Summary, Best of , Takeaways, Tips and Recommendations!

It was a great trip and our only regret was the lack of new snow, everything else was great.  I am sure we will do something similar in the future maybe the Southern Rockies, Canada or the Pacific Northwest.  Here are a some observations, recommendations and tips.

Best of:
Best Large Hotel - St. Regis Deer Valley
Boutique Hotel - Knob Hill Inn Sun Valley, Honorable mention Rusty Parrot Jackson Hole
Best Bed - Rusty Parrot, it was so comfortable
Best Breakfast - Rusty Parrot
Best Hot Tub- Summit Hotel in Big Sky has a pool that is a hot tub located adjacent the ski slope
Best On Mountain Dinner - Everett's 8800 at Big Sky accessible by ski lift
Best Cabin Dinner - Trail Creek at Sun Valley
Best Mountain - Jackson Hole
Most Crowded - Steamboat Springs as we were there on President's Day
Least Crowded - Yellow Stone Club, averages 175 people per day
Best Geyser - Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park
Best Wildlife - At Grand Teton National Park
Best Cruiser Runs - Sun Valley Warm
Steepest Runs - Jackson Hole
Best Bar - Mangy Moose Jackson Hole
Most Upscale Vibe - Sun Valley
Best Thrift Shop - Gold Mine Thrift Shop in Ketchem
Best Tram - Snowbird
Most Iconic Ski Resort - Tie Sun Valley and Alta
Oldest Demographic Skiers - Sun Valley
Fastest Lifts - Deer Valley, all high speed except for 2
Most Comfortable - Yellowstone Club with bubbles
Best Gondola - Jackson Hole, longest
Best Chairlift - Challenger at Sun Valley 2,850 vertical
Most Amazing Resort - Yellowstone Club
Best Ski Day - Jackson Hole with Tommy Moe, Honorable Mention Yellowstone with Hank Kashiwa
Most Scenic Drive - tie for the a) 40 miles directly south of Big Sky and b) the 50 miles South of Jackson
Best Canyon Drive - Glenwood Canyon near Glenwood Springs Colorado, second Hoback River Canyon south of Jackson
Best Dinner - St. Regis  J&G Grill Wine Vault with Caymus Vintner
Best Mountain View Dining - Summit at Snowbird
Best Lunch - Rainbow Lodge at Yellowstone Club
Best Photo Ops - Grand Teton Nat. Park with Brad Schwarm of Alpenglow
Favorite Adaptive Ski Programs Visited - National Ability Center, STARS, Eagle Mont
Best On Mountain Cabin - Yellowstone Sugar Shack
Best Runs - Beatlemania YC, Warm Springs SV, Paint Brush JH
Best Wine  - Lail 2010 John Daniel Cabernet Sauvignon
Best Internet Service - Holiday Inn West Yellowstone
Most Common Response about our trip - "Can I go with you"
Best Charity Event - NAC Red White and Snow
Best Business Event - Cushman & Wakefield Capital Markets Summit

Takeways
2000 miles, 19.5 MPG, 5 states, no car issues, $1.79/g average gas
Hotels - $125-$325, not counting the St Regis
14 ski days, 9 ski resorts, 50+ friends, 100 new friends and many experiences
Mountain Collective pass averaged $50 per day, no lift discounts at Big Sky or Steamboat
Only bummers - my cousin's wife Jen broke her shoulder and we would have like more powder
Surprises - much warmer and less new snow than planned but plenty of base snow
The natural beauty of the Northern Rockies was spectacular, See the USA
Driving was easy if you have good weather, a good vehicle and keep it to 6 hours a day every few days
Learning to blog and video interview was  not too hard but it does take time and planning
It was great to see friends but also our 2 sons, cousin and wife and former college roommate
We had time for skiing, sightseeing, as well as philanthropy and business
Our auto packing system worked great- skis inside car and clothing bar across the second row passenger seats
We enjoyed several hotel room with wood burning fireplaces
People were very friendly everywhere.
We noticed that previously the we flew to ski areas we missed much of the natural beauty that you can only see by driving
It was interesting to compare resorts one after the other under the same conditions rather that years apart.

