Guide To Skiing In North America

When To Go

A visit to North America has to be on the wish list of every skier or snowboarder enthusiast. The ski resorts are luxurious, there are hundreds of inches of snow fall each year, and ski areas cater to tourists as it drives their local economy. The season generally runs from November to April/May, but the exact dates that resorts open and close depends on snow conditions.

Where To Go

The most beautiful slopes can be found in a variety of places, from Lake Tahoe California to Vail Colorado, onto Wyoming & Utah, of course New England, and who could miss British Columbia?

Vail, Colorado, is the largest single Ski Mountain in North America and the resort is one of the biggest, stretching seven miles from east to west. In many ways, it resembles a classic Alpine village - and 300 days of sunshine make it a skiers paradise. A ski pass covers the neighboring resorts of Arrowhead, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge (which has more than 2000 acres of terrain), Keystone and Arapahoe Basin. Shops, restaurants, bars, more than 100 eateries, entertainment and nightlife, can be found in abundance in the village. Recent investment in Breckenridge means excellent slopes and facilities for skiing, and it is a great place to visit for a taste of the old west - it has a gold-mining vibe about it.

North of Colorado in Wyoming, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is fantastic for more advanced skiers. Jackson Hole itself is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the Grand Teton National Park - where you can see the famous geyser ‘Old Faithful’ and an incredible array of wildlife, such as buffalo and moose. Here you will find a very fine ski-lift in the form of a tram for 100 passengers which scales more than 4,000 feet in 9 minutes.

Utah lies between Wyoming and Colorado. Alta and Snowbird are among the best ski resorts to be found here. You can expect 5,000 acres of skiable terrain, fantastic weather, and breathtaking scenery - but be warned, no snowboarders are allowed!

Located on the Nevada/California border, Lake Tahoe is surrounded by mountains and is one of the most beautiful places in the world to ski. You need never get bored with the same runs, no matter how advanced a skier you are, as you can reach the surrounding resorts by road or water; Northstar, Squaw, Kirkwood, Alpine Meadows and Sierra at Tahoe.

There are more than 60 alpine areas and resorts in New England on the far east of North America, providing not only great skiing but a multitude of other activities, such as snow tubing, ice skating, zip-lining, spas, and shopping. Many of the resorts are within easy access of Boston, Massachusetts’ capital and largest city. Larger mountain resorts are generally found in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont, but Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut also have ski resorts.

Whistler and Blackcomb mountains in British Columbia on the far west of North America in Canada, offering more than 200 marked runs and spectacular scenery, mild temperatures, and plenty of powder snow. In Revelstoke, the largest new North American ski resort in 30 years has been built, and here you will find the highest lift-serviced slope in North America.

Dont's When Skiing In North America

Don't forget to allow extra time and money for all those extra activities you will want to take part in - you may be able to experience a sleigh ride, ice skating, or hot air ballooning (depending on your resort).
Don't forget ski insurance!

Do's When Skiing In North America

Do go to North America if you like huge open spaces, deep snow, sunshine, and the option of trying different slopes every day.
Do consider a day-trip to an authentic western town if you are in Colorado or Wyoming.
Do go shopping in New Hampshire - it is tax free!