Popular Ski Resorts in Usa

For winter sports enthusiasts, there is nothing better than rushing down a mountain on freshly snow-covered slopes. To help you find the right ski holiday that will fulfill your craving for an outdoor adventure, here is a list of popular ski slopes in the United States:Breckinridge, Colorado

One of the better known Ski resorts in Colorado, Breckinridge totals 2,358 acres and has 155 trails. Its longest trail, Four O’clock, reaches a length of 3.5 miles and the resort spans over more than 10 peaks. Of the 155 trails this resort hosts, 36-percent are expert slopes, the largest percentage of slope difficulty, and 13-percent of the slopes have the easiest designation.Aspen, Colorado

Located in the midst of the Rocky Mountains, Aspen, Colorado, is the Aspen Mountain Ski Resort. Sitting on 673 acres, Aspen Mountain is one of the smallest ski resorts around. It utilizes Aspen Mountain and Bell Mountain which has an elevation of 11,212 feet.Killington, Vermont

This ski resort is the largest resort in the eastern part of the United States. Utilizing Vermont’s second highest mountain, Killington Peak, this resort sports 200 trails and 33 ski lifts spanned over seven mountains. It is estimated that nearly 17,000 people will visit Killington Ski Resort on a good day.Park City, Utah

This tourist destination is home to three different ski resorts, Park City Mountain Resort, the Canyons Resort and Deer Valley Resort. Park City Mountain Resort covers 3,300 acres and has 104 trails. Canyon Resort, the bigger of the three, runs on nine mountains, totaling 3,700 acres and 155 trails. Deer Valley Resort recently underwent a nine million dollars renovation to add 200 acres and nine new slopes Lake Tahoe, Nevada/California

Lake Tahoe, located on the Nevada-California boarder is home to Heavenly Mountain Resort. It features 95 slopes over 4,800 acres. At an elevation of 10,067, this resort is host to Lake Tahoe’s highest peak. It is the largest ski resort in California, with a total of 33-percent of its land developed.Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

The Pocono Mountains is home to more than ten different ski resorts. The largest one, Camelback Ski Area, has 33 slopes and covers 139 acres. At an elevation of 2,133 feet, its steepest slope is 800 feet. Located in close proximity to Camelback Ski Area is Jack Frost Big Boulder Resort. This ski area is two resorts combined into one with nearly 30 different ski slopes.

Ski Resorts for the Rich & Famous

Photographers follow celebrities every where they go, from the grocery store and the nail salon to a night club and even the doctor’s office. But where do celebrities go when they are looking to hit the slopes? With hundreds of ski resorts located all across the world, the rich and famous look to go to the most elite and fabulous resorts they can find. Here is a list of ski resorts that celebrities have either been spotted or call their home. Aspen, Colorado

If you’re looking to share the slopes with a wide variety of celebrities, than look no further than a ski holiday in Aspen, Colorado. Located in the Rocky Mountains region, this ski resort town is the home to many celebrities. Because of its quaint atmosphere, celebrities levitate here to get away from the hustle and bustle associated with New York City and Los Angeles. John Denver once had a house in Starwood, which is within close proximity to Aspen. Singer Mariah Carey has also visited Aspen, spending the last few Christmas holidays there. Other actors and actresses that call Aspen their home are Kevin Costner, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Jack Nicholson, Felicity Huffman and Michael Douglas.Sun Valley, Idaho

I small town with only approximately 1,400 residents, many celebrities flock to Sun Valley to get away from their hectic lives. Sun Valley utilizes Bald Mountain which has a 9150 feet incline and a 3400 feet vertical drop. Ernest Hemingway has been said to have stayed in suite 206 of the Lodge during the fall of 1939. During his stay, Hemingway finished one of his most famous novels, For Whom the Bell Tolls. He became a part-time resident of Sun Valley for approximately 20 years and in 1966 a Hemingway Memorial was constructed about a mile from the lodge. Other celebrities known to make their way to Sun Valley include Teresa Heinz Kerry, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher.Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France

Across the Atlantic Ocean and nestled in the Alps is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world. The Chamonix Mont-Blanc in France is home of the world’s longest ski run, the Vallée Blanche, which is 13.7 miles in length. This resort features the highest peak in the Alps, as well as the second highest peak in Europe. Situated at the foot of Mont-Blanc, the resort became famous in 1924 when it hosted in the Winter Olympic games. Since then, the rich and famous have not been able to stay away.