Recommendations
Plan ahead, make hotel reservations in advance, otherwise you risk being in less quality lodging
We also made most of our dinner reservations in advance if you want to go to better places
Have a good SUV with good winter tires
Bring a wide variety of clothes and skis for all conditions, we brought 3 pairs of skis each
Every hotel has internet so you are not off the grid unless you want to be

Photo Tips

Taking ski videos on the iPhone worked well as long as it was sunny
For interviews we used a directional microphone that attaches to the iPhone
Use the mic windscreen if you are outdoors, we learned the hard way on this
Use a pocket camera also, it is much faster to use than an iPhone and better in low light and with flash
While driving have your DSLR camera with telephoto zoom lens ready for wildlife shots
We used 3 cameras, nikon DSLR, canon pocket camera and iPhone

Blog

We had never blogged before.  It actually was pretty easy and fun.  It gives you a record of your trip and friends seemed to like it.  We used the "Blogger" online software.  I suggest practicing in advance before you go on the trip.  Transferring photos and videos took a little bit to figure our but then it is pretty easy.  I uploaded all video to You tube then used a link in Blogger to show it.  The photos generally can be uploaded direct from you phone or camera or connected with an SD card. to laptop or I pad.  I would recommend having a laptop but an iPad or similar will do.  Try to create the blog posts within 24 hours so you do not forget the details.  We also used a journal/logbook to record mileage, weather conditions and other notes.

It was a great trip and we suggest other give it a try!

Red White and Snow begins

RWS is the 3 day fundraiser for the National Ability Center, an Park City based entity that empowers individuals of all abilities.  www.discovernac.org  Kelley and Jim have been supporters of this organization for the last 5 years and Jim in in his second year serving on the board.  Our guests for this event include Bob and Tami Wille,  and Brad Calbert and Deb Courtney

The event kicked off Thursday night with a wine tasting event at the Stein Ericksen Lodge.  About 30 vintners participated in the event.  Friday begin with a ski with the legends event.  We skied with about 20 Olympians and many vintners.  We were all decked out in retro ski gear.  Friday lunch was at the St. Regis terrace with 250 people under sunny skies.  Friday evening we hosted a RWS vintner dinner for 30 at the St. Regis with Caymus wines as our vintner and Richard Samaniego as our chef for the J&G Grill.  Saturday we skied and attended the Gala event at the Montage.

 Deb Courtney

 Matt our NAC veteran with Kelley and Deb

Ready for the Gala Event

Richard Samaniego J&G Grill Head Chef

Skiing Alta an Iconic resort

Thursday we traveled to the top of the Little Cottonwood Canyon to ski Alta, an iconic resort.  That morning my cousin Les and his wife Jen, who broke her shoulder, departed for the drive back to Northern California.  Alta is a a unique place, that has an "Old School" feel to it.  Alta along with Deer Valley is one of the two resorts in the U.S. that do not allow snowboarders.  Alta is thought of as being synonymous with Powder snow.  However, on our trip it had not snowed substantially in several weeks, so we were skiing "groomers" on a partly sunny and fairly warm day (35 degrees at the top and 45 at the bottom).  The result was little crowds and we had a very nice half day of skiing.  We were able to use our Mountain Collective pass.

In the afternoon we went down to Salt Lake City to visit our son Matt who has recently relocated to this town.  We had a very good visit with Matt.  Then back up to Park City to get ready for the next event, Red White and Snow, the three day fundraiser for the National Ability Center which Kelley and I have supported for several years.  The event kicked off with a wine tasting at the Stein Ericksen lodge.  Later that night four of our friends arrived.  More about RWS in the next blog. post

Deer Valley with Cushman and Wakefield

Sunday afternoon we checked into the St. Regis Deer Valley.   Our cousin Les Seely and his wife Jennifer joined us.  They have also been on a road trip traveling from Northern California to New Mexico, skiing Taos, Pajarito and then  on to Vail.  Sunday evening was the beginning of the Cushman and Wakefield Capital Markets Summit event.  It started with a reception and dinner at the St. Regis attended by about 125 real estate professionals.

