In Praise of Very Small Ski Resorts
I haven’t been skiing much since I damaged my right knee long-boarding 2 1/2 years ago. But, at the invitation of my son, I’ve gone twice this month . . . both times at “mom-and-pop” resorts.
Beaver Mountain ski area is located 25 miles east of Logan, Utah, and has 4 chair lifts, 3 were operating the day we were there — Monday January 5th. When we arrived, it was snowing heavily . . . light powdery snow. The parking lot had few cars; the resort was largely deserted. My son bought a day pass, but I waited until afternoon; half-day passes are $30. The Beaver Mtn resort has an excellent variety of intermediate runs, and the day we were there the skiing was great, few skiers and a lot of powdery snow. Even with it snowing, the visibility was surprisingly good.
Yesterday, we skiied at Pine Creek resort located 10 miles east of Cokeville, Wyoming. The resort has only one lift, but the altitude gain is good. The resort is only open Friday - Sunday. Yesterday was sunny and beautiful, and there was a lot of fairly fresh powder. The skiing crowd arrived in two bus loads (elementary school children) and a few cars. A day pass is $35.
In the morning we pretty much had the Pine Creek ski resort to ourselves. The weather was sunny and cool, and the evergreen trees were beautifully flocked with a heavy dose of snow. From the top of the lift, there were great views over the valley surrounding Cokeville. For an intermediate skiier, the resort is almost too good to be true.
Both resorts have nice lodges. The burger at Pine Creek was good. Neither resort has been invaded by hotels, condos, cabins, or apres-ski bars. They are just family-type resorts with good skiing. Beaver Mtn does, however, cater to Utah State University students. My two sons and I learned to ski at Beaver Mtn, so it also provides happy memories.