Escape the Crowds in Western Canadaâ??s Local Ski Resorts

Make this year’s winter ski vacation one to remember by getting away to a hidden gem of Western Canada. While the crowds flock to big-brand resorts, you’ll be waist-deep in North America’s best powder with no lines to get in your way of making fresh tracks.

Canada ski vacations have it all: snowy landscapes of mountains, valleys, and glacial lakes; deepest and most consistent snow; internationally known parties and resortsâ?¦ and the crowds who love them.

So, for a line-free ski vacation this winter, consider one of Western Canadaâ??s lesser known gems. They may not have Whistlerâ??s glitz and glamour, but locals in the know find the best powder here. FernieWhere is it? In the Canadian Rockies, a 3.5 hour drive from Calgary International Airport and an hour and 15 minutes from Cranbrook, BC (served by Time Air and Air BC). The town of Fernie is five minutes away. Why you should go: This world-class ski area is known among locals as the powder capital of the Rockies â?? the snow is excellent. In addition, the ski area has recently been redeveloped to offer more accommodation (including ski-in/ski-out) and vast new terrain. It features a vertical drop of 2811 ft/857 m, 2500 acres of skiiable terrain on 106 trails, and 348 inches of snow a year. Sun PeaksWhere is it? In BCâ??s interior, 4.5 hours from Vancouver along the scenic Coquihalla Highway, and 45 minutes from Kamloops. Why you should go: Sun Peaks is friendly and fun, with great snow, blue skies, and lots of trails. It features a vertical drop of 2891 ft/881 m, 3678 acres of skiing terrain on 117 runs, with 220 inches of snow a year.Kicking HorseWhere is it?Above the town of Golden in the Canadian Rockies, 3.5 hours west of Calgary (a scenic drive through Banff and Yoho national Parks). Why you should go: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is the Rockiesâ?? newest alpine resort and already gaining notoriety as offering â??the champagne of powders,â? the lightest and driest snowâ? , as well as the second longest ski-out in Canada. It features a vertical drop of 4133 ft/1260 m, 2600 acres of skiing terrain over 78 trails, with 275 inches of snowfall a year. Red MountainWhere is it? In southern BC just outside of Rossland, 2.5 hours from Spokane, Washington, or 7.5 hours from Vancouver or Calgary. Why you should go:Known for its powder and terrain over two mountains â?? Red and Granite â?? Red Mountain Resort appeals to skiers and boarders alike, and particularly those looking for a thrill. It features a vertical drop of 2909 ft/887 m, 1686 acres of terrain on over 87 runs, and 300 inches of snowfall a year.Panorama Mountain Village ResortWhere is it? Located on the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies, Panorama is a 3.5 hour drive from Calgary International Airport and 2 hours south-west of Banff.Why you should go: Panorama has its relatively remote location in the Purcell Mountains to thank for the lack of crowds plaguing other resorts in the Rockies. It features a vertical drop of 4000 ft/1220 m (the highest in the Canadian Rockies), 119 trails and 187 inches of snow a year.

Whether youâ??re taking to the slopes for the first time, or looking for an expert thrill, these mountains have it all. Fewer crowds mean more time on the mountains, so get outside this winter with these unknown gems.

