Skiers regard Aspen, Colorado as one of the world’s ultimate snow ski locations after experiencing some of the best skiing on earth coupled with area’s rich history and legendary hospitality. Aspen is known for its steeps and its four mountains that are not linked - Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands. The town of Aspen with its festivals, world class resort properties, energetic nightlife and quality restaurants creates such a lasting impression that first time visitors are likely to return again and again. Snowmass is the giant of Aspen’s four ski areas. It’s a huge complex of open slopes, expansive trails and gullies combined with majestic peaks and ridges. Snowmass boasts the largest vertical drop in the USA and a huge amount of skiable surface. The terrain is varied enough to please every level of skier and board rider. Quality on-mountain programs, ski schools and facilities insure a wonderful experience. Aspen Mountain is a favorite of celebrities and stargazers. The ski area provides some of the best jumps, bumps and verticals in the Aspen area and also offers backcountry access via Snowcat. At the same time, the area presents enough easy rider trails and intermediate slopes to keep everyone happy. Buttermilk is the smallest of the 4 ski areas but an incredible vertical drop with open bowls, plenty of challenging terrain and runs as long as 8½ kilometers allows Buttermilk to pack a lot of different experiences into its tidy package. Buttermilk has been the host to the Winter X Games and presents a classic super-pipe for snowboarders. Aspen Highlands is a favorite of locals and returning visitors. Its relatively low key personality shrouds challenging trails, and relatively un-crowded conditions. The area’s famous “Highland Bowl” boasts some of the most intense skiing in Colorado. Tree skiing through lodgepole pines, an above the timber line summit and a competitive race set up insure for great ski experiences. Aspen boasts Colorado’s third busiest airport with a broad selection of daily flights on commercial carriers. The city has been home to a legion of Hollywood stars and international celebrities and provides the restaurants, clubs and accommodations that only serve to enhance that reputation. Your dream trip to ski or snowboard where the stars come out to play can be fulfilled by including a trip to Aspen, Colorado on your list.

Vail Ski Resort in Colorado is the largest single mountain ski resort in the United States and the 2nd largest in North America. The summit at Vail towers 3,530 metres above sea level and presents an over 1,000 metre vertical rise from the base of the mountain. More than 190 runs and marked trails as long as 6.4 km provides a broad selection of skiable terrain, appealing to every skill level. In excess of 30 lifts, including a 12 person Gondola, whisk skiers to their chosen spots on the mountain. Multiple terrain parks provide snowboarders with the challenges they desire such as a superpipe, jumps, hits, rails, fun boxes, half pipes and bump terrain. Vail hosted the 1989 Alpine Skiing World Championships to great fanfare. Nordic activities, including back country cross country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular activities pursued by visitors to Vail. A prolific offering of ski schools, including those adapted to skiers with special needs, contributes to the world-renowned reputation of the resort. The town of Vail offers Dining, Shopping, Entertainment and Nightlife experiences to satisfy any desire. Accommodations ranging from basic motel rooms to full-service condominiums and five-star hotels provide lodging options for every budget. Spas associated with the resort properties and for day use proliferate for those seeking that type of relaxation after their time on the mountain. Ski and Snowboard rentals are readily available on-mountain and at a number of equipment shops in town. The cobblestone streets of the center of this incredible mountain town are pedestrian only providing for a relaxed environment for sightseeing and moving about this incredibly striking region. Vail also hosts a number of annual festivals including those geared toward winter activities, an annual film festival and a summer-time food and wine festival. Vail, Colorado is home to its own nearby regional airport (Vail/Eagle County Airport) with direct service from 11 cities in North America and connecting service from virtually everywhere. Shuttle service from the airport to the various facilities providing accommodations is very convenient. Vail is also easily accessible by car from Denver, Colorado, approximately a 2 hour drive on US Interstate 70, a scenic, modern highway. Your dream of a ski trip to the famous Rocky Mountains in Colorado may be realized by adding a trip to Vail, Colorado to your list. A trip to this exquisite mountain resort with an emphasis on providing a first-class experience to its visitors will leave you wanting to return again and again.

Alta is at head of Little Cottonwood Canyon near Salt Lake City, Utah. The Alta Ski Resort is home to the legendary Utah powder - averaging 600″ of snow a year!The main attraction of Alta is the quality skiing, not the night life. Thus, there is little to do but ski, eat, drink, and sleep. The mountain is for skiers only. Snowboarders may enjoy Snowbird, a resort less than a ten minute drive down the valley with much the same quality snow. The resort currently has 2 detachable quad chairs, 1 detachable triple chair, 1 triple chair [fixed grip], 3 double chairs, and 5 surface tows. The terrain is classified as 25% Beginner, 40% Intermediate, and 35% Advanced.With a skiable area of 2200 acres (8.9 km²), beginning at a base elevation of 8530 ft (2600 m) and rising to 10,550 ft (3216 m) for a vertical gain of 2020 ft (616 m). Alta is one of the oldest ski resorts in the country, opening its first lift in 1939. Alta is one of three remaining ski resorts in America that prohibits snowboarders, along with nearby competitor Deer Valley and Vermont's Mad River Glen.

Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada of the United States located along the border between California and Nevada. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. During ski season, thousands of people from all over Nevada and California, including Reno, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento, flock to the slopes for downhill skiing. Lake Tahoe, in addition to its panoramic beauty, is well known for its blizzards. The majority of the ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe region are on the northern end of the lake, near Truckee, California and Reno, Nevada. Kirkwood, Sierra-at-Tahoe and Heavenly are located on the southern side of the lake, approximately 80 miles (129 km) from Reno. Scattered throughout Tahoe are public and private sled parks. Some, such as Granlibakken are equipped with rope tows to help sledders get up the hill. Many ski areas around Tahoe also have snow tubing, such as Squaw Valley. Throughout Tahoe, cross-country skiing, snowmobile riding and snowshoeing are also popular. The Nevada side also includes large casinos. Highways provide year-round access from Reno, Carson City, and Sacramento.

Imagine boarding a helicopter and being airlifted to the top of an uninhabited mountain that has about a 45-degree slope that drops into a perfect bowl filled with some of the freshest and deepest powder around. Picture a place that doesn’t require taking a ski lift to the top of a mountain or runs that are crowded with packs of other skiers and snowboarders. Sounds like the perfect skiing experience? Then check out Heli-Skiing in Alaska. The Chugach Mountain Range, Valdez, and Cordova offer some of the best skiing in the world. The terrain can be steep, but the runs are long and wide open. That said, it’s not ideal for those who like to ski through trees. The best times to go Heli-Skiing in Alaska are during the months of March and April. Some Heli-Skiing tour groups may take people up to the mountains as early as February or as late as May depending on the weather. Alaska is rugged and visitors shouldn’t expect deluxe accommodations. The luxurious aspect of Heli-Skiing in Alaska is the experience on the mountain and kicking back in the snow waiting for a helicopter ride after a long day of skiing powder. Snow Boarders can be dropped in also. Only difference is semantics: it’s called Heli-Boarding instead of Heli-Skiing.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is a large ski resort located in Eastern California, along the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the Inyo National Forest. The ski area is built on the north side of Mammoth Mountain, located in the volcanic Long Valley Caldera. Overnight guests stay in the town of Mammoth Lakes, California, and occasionally in neighboring towns such as Bishop. Mammoth has more than 3,500 acres (1,400 ha) of skiable terrain, serviced by 28 lifts, including 3 gondolas. The area has 3,100 ft (940 m) of vertical, rising to an elevation of 11,053 ft (3,369 m). The top of the mountain has challenging chutes and open mogul runs. There are eight Unbound terrain parks. Unbound Main, located adjacent to Main Lodge, is highly praised by extreme snowboarding and skiing enthusiasts, and is one of the major attractions of the ski resort. Many of the top professionals in the sport, including 2006- and 2010 Winter Olympics gold medalist Shaun White, come to practice and compete in the world famous 18 ft (5.5 m) Super Pipe and 22 ft (6.7 m) Super-Duper Pipe. There are only a handful of SuperDuper pipes in the world. There is also a Mini Pipe. Mammoth Mountain is one of only a handful of resorts in the world to offer a halfpipe of this size and is the only resort in North America to offer three different-sized halfpipes. Mammoth Mountain also one of the longest ski seasons in North America, which averages from November to June. As recently as the 1980s, senior citizens skied Mammoth for free. As of 2006, those aged at least 80 years may ski free. Following the tradition established by Dave McCoy, no Mammoth Mountain employees are permitted to have beards.

Telluride, Colorado is a premier resort town in southwest Colorado that successfully combines modern culture with a fascinating western history. Since the first ski lift opened in Telluride in 1972 the ski area has continually developed as a skier’s mecca and is now one of the favorites in the Rocky Mountains. The ski area has a reputation for challenging terrain combined with wide open groomed runs offering breathtaking experiences to every level of skier. The area’s reputation as an un-crowded magnet for winter sports enthusiasts boasts very short lift lines assuring maximum time on the slopes for skiers and snowboarders. Over 780 centimeters of average annual snowfall makes for favorable conditions virtually every season and Telluride has the reputation for some of the best and deepest powder in the Rockies. Telluride’s history as a mining town is apparent with the many abandoned claims dotting the mountainside. In addition to the 18 lifts, the ski area also offers “hike to” drop-ins that offer incredible terrain after 10 to 30 minute walks along the ridge. Telluride’s base elevation is 2,660 meters with its summit at 4,050. Several terrain parks are part of the area’s offerings where enthusiasts can sharpen their skills with jumps, rails and boxes. Terrific options for dining and lodging are spread throughout Telluride appealing to every taste and budget. One of the highest altitude fine dining restaurants anywhere at 3,216 meters is reached via Gondola from the town center. The town of Telluride boasts historic buildings, memorable watering holes and old fashioned bakeries eclectically mixed in with five star restaurants, luxury hotels, sophisticated shopping and incredible spas. Telluride claims its own airport but flights in and out are infrequent and subject to weather delays and cancellations. A more dependable option is the Montrose Regional Airport less than 100 kilometers away and accessible by major highway. Telluride is also reached by highway from Denver and its international airport. Ski and snowboard gear is available for purchase or rental at a number of shops in town and on the mountain. A number of options exist for Ski schools and their professional instructors specialize in teaching students the techniques for attacking moguls and un-groomed terrain. Your dream ski trip to the Rocky Mountains may best be realized by visiting Telluride, Colorado. Un-crowded conditions, plenty of snow and widely varied terrain insure for an unforgettable ski or snowboarding adventure. Add this trip to your list now.

