Don’t fret if you haven’t hit the powder yet. It’s been a busy holiday season, albeit a snowy one, with several days that saw snow in 49/50 states. You needn’t go to the Swiss Alps or the mountains of British Columbia to find pristine ski conditions. America is blessed with “purple mountains majesty” and quaint villages that spring to life during the winter months. Here are three unforgettable places to check out for a last-minute ski vacation.
Vail, Colorado:
This Rocky Mountain Ski Resort was designed after European villages in the sixties. Today, you’ll find some of the best skiing in the world, not to mention a host of cultural festivals all season long. Travel & Leisure Magazine remarks that Vail is one of the top U.S. ski resorts for families, beginner instruction, off-slope activities, and snowboarding. In addition to 5,300 acres of skiable terrain, you’ll also find art galleries, dog sledding, ice skating, snowmobile trails and museums. www.vail.com
Heavenly, California
Heavenly Ski Resort is the largest in the United States, offering slopes on both Nevada and California. Two-thirds of the 150 miles of trails offer snowmaking for a particularly long season. You’ll also find the snowmobiling, sledding, tubing, and gondola rides from downtown to the resort to be quite nice. Travel & Leisure rates Heavenly for having some of the best views (overlooking Lake Tahoe and the Nevada Desert) and one of the best places for snowboarding (especially in the untainted powder of the recently-opened Killebrew Canyon). Even though they say Heavenly is a “top party town,” they also recommend the Christiania Inn for a quiet drink after a long, blustery day. www.skiheavenly.com
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Nestled in the Teton Mountain range, you shouldn’t be surprised if you see moose, coyotes or elk. If you’re thirsty, I reckon you ought to mosey into one of the Wild West taverns or cowboy bars parked along wooden sidewalks. Travel & Leisure recommends taking a gander at the Mangy Moose. Take a short road trip to Yellowstone National Park while you’re here. Ski fanatics get their adrenaline rush on the 4,166 foot vertical drop and sail through the air to practice their intermediate-to-expert mogul moves. Choose from Grand Targhee Resort, Jackson Hole Ski Club, or Snow King Resort. All Jackson Hole resorts boast some of the best powder in the nation, not to mention great off-slope activities such as sleigh rides, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, mountaineering, dog sled tours, winter bike tours, and scenic flights. www.jacksonholewy.com
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| Article: Jennn Fusion Twitter: @jennnfusion |
