Here's a great story for skiers and snowboarders who are constantly on the lookout for new places to hit the slopes. My friend Matt Gibson, along with his girlfriend Emilie Warden, are hitting the American west to go in search of the best ski resorts in the country. They're calling their search the Best in the West Tour, and they began their ten week road trip this past weekend, setting out for Jackson Hole, Wyoming.The basis of the tour, other than being a great excuse for sampling powder all over the western part of the U.S., is to actually apply a measure of scientific research into what makes a good ski resort for any given person. The assertion being that what makes a resort great for one skier or snowboarder, may have no bearing at all for someone else. Particularly if there is a vast gap in the skill levels of the two individuals.
Matt and Emilie intend to visit more than a dozen different ski towns, interviewing visitors at to what they find to be their favorite and least favorite aspects of the local resorts. By connecting with the average skier or snowboarder, they hope to get a better picture of what appeals to the weekend warrior more so than the professional.
The first half of the Best of the West itinerary has already been posted in case you want to get in touch with our intrepid duo while they are out on the road. If you're planning to visit Jackson Hole this week, or Grand Targhee, Snowbird, Squaw Valley or Sugar Bowl in the days ahead, you'll definitely want to check in to see if you can offer your opinion on what makes those places great. If you're not going to be in the area, then weigh in with your thoughts on Matt's Facebook page or take this brief survey. As an incentive to participate, they're giving away $10 gift certificates for discounted lift tickets on Liftopia and a chance to win $2500 worth of gear from First Ascent.
And even if you don't get a chance to participate, you can still follow Matt and Emilie's skiing adventure, which looks like it'll be a fun one. Who wouldn't be jealous of a ten week tour of ski resorts out west, huh? Watch Matt's webpage for regular updates.
