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Steep skiing: Jackson Hole, USA<\/h2>\n
Jackson Hole<\/a>\u00a0is a ski resort on steroids, serving up the highest and steepest runs in North America. The most notorious run, Corbet\u2019s Couloir, is a Mecca for skiers wanting to prove their mettle (or watch others do so). The run is named for mountaineer Barry Corbet, who back in 1960 spotted a narrow crease of snow shaped like an upside-down funnel, high up on Jackson Hole. Said he: \u201cSomeday someone will ski that.\u201d In 1967 someone did, and it became a permanent fixture on the trail map, and on every skier\u2019s bucket list.<\/p>\n This old-town mid-mountain ski resort five hours drive northeast of Vancouver is governed by very charming city \u201claws\u201d designed to contribute to its charm \u2013\u00a0all Silver Star<\/a> buildings must have at least five colours in their design scheme. Think brightly coloured ski shops, candy stores and ye olde themed bars. It\u2019s ski-in ski-out at its best, with beautiful lodges and a laid back family friendly atmosphere that makes it perfect for all ages. There are plenty of black diamonds for the adventurous but also lots of great beginner and medium terrain.<\/p>\n It might be less well-known by Aussies as a star studded ski resort than its bigger cousin Aspen, but Beaver Creek <\/a>is designed for those who like to ski in style. Think heated walkways, escalators to the chair lift, and a daily cookie time that sees chefs bring out silver platters piled high with freshly baked cookies to skiers as they finish their last runs for the day. Like we said, this is the spot for those who like to ski in style. The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek<\/a> sits right in front of the Buckaroo Express gondola and is the spot for apr\u00e8s drinks around the open fire pit. Finish a few runs early, order a hot toddy and watch the skiers come down Hay Meadow as the day winds down. You have probably heard of Lake Louise<\/a>, one of Alberta\u2019s beautiful alpine lakes, but did you know it also has a ski field? Lake Louise Ski Resort is one of North America\u2019s biggest resorts, with 4,200 skiable acres. The front runs look down on Fairmont\u2019s famous Chateau Lake Louise<\/a> hotel and are the best spot for a bird’s eye view, but there\u2019s also plenty of beautiful runs through the trees \u2013\u00a0Ptarmigan Glades is a locals’ favourite.<\/p>\n A ski resort that also has natural hot springs? Need we say more? Hot tubbing is an important part of any serious skier’s end of day routine. And if it isn’t, it should be! Strawberry Park hot springs are just 11 km from town and are open until 10.30pm, with no under 18 year olds until after dark! Back to the actual snow, Steamboat Resort<\/a>\u00a0itself is well known for that all elusive Champagne Powder – with lots of tree skiing hotspots. There’s a terrain park and plenty of runs \u2013165 named trails to be exact \u2013\u00a0to keep you busy. Aussies and Whistler<\/a> are like a Tim Hortons donut and a cup of hot chocolate \u2013 and if you hadn\u2019t had a Timbit, you\u2019re missing out! Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain<\/a> are a year round playground, but they really come to life when the snow falls. Then there’s skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, snow mobiling, snow shoeing, cross country skiing… the list goes on! This season you’ll be able to try baseboarding at the Whistler Olympic Park. North America’s first Bromley\u00a0Baseboarding program is like\u00a0tobogganing on steroids.<\/p>\n Aspen<\/a>\u00a0is known for being the winter playground of the rich and famous, and with four main Aspen ski areas, it\u2019s highly likely that you\u2019ll share a gondola or a fireplace with a movie star or two. The namesake town at the base of these mountains is filled with houses that are straight out of Hansel and Gretel, with colourful facades and white picket fences. \u00ad\u00adSettle in for a week and try out all four mountains \u2013 Aspen Mountain <\/a>and Aspen Highlands are the closest mountains, just minutes from Aspen town, but make time to catch the bus over to Snowmass, for long groomed runs and dramatic views, and Buttermilk, which is great for beginners but also for watching the world\u2019s best compete at the adrenalin-fuelled X Games, held annually on Buttermilk\u2019s mountainside. The big news this season is that the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup 2017 finals will take place on Aspen Mountain, the first time they\u2019ve been held outside Europe in 20 years. If you haven\u2019t been to Banff, you\u2019re missing out. Located inside the Banff National Park<\/a>, this town is ringed by the Rocky Mountains and has a fun, laid back ski town vibe without the crowds of its larger cousins on the west coast. Sunshine Village<\/a> has an annual snowfall of 35 feet, with a season that runs from November until the end of May.<\/p>\n The big news last season was the official opening of Park City Mountain Resort<\/a> \u2013 the joining of Canyons Resort and Park City Mountain Resort means there\u2019s now more than 7,300 acres of terrain in the biggest ski and snowboard resort in the country. This season is the time for exploring all of that terrain, with plenty of fun non-skiing activities to boot. One of the best times to visit is during the Sundance Film Festival<\/a>, when the celebrities and directors flock to town.<\/p>\n Expedia compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site, such compensation may include travel and other costs<\/i>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Ye olde charm: Silver Star Mountain Resort, BC, Canada<\/h2>\n
Super luxe skiing: Beavercreek, Colorado,\u00a0USA<\/h2>\n
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\u00a0Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada<\/h2>\n
Steamboat Resort, Colorado, America<\/h2>\n
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Whistler, BC, Canada<\/h2>\n
Swishing down the slopes with celebs: Aspen, Colorado, USA<\/h2>\n
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Sun Valley, Banff, Alberta, Canada<\/h2>\n
Park City Mountain Resort, Utah,\u00a0USA<\/h2>\n