AOL Travel Ideas

Ski Resorts: What to Do Besides Ski (VIDEO)

AOL Travel Staff — 2013-01-02T10:52:00+00:00

Filed under: Ski Vacations

Looking for alternatives to skiing at a ski resort? Consider these options.

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Three Great Destinations: Skiing and Snowboarding (VIDEO)

AOL Travel Staff — 2012-12-24T07:52:00+00:00

Filed under: Ski Vacations

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Avalanche Kills Three Skiers In Switzerland

Kate Auletta — 2011-04-02T09:11:00+00:00

Filed under: News, Ski Vacations

Three German skiers were killed in an avalanche above the Swiss town of Ayers, the second such incident with tourists in less than a week, according to website Breaking Travel News.

The skiers were part of a group of nine unguided cross-country skiers. The avalanche hit at roughly 8,200 feet and was a whopping 1,600 feet wide and long.

The three victims were pulled from the snow by rescue helicopters.

Avalanches are an unfortunate common occurrence in the Alps: Last month, a 21-year skier survived under an avalanche for 17 hours (yes, you read that right) in the Evolene region of the Swiss Alps. He was apparently able to survive because he was trapped next to a pocket of air that allowed him to breathe. He escaped with only a case of mild hypothermia.

Photo: roblisameehan/Flickr

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Best Places to Ski Near Québec City

Dan Leeth — 2011-02-18T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Best Of, Ski Vacations

Sébastien Larose/Québec City

Québec City provides a ski base unlike any other in North America. Instead of staying in some variation of faux-Alpine condo camp, skiers here can lodge in a 400-year-old walled city. With the natives speaking French, Old Québec feels positively Old World. As the cliché goes, it's like Europe without the jet lag.

The city offers three ski resorts within an easy commute. It is, however, Eastern skiing, which means that by some standards, the areas are small, the vertical relief shallow and ice isn't limited to just après ski cocktails.

On the positive side, low elevations mean no altitude issues. Artificial snowmaking ensures adequate ground cover, and thick vegetation separates trails, packing more runs into a small space. A thigh-burning day can be had at any of the areas.

The ski season generally runs from late-November through early-April, with the best conditions generally coming from mid-February through mid-March. Around Québec City, lift ticket prices remain reasonable, Canadian beer flows freely and mountain-side eateries generally offer poutine. After all, the fries, gravy and cheese curd combination was invented in the province.

STONEHAM

Nearest to town, Stoneham (800-463-6888, www.ski-stoneham.com) lies about 25 kilometres (15 miles) north of Québec City. On dry roads, plan on a 20-30 minute drive. The ski area offers 326 acres laid out in a horseshoe shape around three main mountains. From the entry road, those with a bit of imagination will see that the runs across the face appear to spell out the word "SKI." The vertical drop is 420 metres (1,380 feet), and from the top, the slopes look out onto an unspectacular sea of rolling hills.

Stoneham is owned by Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR), which also runs nearby Mont-Sainte-Anne as well as Fernie, Kimberly and Nakiska out West. It features 39 trails, 19 of which are open for night skiing, and its longest run stretches 3.2 kilometers (two miles) in length. Lifts include three quads, one double and four ground conveyances. Trails seem nicely balanced between easy, intermediate, advanced and expert. Grooming runs rampant, and mogul and tree runs remain few.

For those who want to fly above the snow rather than on it, Stoneham offers three terrain parks and a 22-foot Olympic Super Pipe. Helmets are required in all parks, and a special pass must be purchased (CDN$10-15) to access all but the beginner's park.

Stoneham's easily-navigable base area offers bars and restaurants catering to a variety of age groups and financial means. For those wanting to overnight onsite, there's one hotel and a group of condos. Because of its proximity to Québec City, Stoneham is extremely popular with locals. For those who despise lift lines, it's best to avoid visiting on weekends and holidays.

Over-the-counter lift tickets run CDN$52-55 for the day and CDN$30-32 for skiing under the lights.

MONT-SAINTE-ANNE

Also owned by RCR, Mont-Sainte-Anne (888-827-4579, www.mont-sainte-anne.com) lies about 40 kilometres (25 miles) down the St. Lawrence River from Québec City. Under good conditions, it's about a 45-minute drive on a route that passes the impressive Montmorency Falls.

