Epic Ski Trip - Advice Needed

Hey All,

I am currently planning an epic ski trip around the western part of the united states because a ski patrol job here in Washington fell through. During this trip, I am going to be looking at potential places to ski patrol at for next season. I am mainly interested in checking out: Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Washington. I may stop through Tahoe area depending on what pass direction I end up going. This trip will probably take place from mid-January to early or mid April.

My main goal for this trip is to find somewhere where I want to be (hopefully patrolling) for the next few seasons. That said...I have a few major questions:

1) Where should I go?

I should probably include something about what I want to ski. I love pow, but who doesn't. Not super big into park. Love jumps and tricks, but looking to more natural features to huck off of. I like steeps and I love to charge. Steep groomers are a ball and I love to carve like a mad man. Trees are also my friends. Looking for places with good backcountry access as well.

2) Where should I go to keep lift ticket costs down?


Any good ski deals on tickets? Some deals I am considering: Vail Epic Pass (Unlimited access at Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, Beaver Creek, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood and Arapahoe Basin) all for $699 and The Mountain Collective (2 Days at each: Aspen/Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Squaw, and Alta with 50% off tickets after that for $349). I will probably end up spending somewhere near 2K on tickets, but want to do a bunch of backcountry skiing as well. Just want to get the most skiing for my money.

3) Anyone have any advice on patrols to check out? I have patrolled for 2 seasons in Michigan and am current in everything. I am looking for a place that has a chill feel and is not too scene. Good terrain, good people, good snow, maybe small town. Little or no commute to the mountain from where I would live.

I am also looking at getting a new pair of skis for the winter. Check out my other thread here: (got to post first)

Just planning right now and feeling different options out. Any advice would be awesome. Thanks so much!

My main goal for this trip is to find somewhere where I want to be for the next few seasons

~Travis