Tips for Traveling Solo – USI Affinity
Paris: My Trip of a Lifetime – USI Affinity

Five Fab Ski Resorts – USI Affinity

Five Fabulous Resorts for Snow Skiing

Whistler Gondola ViewIt’s time to start thinking about those cold weather, snowy, destinations for winter outdoor fun. Many people want to hit the slopes as soon as the conditions are right, and are eager to repeat the experience well into the last days of the winter season. With so many ski resorts to choose from, why limit yourself to just one?

We’ve gathered 5 fantastic ski towns and resorts just in time for Opening Day. We’ll have you ending 2015 on the right foot and starting 2016 down the right slope (pun intended)! 

1) Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a skier’s paradise. Famous for steep terrain and gorgeous scenery,

it’s no wonder that it’s home to many of the world’s best freeskiers. Located in Teton Village, Wyoming, just south of the Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole is known for some of the most hair-raising slopes in America where extremists go to play. The ski area receives an average of 450 inches of snowfall each year and boasts a vertical of more than 4,000 feet.

The resort may be known for having extreme terrain, but there are plenty of options for beginners and intermediates. Jackson Hole also has spectacular views of the Tetons and the surrounding valley, and is consistently ranked as one of the best ski resorts in North America.

2) Whistler, BC

Within British Columbia’s glacial climate and scenic beauty resides Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Peak. With 8,171 acres of accessible terrain and 37 lifts, Whistler has the longest continuous lift system on the globe – Peak 2 Peak Gondola – which connects skiers and riders to the two sites.

Holding the title of North America’s largest ski resort, these two mountains offer more than 200 marked trails that include back country, wide-open glaciers, powder-filled bowls, secluded glades and perfectly kept trails. Freestylers will find six terrain parks that accommodate beginners to elite athletes, including a 22’ superpipe. Typically Whistler averages 462 inches of snowfall each year. Mountain lovers from around the globe will enjoy this resort and there truly is something for everyone with 200 shops, award-winning restaurants, nightlife and an endless collection of activities for all ages.

3) Vail, Colorado

World renowned and known for providing guests with an experience that truly is “Like nothing on
Earth,” Vail is home to seven legendary peaks spanning seven miles across the backside of the resort. The ski area is enormous, with over 5,289 acres to explore and four distinct base areas connected by free buses and heated walkways. (Yes, we said heated walkways.)

The resort has great terrain options, state-of-the-art-ski schools, and a large assortment of shopping and dining options. The two main base areas are Vail Village and Lionshead. Vail Village is located at the base of Gondola One and is the original base area. Lionshead Village, located just west of Vail Village is serviced by its own gondola and is home to luxury resorts such as the Arrabelle and Ritz Carlton. Whether you’re planning a romantic winter getaway, a family ski session, or in town for business, Vail Ski Resort will wow you in every way possible.

4) Telluride, Colorado

Any avid skier knows that Telluride Ski Resort boasts some of the steepest, deepest and most diverse terrain of any ski resort in North America. Olympian Gus Kenworthy, a Telluride local, will back that statement.

Stashed in the southwest corner of Colorado, 100 miles from the nearest stoplight, Telluride is home to more than 2,000 acres of lift-accessible terrain. “To-Hell-You-Ride” is a famous quote from Telluride’s mining town days, but today is known for a modern European-style town and iconic destination ski area. Averaging more than 300 inches of snow annually to match its 300 days of sunshine each year, Telluride can certainly be put on your bucket list.

5) Snowbird, Utah

Snowbird Ski Resort is nestled in Little Cottonwood Canyon in the heart of the Wasatch-Cache National Forrest, approximately one mile down the road from Alta Ski Resort. A powder lover’s dream, Snowbird rounds out our top 5 and for good reason with over five hundred inches falling annually. Utah’s famous ultra-light dry powder piles up high on Snowbird’s terrain that is steep, but adventurous and fun. The resort boasts the longest ski season in Utah making it a very popular destination. Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort is home to many activities besides skiing and snowboarding. During the summer months, visitors will find gorgeous hikes, mountain bike trails and streams full of fish for fly fishing. Many families love this resort for that exact reason – the year-round activities that it provides.

And did you know...

...the United States alone is home to more than 450 ski resorts?  If a resort you have been researching didn’t make our fab 5, we highly recommend www.onthesnow.com as an additional resource. This is a fantastic website to explore for snow reports, resort reviews, news, forums, webcams, and live weather updates.

Comments

Kat Juri

I was just searching the best place for snowboarding in Colorado. You have done good job with this blog. Just for weekend fun these places are good options for me.

The comments to this entry are closed.