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What is the best big city to live in as a skier?

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brend
Posts: 779 - Karma: 3,608
I would have to say Calgary is one of the best. We have C.O.P. which is inside the city and tons of mountains like Lake Louise, Sunshine, Fernie, Castle, Kicking horse, and Revelstoke close by. We also get a dumping of snow every year which is good for urban and there are some really good urban rails.

There is also Vancouver that has Whistler (enough said), grouse, and Cypress. It looks like Vancouver is always raining and doesnt get that much snow for urban and such.

SLC and Denver look really good too.
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Sep 10 2014 8:16AM
187 56
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TurquoiseGrizzly
Posts: 1819 - Karma: 13,149
I moved to SLC for many reasons..

1. The Wasatch
2. Short 20 minute drive to the base
3. Each cottonwood is a awesome drive up the canyon. Immaculate!
4. Alta, Snowbird, Brighton
5. Park City and Canyons are 30 minutes away, or you can take the most incredible drive through Big Cottonwood, take Guardmans and be in PC.
6. BEST POWDER ON THE PLANET

I say SALT LAKE CITY
Sep 10 2014 9:06AM
15 1
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danbrown
Posts: 11932 - Karma: 21,775
salt lake is fucking tiny and has no city feel whatsoever
Sep 10 2014 9:09AM
9 21
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raymondcabral
Posts: 747 - Karma: 1,094
Salt lake city is pretty great
Sep 10 2014 9:16AM
5 1
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TurquoiseGrizzly
Posts: 1819 - Karma: 13,149
danbrownsalt lake is fucking tiny and has no city feel whatsoever


This is a ski thread not a city thread. Plus SLC is one of the cleanest citites. Just because there isn't a bunch of hustle and bustle doesn't mean it's bad. Don't hate.

raymondcabralSalt lake city is pretty great


Yes. It. Is.
Sep 10 2014 9:29AM
9 2
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danbrown
Posts: 11932 - Karma: 21,775
GrizzlyBurrThis is a ski thread not a city thread. Plus SLC is one of the cleanest citites. Just because there isn't a bunch of hustle and bustle doesn't mean it's bad. Don't hate.


-the thread title begins with "what is the best big city to live in"

-where did i ever say it was dirty?

-where did i ever say it was bad?

-where did i say one hateful thing?
Sep 10 2014 9:34AM
21 2
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TurquoiseGrizzly
Posts: 1819 - Karma: 13,149
danbrownsalt lake is fucking tiny and has no city feel whatsoever


Kinda negative.

I didn't say you said it was dirty or bad. I was just saying some positives. Relax.
Sep 10 2014 9:42AM
8 6
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Kooky_Lukey
Posts: 1002 - Karma: 1,966
Denver is too meh.

Resorts are 2 hours away minimum, always crowded, and traffic sucks. Calgary does sounds pretty nice though I would like to live up there at some point.
Sep 10 2014 11:46AM
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TurquoiseGrizzly
Posts: 1819 - Karma: 13,149
Unless you live in the mountains in CO your in for some prime skiing. It's WAY too far of a commute from Denver to the Rockies.
Sep 10 2014 12:01PM
2 0
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slaphappy
Posts: 53 - Karma: 34
Portland should be thrown into the mix...less than a hour and a half to Ski bowl, Mt Hood Meadows, Timberline, and a couple others.
Sep 10 2014 12:20PM
10 0
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freeballer
Posts: 722 - Karma: 935
GrizzlyBurrThis is a ski thread not a city thread. Plus SLC is one of the cleanest citites. Just because there isn't a bunch of hustle and bustle doesn't mean it's bad. Don't hate.



Yes. It. Is.


I voted for SLC and think it's a great city for skiing. The Wasatch is truly a gem and it's the best skiing I have found outside of Jackson (never been to Whistler, Revelstoke, Big Sky and some others of note).

