The major ski resorts in the U.S. usually offer powdered snow, a varied terrain, and a lot to do off the mountain. When choosing a ski resort, you may be spoilt for choice. The best resorts have thousands of acres and challenging runs to explore. The varied terrain also suits each snowboard and ski level. Below are five of the best ski resorts that will suit you during your next winter vacation:
1. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
This is a celebrity ski resort, and it has something for everyone. If you are a beginner or expert, you should try out the Aspen Snowmass. The resort has four mountains, and they offer everything ranging from easy runs to bunny slopes that test your skills and endurance levels. After skiing, you can rest as you get a drink at the ski bar. You can also end the night with a bonfire.
2. Park City Mountain Resort, Utah
As you take a skiing tour in the mining buildings around the city, you’ll learn more about the city’s history. In the evening, you can pick different ski options or end the night with a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride. The resort has more than 300 trails and over 7,300 skiable acres. The longest run is 3.5 miles.
3. Tamarack All Season Ski Resort
The all-season ski resort is family-friendly. You can engage in different activities, including whitewater rafting, mountain biking, skiing, and snowboarding, ziplining, and other activities. The resort also offers luxury accommodation and a wide range of dining options.
4. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming
The resort has over 100 trails. There is also a ski run that each skier can discover at the resort. If you are looking for a treat with a view, you can try out the Aerial Tram up. They have fantastic waffles, and some of the toppings offered include Nutella or butter. The resort also has a horse-drawn sleigh ride.
There are a total of 133 trails at the Jackson Hole Mountain resort, and the skiable acres amount to 2,500. The longest run is 1.4 miles.
5. Whiteface Mountain, New York
The resort has 288 acres, which means it’s not as large as other resorts; however, there are diverse runs suitable for beginners to experts. At least 20 percent of the trails are ideal for beginners, 42 percent for intermediate skiers, and 38 percent for professionals. There are 90 trails in total.
Other ski resorts to consider include:
1. Sun Valley Resort, Idaho
The ski resort has two mountains, and out of the 150-day ski season, the resort enjoys 120 days of sunshine. If you want to try out the most challenging terrain, you should try out the Mountain Masters lesson. If you are adventurous, you can try out helicopter skiing as you explore the deepest powder in the region.
There are 121 trails in total, and the skiable acres amount to 2,504. The longest run is also 3 miles.
2. Vail, Colorado
The resort has a varied terrain, which ensures there is something for everyone. If you are a beginner or expert, some trails will suit you best. You can take a break from the slopes as you walk around the heated streets. You’ll get the same experience as the European alps.
Total trails amount to 195, and there are 5,317 skiable acres. The longest run is 4 miles.
3. Breckenridge, Colorado
This resort has five different peaks, and the difficulty levels vary from steep runs to rolling hills. A large portion of the trails is also above the treeline. If you’re adventurous, you can tour the resort with the help of a guide while learning different backcountry skills. You can also opt for a naturalist tour on the skis whereby a ranger will guide you as you ski the forest.
The resort has a total of 187 trails and 2,908 skiable acres. The longest run is 3.5 miles.
4. Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado
If you are a beginner, you should opt for the Telluride Ski Resort. A considerable percentage of the runs are suitable for beginners and intermediates. The mountain also offers a rugged terrain, which is preferable for experts. Adventurous individuals who are up for the thrill can try out heli-skiing, whereby you’re dropped from a helicopter, and you will explore at least 200 square miles of the summits and high alpine basins. There is also a guided snowmobile or ice climbing tour if you are looking for extra thrills. There are 148 trails, and the longest run is 4.6 miles.
5. Big Sky Resort, Montana
The resort has at least 400 inches of snow annually. The views at the resort are also breathtaking. As you traverse the skiable terrain comprising 5,850 acres, you can go ahead and try out the adventure zip line, which is 1,500 feet long.
6. Stowe, Vermont
The trail satisfies any snowboarder or skier. There are different backcountry opportunities in the ungroomed terrain. If you want a calmer experience, try out the gondola ride to the highest mountain in the state. The total number of trails is 116, and the longest run is 3.5 miles.
Conclusion
If you have developed an interest in skiing, you can try out the ski resorts listed above. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or an expert, each ski resort has something for you.