Mid April Out West, Where to go?

[Jonny D]

Hi, <BR> <BR>Normally I spend my time in the Eastern Section of the forums, but this year I'm planning a trip for the week after Easter (April 13-20?), and I'm not sure where to go. Been hearing that BC interior has had sub-average season, but that the Coast is having slightly above average season. <BR> <BR>I've got to stay in Canada, and I'm guessing that the only really reliable game that late in the season is Whistler. I've been to both Banff and Whistler in late April, but that was several years ago, so I'm not sure where would be the best bet this season. <BR>Any comments are greatly appreciated

 

[Tony Crocker]

Whistler is a fairly safe choice, and you'll hit the beginning of the World Ski and Snowboard Festival, which is something like April 17-25. That could be a plus or minus depending on whether you enjoy the festivities or find the area much busier than most ski areas at that time of year. <BR> <BR>Based on what I saw at Banff in February I would be skeptical, but March has been good so far. I still think you will need either north facing terrain or a snowmaking base for decent cover in mid-April. <BR> <BR>You should still look into Mammoth, Bachelor or the Cottonwood Canyons. Despite current warm weather, all have had 130+% seasons with very deep bases and everything will still be open at the time of your trip. All are reasonably priced, possibly cheaper than Whistler. Logistics at Mammoth and Bachelor are more difficult as the major airports (Reno, Portland) are 3+ hours from the resort and you need a car. <BR> <BR>Salt Lake is cheap and you have 4 reliable areas (Alta, Snowbird, Brighton and Solitude) within half an hour drive. They also average 60-70 inches of April snowfall so you could even get some decent powder.