But it's not a "clean" city. Doesn't it have some of the worst air pollution in the USA? Again, I love SLC and the skiing around it, but I wouldn't call it a clean city. That inversion is gross.

Denver is an awesome city. Tons of young people, amazing music, great neighborhoods, bars, bike friendly. But the second I move there, that is kinda the end of my skiing due to the horrible commute to skiing. If I lived there, I'd probably fly to SLC to ski.
Sep 10 2014 12:29PM
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JibbaTheHutt
Posts: 2132 - Karma: 1,597
Innsbruck? there about 20 resorts under 1.30 hours many of which have very big ski areas.
Sep 10 2014 12:35PM
11 0
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Petey.
Posts: 5736 - Karma: 4,881
danbrownsalt lake is fucking tiny and has no city feel whatsoever


I would like this
Sep 10 2014 12:37PM
1 0
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HOTKARLHOTKARL
Posts: 483 - Karma: 652
GrizzlyBurrI moved to SLC for many reasons..

1. The Wasatch
2. Short 20 minute drive to the base
3. Each cottonwood is a awesome drive up the canyon. Immaculate!
4. Alta, Snowbird, Brighton
5. Park City and Canyons are 30 minutes away, or you can take the most incredible drive through Big Cottonwood, take Guardmans and be in PC.
6. BEST POWDER ON THE PLANET

I say SALT LAKE CITY


except that its have the dumbest city layout with all the streets being coordinates based off of the temple. its sooooooooooooooooooooo confusing

also religious people and the smog layers
Sep 10 2014 12:39PM
6 1
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JibbaTheHutt
Posts: 2132 - Karma: 1,597
JibbaTheHuttInnsbruck? there about 20 resorts under 1.30 hours many of which have very big ski areas.


including st anton, mayrhofen,solden, st cristoph, kitzbuhel, ishgl, hintertux,lech. there really is stupid amount of skiing to be done from Innsbruck.
Sep 10 2014 12:42PM
6 0
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TurquoiseGrizzly
Posts: 1819 - Karma: 13,149
freeballerI voted for SLC and think it's a great city for skiing. The Wasatch is truly a gem and it's the best skiing I have found outside of Jackson (never been to Whistler, Revelstoke, Big Sky and some others of note).

But it's not a "clean" city. Doesn't it have some of the worst air pollution in the USA? Again, I love SLC and the skiing around it, but I wouldn't call it a clean city. That inversion is gross.

Denver is an awesome city. Tons of young people, amazing music, great neighborhoods, bars, bike friendly. But the second I move there, that is kinda the end of my skiing due to the horrible commute to skiing. If I lived there, I'd probably fly to SLC to ski.


THE CITY is clean. Not the air above it. As in there isn't trash laying around other than the bums.It's a very well kept city. As far as the smog goes, it sucks dick. As long as your above it in the mountains it doesn't affect you.

Oregon should be in the mix btw
Sep 10 2014 12:49PM
2 1
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danbrown
Posts: 11932 - Karma: 21,775
freeskierinsfexcept that its have the dumbest city layout with all the streets being coordinates based off of the temple. its sooooooooooooooooooooo confusing


once you've been there for more than a couple weeks it's actually insanely simple, and even helpful to the point where you can get to most places without gps or a map.
Sep 10 2014 12:56PM
3 0
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TheUngroomed
Posts: 1251 - Karma: 335
freeskierinsfexcept that its have the dumbest city layout with all the streets being coordinates based off of the temple. its sooooooooooooooooooooo confusing

also religious people and the smog layers


the grid system is awesome. i never have to use a gps to find anywhere

and SLC is a normal city. It's not like the rest of the state. We have one of the highest gay to straight ratios in the country because SLC is the only place they're accepted. the religious feel of the city is closer to one outside of the state, than any other city in Utah
Sep 10 2014 1:04PM
2 0
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powerbong2000
Posts: 737 - Karma: 1,802
Portland
Vancouver
L.A. (haha) it's the only REAL big city close to skiing in my opinion
Sep 10 2014 1:13PM
2 1
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freeballer
Posts: 722 - Karma: 935
No mention of Seattle?
Sep 10 2014 1:15PM
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TurquoiseGrizzly
Posts: 1819 - Karma: 13,149
danbrownonce you've been there for more than a couple weeks it's actually insanely simple, and even helpful to the point where you can get to most places without gps or a map.


