Hit the Slopes For a Weekend of Active Rest and Relaxation

For those occasional weekends when you actually have some free time, you might think about taking off to the country for a little R&R on the ski slopes. There are hundreds of places to ski scattered around the country, ranging from huge resorts to bunny slopes that aren’t much more than bumps in the road. Even so, there are stacks of great places to ski from New Mexico to Wyoming–and each is quite individual.

Each region has its pros and cons, depending on your preferences and your ability to travel. Upstate New York, Vermont and New Hampshire are convenient for east-coasters, while the Rockies have more slopes and plenty of fresh powder. Here’s a rundown on the various regions in the country and some of the more popular resorts in each of them.

New England
The most obvious draw for New England skiing is location. There are many resorts within a few hours drive of the major metropolitan areas of the east coast, which makes them easy to get to, but also guarantees long lift lines on weekends. On the plus side, many of the older, well-established resorts have a certain New England charm that makes them delightful places to visit.

Even though the mountains in New England are smaller than the Rockies, you’ll still find plenty of vertical rises, which is what really counts. There are 14 areas in New England with 2,000 foot vertical rises, which offer plenty of skiing for the most avid enthusiast. You won’t find the deep powder and open slopes that you will in the West, but you will find plenty of good skiing. Here are some suggestions:

Killington (Vermont)—The largest ski mountain in the eastern United States, it has excellent snowmaking capabilities and a very good school for beginners.
Web site: http://www.killington.com

Stowe (Vermont)—A little more upscale area that features New England charm is Stowe, an 18 th century village. The slopes themselves are located a few miles away on Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield. The natural snow is good. Web site: http://www.stowe.com

White Face Mountain (New York) - Although this area is technically not in New England, it’s included because it’s the only ski area in the eastern United States to host a Winter Olympics. Located within easy driving distance of New York City, Lake Placid, only eight miles away, offers excellent accommodations. Web site: http://www.whiteface.com

Rocky Mountains
Powder … powder … and more powder … plus magnificent backdrops featuring long, broad slopes with vertical drops and terrain that will challenge anyone. From Wyoming to New Mexico, you’ll find something for everyone from the novice to backcountry daredevil, from ski bums to families.

Aspen (Colorado)—All the things you’ve heard about the town are true, but the skiing is terrific on four different mountains: Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk and Snowmass. The town itself has a wide assortment of ritzy shops, excellent restaurants and night spots. And yes, you’ll probably see a celebrity or two. Web site: http://www.aspensnowmass.com

Breckenridge (Colorado)—Located in close proximity to Vail, Keystone and A-Basin, Breckinridge is a favorite of snowboarders. Breckenridge itself is a restored mining town, which, even though it has grown significantly in the last 20 years, has retained its charm. You’ll find many quaint shops, good places to eat and plenty of bars. Web site: http://breckenridge.snow.com

Jackson Hole (Wyoming)—Located in a breathtakingly beautiful setting, Jackson Hole is an expert’s paradise with the greatest vertical drop in the U.S. (4,139 feet) and lots of backcountry skiing. The nearby town of Jackson offers plenty for non-skiers to do and offers good food and accommodations. Web site: http://www.jacksonhole.com

Park City (Utah)—Site of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Park City is well positioned to enjoy several of Utah’s best skiing areas. Another favorite of snowboarders, with powder, parks and half-pipes, Park City itself is a restored mining town that retains its Western charm. More than one person has claimed to have ridden next to Robert Redford on the lifts. Web site: http://www.parkcitymountain.com/winter

Steamboat (Colorado)—Located a little further from Denver than some of the other resorts, Steamboat maintains an image of an Old West town. For freeriders, Maverick’s Superpipe, which is 650 feet long and 50 feet wide with 15-foot walls, is the longest on the continent. The nearby town of Steamboat Springs is a good place to go for the night life. Web site: http://www.steamboat.com/home.aspx

Taos (New Mexico)—If you wanted to get away from the glitz and sometimes crowded conditions in Colorado, Taos might be for you. This family-friendly resort does not allow snowboarders and is a good place for beginners to learn and for experts to challenge themselves. The laid-back charm of New Mexico is one of the draws of this area. Web site: http://www.skitaos.org

Vail/Beaver Valley (Colorado)—The largest ski resort in North America, Vail offers 193 trails, most of which are for intermediates and experts, including some fantastic back-bowl skiing. The resort itself is huge, strives for a European feel and, as with Aspen, can be a little pricey. Web site: http://vail.snow.com

Winter Park (Colorado)—The closest major resort to Denver, this is a favorite of Coloradoans and an excellent value. Due to its proximity to Denver, a lot of folks drive up for a single day of skiing on its 134 trails. If you like cross-country skiing, Winter Park is located 10 minutes from Devil’s Thumb Ranch which has over 100 kilometers of groomed trails. Web site: http://www.skiwinterpark.com

California
California offers five distinct mountain regions with 34 resorts. As with New England, a major draw of the California resorts is their proximity to major population centers. But with an average snowfall of 350 inches and lots of sunshine, California is a destination for anyone who is serious about skiing.

Lake Tahoe — What can you say? You get a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe, easy access to legal gambling, and world-class skiing at multiple resorts. In addition to great skiing there is more than ample nightlife, especially on the Nevada side of the border. Web site: http://www.skilaketahoe.com

Mammoth Mountain — With an annual snowfall of 32 feet, the area is truly mammoth with 35,000 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of 3,100 feet. The season runs from November to June, making Mammoth a good choice for late-spring skiing. Web site: http://www.mammoth-mtn.com

Squaw Valley —This resort is really part of the Lake Tahoe region, but it has a storied past. Site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley is nestled among six Sierra peaks and overlooks Lake Tahoe. Geared largely to beginner and intermediate skiers, this large resort has an annual snowpack of more than 450 inches, but enjoys sunshine almost 300 days of the year. Web site: http://www.squaw.com

This list only scrapes the surface of the available resorts in the U.S. There are plenty more to choose from. So, pick a weekend when you can take a little time to enjoy yourself and hit the slopes.

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