Which ski resort??

Hi everyone, thanks for all info and experiences! - my 1st post.

We've been skiing a couple of seasons in Steamboat, Colorado and have now desided to give Europe a chance this 2009 season. Our first thoughts are somewhere in Switzerland - BUT WHERE?

Anybody have experience in comparing Steamboat with a resort in Swiss (ski quality, accomodation standards and resort layout - ski-in/out's). We seached and read hundreds of articles on the net, but can't find something similar to Steamboat. And now also the confusion of France, Italy and Austria.

Thanks for your help!

Hi

Haven't been to steamboat but hope i can be of some help!

I skiied Winter Park in the 03/04 season. I have also skiied skiied Austria twice italy twice and france since then!

The main difference i found in europe is that generally slopes are longer and there are more of them!

I also noticed in winter park that all black runs were moggled, i don't know whether this is similar in steamboat but i know its different in europe where they are generally pisted!

The other thing i found i was in winter park there was more snow then anywhere in europe i've been too! So you may find snow conditions not as good in europe.

Hope thats some help.

chris

Thanks Chris. Spot on with the snow conditions. What I've heard (and kinda experienced from Steamboat) is that the snow conditions is far better in US than Europe. The US downfall - Colorado spesifically - is that you go to a resort to ski - nothing else to explore the country side for a day off-slopes! Where as Europe, you can catch a train to anywhere for some off-slope days exploring diff countries.

My problem still is which resort to choose in Swiss! We want plenty of snow, beginner to intermediate, with 2 kids (14 and 11). Accomodation: something like US resorts - ski in/out condos, or shuttle couple of minutes to lift base. Like to stay close to the mountains. And yes, close to transport to explore rest of Swiss or nabouring countries for off-slope days.

Anyone any suggestions??

You want to come to Switzerland, but you'd like it to be quite like America

You may find it quite hard to get "ski in/out condos" in Switzerland, as the Swiss don't generally go in for the bulk accommodation at the ski base stuff. Maybe one exception is Haute Nendaz/Siviez, which are plain ugly.
Swiss resorts are communities and have a life outside winter sports, so generally, you will find that as they have evolved over many years they lack the uniformity of French high altitude resorts and their shoebox apartment blocks (for example).
On the upside, if you choose to visit Switzerland, you can utilise the Swiss Railways System, which is very efficient and offers a integrated service in conjunction with the Postbus service in outlying areas.

I have skied around 4 weeks in the US, some of which was on horrible rock hard and sparse conditions in high season. Additionally,I have skied in Europe every year since 1984 and not had poor snow since the early 90's. The last 3 winters have been very good for snow where I ski in Switzerland.

Winter Park is by a strange geological phenomenon the coldest place in the continental US. Hence the good snow....

They also do not piste their black runs - this then assures the existence of moguls.... Purely as a lure... It is a rarity....

Thanks bandit. I thought that may be the case, as I searched all over the net for that kind of accomodation.

But which resort comes closist to the US counterparts? in terms of layout and family skiing? Some ideas would be appreciated!

Or should I rather look towards Italy, France or Austria?

You will be travelling a long way for your skiing, so needs it to be spectacular IMV. So, I suggest for openers, looking at Saas-Fee in Valais. Car free, stunning glacier scenery, good learner slopes, high altitude, open year round for skiing. Good range of accommodation includes cheap b+b's, plus apartments and luxury hotels.
Access by Swiss Rail and postbus. Around 3 hours from Geneva airport.

http://www.saas-fee.ch/en/welcome.cfm