Choosing the Perfect Ski Vacation
Selecting Ski Areas for Lifestyle Needs
Given the extreme expense associated with ski/snowboard vacations, it is imperative that consumers do their homework and find the ski destination that best fits their needs. All skiers have a different idea of the perfect winter resort. Some are traveling for the sake of their children, some dream only of powder, and others are more interested in the shopping and other après ski activities. Careful and honest evaluation of one’s needs in a ski area before booking that pricey winter vacation can ensure a trip that is relaxing and full of cherished vacation memories.
Skiing Lifestyle, On and Off the Slopes
Here are some suggestions to keep in mind depending on personal priorities. Assess specific needs, skiing interests and abilities, and lifestyle priorities by considering the following:
Family-Friendly
If you are taking the kids, you’ll want a mountain that offers plenty of gentle terrain, an excellent ski school, and something for them to do after the day on the slopes. Look for resorts that:
- Accept snowboarders (and preferably, have terrain parks)
- Offer lots of beginner and intermediate terrain
- Have ski schools with excellent reputations and limited class size
- Offer after ski activities and additional recreation like tubing and ice skating or hot springs, swimming pools, and teen dances
- Have plenty of affordable lodging on the mountain
- Market to kids so that there will be plenty of others their own age
A few perennial favorites among families include: Northstar at Tahoe, Apex Mountain in British Columbia, Snowmass, and Copper Mountain in Colorado. More local ski areas can often be great places for shorter family ski trips as well.
Snowboard Central
Some areas do a better job than others at catering to snowboarders. Unlike some of the Utah areas that ban snowboards, other resorts have built terrain parks where boarders can challenge their skills. Good choices for boarders include:
- Jackson Hole
- Crested Butte
- Big Sky
- Squaw Valley
You can find terrain parks at:
- Jackson Hole
- Breckenridge
- Copper Mountain
- Stratton, VT
Nightlife
If what happens after a day on the mountain is what appeals most to you, many resorts abound in world class shopping and dining. Others have famous bar scenes or have built reputations as places for the trendy to gather. Good choices for après ski areas include:
- Aspen Mountain
- Brekenridge
- Vail
Double Black Diamond
By contrast, for skiers who love pure skiing and believe the harder and steeper the mountain the better, some areas are famous for their expert terrain. Those looking for back bowls, out of boundary opportunities, and lots of in-bounds expert terrain might wish to try resorts like:
- Jackson Hole
- Telluride
- Arapahoe Basin
- Alta
Pure Powder
For those who don't want to see the tips of their skis all vacation, some of the famous powder mountains include:
- Whistler
- Alta
- Big Sky
- Arapahoe Basin
All About the Bumps
Mogul lovers will want to try:
- Steamboat
- Winter Park
- Arapahoe Basin
- Aspen Mountain
- Jackson Hole
Don't Have Much Time?
Vacationers who need to fly in, ski, and fly out to maximize their time might want to try virtually all of the major Utah resorts, most of which are within an hour or less of the Salt Lake City airport. Those who can swing a more expensive flight and don’t mind making a connection, then Aspen or Jackson Hole can’t be beat.
Avoid the Crowds
If your skiing priority is getting in more runs and you hate lift lines, or if you just want a more laid back attitude, research:
- Crested Butte
- Big Sky
- Grand Targhee
- Jackson Hole
Some skiers might have other priorities entirely or might find lesser known ski areas that fit their needs perfectly. Some might want to stay with those resorts that consistently rank in the top ten by ski magazine editors and their readers for the best overall experience like Deer Valley, UT, Vail, CO, and Whistler, BC. The key is that prospective ski travelers should do their homework and find the resort that fits their indidual ski needs, lifestyle priorities, and personality traits.
