February Ice Dirt-bagging

I'm a med student and have a month off in February so looking to squeeze some living into my life. Looking to hone my ice skills and get some backcountry/resort skiing in while on a med student budget. I dont mind living out of a tent, or on a couch. Any ideas? Would have to be somewhat accessible or partners a plenty as i dont have a car. Was thinking maybe Canmore might tick these boxes but curious what else could be possible. Thanks!

pm'd

Salt lake might be best bang for buck in terms of access, you can sleep in your car at Walmart, might only dip into teens/twenties at night in town.

Bozeman possible as well, you can pitch a tent out in the woods I believe. It probably wouldn’t be hard to hitch a ride to the end of the canyon. How good is your sleeping bag?

John Sigmonwrote:

Salt lake might be best bang for buck in terms of access, you can sleep in your car at Walmart, might only dip into teens/twenties at night in town.

Bozeman possible as well, you can pitch a tent out in the woods I believe. It probably wouldn’t be hard to hitch a ride to the end of the canyon. How good is your sleeping bag?

Bozeman is probably a far better option than SLC. As you know, our ice can be so unpredictable that basing out of SLC could mean he's 2+ hours from any decent ice. 

NateCwrote:

Bozeman is probably a far better option than SLC. As you know, our ice can be so unpredictable that basing out of SLC could mean he's 2+ hours from any decent ice. 

you're not wrong, its a bit of a dice roll, but hes got great touring options if we have a warm week, and good chances of being 30 mins to lots of ice! i was also thinking about sleeping temps, pitching a tent in hyalite would probably be at least 10 degrees cooler at night. pros and cons both ways for sure. dirtbagging in canmore in feb would be quite uncomfortable though, and everything is more spread out. i think the ouray area has some winter camping options as well.

Would something like a uhaul van or pick up be in the budget? $19/day+mileage could greatly expand your range. Also car rental in slc can’t be too ungodly terrible, right?

 Winter “dirtbagging” w no wheels is tough!

I think you're spot on. Canmore would be great. Use the hostel system and hitch rides.