By Neil English
Whether you're a hardcore powder freak or you've never put on a pair of skis or a snowboard in your life, there's a US skiing holiday perfect for you. Here are five of our favourites.
Aspen has everything
Who can do it? Just about anyone. Aspen
is perfect for groups of mixed abilities - the resort is made up of four separate
mountains with a huge range of terrain.
Let's go: Aspen Mountain (known locally
as Ajax) towers above the authentic old mining town and is mainly for steep
on-piste experts. Vast Aspen-Snowmass has terrain for all abilities so perfect
if you all want to meet for lunch some days. Aspen Highlands boasts awesome
high mountain bowls for steep loving off piste experts and intermediate terrain.
Buttermilk, befitting the name, is perfect for beginners to low intermediates.
Top tip: Be sure to lunch at least once at rustic Cloud Nine located sensibly on the intermediate slopes.
Champagne snow at Steamboat
Who can do it? Intermediates and experts will love the legendary
powder snow at Steamboat
Let's go: The term Champagne Powder originated here due to
a micro-climate that gives it near to the highest annual snowfall in Colorado.
Bad snow years are rare. Slopes are generally kindest to intermediates and are
well groomed. Experts and those wanting to taste the Champagne should sign up
for a superb day's Powder Cat Skiing.
Top tip: Visit the natural thermal baths but be sure to treat yourself to an hour long session of aqua shiatsu, shear heaven.
Easy skiing at Squaw Valley
Who can do it? Skiers of all levels will find the fantastically quick access
to Squaw
Valley's slopes very hard to beat.
Let's go: Whether you stay in the new
Intrawest village or the super modern Resort
at Squaw Creek, both enjoy pain-free access to lifts. This ample Californian
ski area, with steeps galore on top of myriad intermediate trails, has gone
from considerable strength to world class since hosting the 8th Winter Olympic
Games way back in 1960. Three highly reputed terrain parks, entertaining all
levels, endorse Squaw's elevated status.
Top tip: Have your souvenir picture taken on whichever podium you deserve at the historic mountain top Olympic museum.
Effortless cruising at Mammoth Mountain
Who can do it? Mammoth's
vast, immaculate pistes are perfect for intermediates and confident beginners.
Let's go: This vast Californian ski area is a fine example of impeccably groomed
pistes which ski holidays to America
are famous for. Endless, manicured, wide-open slopes make for ego enhancing
turns at any speed you feel comfortable with. Stick to these and avoid the sinisterly
steep couloirs found skiers' left of the top of the Panorama gondola unless
you are seriously hard core.
Top tip: On a busy weekend day take the 30 minute drive to jointly owned June Mountain where your lift pass is good for a day of deserted skiing.
Skiing closer to home at Killington
Who can do it? A shorter flight time to the east coast makes
Killington a good bet for shorter trips.
Let's go: This veritable beast of a
mountain in Vermont
boasts the most extensive skiing in the East, the longest season due to world
beating snow making systems, a 16 kilometre long run and for sure the steepest
and longest bump run in the region, called Outer Limits. There is a mass of
restaurants and bars though you need a car to explore them, so either pay for
cabs or elect a driver.
Top tip: When it gets cold, and it does, head down to any of the base lodges and order a delicious cup of warming New England Clam Chowder.
If hitting the slopes in the US sounds like ski-heaven to you check
out the latest VHOT
SKIING DEALS to the USA.
Neil English is a freelance travel journalist who specialises in skiing. He regularly writes for the Daily Mail and the Mail on Sunday.