Monday was group ski day .  We skied in a group of 8 with Olympian Tracy Evans, an aerialist.  We all had a great ski morning.  In the afternoon we raced Nastar as a group.  Kelley did great beating me on the first run, I beat her on the second.  Kelley had the 3rd fastest combined time including all the men.  Tommy Moe and Erik Schlopy raced and Eric edged out Tommy by a nose. A very fun time.  In the evening the whole group went to Riverhorse Restaurant which was very good.

On Tuesday, we skied with our real estate friends Andy and Kate Ebbott and Joe Nevarauskas.  It was cloudy at first but then the sun came out for a warm spring skiing day.

Sunshine at Snowbird on Sunday

Sunday was another bluebird sky day at Snowbird.  Staying at the ski area made for an easy commute to the slopes.  We took the aerial tram up the 3,000 foot rise to the top.  Snowbird has made a number of improvements in the last several years including new high speed lifts and the addition of a mountain top dining facility called the Summit.  The warm condition made for great spring skiing.  the south facing slopes such as Mineral Basin were preferred in the morning, with great groomer skiing. As the day progressed we skied all the lifts throughout the mountain.  Snowbird had a unique tunnel which is served by a magic carpet that take you through the mountain from one side to the other.  Along the way is a museum full of old photos showing the history of the area.

 The tunnel thru the mountain

Our Mountain Collective ski pass is good at both Snowbird and Alta.  We plan to ski Alta later this week.

After skiing we made the 45 minute drive to Park City and checked in at the St. Regis Deer Valley, a great place if we may say so.  Our initial stay has two benefits, our relatives Les and Jen Seely will be meeting us and staying several days and we are attending the Cushman & Wakefield Capital Markets Summit which is being attended by about 125 real estate professionals.

Off to Utah Saturday Feb 26

Saturday was a travel day from Sun Valley Idaho to Salt Lake City.  The weather was warm and the drive uneventful across the Idaho and Utah Plains.  We arrived in Salt Lake in the mid afternoon.  We met with our son Matt who has recently relocated to Utah.  We went downtown and toured the City Creek Retail Center. This is a pretty impressive retail development anchored by Nordstrom and Macy. It is part enclosed and part open.  We had a nice sushi dinner at Naked Fish. After dropping Matt off we drove up to Snowbird and checked in the Iron Blosam Lodge.

The Idaho countryside

Matt and Kelley at the City Creek Retail Center in Salt Lake City

Sun Valley the Sequel, more Blue Bird and Warmer!

Another super day at Sun Valley, blue bird, spring skiing conditions, 25 degrees at the top and 45 at the bottom.  I think we have not mentioned that we are using the Mountain Collective pass for much of this trip http://mountaincollective.com/
Two days prepaid plus 50% off on additional days at 12 ski resorts for about $400 depending when you buy it.  We have used it a Aspen, Jackson Hole, Sun Valley and will be using it at Alta Snowbird, averaging about $50/day for us.

Back to Sun Valley.  Excellent day a bit warmer, very few people and we found a couple lifts and a number of runs we had not tried yesterday.  Comments today more on off-mountain themes.  SV has a bit of an upscale feel with an older demographic.  No terrain park at the main mountain Baldy, but one over at Dollar mountain so you do not see park rats.  Also SV is the only place I have seen that has "wagons" for you to move your gear from the parking lot or shuttle drop off.  Kind of reminds me of Beaver Creek "not exactly roughing it." Although no escalators here as it is flat at the bottom.

Food, Hotel etc comments.  We have really enjoyed the Knob Hill Inn.  This is a 3 story boutique hotel with a great restaurant on the edge of the downtown.  Big pluses are the contemporary nice size rooms, very good restaurant/bar and excellent service.  As for service, our skis and boots are taken care of by the staff, each morning they are ready for us and we take the shuttle to the ski area, about 7-10 minutes away.  We did not have to wait at all and the drop off is much closer than if we had driven our own car.  We used the in room fireplace and it was great.  We also had a super dinner at the restaurant.

