With winter closing in fast, our tans are fading as our minds quickly forget about the week in the sun we had during the summer holidays and start to think about a winter break. Some of us like to chase the sun in winter and head to the mediterranean. Others (myself included) cant wait for the snow to arrive… It’s those people that will probably want to read on.
If you are looking for a new winter holiday location in Canada or the USA then look no further, here are our…
Top 10 SKi Resorts In North America
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole refers to a 48-mile long valley surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and includes the towns of Jackson, Kelly, Moose, Moran, Wilson, and Teton Village. Known to early settlers as Jackson’s Hole, the area has been renowned since its discovery in the early 1800’s for its incredible natural beauty and abundance of wildlife. Featuring three legendary ski resorts, Jackson Hole is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts and the perfect destination for your Wyoming ski vacation! Ski Jackson Hole this winter and experience the perfect deep powder conditions the area is famous for.
Beyond Whistler Blackcomb’s 8,000+ acres of incredibly varied terrain, its mile-long vertical and its dedication to grooming more terrain than anywhere else in North America, is an experience so unique that it’s hard to measure. It’s about our abundant and reliable snow, our friendly vibrant village and a vibe that encourages visitors to push their limits – whether it’s ticking every run on the map or attempting to eat at every award-winning restaurant in the village.
As host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, the Squaw Valley legacy has maintained a vibrant ski culture and mountain energy that spans from village to peak. Its spirit of outdoor adventure is reflected by the views of Lake Tahoe’s translucent waters, and its inspiration is carved into the slopes of the Sierra mountains. Beginners will find forgiving learning zones set among dramatic alpine scenery, while varied trails, bowls and chutes mean that skiers and snowboarders will never outgrow Squaw’s progressive terrain. With consistent snowfall that stays around well into the spring, Squaw Valley boasts one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons in the country.
Snowbird, Utah
Offering 3,240 vertical feet of award-winning terrain enjoyed by all skill levels of skiers and riders, Snowbird boasts Utah’s longest ski season and annually averages 500 inches of lovely white snow. Snowbird offers a 125-passenger Aerial Tram that zooms from an elevation of 8,100 feet to 11,000 feet in about 8 minutes, taking skiers to Hidden Peak and the infamous 21/2 mile Chip’s Run. Along the way, skiers are transported into a fanciful world of spectacular scenery, amazing powder and superb customer service.
The recently expanded Revelstoke Mountain Resort has brought a lot of new people to town. Having the longest lift-accessed vertical in North America (1,713m/5,620ft) may have something to do with that, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. The fact is, although it has become a major winter destination, Revelstoke is not one of those chic, “cookie-cutter” ski villages. For more than a hundred years, Revelstoke has been a railroad town (the Canadian Pacific Railway is still the town’s second largest employer) and the place resonates with down to earth authenticity and friendliness.
Taos, New Mexico
This family owned ski area rarely has lift lines and boasts the top rated ski school in North America. With 110 trails, 305 inch average annual snowfall and 300+ days of sunshine, Taos Ski Valley is a true skier’s and snowboarder’s paradise. In 2012 the Forest Service authorized Taos Ski Valley to develop 2 new chairlifts, 2 new gladed runs, a snowtubing area, mountain biking & snowshoeing trails & a new drop-off at the base area, all of this adds up to making your ski holiday here one to remember.
Moonlight Basin, Montana
At Moonlight Basin, you’ll discover some of the best skiing and winter recreation in North America. Moonlight provides quick and easy access to 5750 acres of incredible terrain, with 4350 vertical feet, 23 chairlifts, and terrain ranging from pristine groomers to some of the most extreme inbound terrain in North America, skiers and riders of all skill levels are sure to find their perfect run. Off the slopes, members, residents and visitors can enjoy a wide variety of resort amenities like luxury spas, dining options to suit every palate, and an Apres ski experience featuring live music and the best in Montana microbrews and spirits.
Each year at Kicking Horse they average more than 7 meters (23 feet) of some of the lightest, driest and deepest powder snow on the planet. The majestic mountains surrounding us, and our phenomenal snow pack, are the reasons why the area has such historic mountain culture. It’s also why it is surrounded by the highest concentration of beautiful back-country lodges, off piste skiing, and mechanized ski operations in all of Canada. With one of the longest vertical descents in North America, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is a spectacular big mountain experience.
Mt. Baker Ski Area, in Northern Washington, is a powderhound mecca. The ski area averages the most annual snowfall, 641 inches, in the entire world and holds the record for most snowfall in a single season, 1,140 inches in the ’98-’99 season. The ski area also annually plays host to the largest snowboard race in the world with 240 competitors in its Legendary Banked Slalom.
Silverton Mountain is a unique mountain experience. There is one chairlift that takes you into a high alpine environment surrounded by amazing ski lines in every direction. The terrain is entirely for the advanced and expert skier and those who enjoy adventure. Silverton Mountain operates in a one of a kind fashion in that certain times of year it provides guided only skiing with small amounts of skiers on a daily basis, and other times of year it allows unguided skiing. Avalanche gear is required to ride the lift at all times.
