 feet and it didn't really bother me as long as I wasn't sprinting around.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Skiing in powder instead of on eastern icy hard pack is a little different but fun to learn. Go with the "floating" feeling instead of always trying to dig your edges in. We found a nice mix of groomed couduroy trails and powder runs so there should be something for everyone.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Have a blast! </p>

 

[zojmn151]

<p>Have a great time! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yes, invest in a boot bag - though not sure you'll be able to carry it on, as it may not fit in the overheads (ours didn't).  However, depending on the airline, a boot bag + a ski bag count as (1) piece of luggage (it did for American).  Pack as much stuff as you can in and around your skis (think ski socks, long underwear, etc)...that way you won't need a ton of luggage.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We went to Utah last year w/the family and had two suitcases, 4 boot bags and two ski bags...nothing got lost and we were good to go.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Another tidbit - focus on staying centered in your skis and ski "tall" - as others have said, you shouldn't need a ton of edging...let the shape of the ski (assuming you have shaped skis) to the work for you.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>HAVE FUN!!</p>

 

[wherestheportojohn]

<p><jealous></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We've been to the delicious powder of Utah a few times....love love love it! (DH and I even honeymooned out there in the late 70s)</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>All previous advice was spot on.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'd add that taking a couple powder lessons would be useful....you'll need to learn a whole different style to ski the deep! </p>
<p>(says the woman who skis boilerplate in the midwest)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>[thread drift]</p>
<p><em>Our 25 yr old son is employed by Telluride Ski Resort, as well as a Nat'l Ski Patrol employee for them.</em></p>
<p><em>He owns four pair of skis for different activities:</em></p>
<p><em>Giant Powder Fat Boys</em></p>
<p><em>Mogul shorties</em></p>
<p><em>Basic get-around skis</em></p>
<p><em>Terrain park twin tips</em></p>
<p>[/thread drift]</p>
<p> </p>
<p>*sigh*</p>
<p> </p>
<p>yup, I'm <jealous> Have a BLAST!</p>

 

[Swimmerbee]

<p>I just got back..I drove.  I see lots of people losing thier luggage for some reason into SLC.  I'd take a boot bag (I wear my boots when i fly there) and essentials, you can always rent skis for a day or two. In fact if you have east coast "crud buster" skis, I'd consider just renting when you are there, the resorts have great demos so do places down in the city.  I am a tele only skier though so this is what others tell me.  There was a rain storm there last week and there's a layer of ice under the snow now, there was over a foot of new powder and more on the way but also very strong winds. The backcountry is very hazardous now, stay in bounds.  Be prepared for strong wind this time of year along the ridges and for it to get quite cold late in the day.  If you are driving yourself up to the resrots be aware that big storms or potential slides (current conidtions) can close the canyon roads (little cottonwood esp.) stranding you either at the bottom or at the resort, bring a little extra clothes in the car and check the road conditions.  They will also requrie chains or 4x4 after every storm so if you rent consider a 4x4, on the other hand the busses have chains and go about as fast as the cars so I often take them. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Alta offers group lesosns that are quite reaspnable and the insturctors show you some of the nicer terrain so consider signign up for one to get your "powder feet" under you (other places give lessons but not tele).  Also learn about the terrain before you go into an area Alta and Snowbird (Park CIty too) can have a lot of exposure and the former 2 you can end up in extreme terrain that's ungroomed and virtually unmarked.  This could be tough if you arent' prepared for it so get a good orientation first, then have fun.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And one down note-Alta and Snowbird were suffering a rash of ski thefts mid-mountain when I got there so take precautions (perhaps another reason to rent?).</p>