The mountain offers 625 metres (2,050 feet) of vertical on 465 skiable acres. Its 66 trails cover three different sides of the mountain, with 17 of them available for night skiing. Nearly half are ranked intermediate with the rest nearly evenly divided between easy, advanced and expert. There's a terrain park with serious features for serious jibbers as well as an easier learning park for those starting out. Helmets are required in both parks, and an extra-cost pass (interchangeable with Stoneham) is needed to enter the big one.

More of a resort destination than locals' area, Mont-Sainte-Anne offers a main base ski village with overnight facilities ranging from hotel rooms to chalet and condo quarters. The resort features an eight-passenger gondola plus three quads, one triple and one double chair plus five surface lifts. Views from the top look out at a distant St. Lawrence River.
Like Stoneham, Mont-Sainte-Anne relies heavily on grooming. Its steep, smooth trails provide perfect pitches for the perfection of carving technique. For those wanting more daring terrain, the resort offers an array of mogul runs, and its Black Forest serves up 20 acres of double-black-diamond glades. Good skiers and riders do not have to hit après ski early out of boredom.

Lift tickets cost CDN$64-69 for adults, with night skiing going for CDN$30-32.

LE MASSIF

Farthest from town, Le Massif (877-536-2774, www.lemassif.com/en) lies beside the St. Lawrence River about 75 kilometers (45 miles) northeast of Québec City. The 90-minute drive there passes Mont-Sainte-Anne along the way.

The area began years ago with buses carting skiers up a snaking road to the top of the hill. Today, an eight-passenger gondola, three high-speed quads and two surface lifts do the work, but Le Massif still sports a parking lot at a road's end "base area" near its summit. Instead of awaiting first lift, early skiers wait for a rope to be dropped.

Now owned by Daniel Gauthier, cofounder of Cirque du Soleil, the mountain offers a 770-metre (2,526-foot) vertical drop down to a base lying a mere 36 metres (118 feet) above sea level. They brag that it's Canada's highest vertical drop east of the Rockies.

The resort covers 401 skiable acres with 52 trails, the longest of which runs 5.1 kilometres (3.17 miles). The long, steep trails favor experienced skiers with over half the trails for advanced and expert skiers and only 15 percent for beginners. While grooming is abundant, there remain plenty of bumps to bash and glades to glide. Le Massif also sports a terrain park where, of course, helmets are mandatory.

While the slopes are grand, the most fantastic attribute of Le Massive is the view. The resort rises straight above the St. Lawrence River, and nearly every run looks as if it's bound for water. On a cold winter's day, the river's surface takes on a gray hue with a white-bordered shore and sheets of ice floating in the strong current. It's a scene that inspires awes.

Le Massif offers dining and bars at both its base and summit areas. There is no lodging at the resort, but rooms are available in nearby towns.

One-day lift tickets for adults run CDN$64 with lower rates covering the beginner only areas.

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Romantic Winter Getaways: Relax & Pamper Yourselves

Meg Massie — 2011-02-11T17:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Romantic, Luxury, Seasonal, Ski Vacations

Photo courtesy of the Four Seasons Beverly Hills

It's easy to get cabin fever in the winter. Even if the weather cooperates, daylight is gone before the work day is over. The best way to get through the long winter is to take a Monday or Friday off and take a long weekend somewhere special. Better yet -- take your sweetie with you for a romantic winter getaway that will recharge your spirits until spring. Here are three luxurious romantic winter getaway ideas that you can book today.

Live Like a Star at the Four Seasons, Beverly Hills

With direct flights from just about anywhere in the US and even many overseas airports, it's easy to get from wherever you are to sunny Los Angeles. The Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills is a top pick among celebrities in town for premiers, parties, and other events, and also the perfect place for a super chic romantic winter getaway. You'll forget all about cold and dreary weather when you walk in the lobby and are greeted by stunning floral arrangements that keep the hotel smelling like spring year-round. Get into a relaxed and romantic mood with an early visit to the spa -- couple's massages are available, or you can opt for individual treatments, all featuring natural, organic ila spa products. As my massage therapist told me, "These products are made with a lot of love, and you're going to feel that in your massage." There's no better way to set the mood for your romantic vacation.

Sip wine (and maybe spot some celebs) over a romantic dinner at Culina, and at night, tumble into a bed so comfortable and luxurious that you'll never want to leave. Let yourself sleep in for a little while, but you should get out and enjoy the beautiful LA weather -- part of what makes your romantic winter getaway feel so good. Walk a few blocks to the famous shopping districts of Rodeo Drive or Robertson Boulevard. There's nothing like a Tiffany diamond to remember your romantic trip. Just an idea.

