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Trip Report Astro's Get Epic 2016. Vegas. Pk City. Beaver Ck. Vail. Breck.

Discussion in 'United States' started by Astro66, Nov 21, 2015.

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  1. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    So it's that time of the year again. About 35 days to wheels up. Time to get the Astro's 2016 TR started.

    Epic Passes all round, courtesy of Perisher Ski Resort, see's us in the USA this year. Though there's only the 3 of us going this year. Myself, Mrs Astro and Youngest Astro. Though we are hooking up with our neighbours whilst in Vail.

    Bit of a mixed bag this Year. Doing a 6 day road trip before hitting our first ski resort. Making sure Mrs Astro gets to do some stuff she enjoys, before The Boys Go Wild.

    So road trip is. LA. Las Vegas. Grand Canyon. Lake Powell. Salt Lake City.

    Then Resorts start at Park City, 7 days. Vail / Beaver Creek, 7 days. Then finish up at Breckenridge for 6 days.

    Mrs Astro loves her vacations planned, so I've got a detailed Itinerary of Places and Event Showcases to divulge first. With lots of pics, as always in an Astro TR.

    My family and work colleges at home follow this thread, like they do each year. So I'll try and keep it entertaining, but sane. LOL

    So strap yourself in. And please feel free to join us on the ride. :thumbs:
     
    #1 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
    Last edited: May 29, 2017
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  2. Born2ski

    Born2ski Part of the Furniture

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    Have you done any US resorts before @Astro66 ?
     
    #2 Born2ski, Nov 21, 2015
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  3. cruisin along

    cruisin along A Local Ski Pass: Gold

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    Sounds great fun indeed
     
    #3 cruisin along, Nov 21, 2015
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  4. Kletterer

    Kletterer Thredbo Doughnut Tragic Moderator Ski Pass: Gold

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    Thought of dropping in to Zion ?
     
    #4 Kletterer, Nov 21, 2015
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  5. benchives

    benchives Part of the Furniture Ski Pass: Gold

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    Have fun team astro
     
    #5 benchives, Nov 21, 2015
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  6. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    Yes, Heavenly and Big Sky. Loved them both.
     
    #6 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
  7. JoeKing

    JoeKing Old n' Thrusty Ski Pass: Gold

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    a galaxy far, far away.
    :evil:
     
    #7 JoeKing, Nov 21, 2015
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  8. cqen2l

    cqen2l Part of the Furniture Ski Pass: Gold

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    When in Breck @Astro66 make sure you treat Mrs. Astro well.

    Take her to Hearthstone for dinner. You will be rewarded! ;)

    Best restaurant in town.
     
    #8 cqen2l, Nov 21, 2015
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  9. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    From LAX first stop is Advantage Car Rental. Got onto this company through Economy Car Rental. Getting a Mid Size SUV for the whole 28 days. Costing about $1100.

    I've Google Mapped the Place. Looks like we can choose between a Jeep Liberty or Mitsubishi ASX.

    I've had the ASX before. Great 4X4 in the snow. Though Luggage space is small. Jeep liberty is significantly bigger. But I'm unsure of it's snow credentials. Anyone driven the Jeep Liberty in snow ?
     
    #9 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
    Last edited: May 29, 2017
  10. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    If there are any Horse Stables. I'll send for you Joe. :D
     
    #10 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
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  11. Summit

    Summit Old n' Crusty Ski Pass: Gold

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    Lake Powell looks cool in winter !

    [​IMG]
     
    #11 Summit, Nov 21, 2015
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  12. Slowpony

    Slowpony Addicted

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    So does Bryce Canyon
    [​IMG]
     
    #12 Slowpony, Nov 21, 2015
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  13. Summit

    Summit Old n' Crusty Ski Pass: Gold

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    Yeah, I've seen snow at Bryce in April, it's at about 8,000 ft.
     
    #13 Summit, Nov 21, 2015
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  14. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    Love the pics guys. We've never been. I'll show the wife the pics. She'll be over the moon. :thumbs:
     
    #14 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
  15. Legs Akimbo

    Legs Akimbo Grumblebum Ski Pass: Gold

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    #15 Legs Akimbo, Nov 21, 2015
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  16. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    Just awesome. Great stuff.