Agreed. Once I learned the grid system when I moved here you can anywhere without your phone which is really nice.
Sep 10 2014 1:16PM
3 0
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freeballer
Posts: 722 - Karma: 935
GrizzlyBurrTHE CITY is clean. Not the air above it. As in there isn't trash laying around other than the bums.It's a very well kept city. As far as the smog goes, it sucks dick. As long as your above it in the mountains it doesn't affect you.

Oregon should be in the mix btw

Fair enough Grizz
Sep 10 2014 1:18PM
0 0
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Hackster
Posts: 145 - Karma: -11
JibbaTheHuttincluding st anton, mayrhofen,solden, st cristoph, kitzbuhel, ishgl, hintertux,lech. there really is stupid amount of skiing to be done from Innsbruck.


Lol since Euro cities suck all the way they shouldn't count, should they?


Seattle would qualify .... if only the drives to the resorts would be a tad shorter.
Sep 10 2014 1:19PM
0 6
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Twerk
Posts: 252 - Karma: 1,059
Not the best but Boston is cool and probably the only real city close to any skiing on the east coast. Plus the urban around Boston is insane.
Sep 10 2014 1:22PM
0 0
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Bum.Life
Posts: 507 - Karma: 2,608
Spent a semester abroad in Niseko Japan. Not really a big city but the apres ski life is awesome. Best snow and great ski culture.
Sep 10 2014 1:32PM
1 0
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Knewnews
Posts: 2093 - Karma: 477
powerbong2000Portland
Vancouver
L.A. (haha) it's the only REAL big city close to skiing in my opinion

LA is 6hs to mammoth, 2 to big bear and the other places (high) don't count, plus you are in la
Sep 10 2014 1:35PM
2 0
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Willskiforfree
Posts: 929 - Karma: 3,159
GrizzlyBurrTHE CITY is clean. Not the air above it. As in there isn't trash laying around other than the bums.It's a very well kept city. As far as the smog goes, it sucks dick. As long as your above it in the mountains it doesn't affect you.

Oregon should be in the mix btw


Im not sure if i agree with you, I live in SLC and unless you are in the heart of downtown or around city creek the city is pretty disgusting.
Sep 10 2014 1:40PM
1 0
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TurquoiseGrizzly
Posts: 1819 - Karma: 13,149
WillskiforfreeIm not sure if i agree with you, I live in SLC and unless you are in the heart of downtown or around city creek the city is pretty disgusting.


City Creek is clean, Gateway is clean, downtown is pretty much clean except for the trash people on the outskirts where nobody goes.

For the most part, I think it's pretty damn clean for a city
Sep 10 2014 1:49PM
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Peter.
Posts: 23796 - Karma: 13,012
Sacramento and San Fran aren't super far from lake tahoe (2 or so hours)
Sep 10 2014 1:52PM
3 0
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eheath
Posts: 61107 - Karma: 118,293
GrizzlyBurrI moved to SLC for many reasons..

1. The Wasatch
2. Short 20 minute drive to the base
3. Each cottonwood is a awesome drive up the canyon. Immaculate!
4. Alta, Snowbird, Brighton
5. Park City and Canyons are 30 minutes away, or you can take the most incredible drive through Big Cottonwood, take Guardmans and be in PC.
6. BEST POWDER ON THE PLANET

I say SALT LAKE CITY


20 minute drive to where?

Lets get realistic here. From the U of U, the park city lot is about 30-35 minutes, while the brighton parking lot is about 40 minutes.