Last night we had dinner at Trail Creek Cabin which is run by the Sun Valley Lodge.  You can access it by sleigh ride or drive.  We drove but decided to stop at the Sun Valley Lodge for a cocktail and we are very glad we did.  Sun Valley and the Sun Valley Lodge are iconic places in American skiing.  The ski mountain is celebrating its 80th birthday this year.  The lodge was totally renovated over the last year.   The grounds are beautiful with a pond with swans, great outdoor lighting and a full size ice rink.  Inside the main hallways are like a history museum.  The photos, dating back to 1930 include presidents, movie stars and titans of industry.  We sat at the bar and had a great conversation with other patrons and the bar tender.

Then we headed off to Trail Creek Cabin, a few miles further down the road.  The log cabin is situated on the river and is 80+ years-old but has been renovated.  In the dining room there was one of the largest wood burning fireplaces we have ever seen and it was well tended all night.   The food was very good.  We had brussels sprouts for an appetizer and the cabin salad salad.  Kelley had root vegetable pie she liked and I had braised Boar Cheeks which I had never had and it was excellent.  For lunch we went to the Seattle Ridge Lodge at the top of the Mountain.  It is an upscale cafeteria and is very nice.  We sat outside in the sun and it was delightful.

Video Jim and Kelley Skiing Selfie at Sun Valley

Video Jim and Kelley skiing Sun Valley

Video FAC Club Sun Valley

Out takes FAC Sun Valley very short

Sun Valley Lodge

 Sun Valley River Run Entrance

 Sun Valley Gear Wagons  - Really!??

 Great Cruisers!

 Ketchum, Id from Sun Valley

 Knob Hill Inn in Ketchum

Glorious Groomers and Blue Sky at Sun Valley

 Wow! Best bluebird day of the year!  What a place.  The facts; base at 5,750 ft. top at 9,150 ft. 14 lifts.  Two base areas River Run and Warm Springs, interesting that they both will get you to the top of the mountain.  River Run has an 8 person gondola that takes you 2/3 of the way up, while Warm Springs has a 4 person quad (Challenger) that rise 3,142 ft in 10 minutes to the top of the Mountain. Amazing!

We had a great dinner at our boutique hotel Knob Hill Inn.  I would highly recommend this place, more details tomorrow.  The town of Ketchum and Sun Valley definitely have an upscale vibe to them.  We did not see a terrain park or any park rats.  Back to skiing!

Conditions today were blue sky 20 degrees at 9 am but quickly warming up to 30 plus and spring skiing.  We started skiing the south (sunny) side of the Mountain. With spring conditions groomers are the way to start and SV is known for its grooming.  We skied 4-5 great groomer runs including "Muffy's Medals"  Muffy is a friend of ours, originally from Idaho and now in Park City.  She has medaled in the alpine Paralympics and in the bicycling Paralympics.

We worked our way to the Warm Springs (north) side of the mountain as the day progressed.  There are some good mogul runs and more super groomers.  What makes the groomers so good is the steady pitch and wide area.  A unique thing at SV, their Green Runs would be Blue runs at any other ski area.  After blazing down one Green Run I told Kelley "that is the fastest Green run I have ever been on."  Under the Challenger lift is the Warm Springs Run, this is the best Cruising run I have ever skied.  We non-stopped it, the entire 3,142 of vertical, what a rush.  Not to be outdone is another great run "Picabo Street", which currently is steep and full of moguls and we had fun on it.

We had a great on mountain lunch at the Roundhouse, a legendary place with good reasonably priced food and super views.  More details tomorrow.

