Dry crisp air, powder for miles and unique terrain are conditions that East Coast ski resorts could only dream about. East Coast mountains consist of slushy, icy and man-made snow and the same flat terrain that doesn’t give you a sense of adventure.
The skiers and snowboarders who argue against traveling for the sport miss the true beauty and aspects of the Rocky and Western mountains. All the aspects that they provide create this unforgettable experience that outshines what most East Coast resorts can’t offer. The snow conditions, the breathtaking views, the cozy and welcoming atmosphere and just the overall experience are the reasons why people go.
Despite all the wonderful experiences the West offers, those who argue for the East see money, distance and effort as the definer. They believe that traveling is expensive, timely, an absolute hassle that they do not want to deal with and that the snow and terrain is good enough in the East. Journalist Sam Fishman from Snow Brains said, “Although it is widely thought that the West Coast has ‘better’ and more snow, there are definitely a handful of resorts on the East Coast that are less talked about when it comes to snow quality and quantity.”
High prices and endless bills are inevitable, from all the amazing restaurants you just have to try, to the charming lodging tucked into the mountain that offers comfort with a view worth every penny. But isn’t that part of the adventure? Spending a little more is a small price to pay for the thrill of carving through untouched powder, exploring vast terrains that stretch for miles and experiencing sunsets that turn snow-capped peaks into golden masterpieces.
Moreover, the journey itself adds to the story. Traveling across the country, bonding with friends in the car or plane and finally stepping into a completely different environment makes the whole experience worth the hassle.
It’s not just skiing or snowboarding, it’s an escape from reality. The crisp air that fills your lungs, the tempting and glistening snow sparkling under the sun and every run down the mountain slowly relaxes you, taking all the stress away. While the East brings you to reality when you fall on ice and bruise yourself.
Ultimately, the effort and expenses of traveling out West are outweighed by the memories you make, the bonds you strengthen and the breathtaking views you’ll never forget. It’s not just a trip, it’s a trek for ultimate happiness and escape for anyone who finds themselves constantly craving the mountains.
Of course, the East will always have its charm, but for those who truly crave adventure, variety and snow will make the sacrifice and go out West to visit an unbeatable destination. Sophomore snowboarder Annika Rytting is just one of the lucky people who sees the West’s beauty.
Since the first time Rytting saw the remarkable panoramic view of Lake Tahoe and the snowy peaks surrounding it, she understood why the West was known as the best. Sitting at the summit cafe, sipping hot chocolate with her grandmother and father Rytting felt blessed for being able to experience something so beautiful. Realizing that is just a fantasy for “Ice Coast” snowboarders.
Rytting has nothing but praises for the West, from the fresh 20-inches of powdery snow every day to the cozy, luxury village that transports you to a village in Europe, these are just two of the millions of reasons she will continue to go back to the West and the West only.
Subsequently, Rytting said that the West’s terrain is unbeatable when compared to the East. Rytting said, “The East is more like a ‘tall hill,’ a tall hill with a few bumps. On the other hand, the West is like an actual mountain; a mountain with bumps, moguls and trees all around to fully immerse you.”
Another experienced boarder is junior Arthur Salatov, who has been left and right, traveling both the West and East immensely. Checking off 15+ ski resorts across the U.S., Salotov is no stranger to the factors of a “perfect” ski resort.
One of the major things that makes or breaks his experience is the snow conditions; a beautiful trail with no rocks or ice and just the right amount of powder that allows you to go at the speed of light while gliding. The West Coast ski resorts pass his “conditions” test with flying colors, while the East is left to struggle. Salatov acknowledges that the more North you go the better the snow gets, but even with the location change and significantly better conditions to Maryland, nothing beats the West coast snow.
Along with snow, comes another major factor, the trails. While snow conditions are of extreme importance, the trails are what make and break your experience at a resort and this is what truly differentiates the West and the East. Known for its long and magnificent trails, the West allows you to experience beauty and fun into one, no matter your level. Whether it is a green or a double black diamond, the trails are lengthy and will make you leave reality from the breathtaking views.
As a whole, Salatov is no stranger to the coasts, but overall will always go back to the West when given the opportunity. Salatov said, “I enjoyed the conditions on the West Coast far more than I did on the East Coast. The amount of snow and the length of the trails make it incomparable to the East Coast.”
Similar to snowboarders, skiers also have similar sentiments about West Coast and Rockies resorts, such as eighth grader at Robert Frost Middle School, Max Felde.
Felde is no stranger to the slopes, having been skiing since the age of two. Ever since he first stepped on the slopes he has travelled all over the globe for skiing, capturing his favorite memories, least favorite trails and major critiques of his overall experiences.
Snow conditions and trail difficulty are the true deal breakers for Felde, so when it comes to judging resorts he is extremely serious. Being able to ski at over five different ski resorts all over the East Coast, Felde is no stranger to their poor conditions and overly easy terrain. Felde said, “The East has horrible conditions, it can go from being really cold and nice to very hot and gross in a matter of hours; plus the terrain is too easy for me. It really lacks the fun aspect.”
On the other hand, when it comes to the West Coast and Rockies Felde has had a whole different experience compared to the East. In the West, the snow is powdery and the terrain truly challenges you in every way. One of Felde’s fondest memories from skiing at Park City, Utah, was going down the 9990 bowl, one of the most difficult but absolutely exhilarating trails you’ll find there.
While traveling long distances for skiing or snowboarding may be expensive and time- consuming, the payoff is unmatched. The unbeatable snow quality, thrilling terrain and memories made high in the mountains create an experience that far outweighs the effort. As Rytting said, “In the end, it’s not just a trip, it’s an adventure that stays with you long after the
snow has melted.”