    If the wife gets pics like these. I'm guaranteed a Northern Hemisphere Winter for the rest of my life. LOL
     
    #16 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
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  17. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    So we're straight to Vegas from the Airport for 3 days. We're staying at the Excalibur on the Strip. And will be there NYE.

    [​IMG]
     
    #17 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
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  18. Legs Akimbo

    Legs Akimbo Grumblebum Ski Pass: Gold

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    If you have never driven through the South West the whole place is drop dead gorgeous.

    Monument Valley, the Utah canyons, Arches NP ..... In fact I would give Las Vegas a miss unless there is something in particular you want to do there and spend more time looking around. If the youngest Astro is under 21 there is not much there for him anyway.
     
    #18 Legs Akimbo, Nov 21, 2015
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  19. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    It's our 20 year Anniversary. So one of the things I've booked in whilst in Vegas, is my wife and I are renewing are Marriage Vows at an Elvis Chapel Wedding. LOL

    [​IMG]
     
    #19 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
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  20. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    You missed my next post. LOL Going to get remarried and take in some shows. I'll run through the Itinerary.
     
    #20 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
  21. Beerman

    Beerman One of Us Ski Pass: Silver

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    Looks like an ice Hotel at first glimpse before you scan down and see the cars etc............Las Vegas style of course
     
    #21 Beerman, Nov 21, 2015
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  22. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    So at the Wedding, we get picked up by a Pink Cadillac. Driven to the Chapel. Where Elvis will walk my wife down the aisle, and sings 2 songs. We then get a marriage certificate same as Elvis and Priscilla.

    I know it's corny. but all my wife's friends think it's fabulous and that's alll that matters. :D

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    #22 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
  23. Legs Akimbo

    Legs Akimbo Grumblebum Ski Pass: Gold

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    It's just one of my things. I think Las Vegas is a hole and the two times I have been there I have just wanted to escape. The first time my then fiancée wife* wanted to see it, the second time my daughter wanted to. Both have no desire to return. Although I liked Love - the Cirque de Soleil Beatles tribute.

    *By that time she was my wife.
     
    #23 Legs Akimbo, Nov 21, 2015
    Last edited: Nov 21, 2015
  24. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    We wanted to do this at our first Wedding, 20 years ago. But couldn't do it to our families. So we had it locally. And as I'm Italian. It was was great event. We had photo's done just down the road at Clovelly.

    This was us 20 years ago.

    [​IMG] ​
     
    #24 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
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  25. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    Totally agree Legs.

    Just going for the wedding. And to take my wife to the Titanic Exhibition. Also to David Copperfield or Penn and Teller.

    As we went to Europe for our Honeymoon and rode in a Gondola. She doesn't know. But I'm taking her on a Gondola at The Venetian, after we get married by Elvis.

    [​IMG]
     
    #25 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
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  26. JoeKing

    JoeKing Old n' Thrusty Ski Pass: Gold

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    :D

    :thumbs:
     
    #26 JoeKing, Nov 21, 2015
  27. Slowpony

    Slowpony Addicted

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    #27 Slowpony, Nov 21, 2015
  28. Legs Akimbo

    Legs Akimbo Grumblebum Ski Pass: Gold

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    Check, but a lot of the big name shows take a break in January.
     
    #28 Legs Akimbo, Nov 21, 2015
  29. Summit

    Summit Old n' Crusty Ski Pass: Gold

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    On the way back from the gondola ride in Venice, while you're still in Italy why not drop in here
    [​IMG]

    duck across the road to South America

    [​IMG]

    and staying at Excalibur you're only a hop and a jump from Egypt !

    [​IMG]
     
    #29 Summit, Nov 21, 2015
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  30. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    Thanks mate. I did see that.

    We leave Vegas on the 1st Jan.

    Going show on 30th Dec.
     
    #30 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
  31. Summit

    Summit Old n' Crusty Ski Pass: Gold

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    and don't be fooled by thinking you have to fly to the other side of the country to get a New York bagel, just peer through your hotel window and you'll see New York City through the palm trees.