Embrace Winter Weather at Stowe Mountain Lodge in Vermont

There are few things more romantic than a New England mountain lodge. Spend some time on some of the most challenging slopes in the northeast (there are less intense runs as well, if you're not an advanced skier or just want a more relaxing ride) at Stowe Mountain Resort. Find romantic photo ops at the area's many covered bridges or on the deck of the lodge itself, which boasts stunning panoramic mountain views.

Take advantage of the resort's ski valet, which allows you to ship ski equipment in advance, and have it waiting when you arrive with boots heated, equipment tuned, and gear brought up to the lift or gondola by "ski sherpas." Sure beats lugging your equipment through an airport! Be sure to book one of the rooms with a private stone-framed fireplace, a wonderful mood-setting amenity for a romantic winter getaway.

Vacay the Caribbean Way at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

Just a quick flight from the mainland, you'll feel like you're in another world at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas -- but you don't even need a passport to get to this gorgeous US Virgin Islands destination. If your idea of a romantic winter getaway is sunning by crystal blue waters with a cocktail in your hand and your sweetie by your side, this is the place. It's never the wrong time for rum in the Caribbean. Let your buzz and the sun's rays sink in and push out any thoughts of work or cold as you unwind in paradise.

Book an evening on the Lady Lynsey's Starlight Cruise, featuring decadent desserts, champagne, live music, and a whole lot of love. You can't pass up the snorkeling opportunities in the Caribbean, and the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas offers a Sweetheart Snorkeling trip that you'll remember for a lifetime. There's something incredibly romantic about discovering the undersea world together. It's magical to see the colorful marine life you've only ever seen in pictures right there in front of your eyes.

The resort has several dining options, but none more romantic than their dinner on the beach -- a private four-course dinner under the stars.

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All-Inclusive Ski Vacations

Christopher Curley — 2010-12-21T11:09:00+00:00

Filed under: Adventure Travel, Seasonal, Ski Vacations

All inclusive ski vacations are a great way to de-stress a winter getaway. And if there's a silver-sloped lining to a down economy, it's that ski resorts are anxious to bring more skiers to their slopes, and that means bargains abound, if you know where to find them.

Europe is the place to go if you want to kick back, have three meals a day, lift tickets, amenities, and entertainment rolled into one package. Club Med has a number of specials at their all-inclusive ski resorts in France, Switzerland, and Italy, and despite the sometimes unfashionable connotation of the brand, in most cases, that's really unearned. Their Cervinia, Italy location, for instance, rates consistently well.

In the United States, however, you aren't likely to find many traditional fully all-inclusive ski vacations (i.e., including meals and beverages), but there are a number of websites and services that organize and update ski vacation packages and deals on a daily basis which at least bundle the price of your lift ticket in with lodging and free nights. Rocky Mountain Tours is a good place to start if you're looking to ski west, with featured deals at resorts from New Mexico to Canada, featuring names like Aspen, Telluride, Snowbird, and Whistler-Blackcomb. If you'd rather go straight to the source, there's also Snow.com's deal page which handles the Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone resorts in Colorado and Heavenly ski resort in Lake Tahoe, California.

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Park City, Utah Travel Guide

Whistler, Canada Travel Guide

Whether you're looking at the Eastern half of North America or the West, you're going to run into one of the many guises of Tours de Sport, which covers deals from all over North America (you'll notice half of the ski-package sites on the web are "powered by" Tours de Sport -- just go to the source). You can use their interactive map function to get a quick overview of where the "hot deals" are that week (just look for red flame) broken down by state/province and resort. Then there's Ski.com which maintains a well-kept list of daily and weekly lodging and skiing bundles for resorts all over the world.

Finally, for a slightly more DIY-approach, you can always check Expedia's list of Winter ski deals, which helpfully lays out the price of airfare, lift tickets, and accommodations in addition to listing top deals from various resorts in North America and Europe. It's not strictly "all-inclusive," but you can save yourself considerable headache by booking as much as you can in advance.