View from our room at Knob Hill Inn

Panorama

Video Kelley in Spring Snow at Sun Valley

Big Sky to Sun Valley

Today was our 315 mile drive to Sun Valley which was interesting but uneventful.  A sunny day with little traffic and no weather issues.  The start of the drive was thru Yellowstone for the first 30 miles which is beautiful with lots of snow and follows the Gallatin River.  We were basically backtracking the first 80 miles the same route driving up from Jackson Hole.  Driving past West Yellowstone thru Island Park along the Madison river was very scenic. The next part over the Idaho plains was mostly potato fields and some rivers.  We stopped in Idaho Falls for lunch, gas, a car wash and even lucked out and got a badly needed oil change at the local GMC dealer, as part of the cars maintenance plan.  The Yukon Denali has performed perfectly and has been very comfortable and has even averaged 19-20 MPG.

After Idaho Falls we rode on the Peaks to Craters Scenic Highway. We passed the Idaho National Labs which is a 900 Sq. mile facility that dates back to the 1940's with a history of developing nuclear reactors.  The lab today employs 8,000 people who most work on nuclear sustainability and national security.  We then passed the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve which is an 1,100 sq mile national preserve, created in 1924 and situated at 6,000 feet above sea level.  It has the best examples of the 3 types of lava fields and craters of any place in the US.  The final part of the drive included passing through low mountains and ranch land until the Sun Valley area of Hailey and Ketchum was reached.

Our hotel Knob Hill Inn is delightful.  Large room with a balcony, real wood fireplace and contemporary style.  We will be having dinner here tonight and look forward to skiing tomorrow.  When we arrived in town we ran a few errands.  We found a great thrift shop where we bought some retro ski clothes at very low prices which we will wear next week in Deer Valley for the Red White And Snow event. We also found a great wine shop.

Gallatin River in Yellowstone

Craters of the Moon

 The Mountains

Big Sky with friends

Skied Big Sky with locals Sue and Mike Arneson who are fellow Badgers and locals for 15 + years.  Sunny bluebird day 25 degrees.  No crowds or lift lines.  We had lunch at Moonlight Lodge and skied much of the Moonlight terrain which Kelley and I had not done before.  Sue and Mike are the best people.  You can see this on the video interview below.  We also had a great dinner with them at Olive B's which was very good.  Tomorrow we are have a travel day to a new ski resort.

Video Interview with Sue and Mike Arneson

Super experience at Yellowstone Club

We were fortunate to have the opportunity to ski and tour YC thanks to Patti Hilla.  YC is the largest and most exclusive ski and golf community in the US, encompassing 12,000 plus acres and 2,200 skiing acres with 14 lifts.  The are 500 plus members/property owners.  Our host/guide for the day was Hank Kashiwa former US ski team member, Olympian and pro ski racer.  We started our day at the magnificent Warren Miller lodge.  Warren is a long time ambassador/resident of YC.  Scott Schmitthe extreme  skier legend is the ski ambassador and Patti's husband.

Our ski day was partly sunny and 25 degrees.  Our skiing began with riding the manicured groomers on a tour of the ski area.  While most of the homes are large single family estates some of the newer homes are more modest but still exceptional in quality and all have incredible views.   No lift lines with skier count averaging 175/day.  Some lifts are pulse lifts starting when a skier arrives.  Scattered around the mountain are Comfort cabins or Sugar shacks, small warming cabins stocked with treats and refreshments.  It is not all groomers, as many steep schutes exist.  To Hank's delight we asked to ski one.  There was several inches of new snow and the steep run skied superbly.  We also skied some  treed powder runs which were very fun.  Lunch was at the recently expanded Rainbow lodge which was renovated at a cost of $35 million in an mountain contemporary style.  Beautiful building, great views food and staff.

After lunch we did a video interview with Hank, a link is below.  Hank is the nicest most knowledgeable person and of course a great skier.  Then some more runs and a full tour of the Warren Miller lodge, which is incredible.  A special day for Kelley and me.  Thank you to Hank,Patti and Scott.

Video Hank Kashiwa at YC

Warren Miller Lodge entry and gathering spot 

Kelley and Hank

Jim and Kelley inside Comfort  Cabin

Rainbow Lodge

Rainbow Lodge