’Tis the season … for some skiing! Here are five great spots in North America to head to for your fix of winter powder. You’ll find great snow, beautiful accommodation, and some apres-ski fun at these ski resorts!
USA
#1 Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Set between the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains, Jackson Hole is a well-known and highly rated skiing destination in the US. Teton Village houses many resorts and lodges and the Rendezvous and Apres Vous mountains offer 2,500 acres of skiable area and 116 pistes to explore. Advanced skiers will love the steep slopes and deep powder snow, but don’t fret if you’re a beginner – there are easy slopes closer to the base. Lessons for little ones as young as three are available at Kid’s Ranch, run by Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. A one-week ski pass costs S$420 (adult).
#2 Aspen, Colorado
Among the world’s most famous ski resorts, Aspen in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado has plenty of powder-laden pistes, including the enormous Snowmass, with slopes including Burnt Mountain Glades, High Alpine and the Cirque, great for expert skiers. If you’re a newbie, no worries – there are also great beginner areas. Families with young children will be happy as there are ski lessons available for kids as young as two; and, if they tire of skiing, there’s also The Treehouse with plenty of activities to keep them busy. Meanwhile, three other ski areas for adults to explore are Highlands, Aspen Ajax and Buttermilk.
#3 Lake Tahoe
Boasting a beautiful lake and stunning mountain views, Lake Tahoe is located high in the Sierra Mountains that straddle California and Nevada. Popular with both skiers and snowboarders, it has a massive 22,000 acres of terrain, 500 ski runs and seven cross-country areas, while taking in unblocked views of the blue waters of the lake. Many resorts in the area offer ski lessons for kids – some even offer them for free for certain ages. You’ll also be able to find a couple of lodges with ski-in and ski-out access for greater convenience.
Canada
#4 Whistler, British Columbia
Located a two-hour drive north of Vancouver, Whistler is one of the most popular skiing spots in Canada, with over 8,000 acres of terrain to explore and reliable annual snow falls. There are family ski zones here, with Magic Castle on Blackcomb and Tree Fort on Whistler providing great play areas for developing children’s skiing skills and increasing their confidence. The more adventurous can go on guided off-piste routes or even try their hand at heli-skiing. A one-week ski pass costs S$490 (Adult).
#5 Banff & Lake Louise
The historic towns of Banff and Lake Louise enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Rocky Mountain range, with accommodation ranging from simple cosy lodges to luxurious resorts. These quaint towns are close to three popular mountain ski resorts: Banff Sunshine, The Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt Norquay. Skiers will love the powdery snow and abundance of terrain to explore, while other winter activities include dog-sledding and snow-shoeing.
You can hire ski and winter gear for adults and kids at www.popsicle.asia
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This article first appeared in the December 2017 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