Im okay with saying resorts are a "30 minute minute drive" but 20 is pushing it.


Also, you can only drive on guardsman's pass during the summer, you know that right?
Sep 10 2014 2:03PM
2 1
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tiger_shart
Posts: 510 - Karma: 1,585
GrizzlyBurrI moved to SLC for many reasons..

1. The Wasatch
2. Short 20 minute drive to the base
3. Each cottonwood is a awesome drive up the canyon. Immaculate!
4. Alta, Snowbird, Brighton
5. Park City and Canyons are 30 minutes away, or you can take the most incredible drive through Big Cottonwood, take Guardmans and be in PC.
6. BEST POWDER ON THE PLANET

I say SALT LAKE CITY


I guess I'm gonna be the one to say this, SLC sucks. The whole place just feels pasteurized, its all dead and white. can't beat the proximity to amazing skiing tho... denver isn't much better. not sure why seattle and portland aren't being mentioned as much, cool places, cool people, good skiing within a 2 hour drive. however i would like to know more about east coast cities. according to google maps philly is only an hour and 45 minutes to big boulder, but it would be nice to hear from some people who actually live there.
Sep 10 2014 2:05PM
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elm.
Posts: 1474 - Karma: 13,338
freeballerNo mention of Seattle?


Yeah! although it's the only place i've ever lived, we got snoqualmie, crystal, stevens, and Baker. never complained.
Sep 10 2014 2:05PM
2 0
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TurquoiseGrizzly
Posts: 1819 - Karma: 13,149
I'm just going to clear the SLC air and say, I DO NOT spend much time downtown unless there is a premiere of a band.

You can find me in the mountains.
Sep 10 2014 2:16PM
1 2
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Mike.Records
Posts: 1311 - Karma: 756
Anchorage! So many completely different climate zones within a days drive. Night skiing at Alyeska during the week. And, with long spring days I can go for a tour and ski corn after work. Great jobs too!
Sep 10 2014 2:16PM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 36696 - Karma: 110,713
definitely not salt lake. no alcohol, smog, mormons and shitty snow.
Sep 10 2014 2:45PM
3 3
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TurquoiseGrizzly
Posts: 1819 - Karma: 13,149
pussyfooter20 minute drive to where?

Lets get realistic here. From the U of U, the park city lot is about 30-35 minutes, while the brighton parking lot is about 40 minutes.

Im okay with saying resorts are a "30 minute minute drive" but 20 is pushing it.


Also, you can only drive on guardsman's pass during the summer, you know that right?


From where I live it is a 20 minute drive to the base of Big Cottonwood not from the actual city. Still closer than Denver, and yes I know it is closed during the winter. It's fun to go back there and hike during the winter though and it is an amazing drive during the summer and fall i was just mentioning it.
Sep 10 2014 3:04PM
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Cricky
Posts: 162 - Karma: 312
I have lived in Vancouver my whole life and it is really sick. The city itself is really nice, however little to no urban at all. I live 5 mins away from grouse which doesn't have much "real" skiing, however the park is unreal. I'd say that Grouse park is as good as Whistlers other than the lack of jumps at grouse. Then you have Whistler Blackcomb 1 hour and a half away, and that just speaks for itself.
Sep 10 2014 3:13PM
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ANDR01D
Posts: 1181 - Karma: 3,319
Its all about perspective. I'm used to driving for a hour to ski a hill with 500ft vertical. I'm more than willing to handle the 2 hour drive from the Denver area to ski at A-basin, Breck, and Keystone. You guys can even comprehend how stoked I am for this winter!
Sep 10 2014 3:45PM
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
There really isn't any amazing US cities for skiing but there are some good ones.

Denver
Portland
Seattle
Salt Lake City
Reno

and i'm sure there are some decent ones on the east coast.

