request for unrealistic prognostication

[bdmrad]

I am planning a trip for March 19-26. Trying to decide between Banff/Lake Louise or Brighton/Solitude. Which do you all think is more likely to hurt snow conditions, Utah's warmth or the El Nino dearth of snow in the Northern tiers?

I know I probably can't go wrong with either, but I'm on the bubble and need a push. Thanks for any input.

 

[Anonymous]

I went to Banff/LL last year around that same time and although I didn't experience any dumps, the conditions were still nice and the scenery of course was incredible. March is that area's prime time. As for Utah, I'm helpless there.

Feel free to take a look at my pics from the trip to get an idea of what the resorts looked like:

http://www.rlmillerdesign.com/canada/

 

[Sharon]

You can't go wrong with anywhere in March (usually).

With all the snow falling in Utah...that is a safe bet. Lake Louise always has lotsa snow that time of year as well. March is a prime time to go. You get comfortable temps and good snowpack and if you are lucky, you'll get a good snowfall to boot!

 

[Tony Crocker]

If you have to commit now, you had better pick Utah.

Lake Louise most assuredly does NOT "always have lotsa snow." Average snowfall totals are a modest 100 inches at the base and 200 at the top. I will say that my personal experience at Louise (early April 1999, mid-March 2002 and early February 2004) is much better than the numbers indicate. 1999 and 2002 were big years but last year was only average and conditions were excellent http://216.250.243.13/discus2/messages/ ... 1076703531 .

Given size of mountain, low temps and skier density, what snow falls at Louise preserves very well. The main impact of the low average is that there is not much margin for error in below average snow years. 1993, 1998 and 2001 were all pretty rocky for the entire season. What those years have in common is a consistent southern storm track, exactly what we have experienced so far this season. Direct reports this year are much better than those 3, but it will need to pick up some for late season skiing to be good.

With regard to Utah's warm weather, the Cottonwood Canyons have enough altitude and north exposure to keep the snow nice. Much of the terrain at the Park City group will be slushy in late March if it hasn't snowed recently.

 

[bdmrad]

Thanks for the input.

 

[Geoff]

With regard to Utah's warm weather, the Cottonwood Canyons have enough altitude and north exposure to keep the snow nice. Much of the terrain at the Park City group will be slushy in late March if it hasn't snowed recently.

That's been my experience, too. You often see spring conditions below 9000 feet at the Park City resorts from mid-March. Jupiter and 9990 will be fine but everything else will be crunch. The parts of The Canyons that sit in the sun are often completely melted out by that time of year.