Photo by via Iwona Erskine-Kellie via Flickr

More Ski Articles From Our Partners

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How to Find Affordable Ski Deals This Winter [Gadling]

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Best Ski Resorts in Europe and North America

Shawn Douglas — 2010-12-15T09:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Adventure Travel, Luxury, Ski Vacations

For some, skiing is a one- or two-day event with few frills but many thrills. For others, nothing short of the world's best ski resorts will do for an amazing winter ski vacation. If you want to experience some of the best skiing, dining, and relaxing, - and money is no object - then consider one of the following top luxury ski resorts for your next ski holiday.

Best Luxury Ski Resorts in Europe

Some of the best ski resorts in Europe are located in the Swiss Alps. But when it comes to true luxury and impeccable quality, St. Moritz immediately jumps to mind. Nestled only a couple of kilometers from the 4,049 meter Piz Bernina mountain peak, this luxury ski resort features not only a rich history of winter sports but also numerous amenities. Check into the world famous Badrutt's Palace Hotel, skate on the nearby lake, or ski to your heart's content. Whatever you decide to do, it will definitely be in the lap of luxury.

If Switzerland doesn't excite you, then perhaps a luxury ski holiday at France's Courchevel (and Courchevel 1850) resort will. Located in the French Alps, Courchevel arguably sports some of the most difficult black diamond runs in Europe. But it's not only the excellent ski runs of all difficulties that bring out winter sports fanatics. One of the most luxurious ski hotels in the world - in the form of Hotel De Charme Les Airelles - and numerous luxury amenities like a cinema and fitness center exist at the resort. There's even a small airport that serves jet setters of all sorts. Whether you're going for the quality skiing or to relax on a winter ski vacation, Courchevel will have you doing it in style.

Best Luxury Ski Resorts in North America

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Out of the top ski destinations in the United States, Park City, Utah's Deer Valley Resort consistently stands out as being one of the best ski resorts. The resort remains competitive with other nearby resorts precisely because it's tailored to a more upscale audience. Ski valets, spa facilities, and a licensed child facility are all available to guests at the resort. But don't let all the luxury overshadow the fact that some of the best exclusive skiing can be found at Deer Valley. Some of the runs were even used during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.

A little north of the border in British Columbia, Canada, the luxury and allure of Whistler beckons and calls skiers around the world. At Whistler, everything is a little larger than life. It boasts the largest skiable area in North America, hosts North America's longest intermediate run, and features the world's highest and largest unsupported cable car run. But the skiing isn't all that's grandiose at Whistler. Relaxing spas, world-class restaurants, and diverse shopping opportunities await those who want to take a break away from the ski slopes. Renowned hotels like the Four Seasons Resort are always packed during the winter season. The honor of hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics helps to boost the reputation of Whistler even more. All of this combines to make Whistler one of the best destinations for luxury ski vacations.

Photo by Christopher Heschong from Flickr

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Ski Travel Insurance

Shawn Douglas — 2010-12-13T09:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Adventure Travel, Tips & Tricks, Ski Vacations

So you're excited to hit the ski slopes and begin your ski vacation, right? You have your insulated socks, snow goggles, and parka ready to go. Gloves are packed. You've checked off everything on your list of things you need for skiing, but you have the strange feeling that you're forgetting something. Could it be that you've forgotten to purchase ski travel insurance?

Well, if you're reading this, you've most likely thought about it. But what are the things to consider when looking for ski travel insurance?

Whether you're traveling to the top ski destinations in the United States or the best slopes in all of Europe, having the most appropriate travel insurance is essential. This means buying special insurance that will cover you if you have a sports-related accident or end up with stolen sports equipment. Many people make the mistake of thinking that all travel insurance is the same, but many plans won't cover you if you're partaking in a sporting activity. That's why winter sport or ski travel insurance is important when you take to the snow.

Here are a few things to consider when looking at winter sports travel insurance:

1. Saving money is important, but don't cut too many corners. The idea of "if it seems too good to be true, it probably is" is still relevant. It may be tempting to buy the cheapest policy that you can find, but that policy may be missing essential components you need. As boring as reading the fine print is, take the time to do it. Cheap ski vacations can be had, but don't pinch too many pennies on the insurance.

2. Know what kind of coverage you need for your situation. This can be daunting for many, especially those not versed in the ways of insurance. If you're going on a snowboard or ski vacation, there are a few aspects of the insurance you want to consider:

o. Does the plan offer sufficient medical coverage? You surely don't want to have a major accident, only to find out your coverage is woefully inadequate.
o. Does the plan offer some kind of accident coverage? Considering accidental death or injury as well as accidental damage to your sports equipment is important.

