If you’re planning on getting away for a bit of winter sport action early next year then heading to North America will certainly take you to some of the coolest resorts on the planet as from the east coast resorts of Vermont to Banff in Canada, you’ll be totally spoiled for choice.
Skiing and snow-boarding is an awesome way to have fun when the snow is falling and even if you don’t fancy hitting the slopes then the chance to take photographs, go ice skating or explore on snow-shoes are all great activities to enjoy in resort.
Apres ski parties, pine-lined runs and some of the finest clay oven pizzas this side of Little Italy, there’s so much to appreciate about skiing in North America as the resorts below will surely testify.
Jackson Hole
Easily accessible by air from 12 of the top US cities (including NYC and Seattle), Jackson Hole regularly features on top ten listings as the best ski resort in the whole of America. Teton Village and downtown Jackson is where you’ll find the majority of the apres ski which, in the main, is bar and restaurant orientated as well as plenty of activities for the kids. The slopes are powder perfect and as such a must for more experienced skiers however, around half of the 2500 acres of skiable terrain is suitable for beginners through to intermediates so, something for everyone.
Vail
Colorado’s finest ski resort boasts over 5000 acres of snow-sure terrain which makes it the largest of its kind in the USA. Long and broad runs are kept in immaculate condition and 3 natural board and trick parks make this an excellent option for snowboarders looking for some air time. The back bowls are known the world over for the awesome views and if you’re bringing the kids then there’s also a few adventure zones to keep them happy and active all day long. Vail Village is really picturesque and when combined with Lionshead you’ll find plenty of nocturnal action as well as lots of alternatives to a day on the slopes.
Banff
If you’re crossing the border into Canada after your America tours then you’ll be made up with the ski and board resorts, with Banff being absolutely no exception. With 3 amazing mountain ranges supplying the majority of the downhill and off piste action this is a superb chance to ski not one but two provinces (Alberta and BC) without deviating from the run. With an altitude over 7000ft, snow-sure days and sunshine are guaranteed and with more than 3000 acres of skiable terrain you’ll be made up by the amount of options further down the slope. With a huge natural ski and board park (with 50 different tricks) there’s loads for all levels and thanks to plenty of action off the piste you’ll be able to keep up and active all night long.
Whistler Blackcomb
Situated around 100 miles north of Vancouver, Whistler Blackcomb is in far and away the largest combined resort in North America and features almost 5000 acres of skiable snow as well as over 200 runs to keep you exhausted and happy all day long. As you’d expect, this is one of the most popular resorts in the world and regularly attracts over 2 million winter sports enthusiasts every year. With numerous back country trails which also feature loads of descents which are suitable for beginners, Whistler Blackcomb is simply superb for every level of experience with a tube park, sleigh rides and family adventure zone guaranteed to put a smile on your kids’ faces.
Killington
The Beast of the East is well known for its huge range of choice with untold skiable tracks neatly packed into over 3000 acres of terrain. As the second largest ski resort on the east coast (bettered only by Sugar Loaf) Killington still has plenty of superlatives of its own and can boast New England’s tallest drop at just over 3000ft. With several double diamond runs featured on Killington Peak and an area totally devoted to absolute beginners, there’s a reason why this is considered to be one of America’s finest and if you’re into your live music then the winter calender is jam-packed with gigs and festivals to help you rock out both on and off the slopes.