Ski Vacations in Red River, New Mexico

Red River, New Mexico is home to one of the most popular ski resorts in the United States, and has been for many decades. The resort offers six chair lifts and one surface lift, and the trails are equally divided for beginners, intermediates, and experts.
Top elevation at Red River is 10354 feet, and the vertical drop down the face of the mountain is 1601 feet. Unfortunately, it doesn’t snow much, and about 85% of the powder is man made. There are 58 trails scattered over 247 acres. Red River is called the ’ski town of the Southwest.’
The resort has three restaurants, all of which offer fabulous fare. Lodging can be obtained in cabins, chalets, inns, or private condominiums in the area, and many lodging packages, as well as ski packages are available through Red River Central Reservations. Red River also offers snow pass rates which allow children to ski for free, and teens to ski at reduced rates. This is a great way to save money on your family ski vacation.
Red River also has a ski school, and group lessons and private lessons are available. Even if you’ve never skied before, you will quickly be on the slopes after your lessons. There are even lessons for snowboarders, who are welcome on the Red River slopes. You can also rent all of your ski and snowboarding equipment for very reasonable rates.
The nightlife in Red River is also great. After a day on the slopes, you can kick back and relax at the lodge, or visit one of the taverns in the area. For the younger crowd, there is a great game room located right in the center of the town. One of the great things about Red River is that everything is within walking distance of the lodging areas, and shuttles are provided for transportation to and from the slopes.
You can also enjoy taking scenic chairlift rides, hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, snow-mobiling, and hunting. You can even take one of the jeep tours to go see the abandoned gold mines in the area. So, even if you don’t ski, there is still plenty of fun to be had at Red River Ski Resort.
Childcare is available while you spend your day on the slopes. Your child will be well tended at the Li’l Buckaroos Child Care Facility, and the center provides lunch for your child as well. At Red River, everything has been thought of and taken care of to ensure that your ski vacation is as enjoyable as possible.
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Great Aspen Resort Ski Resorts for your Next Vacations

When you think of all the ski resorts in the world one of them stands out in your mind. Aspen offers a variety of ski areas for all levels of skiers and it covers 4,500 acres or more spread over four mountains. This resort is known for its nightlife because of the downtown area and the quieter Snowmass resort area has something to offer everyone.

Aspen provides all the restaurants and bars you could ever want or need You can take a stroll through this luxurious city and find many boutiques and much more. There is a lot of history in many of the buildings that are in the downtown area. One of these buildings is the Ute bank; this building can be
dated back to the silver area around the 1800’s.

With everything that there is to do in Aspen you should not find yourself getting bored. Aspen is located in Colorado, and with the various mountain ranges, you are sure to find slopes that are suitable for your level. Snowmass is one of the most popular resorts in the world, so be sure to make reservations well in advance.

Family Ski Destinations

Aspen Mountain has long been known as the playpen of the rich and famous and it truly is. But it is also a great place to take a family ski vacation. Christmas
in Aspen is especially wonderful! Aspen Mountain rises above the town of Aspen, with a top elevation of 11215 feet and a vertical drop of 3269 feet. There are 76 trails suitable for beginners, intermediates, and experts, accessible by eight lifts, including seven chair lifts and one cable car line.

While Aspen has much to offer skiers, as well as those who enjoy the night life in a ski town, you should expect lots of crowds and lift lines on the slopes. Again, this is the playpen of the rich and famous, and many people choose this ski vacation spot simply for that reason – as well as for the great
runs and nightlife.

There are numerous places to stay in and around Aspen, with more than 100 restaurants to choose from as well. Ski instructions and equipment rental
are abundant in the area, and snowboarders are welcome.

Tennessee and Tahoe Ski Resorts

Located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski resort in the state. It is more than just a ski resort, however. It is a complete family vacation spot with an amusement park, indoor ice skating, a bungee tower, an alpine slide, and many other activities and attractions. There is something to please everyone.

With an elevation of 3301 feet, and a vertical drop of 600 feet, Ober Gatlinburg features eight trails: two beginner trails, four intermediate trails, and two advanced trails. There are three lifts, including two quad lifts, one double lift, and one surface lift. The season runs from the middle of December through early March, and night skiing is allowed on all trails except the Grizzly trail.