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o. Does the plan offer some sort of weather and travel coverage? If there's too much snow (or not enough), your travel plans could be altered.
o. Does the plan offer coverage for theft and loss to equipment? If your ski pass or snow board gets stolen, you want some kind of peace of mind.

In many cases it makes sense to shoot for a ski travel insurance plan that is customizable, rather than going with a blanket plan. If you're a beginner who's not going to do too many risky things, then getting a higher deductible/excess for your medical coverage may make sense. This may not work so well for experienced thrill seekers.

3. Consider group, multi-trip, or annual policies to save money. If you're in a situation where you can travel with a group of people - whether it's a family ski vacation or gathering of friends - it's possible to save a bit of money by insuring the entire group. There's one caveat: folks who are significantly older or who have pre-existing conditions may raise premiums for everyone else in the group. If this is the case, an individual policy may be better for such individuals.

Multi-trip and annual ski travel insurance policies may be more economical and practical than one-trip policies, especially for those who plan on skiing on several occasions during the year. Just be sure to verify how the policy works if you try to apply it to non-winter travel activities.

4. Use the Internet to find the best ski vacation insurance for you. Here are a few options for those looking for ski travel insurance. They may not be the cheapest options, but all of these businesses are experienced with this subset of insurance.

o. Dogtag-USA.com (U.S. and Canada) and Dogtag.co.uk (U.K.) offer unique and utilitarian travel insurance options for the most active of travelers.
o. USI Affinity (U.S) may be an option for those looking for different travel packages.
o. Snowcard (U.K.) is a specialist in activity and ski travel insurance.
o. Ski-Insurance (U.K.) is another options with a wide variety of single-trip and annual plans.

If you're looking for cheap ski travel insurance, you may also have some luck using an insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip.com.

Photo by Global X from Flickr

More Ski Articles From Our Partners

Stay Warm and Healthy in the Snow [Reader's Digest]

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How to Find Affordable Ski Deals This Winter [Gadling]

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Best New York Ski Resorts

Gerard Walen — 2010-12-10T13:21:00+00:00

Filed under: Adventure Travel, Best Of, Seasonal, Ski Vacations

The best New York ski resorts offer great trails, challenging slopes and myriad activities whether you're there for an extended vacation or a single day on the powder. From the Catskills to the Adirondacks, you'll find gorgeous scenery in the forest and dells as you shred the slopes of the Empire State.

Best New York Ski Resorts: Whiteface Mountain
Home of the skiing competitions at the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics, this New York ski resort offers the challenge of a vertical drop of 3,430 feet, the greatest east of the Rockies, but 20 percent of this resort's terrain is beginner level and 43 percent intermediate.

Best New York Ski Resorts: Gore Mountain
This New York ski resort in the Adirondack Mountains boasts more than 2,500 feet of vertical skiing with 60 percent of its runs geared toward beginners and intermediates. Snowmaking on all of its 344 acres guarantees great skiing every day of the season.

Best New York Ski Resorts: Windham Mountain
In the northern Catskills, Windham Mountain includes 39 trails spread over 267 skiable acres. Its two high-speed quad, four triple, one double, and three surface lifts can handle 16,450 passengers per hour. And for a different type of thrill, roll down the mountain in a Snow Ball, basically a human-sized hamster activity globe.

Best New York Ski Resorts: Hunter Mountain
This New York ski resort comprises three separate mountains. Thirty percent of its terrain is geared toward beginners, but expert skiers can claim 13 percent of the slopes. Its newest lift is the six-passenger Kaatskill Flyer, which can move 3,000 passengers every hour.

Best New York Ski Resorts: Song Mountain
As befitting its genteel name, this resort caters to beginners with a full 50 percent of its slopes dedicated to novice skiers. The New York ski resort extends the "song" theme by giving some of its runs names such as "Sentimental Journey," "Hello Dolly" and "Stardust."

Best New York Ski Resorts: Thunder Ridge
Skiers seeking to escape the bustle of New York City should hit this resort. It's just an hour away, and you can catch the Metro-North Ski Train from the metro area and get on a free shuttle to the resort from the Patterson station. The resort prides itself on being family-friendly with slopes, lessons and activities for all ages.

If you're looking to save money on your trip to one of New York's best ski resorts, advance planning is critical. Be sure to check the websites of the resort to see if it offers ski vacation packages or other more affordable deals. Reservations for lodging, ski lessons, dining or lift tickets are essential, especially during the busiest parts of the season.