The historic Stowe Mountain Resort is located in the northeast region of the United States in the quaint town of Stowe within the State of Vermont. The resort takes its name from the Vermont town where it is located but the focus of the resort is Mount Mansfield and the adjacent Spruce Peak which together provide 13 lifts (the largest count on the USA’s east coast), 116 marked trails and 4 terrain parks that present over 50 freestyle features with the stated goal of exceeding the expectations of the skiers and snowboarders that visit this historic ski area. Off the marked pistes lies a significant “out of bounds” area that can be explored by extreme skiers and snowboarders with the recommended precautions that typically apply. The mountain area also supports a significant cross-country program with a vast network of connected trails helping create a Nordic skiers paradise. Stowe Mountain Resort was one of the first winter sports focused resorts to operate in the United States having opened in the 1930’s. The on-mountain ski and snowboard school has operated continuously for over 75 years and offers instruction for the entire range of skiers and riders age, ability and physical capacity. Dependable conditions for skiers and riders are supported by an average snowfall of 850cm each year. The mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain insures for a fun and challenging experience regardless of the skill level of the participant. Stowe, Vermont can be reached with jet airplane service to nearby Burlington International Airport or by car from a number of large cities in the northeast USA and Canada, including Boston, Toronto, Montreal and New York . Accommodations range from homey bed and breakfast establishments to 4 star resorts with a good selection of condominiums, motels and destination spas sprinkled in the mix. Stowe boasts restaurants that provide an eclectic mix of cuisine with an international flavor. A thriving arts community awaits visitors including a local symphony orchestra and regular presentations of performing arts complementing a good selection of galleries and museums. Stowe is included among National Geographic’s 25 World’s Best Ski Towns. Your dream of a winter adventure may be fulfilled by making a trip to Stowe, Vermont to ski or ride the historic trails on Mount Mansfield. Plenty of après ski activities will insure for a wonderful holiday. Include this trip on your list and start mapping your best route to reach this magnificent winter sports region.

The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a ski resort at Teton Village, Wyoming. Jackson Hole is known in the U.S. for its relatively steep terrain and its vertical drop is one of North America's highest, at 1,262 metres (4,140 ft). The size - (ski area and lift capacity) - is comparable with a small ski resort in the Alps. The ski area partially covers two mountains; known for its challenging terrain, the runs are - in local interpretation - 50% expert, 40% intermediate, and 10% beginner. The intermediate terrain is primarily on Apres Vous Mountain, while Rendezvous Mountain has Jackson Hole's more advanced terrain that includes bowls, glades, and chutes, and over 4100 vertical feet of skiing, one of the greatest continuous inbounds rise in the U.S. (nearby Big Sky in Montana has slightly larger total vertical, but its continuous vertical is significantly less; Snowmass Ski Area in Snowmass Village, Colorado has the highest lift served vertical drop in the nation). Jackson Hole has become the home to many of the world's best free skiers as the terrain is considered to be some of the most challenging in North America. In addition to the skiable terrain inbounds, there is an even larger area to be explored off-piste (out of bounds). These areas are accessed through marked gates by expert skiers/boarders who are equipped with avalanche safety gear. The terrain has not only attracted the top skiers in the world but also one of the leading ski film companies, Teton Gravity Research. Jackson Hole is home to one of the most well known expert ski runs in the world, Corbet's Couloir. Jackson Hole's original tram - which had been part of the resort since its opening in 1966 - was closed to the public in the fall of 2006. It rose the full 4139 vertical feet (1262 m) to an elevation of 10,450 feet (3185 m) and was replaced by its successor in 2008. Construction began in June 2007 for this new 100-passenger Doppelmayr CTEC tram which began service on December 20, 2008. During the two seasons without a tram, a temporary double chairlift (East Ridge) was built from the top of the Sublette quad to service the runs at the top of Rendezvous Mountain. Other lifts include an eight passenger gondola, high speed detachable and standard quad chairlifts, triple chairlifts, and a double chair. As of the 2011-2012 season, they moved the East Ridge double chair's Doppelmayr CTEC base right next to Thunder Quad Chair (also made by Doppelmayr) to allow skiers on the Big Mountain to access the top of the Gondola more easily. The ski resort also plans to renovate Casper Bowl Triple Chair and turn it into an advanced, high-speed quad lift, as of the 2012-2013 ski season. In addition to skiing, there are many other outdoor activities in both the winter and summer. Nordic skiing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, balloon rides, paragliding, fishing, hiking, biking, and climbing are some of the activities visitors and year round residents enjoy at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The resort is located 12 miles (19 km) northwest of Jackson and due south of Grand Teton National Park. It is named after the historically significant Jackson Hole valley. The region is served by the Jackson Hole Airport.