The arrival of winter offers a new possibility to enjoy the pleasure of snow. The charm of their landscapes and the quality of their slopes make the following destinations ideal for skiing.
1. Park City, Utah
What began as a mining town – and that almost became a ghost town – was reinvented to become a destination known for having the best snow in the world, in its two world class ski areas, Park city mountain and Deer valley.
In Park City Mountain you can find the largest ski area in the United States. Since 2015, it joined its neighbor Canyons to offer more than 300 tracks on a plot of 3,000 hectares. Next to it is the Utah Olympic Park, home of the 2012 Winter Olympics for bobsleigh, luge and Nordic ski jumping competitions.
On the other hand, Deer Valley is positioned among the top positions in hospitality, mountain gastronomy and maintenance of the tracks it houses. But not everything is snow in Park City, it is also a destination for shopping and good food. Its historic Main Street offers more than 70 stores, art galleries and specialized businesses, as well as 150 culinary options for all tastes and budgets.
How to get there?
It is 35 minutes from the Salt Lake City International Airport, which receives more than 300 daily flights from nine airlines from sites such as Mexico City, London, Paris and Amsterdam.
2. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Backcountry skiing in Colorado is very popular among travelers and you’ll find backcountry access even near famous ski areas like Aspen. Originally inhabited by the Ute Indians, this town achieved fame during the 19th century thanks to its important silver deposits. However, after the devaluation of metal, it emerged as the winter sports mecca in the 1940s. In that year the Aspen Ski Company opened the first ski slope. Four mountains make up the terrain:
- Aspen: known locally as Ajax, it rises directly from the city center.
- Buttermilk: home of the Aspen X Games, is ideal for children and beginners.
- Aspen Highlands: which has the most extreme tracks to slide into the legendary Highland Bowl.
- Snowmass: a resort by itself with various slopes, exclusive restaurants, world class accommodations and an esplanade for mass concerts.
- In addition to having long tracks for beginners, intermediate and experts, Aspen Snowmass offers the possibility of shopping in boutiques of the most recognized brands in the world, dining in luxury restaurants that take full advantage of local products. In addition, you can visit galleries with the best of contemporary art.
Where to stay
When you visit Aspen, stay at one of the best hotels in the United States: The Little Nell. In this ski-in ski-out accommodation, the youngest sommelier in the country will help you choose the best wines from their exclusive cava to accompany some of the gourmet dishes on the menu.
3. Vail, Colorado
In one of the states with the most popular ski resorts, Vail stands out for its seven tracks. Some examples are the Front Side, the Blue Sky basin and the Black Bowls. These are suitable for all ages. In addition, here there are also shops, gourmet restaurants and spas.
All its attractions position it as one of the best destinations for snow lovers. Unlike other Colorado ski centers, founded in former mining towns – such as Aspen or Breckenridge -, the town was born following the opening of Vail Ski Resort, in 1962. This destination has 2,140 hectares for skiing that add up to the 3,900 with the urban area. Truth is Colorado has the fourth largest ski area in North America and the third largest resort in the country.
Vail is nestled in the Rocky Mountains, where the Lincoln, Elbert and Evans mountains await the climbers at heart. On the other hand, forests and national parks await campers and hikers in search of their next adventure. A place that any traveler will enjoy.
4. Lake Tahoe, California
The Sierra Nevada, one of the most beautiful natural treasures in the world, accumulates up to 10 meters of snow each winter. In addition to going skiing, it is an ideal place to ride a dog sled, ride snowmobiles, ice skate and even go ice fishing. With more resorts than any other region in North America, Lake Tahoe attracts skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Its three largest and most recognized areas for winter sports are Heavenly Mountain, Kirkwood Mountain and Sierra-at-Tahoe. The first is the highest of the three and offers unparalleled views of the lake and its impressive neighbor, the Carson Valley, in Nevada. This is one of the premier tourist resorts in the United States. On and off the slopes, Lake Tahoe offers attractions at any time of the year for the whole family. In addition, there is 24-hour entertainment in its bars, restaurants and stages for various cultural events. Lake Tahoe also outperforms other destinations in terms of affordability, with ski and stay packages starting at $ 79 per night.
How to get there?
Reno-Tahoe International Airport continues to add nonstop flights, including services from New York, Atlanta and Dallas.
5. Breckenridge, Colorado
When mentioning the ski resorts in Colorado, it is impossible not to mention Breckenridge, which has had a mining past since the nineteenth century which it is proud of. When the hills ceased to provide grain, mining revived thanks to the extraction of this metal by dredging in nearby rivers, a process where minerals are separated from river sediments. Although the mines are currently closed, the town teaches its history through guided visits to the excavations that once came to produce up to 31,000 kilograms of gold.
You can also visit the cabin of the naturalist Edwin Carter, built in 1875. There you’ll find interactive exhibits and rooms that show a documentary about his life and the first days of the town.
Without a doubt its five huge peaks for skiing stand out – with more than 1000 hectares -, four parks and the highest ski lift in North America.
6. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
This valley sheltered by the Rocky Mountains is considered one of the best winter destinations to visit with the family. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, it has snowmobiling, fat bikes, sleigh rides, museums, paragliding, heli-skiing, galleries, top-notch restaurants, accommodations of all kinds and an endless nightlife.
Its challenging terrain is recognized worldwide, since at least 50% is ideal for experts, 40% for intermediate skiers and only 10% for beginners. To reach the top of this mountain, there are several options. The most popular is its air tram; with capacity for 100 passengers. This covers 1,262 meters at an elevation of more than 3,000 above sea level. Similarly, it has a chairlift called East Ridge. Which moves visitors to the slopes of the top of Rendezvous.
