Originally Posted by
md25
You're right - the best skiing is on main mountain and Grouse. However I must say I don't mind the bit of extra time I spend on the lifts to avoid the mayhem at the bottom of the main mountain. All told I imagine that it is probably very similar timing to ride the gondola to the BC Express lifts straight into Larkspur and Grouse rather than bus and wait in line.
Thanks for the clarification on the VILLAS - i've never used points to stay there. Also, good points on the skiing - it can be a bit of a mess at the bottom of centennial (hopefully next year's introduction of a 6 pack will alleviate base crowding on the few 'busy' days at BC).
It just feels like a beating having to go Gondola > Lower BC Express > Upper BC express and then a traverse to get to Grouse, but at least there are some nice aspen trees to ski through to bypass the last part of the traverse.
I probably shouldn't fault the westin for any of that - it probably IS a bit quicker and less stressful to get to the 'good part of the mountain', It's obvious I have some personal qualms with the management of the property that may cloud my opinion of the 'nicer' things it provides...
cheers