So, the old man took up skiing 5 years ago or so and is turning 77. He's never been west of the Mississippi save for his flight through SF on the way to Vietnam. He's got some travelphobia, mostly just grumpy old man-ness, but I may have finally gotten him to agree to a ski trip out west. It's likely the only trip I'll ever get him on.
Our current target is Park City, early March. We're flexible, though. Relevant facts:
1. Epic military/veteran pass locations, so Vail owned only. He's a cheapskate and won't buy lift tickets somewhere else when "he's got a perfectly good pass" already. I get it, a once in a lifetime trip might engender other destinations, but this is a non-negotiable. He is who he is.
2. He's 77. He's in good shape and can ski all day, but still 77 and all the usual associated issues. He's never been at altitude and I am hesitant to push it if I can help it. A base above 8k has me nervous. Also, plentiful bathrooms are a plus.
3. He's a good, but not expert skier. 3D snow can give him trouble, but he can negotiate bumps and what not as long as it doesn't require fast reflexes. He aspires to ski trees but isn't there yet. Wide open western trees might be fine. I have no idea how he will handle powder, he's never skied it before. He can take care of himself on pretty much any flat surface, regardless of ice or steepness. Bonus points for places where I can ski something epic and he can take a different route down and meet me at a junction.
4. We're meeting my brother in law there, he lives in SoCal. We're up in VT. Travel time is a factor as we have around 4-5 days, a week at most. Anyplace you can get to fast (direct flight) from NYC or LA will be helpful. Dad does not travel well, did I mention that?
5. Finally, it's got to be majestic. I swear, the man gets misty eyed just talking about western mountains he's never seen. I want to take him to see his dream.
We aren't made of money, but we aren't poor, either. Let me put it this way. I drive a Kia, but it's new.
So, let fly with the opinions! Park City a good plan? Somewhere else? Somewhen else? Anybody want to play tour guide?
Our current target is Park City, early March. We're flexible, though. Relevant facts:
1. Epic military/veteran pass locations, so Vail owned only. He's a cheapskate and won't buy lift tickets somewhere else when "he's got a perfectly good pass" already. I get it, a once in a lifetime trip might engender other destinations, but this is a non-negotiable. He is who he is.
2. He's 77. He's in good shape and can ski all day, but still 77 and all the usual associated issues. He's never been at altitude and I am hesitant to push it if I can help it. A base above 8k has me nervous. Also, plentiful bathrooms are a plus.
3. He's a good, but not expert skier. 3D snow can give him trouble, but he can negotiate bumps and what not as long as it doesn't require fast reflexes. He aspires to ski trees but isn't there yet. Wide open western trees might be fine. I have no idea how he will handle powder, he's never skied it before. He can take care of himself on pretty much any flat surface, regardless of ice or steepness. Bonus points for places where I can ski something epic and he can take a different route down and meet me at a junction.
4. We're meeting my brother in law there, he lives in SoCal. We're up in VT. Travel time is a factor as we have around 4-5 days, a week at most. Anyplace you can get to fast (direct flight) from NYC or LA will be helpful. Dad does not travel well, did I mention that?
5. Finally, it's got to be majestic. I swear, the man gets misty eyed just talking about western mountains he's never seen. I want to take him to see his dream.
We aren't made of money, but we aren't poor, either. Let me put it this way. I drive a Kia, but it's new.
So, let fly with the opinions! Park City a good plan? Somewhere else? Somewhen else? Anybody want to play tour guide?