Rentals are available for both ski equipment and snowboarding equipment. Private and group lessons for skiing and snowboarding are also available through the Smokey Mountain Snow Sport School. You can also easily find food at the many snack bars, food carts, the café, the restaurant, or in the lounge.

You must not miss the longest chair lift ride in the south! You will see awesome views of the Great Smoky Mountains. You will also get a bird’s eye view of some of the slopes, and you can have your picture taken on top of the mountain. If you do not ski, do not worry! You can ride back down the mountain on the chair lift as well. Do not forget the Tramway. The tramway departs from downtown Gatlinburg and takes you to the ski resort and the amusement park.

Even if you do not ski, you can still explore the thrill of flying down a mountain at a high speed or a slow speed if you choose. This is possible with the Alpine Slide. The slide is approximately 1800 feet long, and takes you down a winding wooded slope. You have total control over your speed with the use of a braking device on each sled. Other attractions at the amusement park include the Black Bear Habitat, a bungee jump, a water race, go karts, indoor ice skating, kiddie land, an arcade, miniature golf, a Spider Web Velcro Wall Jump, water rides, and a shooting range.

No matter what type of fun or adventure you are seeking, there is something to satisfy everyone in the family at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park. This is definitely a trip worth taking, especially if you have younger kids or senior citizens traveling with you.

Tahoe Ski Holidays

If you are planning a ski vacation and there are beginners in your group, or you are a beginner yourself, you should definitely consider Tahoe Donner in Truckee, California for your ski vacation. Since 1971, when construction first began at Tahoe Donner, the area has come to be known as a world class cross country ski center, but beginners are still welcome, and this is one of the better places to learn how to ski.

Located near Tahoe and Truckee, Tahoe Donner provides a family atmosphere, and is very affordable. It features a 601 foot vertical drop, and the highest elevation is 7353 feet. There are approximately 120 acres for skiers to enjoy, with over 13 trails for beginners, intermediate skiers, and expert skiers. The resort features four lifts, with two of the list being surface lifts, and two being chair lifts.

Snowboarders are also welcome at Tahoe Donner. The resort has reasonable lift ticket rates, and there are rentals available. Here, you will also find a variety of ski programs and a ski school. After a full day of skiing, be sure to visit the Lodge Restaurant for a wonderful and relaxing dining experience.

Escape the Crowds in Western Canadaâ??s Local Ski Resorts

Make this year’s winter ski vacation one to remember by getting away to a hidden gem of Western Canada. While the crowds flock to big-brand resorts, you’ll be waist-deep in North America’s best powder with no lines to get in your way of making fresh tracks.

Canada ski vacations have it all: snowy landscapes of mountains, valleys, and glacial lakes; deepest and most consistent snow; internationally known parties and resortsâ?¦ and the crowds who love them.