Photo by Sarah Ackerman on Flickr

More Ski Articles From Our Partners

Stay Warm and Healthy in the Snow [Reader's Digest]

Top 10 Ski Runs and Lodges [National Geographic]

How to Find Affordable Ski Deals This Winter [Gadling]

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Cheap Ski Vacations

Shawn Douglas — 2010-12-09T08:59:00+00:00

Filed under: Adventure Travel, Budget, Ski Vacations

For many hard core skiers, the end of summer immediately triggers thoughts of the first snow and early skiing. For the casual thrill-seeker, planning a cheap ski vacation may not occur until the last minute. Whatever the level of enthusiasm, it's certain that traveling to the top ski destinations in the United States, Europe, or elsewhere can be quite expensive. But there are things you can do when planning your next cheap ski holiday that will help you fit winter fun into your budget.

1. Plan your ski trip outside the peak season. In the Northern Hemisphere, passes and tickets are generally cheaper during September and October, and then again in March and April. This isn't to say that discount ski vacations aren't to be had during the peak months. However, rates do tend to go up across the board during the peak months. Also, remember that peak season may differ slightly by location, so do your research.

2. Take a cheap ski vacation during the week. Weekends on the slopes are almost always going to be the busiest times, and travel and resort operators know this. If your schedule is even a little flexible, do yourself a favor and compare rates on airfare, resorts, and lift passes between weekends and weekdays. You'll likely find significant savings.

3. Ski vacation packages are usually the best way to save. There is great savings to be found in organized ski packages. You have several options for finding these packages. First, travel aggregators like Expedia and Orbitz have special sections of their site set aside to help you find discount ski vacations. Another option is to look for specialized winter travel carriers in the location you're targeting. For example, if you're thinking about heading to Colorado, then a company like SnowVentures may be just what you need to save money on your ski trip.

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Park City, Utah Travel Guide

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4. For your next ski vacation, travel in a group. Whether as a family or with a group of friends, many ski operators offer special group rates on resorts, lift passes, and rentals. It may sound boring, but even going with a tourist group for your next ski holiday could net you some serious savings.

5. If you're looking for last-minute ski deals, try a travel agent. As many travel agents tend to buy allotments of tickets during the winter ski season, they'll frequently offer last-minute discounts to ensure that they sell most if not all of their allotment. Don't be afraid to ask them if they have a cheap ski vacation available. Travel agents and resort owners will sometimes have specials set aside for people who ask for cheaper rates.

Here are some other tidbits of advice that may help you have a cheap ski holiday:

o. Consider less-traveled places for skiing. In the U.S., for example, have you thought about a Michigan ski vacation?
o. Save money by packing your own lunch for eating on the mountain
o. Consider if your group truly needs to rent a car. Shuttles often go from the airport to resorts.
o. Consider a bed and breakfast rather than a resort.
o. Follow some of Gadling travel writer Amy Chen's advice for how to find affordable ski deals.

Photo by eric.surfdude from Flickr

More Ski Articles From Our Partners

Stay Warm and Healthy in the Snow [Reader's Digest]

Top 10 Ski Runs and Lodges [National Geographic]

How to Find Affordable Ski Deals This Winter [Gadling]

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Best Vermont Ski Resorts

Christopher Curley — 2010-12-08T16:25:00+00:00

Filed under: Ski Vacations

Vermont is a skier's paradise, drawing the New York crowd from competing New Hampshire to her tall and furrowed slopes. And why not? Some the best ski resorts in the United States reside in Vermont. Here are a few of our favorite Vermont ski resorts.

Best Vermont Ski Resorts - Smugglers' Notch Resort

Three mountains - Madonna, Sterling, and Morse - comprise Smugglers' Notch, so named for its checkered history of harboring Vermont traders trying to bypass the Embargo Acts against the United Kingdom in the early 1800s. Now it's home to a friendly a ski resort with 78 trails and an affable, family-oriented mission. As such, the daycare and children and teens' ski-schools are, well, top-notch, with excellent instructors determined that your child leave a better skier than he or she went in, often in only a days' time. Their adult lessons aren't too shabby either.

