USA

Most who visit America, certainly find it somewhat seductive! It boasts pretty deserted pistes that are immaculate groomed, the best snow reliability with the deepest powder and a natural friendly culture across all resorts. The additional attraction of the dramatic peak panorama of the Wild West is moreover, very alluring.

A serious amount of snow- typically in the region of 6-12m in a season tends to arrive much more frequently than in Europe, thus the likelihood of hitting fresh powder is superior. The lift staff are competent and professional plus you can always find a mountain host in close proximity to recommend you on the finest slopes in any resort. Contrasting Europe, the slopes in America are blissfully quiet.

Off the slopes, the American ski resorts have everything from relaxed family venues and chic nightspots to romantic restaurants and live music bars and karaoke! Some are more purpose-built offering forefront ski convenience whilst others hold their mature charm, many being aged mining towns.

It is best to discuss the top resorts in regional sections; California, Colorado, Utah, New England and the Rest of the West. Firstly, California/Nevada has the highest mountains in continental USA and some of America’s biggest winter resorts. Most holiday-makers head to the Lake Tahoe area which is set spectacularly high in the Sierra Nevada, east of San Francisco.

The Colorado region subsequently, seems to be the most popular area for UK visitors. Attached to it is the ‘champagne powder’ label due to its amazingly dry and soft conditions. Some of the resorts here are rather upmarket- Aspen, Vail and Beaver Creek fit well into this category, whilst others are more unpretentious such as Breckenridge and Winter Park. Copper Mountain is the other fantastic resort in this expanse- a more-than convenient, purpose-built resort.

Utah boasts the marketing slogan of ‘The greatest Snow on Earth’ but boarders beware- 2 of Utah’s top resorts (Alta and Deer Valley) have banned snowboarding! Deer Valley is the most chic in Utah, nevertheless Park City, Alta, The Canyons and Snowbird also possess some of the best and deepest snow ever seen so all are certainly well worth a visit.

Killington and Stowe in New England should be mentioned here whilst Big Sky and Jackson Hole are the finest in the rest of the West. The snow in the States is simply outstanding with masses amounts being a definite each season. There is more skiing than in Europe too, due to quiet runs and lack of lift queues. The value for money in the US resorts is second to none whilst the standards and culture of all regions is pleasant.
Whichever region you choose, not one shall dissatisfy!