You don’t have to go out of the country for a class-A skiing experience. Relish black-run thrills, bevel in beginner’s lessons, or simply enjoy the comfortable atmosphere and luxury accommodations these North American ski resorts have to offer.
1. The Little Nell
Aspen, Colo.
Aspen, world-renowned for its steeps and four unlinked mountains is a mecca for any ski fiend. Boasting the only ski in/ski out hotel in Aspen, The Little Nell has been spoiling guests since it first opened its doors in 1989 at the base of the Aspen Mountains. With 92 guest rooms of comfort, the Relais & Chateaux member hotel also offers a handful of dining options and a spa to top off a long and rewarding day on the slopes.
2. Inn at Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek, Colo.
Both skiers and boarders alike can find challenging slopes at Beaver Creek, as well as first-class accommodation at the Inn at Beaver Creek that is located only yards from the ski lift of the western slope of the resort.
3. Stein Eriksen Lodge
Deer Valley, Utah
Brainchild of Olympic skiing gold medallist Stein Eriksen, the Stein Eriksen Lodge is nestled among the Wasatch mountain range in Deer Valley. Ski runs welcome skiers of all ages and abilities, from challenging to comfortable slopes.
4. Amangani
Jackson Hole, Wyo.
Perched along the edge of the East Gros Ventre Butte in Jackson Hole, the Amangani resort overlooks meadows of grazing land surrounded by the snow-capped Tetons. Beyond cross-country skiing, guests can also enjoy snowmobiling, snowshoeing (to track winter wildlife) and even half-to-full-day dog-sledding.
5.Topnotch
Stowe, Vt.
Located between the picturesque Vermont town of Stowe and Mount Mansfield, Topnotch offers some of the best skiing east of the Rockies. The 120 acre spot boasts the perfect jump-off spot for skiing at the Stowe Mountain Resort.
6. Sun Valley Lodge
Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley became popular back in the 1930s when people such as Ernest Hemingway and others who had learned to ski in Europe first discovered it. Today it is still one of the most popular ski destinations in the world, largely because of the quality of the trails on its two mountains: Baldy, for advanced skiers, and Dollar, for beginners.
7. The Peaks at Telluride
Telluride, Colo.
The Peaks at Telluride offer exceptional skiing in the 14,000-foot-high San Juan mountain range. Though acommodating skiers of all abilities, Telluride is particularly appealing to the expert skier who is looking for a challenge on one of its many advanced runs.
8. Sonnenalp
Vail, Colo.
Enjoy truly world-class skiing and snowboarding on Vail mountain, nordic skiing at one of Sonnenalp’s nordic parks, snowshoeing through the Rocky Mountain wilderness with your own professional guide, ice skating and even ballooning at this Old World resort.
www.sonnenalp.com
Where are your favorite places to ski?