Best Vermont Ski Resorts - Stowe Mountain

With 116 trails and $89/day lift tickets, Stowe Mountain is the biggest and priciest mountain on this list, on the scale of the mega-mountains like Killington and Sugarbush. It is also simply the best overall skiing you can find in Vermont. At nearly 4,400 feet, Stowe's Mount Mansfield is the highest peak in Vermont, and the 333 inches of annual snowfall guarantees that's there's plenty of fresh powder to mix in with the man-made stuff. The "Front Four" double-black diamond trails are among the most difficult (and fun) runs you'll hit as an advanced skier, though there's still plenty of beginner and intermediate trails (especially on the more sedate Spruce Peak) for slalomers of all levels.

Best Vermont Ski Resorts - Bolton Valley

Bolton Valley is another exceptional mountain for families, especially those with varying skill levels. The ski area is relatively small, but with 71 trails, there's still enough variety to satisfy the biggest novice the casual adept. The resort also has twelve trails for night-skiing, which always a fun an unique mountain experience. Best of all, Bolton is cheap: Lift tickets run $59 for adults on weekends, and $49 on weekdays, with special packages for those who want to include lodging. Shave ten dollars off those prices for students, children and seniors.

Best Vermont Ski Resorts - Burke Mountain

Travelers love Burke Mountain for its discreet charms: elegantly groomed trails, small lift lines, and affordable rates. Located in the sleepy town of East Burke, Vermont, the mountain, home to the first ski academy in the United States, is smaller than the rest of the areas on this list (45 trails on 250 acres) but elicits rave reviews from everyone who skis here. Roughly a quarter of Burke's runs are novice-level, while the other seventy-five percent making up challenging intermediate and expert trails. Lift ticket prices start at $64/day for adults with discounts for students, children, and seniors.

Photo by Lee Story via Flickr

More Ski Articles From Our Partners

Stay Warm and Healthy in the Snow [Reader's Digest]

Top 10 Ski Runs and Lodges [National Geographic]

How to Find Affordable Ski Deals This Winter [Gadling]

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Best Poconos Ski Resorts

Meg Massie — 2010-12-03T10:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Best Of, Seasonal, Ski Vacations

When you think of America's best skiing locations, Pennsylvania probably doesn't register. Skiing in the Poconos isn't nearly as extreme as the top Colorado or Lake Tahoe ski resorts out west. The trails at Poconos ski resorts are certainly tamer, but for beginning skiers and families with kids, the Pocono Mountains are a fantastic winter destination. Expert skiers and snowboarders won't be bored here, either -- there aren't any fourteeners in the Poconos, but there are plenty of black diamond slopes, terrain parks, and more.

Best Poconos Ski Resort for Beginners: Alpine Mountain Resort

Alpine Mountain is a small, open, un-crowded Poconos ski resort with 21 gently sloping, straight, wide trails. It's the perfect kind of mountain to master the basics of downhill skiing and snowboarding, and the resort offers lots of programs for kids. You won't wait in long lines for lifts and you won't have to swerve around other skiers as you make your way down the slopes. When you've had your fill of skiing, there's plenty more to do at Alpine Mountain. There's a snowboard park with a halfpipe and snow tubing on the resort, and just down the road you find snowmobiling and cross country skiing recreation areas.

Largest Poconos Ski Resort: Camelback Mountain Resort

Camelback ski resort has some of the best variety of slopes in the Poconos. Its 34 trails break down like this: 9% expert, 26% most difficult, 26% more difficult, and 39% easier trails. This Poconos ski resort has put millions of dollars into upgrades over the past few years, including new terrain, increased lift capacity (with two high-speed quad lifts), lighting for night skiing on all trails, a snow tubing park, and improvements to its lodge and facilities.

Favorite Poconos Ski Resort for New Yorkers: Shawnee Mountain

Shawnee ski resort is a favorite Poconos ski resort for its variety of trails, great snowmaking and grooming (for a longer season), and its easy access from New York and New Jersey. The 23 slopes at Shawnee have great lift capacity, so you'll get plenty of skiing and snowboarding in even during crowded times. This is a great ski resort for intermediate skiers, with 50% intermediate slopes (25% each beginner and expert), as well as a snow tubing park and two terrain parks.

Best Poconos Ski Resort for Serious Skiers: Jack Frost Ski Area

Jack Frost is one of the few Poconos ski resorts with a majority of its trails in the intermediate to advanced category, with 40% expert trails, 40% intermediate, and 20% beginner slopes. Lift tickets at Jack Frost are reciprocal with the nearby Big Boulder, which features more beginner-level trails. There's no night skiing at Jack Frost, but you can head to Big Boulder for more fun after dark if you haven't had enough. You'll also find snow tubing, terrain parks, and cross-country skiing.