So, for a line-free ski vacation this winter, consider one of Western Canadaâ??s lesser known gems. They may not have Whistlerâ??s glitz and glamour, but locals in the know find the best powder here. FernieWhere is it? In the Canadian Rockies, a 3.5 hour drive from Calgary International Airport and an hour and 15 minutes from Cranbrook, BC (served by Time Air and Air BC). The town of Fernie is five minutes away. Why you should go: This world-class ski area is known among locals as the powder capital of the Rockies â?? the snow is excellent. In addition, the ski area has recently been redeveloped to offer more accommodation (including ski-in/ski-out) and vast new terrain. It features a vertical drop of 2811 ft/857 m, 2500 acres of skiiable terrain on 106 trails, and 348 inches of snow a year. Sun PeaksWhere is it? In BCâ??s interior, 4.5 hours from Vancouver along the scenic Coquihalla Highway, and 45 minutes from Kamloops. Why you should go: Sun Peaks is friendly and fun, with great snow, blue skies, and lots of trails. It features a vertical drop of 2891 ft/881 m, 3678 acres of skiing terrain on 117 runs, with 220 inches of snow a year.Kicking HorseWhere is it?Above the town of Golden in the Canadian Rockies, 3.5 hours west of Calgary (a scenic drive through Banff and Yoho national Parks). Why you should go: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is the Rockiesâ?? newest alpine resort and already gaining notoriety as offering â??the champagne of powders,â? the lightest and driest snowâ? , as well as the second longest ski-out in Canada. It features a vertical drop of 4133 ft/1260 m, 2600 acres of skiing terrain over 78 trails, with 275 inches of snowfall a year. Red MountainWhere is it? In southern BC just outside of Rossland, 2.5 hours from Spokane, Washington, or 7.5 hours from Vancouver or Calgary. Why you should go:Known for its powder and terrain over two mountains â?? Red and Granite â?? Red Mountain Resort appeals to skiers and boarders alike, and particularly those looking for a thrill. It features a vertical drop of 2909 ft/887 m, 1686 acres of terrain on over 87 runs, and 300 inches of snowfall a year.Panorama Mountain Village ResortWhere is it? Located on the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies, Panorama is a 3.5 hour drive from Calgary International Airport and 2 hours south-west of Banff.Why you should go: Panorama has its relatively remote location in the Purcell Mountains to thank for the lack of crowds plaguing other resorts in the Rockies. It features a vertical drop of 4000 ft/1220 m (the highest in the Canadian Rockies), 119 trails and 187 inches of snow a year.

Whether youâ??re taking to the slopes for the first time, or looking for an expert thrill, these mountains have it all. Fewer crowds mean more time on the mountains, so get outside this winter with these unknown gems.

Ski Vacation At Whistler Resort

Whistler ski resort often gets voted as one of the best ski resorts not just in North America but in the world year after year. The popular Ski Magazine once quoted a fan of Whistler as saying, “If you can’t have a great skiing holiday at Whistler, then find another sport!”
The Whistler ski resort is also famous not only for its fabulous ski trails and spectacular scenery, it is also famous for its family friendly services and activities. It has fabulous activities for kids such as adventure zones, magic-carpets, play-fort just to mention a few.
Called by its official name Whistler Blackcomb Resort is actually made up of two big mountains. The resort is about an hour and fifteen minutes north of Vancouver, Canada. Holiday makers can fly direct or to Vancouver airport and travel by road to the resort. If traveling by road, then be cautioned that driving conditions during winter months can be dangerous.
This ski resort is so popular that it will be hosting the skiing events for the Olympics in 2010. The self contained Whistler Village has a thriving tourist economy and has a variety of restaurants, shops, inns and hotels accommodations.
The Whistler-Blackcomb resort more than two hundred mountain skiing trails covering over more than 8000 acres of terrain and nearly a mile of vertical drop with thirty-eight lifts and gondolas and boast of a whopping average snowfall of 30 feet per year.
As mentioned in the beginning of this article, Whistler ski resort is a family oriented vacation resort. There are very well organized programs for the children. Whistler Kids is one of the largest children skiing and snow boarding programs you can find in any ski resorts.
The Magic Carpets kids program make learning skiing easy for the young beginners. At the Adventure Camps, your kids get to stay with the same group of children learner and instructor all week long. The Whistler ski resorts even have a licensed childcare service. As for your teenagers, they can join a week-long “Ride Tribe”.
The Big Easy Terrain Garden in the resort is a gentler terrain park meant for kids skiing or snowboarding. Then there are Adventure and Play Zones too. Blackcomb Mountain has a Children’s Adventure Park, with runs through the forest and there is even a ski-through castle. For night skiing, families can ride the Magic Chair ski lift use the beginners’ slope or have fun on a number of added features such as rails and boxes.
With all these vacation goodies, is it any wonder why The Whistler Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in the world?