Mammoth’s slope side budget digs

Posted by Staff in Budget Thursdays, California

What I have always loved about Mammoth is that there are plenty of budget accommodations to be found…from Motel 6 to cheap condos for rent. But when booking this last trip to Mammoth I found that one of the best budget accommodations in town was the least expected…the Mammoth Mountain Inn.  

Located right next to the Main Lodge with ski in/out access, I had always thought that the Mammoth Mountain Inn would be one of the most expensive places to stay in town…but I was wrong. Turns out that rooms at the Inn start at $189 per night, which compared to the Holiday Inn and Quality Inn, which start at $140 per night, you only pay an extra $50 dollars to be on the slopes.

The reason for the great deal is that the hotel is older and not as up-to-date as other accommodations in town.  In the mornings I could hear the avalanche patrol bombing the mountain, and my neighbors yappy dog sounded like it was living in my closet…but being a few steps from a lift at this price is hard to beat.

Info at www.mammothmountain.com

Utah Welcomes Skiers With Multiple Personalities…Part IV

Posted by Staff in Budget Thursdays, Utah

The fourth Utah personality….

THE FAMILY ON A BUDGET:

Wolf Creek is a family paradise.  Where else can you rent a brand new luxurious 7 bedroom home, with 3 family rooms, home theater and a gourmet kitchen, that sleeps 16 for only $575 per night…that boils down to only $35 per person for five star luxury. For those with smaller families, Wolf Creek also has condos starting at $125 per night.

The budget conscious yet spacious digs is not the only reason I deem this the ultimate family playground…the ski resort has family written all over it.  The tone is set by the base lodge, which is housed in a vintage dairy barn, instantly giving it a non-intimidating family feel.  The mountain has tons of beginner terrain and even a kid’s ski school set in a Yurt…with lift tickets only costing $32, everyone in the family can join in on the fun.

If your kids are the next Picabo Street or Flying Tomato, then more challenging terrain is not far, with Snowbasin just a short ride away. Owned by the Sun Valley Resort, this super posh mountain has some of Utah’s longest downhill runs.  With no lodging offered, lift ticket prices are still moderate ($63) considering the vast terrain. For more info visit www.wolfcreekutah.com, www.snowbasin.com

Check out Part III by clicking here

Check out Part II by clicking here

Check out Part I by clicking here

Utah Welcomes Skiers With Multiple Personalities…Part III

Posted by Staff in Utah

The third Utah personality…

THE CUDDLY COUPLE:

If you are looking to hideaway with a loved one, Solitude is your resort. The aptly named resort is a place where you can feel like you are the only two people on the mountain…as one local said, even on the busiest day last year there were no lines for the lifts.

Much like Alta, this is the type of place you never have to leave…but rather than being holed up in one lodge, Solitude has a village layout.  There are several condo complexes, a hotel and a number of restaurants…all with ski-out access.

For ultimate mountain-style romance, you definitely want to checkout The Yurt dining experience. Adventurous diners follow a guide through snow-covered evergreens on cross-country skis or snowshoes to this secluded Mongolian Yurt for a five-course extravaganza. The restaurant’s popularity with visitors and residents alike make reservations required for this fixed price meal that only seats 20.

To continue the romance, the center of the village features an outdoor ice-skating rink, a heated swimming pool and several Jacuzzis.

Solitude is also great for the romantic couple with kids in-tow (A.K.A. a family).  The clubhouse offers activities and movies for children, allowing parents to sneak away for some romance.

For more info visit skisolitude.com

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Check out Part I by clicking here

Utah Welcomes Skiers With Multiple Personalities…Part II

Posted by Staff in Utah

The second Utah personality….

THE ATHLETE: 

The more advanced skier longing for a traditional alpine experience will find what they are looking for at Alta Mountain and Lodge. Here it’s about performance and camaraderie with fellow skiers…the rooms have boot warmers and humidifiers instead of TVs and the lobby has Scrabble instead of a bar.

With breakfast and dinner included in your room rate, and the ability to literally ski to the lobby door, this is the type of place you check-in and never emerge until your checkout day. Unfortunately for snowboarders, we (yes I am of the evil mono-ski clan) are banned from riding Alta…but only one mile down the road is Snowbird, an equally impressive and challenging winter play land, where equality reigns.

If cabin fever settles in during your stay, there are a few other resorts you can visit for dinner or a cocktail.  The Rustler Lodge is also located at the base of Alta Mountain and with-in walking distance from Alta Lodge.  At the end of a hard day of tackling Alta or Snowbird…the weaker athlete (like me) will look forward to one of the Sore Muscle Therapy massages offered at the Rustler Spa…it was only because of this massage that I was able to walk after a grueling day of mountain sport Snowbird. 

Check out Part I by clicking here