One of the sports that has become not only an American passion but a worldwide passion, practiced today in many countries around the world, is skiing. Two very important things about this sport: you have to master it well, and it demands long training to become an expert. A good skier can cover more than 16 km per hour over even terrain and cross mountains and vast snow-covered meadows. The great attraction is being able to glide through snowy forests and descend a steep mountain at high speed. It is a highly exhilarating sport, but obviously, if you are not a regular practitioner, it can be extremely dangerous. The other thing to consider is that skiing is a relatively expensive sport. Although there are travel deals for all budgets and all levels of skiers, a four-day ski trip for a family of four at a ski resort can cost between $2,500 and $3,000, including lodging, lift tickets and ski lessons for the kids – but this does not include airfare, meals or equipment rental. Ski rental can cost about $50 per day per person, not counting special clothing. The lift ticket could be about $80 per day if not included in the package. Parking is roughly $35 a day, and to that add the airfare. A ski trip should be planned ahead of time to bring costs down, but last-minute packages always exist if it is a last-minute trip. The best time to go skiing – but the most expensive – is late February through mid-March; in April rates drop, and many mountains have snow until May.
The most sought-after destinations in the United States, with notable beauty and majestic trails in picturesque towns, are: (we also bring you a synopsis of the chicest spots so you can enjoy your skiing with a touch of luxury)
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
This ski center has a national refuge for elk, deer and small mammals throughout the valley; it is 48 miles long and home to a large number of bird species.
Luxury lodging: Ritz Carlton Four Seasons
Surrounded by the stunning views of the famous Grand Teton Range and filled with an inspiring variety of wildlife, this alpine mountain resort offers the perfect combination of rustic adventure and luxury lodging.
Lake Tahoe, California
The lake was formed approximately two million years ago and is known for the clarity of its waters; the panorama of the surrounding mountains gives the snow and ski seasons a majestic view during the glaciations. The luxury suites at The Landing Lake Tahoe Resort & Spa are as diverse as the Lake Tahoe landscape that surrounds them. Cozy and warm, yet opulent, elegant and equipped with every imaginable comfort with lake views. They offer first-class ski delivery service. You avoid waiting at the rental shop with the “Black Tie” rental delivery service, where they deliver to and pick up from your hotel with the most modern equipment from the best brands.
IN COLORADO
Some of the most popular are the ski resorts in Colorado. If you can make the time, do not miss Colorado’s famous hot springs; there are many in the Rocky Mountains and they are a unique experience.
Aspen, Colorado
Below-zero temperatures, snow-carpeted mountains framed by pines – that is the silhouette of one of the most famous ski centers in the United States, with a chic nature scene for celebrities who often choose it as their New Year destination. The Little Nell has 92 rooms with different offerings. It is a 5-star hotel with 5 diamonds for its ski resort and has the best amenities.
Telluride, Colorado
It is a ski resort located in Mountain Village, a mix of good skiing terrain and privacy at every point of the mountain; there is everything from complex runs to wide trails with good vertical drop. The impressive Telluride landscape surrounds you at the Lumière with Inspirato hotel, an elegant boutique property located at 9,540 feet in Mountain Village. They have direct access to the Telluride Ski Resort slopes right from the resort. This resort has been named #1 by travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler as one of the best places to ski in the western United States.
Breckenridge, Colorado
The famous and much-visited Breckenridge ski resort – “Breck” – is the highest resort in Colorado, with cozy tourist spots and lodging, with 5 peaks all facing forward and to the south. If you go in a group you can rent luxury chalets. Some look like small palaces. Located at the base of Peak 7, the Crystal Peak Lodge has 45 exquisite ski-in/ski-out residences. This coveted location offers exclusive slope-side living, Breck style.
One Ski Hill, A RockResort
With direct access to the Breckenridge ski resort, this hotel is located at the base of Peak 8 and is super eco-friendly…
Vail, Colorado
Vail is the largest ski resort in the United States; it is divided into three zones: Front-Side, Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin. The village was built in the Austrian style. Fresh, very white snow attracts a lot of sports tourism. The Sebastian – Vail, A Timbers Resort, captures the magic of this historic place, down to the artwork in the common areas. It has a pool with mountain views and jacuzzis at any time of day or any time of year. They have a private club at the foot of Vail Mountain, where they help you put on your ski boots and get on the lift. The complex is truly a unique social hub.
Austria Haus Hotel
Inspired by authentic family ski chalets in the Austrian Alps, this exquisite 25-room boutique hotel has some of the best reviews.
Park City, Utah
The imposing mountains of Park City have beautiful alpine forests that make the legendary world-class skiing a great place to enjoy the sport. St. Regis, just southwest of Park City, Utah, truly lives up to the brand’s luxurious standards.
Powder Mountain
These 7,000 open acres of beautiful white snow are rarely crowded, since it is one of the most remote ski resorts in Utah – and that is why it is more affordable than the other destinations.
Burlington, Vermont
The variety of mountainous and picturesque landscapes makes Burlington a beautiful setting for an après-ski in its cozy towns and villages. The main alpine ski area is at the top of Mountain Road, and Stowe Mountain Lodge is a luxurious development facing the ski resorts; the Green Mountain Inn also offers heated outdoor swimming in winter and excellent restaurants in a historic building.
CHIC PLACE TO SKI IN THE US
Editor’s Pick:
Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Lake Tahoe, California; Aspen, Colorado; Breckenridge, Colorado; Telluride, Colorado; Vail, Colorado; Park City, Utah; Powder Mountain; Burlington, Vermont; Whitefish Mountain, Montana
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