It seems that both America and Canada are fast becoming favourite ski destinations. They are not exactly on your doorstep if you live in Europe and its more expensive generally but, they hold a certain charm, everything is on a larger scale and the resort villages have excellent quality accommodation and high standards of service, which makes the whole skiing experience one great big adventure!
Aspen, Colorado
Is, without doubt, one of the favourites with its four mountains offering challenging terrain and an altitude of 3,490m this ski resort is one of the best. It has a 5* rating for snowboarding and expert and intermediate levels with some challenging slopes and beginners are catered for too. There are 2,500 acres of pistes consisting of 10 green runs, 40 blue and 50 black, Aspen is also classed as the most charming of ski resorts and it’s not unusual to see a host of film stars there.
Breckenridge, Colorado
This resort is perfect for beginners with over 2,901 acres of slopes it has something for every level. For experts and intermediates ski above the tree lines for the more challenging runs where its altitude reaches almost 3000m in this lovely Victorian style town. There are 14 green runs, 31 blue and 55 black.
Alta and Snowbird, Utah
These resorts are often referred to as the powder capital of the world! The snow is perfect and in plentiful supply, making these linked resorts ideal especially for intermediates and advanced snow lovers. It adds up to a vast area with 4,700 acres however you cannot snowboard in Alta but in Snowbird you can. The facilities are good although both are small resorts so fairly quiet; in Alta, the altitude reaches 3,215m offering pistes covering 2.200 acres with 25 green, 40 blue and 35 black with 11 lifts. Snowbirds altitude is 3,350m with pistes over 2,500 acres made up of 27 green, 38 blue and 35 black runs.
Big White, BC, Canada
The main street that runs through the centre of this resort is a ski run; it’s the best resort in Canada that offers ski-in/ski-out. It is the perfect terrain for intermediates with plenty of trees and an abundance of powdery snow its altitude is 2,320m with 2,765 acres of pistes offering 18 green, 54 blue and 28 black runs and is served by 15 lifts. Activites include ice skating, snowmobiling, tubing, ice climbing and snowshoeing; après ski is quiet and laid back.
Whistler, BC, Canada
This ski resort is considered to be a great all-rounder resort offering superb facilities for everyone. The Mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb link together to form the biggest ski area in North America and is a haven for avid skiers. Suitable for every level of skiing even learners and this is where most visitors from Europe travel too for the ultimate ski experience. The village is vast and bustling, with plenty of bars and restaurants, a lively après ski vibe and a great range of shops. There’s also plenty to do off the slopes, from zip lines and tubing to snowmobiling and eagle-watching tours. The altitude is 2.285m with a staggering 8,171 acres of pistes offering 18 green, 55 blue and 27 black runs, served by 37 lifts.
If you haven’t tried the wonderful slopes of America or Canada yet then why not consider a Winter break this year? It’s great for a family holiday or for groups of friends to get together.
Imagine waking up to a crisp bright morning and hitting the slopes, breathing in that fresh brisk air its exhilarating just thinking about it!