Poconos ski resorts aren't exactly the place to train for the next Olympics, but Pennsylvania is a great place to learn to ski, enjoy the snow with your family or a group, and try a variety of winter activities beyond just downhill skiing.

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10 Top Ski Destinations in the United States

Libby Zay — 2010-11-30T13:52:00+00:00

Filed under: Adventure Travel, Best Of, Seasonal, Ski Vacations

planetlight, flickr

Winter is fast approaching, and along with the snow flurries comes ski season. If you're planning a winter escape and seek a snowy adventure, these top ski destinations are sure to please. From Lake Tahoe to Lake Placid, these are the best places to hit the slopes in the United States.

Park City, Utah
Drop in on the world-famous slopes of Park City, home to the steep mountains where the United States Ski Team trains. With 500 plus inches of snowfall every season and around 100 powdery trails, adventure awaits around every turn at this top ski destination. Also home of the Sundance Film Festival, it is not unusual for hordes of tourists to outnumber permanent residents here.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee
High above Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a mountaintop resort featuring nine whitewashed trails. The snowmaking system at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort produces enough white stuff to please snow bunnies of all abilities. With an amusement park, an aerial tram that sets off from downtown Gatlinburg, and fantastic views of the Great Smoky Mountains, its easy to see why this is one of the top ski destinations in the country.

Mount Hood, Oregon
Mount Hood makes our list of top ski destinations because the world-famous Timberline Lodge is known the world over for having a longer ski season than any other resort in the country. In fact, over a million visitors flock to Timberline 12 months out of the year. Perched at 6,000 feet on the side of Mount Hood, if you've ever seen "The Shining", the snowy resort exterior will be instantly recognizable as the Overlook Hotel.

Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
Situated in the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a top ski destination for downhillers living in California and Nevada. Well known for its blizzards, there are over a dozen major ski areas surrounding the lake. Heavenly Mountain Resort holds bragging rights for the west coast's longest vertical drop, and has 97 runs for skiers and snowboarders to mix it up.

Lake Placid, New York
The heavy northeastern snows make this winter wonderland in the Adirondack Mountains a top ski destination. Famous as the site of the Olympic Winter Games of 1932 and 1980, Lake Placid is where the Miracle on Ice, a game where amateur and collegiate American hockey players defeated the national Soviet team, went down. At 3,430 feet, Whiteface Mountain in nearby Wilmington has the highest vertical drop in the eastern United States.

Jackson, Wyoming
With steep terrain that spreads over two peaks, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a top ski destination favored by intermediate-level skiers. Located 12 miles northwest of Jackson, the resort features one of North America's highest vertical drops of 4,140 feet. Experts and daredevils live for the thrill of trying to conquer Corbet's Couloir, one of the most famous ski runs in the world that has been frequently described as the scariest slope in America.

Big Sky, Montana
Six-mile long runs and 4,350 feet of vertical drop make Big Sky one of the top ski destinations in the United States. Situated on Lone Mountain, the resort's signature peak soars at an altitude of 11,100 feet. One of the last places in the Rocky Mountains to remain uncrowded, lift capacity here is 20,000 people per hour, meaning there is hardly ever a wait to get to the top.

Aspen, Colorado
Perhaps one of the most legendary names when it comes to skiing, it should come as no surprise that Aspen makes our list of top ski destinations. The Colorado ski resort has four unlinked mountains that are fit to please skiers of all levels. The only problem with visiting this world-class destination may be the price tag, as the resorts here are favored by the rich and famous and tend to be pricey.

Stowe, Vermont
With an average snowfall of 22 feet, the picturesque slopes of Stowe are typically blanketed for an exceptionally long winter season. Known as 'the ski capital of The East,' Stowe Mountain Resort draws slope lovers from the entire Eastern seaboard. Located on Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest mountain, the famous "Front Four" trails cater to intermediate to expert skiers, while the lower altitude Spruce Peak is for novices.

Vail, Colorado
Opened in December 1962, Vail Ski Resort has a collection of 193 marked trails on three faces, and features a crazy vertical drop of 3,450 feet. With around 5,300 acres of skiable terrain, the resort brags the largest single mountain ski area in the United States and is renowned as "America's favorite ski resort." After Whistler Blackcomb, Vail is the second largest resort in North America.

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