    [​IMG]
     
    #31 Summit, Nov 21, 2015
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  32. piolet

    piolet Better make it three Ski Pass: Gold

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    What? No copper?
     
    #32 piolet, Nov 21, 2015
  33. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    Yep. None of us have been to Vegas . Bucket List item. Can't wait . :thumbs:
     
    #33 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
  34. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    MGM, 5 mins walk from Excalibur.

    Front row at side $250 US for 2.
     
    #34 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
    Last edited: Nov 21, 2015
  35. Legs Akimbo

    Legs Akimbo Grumblebum Ski Pass: Gold

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    #35 Legs Akimbo, Nov 21, 2015
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  36. Legs Akimbo

    Legs Akimbo Grumblebum Ski Pass: Gold

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    #36 Legs Akimbo, Nov 21, 2015
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  37. absentskier

    absentskier Old n' Crusty Ski Pass: Gold

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    Mate that is quality. Hope she doesn't get cold feet and leave with Elvis.
     
    #37 absentskier, Nov 21, 2015
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  38. Legs Akimbo

    Legs Akimbo Grumblebum Ski Pass: Gold

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    At the Grand Canyon stay at the El Tovar hotel. It was built in the early 20th century and the rooms are idiosyncratic, but it is an interesting place. It is right on the rim of the Canyon. It is also one of the few places open in winter, which you have probably already discovered.

    [​IMG]El Tovar Hotel
     
    #38 Legs Akimbo, Nov 21, 2015
    Last edited: Nov 21, 2015
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  39. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    Bought my own Elvis outfit on Ebay. Complete with wig. Haven't told the wife. Not sure she'll let me wear it. LOL

    [​IMG]
     
    #39 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
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  40. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    We are daytripping to Grand Canyon National Park, from about an hour away. Saw the hotel. Hope to visit.
     
    #40 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
  41. Slowpony

    Slowpony Addicted

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    be sure to do the rollercoaster @ NYNY it's only small but it's a doozie
    a suggestion is that you go to the old casino area 1 night I actually like it better than the strip
     
    #41 Slowpony, Nov 21, 2015
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  42. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    Staying at Page near Lake Powell. Not sure we have time to divert to Monument Valley as we're headed to Salt Lake City .

    But seeing the photos. Definitely going to try and factor it in.
     
    #42 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
  43. piolet

    piolet Better make it three Ski Pass: Gold

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    The mountain one! :doh:
    LOL
    vegas rules. No suprise that its your kinda town, what a blast
     
    #43 piolet, Nov 21, 2015
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  44. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    Promised the youngfella a rollercoaster. That's literally across the road from where we're staying. Sounds like the winner. Thanks. :thumbs:
     
    #44 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
  45. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    LOL LOL LOL
     
    #45 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
  46. Legs Akimbo

    Legs Akimbo Grumblebum Ski Pass: Gold

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    If you want to scare him the rides on top of the Stratosphere Tower are a good start.
     
    #46 Legs Akimbo, Nov 21, 2015
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  47. CarveMan

    CarveMan Pool Room Ski Pass: Gold

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    From Page you can easily head in to Zion and Bryce. Absolutely must not miss and not a huge detour on the way up to SLC, I did it a few years ago.
     
    #47 CarveMan, Nov 21, 2015
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  48. Legs Akimbo

    Legs Akimbo Grumblebum Ski Pass: Gold

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    I agree that at least one of these is an absolute must. I would miss Monument Valley to make sure you could fit them in.
     
    #48 Legs Akimbo, Nov 21, 2015
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  49. CarveMan

    CarveMan Pool Room Ski Pass: Gold

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    Page to SLC is a day's drive anyway, it's not like you're rushing up there to ski in the arvo, I-15 is boring as batshit so go and see some amazing stuff.
     
    #49 CarveMan, Nov 21, 2015
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  50. Astro66

    Astro66 Still looking for a park in Thredbo Ski Pass: Gold

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    Just showed the wife this photo. It's now on the must see list. We actually drive right through there. Thanks guys.:thumbs:

    [​IMG]
     
    #50 Astro66, Nov 21, 2015
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