I agree that Calgary would be a good place.
Sep 10 2014 3:56PM
2 0
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johnblaze
Posts: 1432 - Karma: 2,442
Biggest Little City-

Its not Canada
Woodward
Squaw
Mammoth
Kirkwood
Sep 10 2014 4:26PM
2 1
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Funkadelic
Posts: 1967 - Karma: 391
ShireRathowever i would like to know more about east coast cities. according to google maps philly is only an hour and 45 minutes to big boulder, but it would be nice to hear from some people who actually live there.


I grew up in PA, and lived in Philly for two years. Definitely not even close to being worth mentioning on this list. Big Boulder is barely a hill compared to the resorts being discussed in this thread. There's also closer/better skiing to Philly than Big Boulder. Blue Mountain and Camelback would be a similar driving distance and are significantly larger. Still not even close to Philly being worth discussing here.
Sep 10 2014 5:10PM
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..=
Posts: 548 - Karma: 1,224
danbrownsalt lake is fucking tiny and has no city feel whatsoever


SLC sounds so sick for those reasons sir, OP is a little off by saying Calgary is the best ski city. Sure each winter the city gets a crazy amount of snow for urbans, which has however led to making a fair portion of them being played out in recent years.

Regarding mountains, Louise is more or less the only hill in the whole province with a park comparable to some of the higher class resorts found across North America. COP may be convenient however it can't be denied that the park crew is practically non existent as well.

Overall SLC or Vancouver are much more viable options for best "ski city", although the ladder has very little urban opportunity
Sep 10 2014 6:41PM
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Wood_Wizard
Posts: 805 - Karma: 899
You do know there are city's outside of North America right???
Sep 10 2014 7:23PM
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C0ster
Posts: 101 - Karma: 190
sacramento for me theres all the tahoe resorts about a hour and half away. only downside is no urban.
Sep 10 2014 7:57PM
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403MEDIA
Posts: 272 - Karma: 4,803
Calgary!
Sep 10 2014 7:57PM
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spencer_y
Posts: 6 - Karma: 13
urban in vancouver isn't even an option
Sep 10 2014 8:33PM
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-benedetto
Posts: 5238 - Karma: 1,359
New York City has Mountain Creek 45 minutes away. It's a small hill but has 45 trails and a great park. The Catskills are 2 hours away and VT is like 3 1/2 and up but seems normal and not weird to do. PA small hills are under 2.

Not that NYC is up there in the top list,it's not even close. But if you like nyc or have a job there, it's doable.
Sep 10 2014 9:12PM
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lIllI
Posts: 1255 - Karma: 1,986
ShireRatThe whole place just feels pasteurized, its all dead and white. can't beat the proximity to amazing skiing tho...


This is the most accurate description I've ever read. Salt Lake is a moldy turd at best. Anchorage, AK has better skiing/outdoors closer, but Anchorage itself is a depressing shit hole. Portland is an excellent city but Oregon skiing is way too flat. I'm going to have to say that Seattle and Vancouver take the cake as far as North America is concerned.
Sep 10 2014 9:17PM
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danbrown
Posts: 11932 - Karma: 21,775
yunghopperSLC sounds so sick for those reasons sir


right...nowhere did I say it was a bad thing. the original post said "best big city" and I responded by saying salt lake has no big city feel...because it doesn't and isn't. the downtown area is like 4-5 streets and you can walk to a super suburban neighborhood in under 10 minutes
Sep 10 2014 9:59PM
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skier_boy26
Posts: 11295 - Karma: 502
I mean if you like bloby, gentrified sprawl in the middle of the plains, then by all means take Calgary. As a city, it sucks.
Sep 10 2014 10:34PM
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EvanMeyer
Posts: 3803 - Karma: 3,232
freeskierinsfexcept that its have the dumbest city layout with all the streets being coordinates based off of the temple. its sooooooooooooooooooooo confusing

also religious people and the smog layers


most cities are layed out in a grid form. Idk where your from but I had SLC figured out within a month of moving there. Come to pittsburgh if you want to know how confusing a city can be.
Sep 10 2014 10:40PM
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