Advice Needed For Ski Trips

[iamjoy]

My husband and I went on one ski trip 8 years ago (Breckinridge). He really liked it and wants to go on another. I wasn't crazy about skiing (I am uncoordinated and unathletic). We liked Breckenridge, but thought we'd try some place different this time.

Is the skiing really better out West really better than in the East?
Do you know of any ski areas that have something to do besides the usual winter sports/activities (ski, snowboard, skate, snow mobile).

We're not trendy or into luxury. We like to walk around new areas and just enjoy the local atmosphere. We don't need to go on the cheap, but do have limited resources.

Recommendations on places, resorts, what to shop for, etc...

[nosillies]

1. We used to live in the Tahoe area, and I really enjoyed it

I, too, am not much of a skier. But at Lake Tahoe you have gorgeous scenery, cute little towns, casinos on the lake, good restaurants, etc. Plus, you're close enough to hit San Fran for a day or so if you choose. There are a few good ski resorts (Heavenly and Squaw Valley come to mind), and major casino hotels, like Harrah's and Caesar's.

[DrDan]

2. take a look at some of the ski packages

offered by Swiss Air, Austrian Air, Alitalia.

If you was something to go with the skiing, these can be great packages. And the price differences are not that much.

[sandnsea]

3. Santa Fe-Taos?

That comes to mind as far as local atmosphere and skiing. Tahoe is great for obvious reasons too. Park City UT, hugely popular. There's some other ski resorts in the area that are cheaper, and then one could just drive to Park City for a day. I don't ski, but snow is absolutely different from place to place. Some of it is just wet and slick and icky, other snow really is dry like powder. Montana has the driest that I've ever experienced, but I don't know that that equates to the best skiing. Whitefish is pretty cool as far as atmosphere goes, although it's awfully small. I love Montana, but I wouldn't choose it for a ski trip if I was looking for atmosphere and nightlife too.