All skiers have different preferences in their ski resorts, depending on experience, type of terrain and the après skiing culture of the mountain itself. Resorts throughout the West Coast can be similar in terms of conditions, such as frequent powder days and a variety of leveled trails for skiers, although some rise above others by narrow margines.
Tamarack Ski Resort in Idaho is a local favorite among skiers and snowboarders in the area. It is known for its blend of comfort, warmth and a large array of terrain and trails for every level. Usually, Tamarack opens in mid-December and closes in early April, leaving about five months of ski time for this resort that is located two hours away from Boise, Idaho.
“They have great runs and great snow,” said junior Madison Jones. “I really like their more difficult runs, but my siblings enjoy the easier runs.”
Another thing that skiers love about Tamarack is the lodging which includes cabins and condos for rent. Most of them are within a short walking distance through shopping and restaurants to get to the lifts at the base of the mountain. 
The food and après ski culture at Tamarack is a highlight of the resort and is often the reason many skiers and families choose Tamarack specifically.
“The food at the base restaurants is always dependable and convenient as it is ski-in-ski-out,” Jones said.
However, some students at Eagle High enjoy going out of state for their skiing adventures, mainly traveling to Utah.
“My family loves exploring Utah’s ski resorts, and Snowbird has always been my favorite in the spring,” said junior Devan Pilling.
Snowbird is located about 40 minutes outside of Salt Lake City and about five hours from Boise, and is the more advanced skier’s dream mountain. Full of harrowing and intense terrain, it is one of the tallest mountains in the state, making its long runs very desirable to get in the most vertical feet skied in a day.
“Spring skiing at Snowbird is perfect. The weather is fantastic, the community is welcoming, and the runs are diverse,” Pilling said. “Even on snowy days, there’s always a hidden patch of untouched terrain.”
Some resorts outperform others in food, trails and overall size of the mountain. The main reason that people choose between mountains often has the most to do with the community and feel of mountain itself.
“I’ve been to Deer Valley, Alta and Park City. Snowbird stands out for its welcoming community—something the other resorts don’t always have,” Pilling said.
Picking the right ski resort is ultimately up to the individual. However, Tamarack and Snowbird seem to offer two different types of skiing, one caters to families seeking a relaxing weekend and Snowbird caters to the advanced skier looking for a fun yet challenging weekend.
