As winter approaches the best ski resorts are taking bookings as people start thinking about skiing and vacations in the snow.
If you are short on time or limited in your budget, you may be thinking about one of the ski destinations close to home. They can offer great skiing experiences and a vacation that the whole family can enjoy.
Best Ski Resorts: Aspen, Stowe and Squaw Valley
Aspen
One of the most well known local ski destinations is Aspen, Colorado. This is a first classand world famous ski resort town that offers hundreds of ski trail that offer different conditions to suit the various levels of skiing ability.
There are the Aspen Mountain Powder Tours where you can test your skills on the powdery slopes and experience the thrills and the challenge of the intermediate terrain.
You won’t be bored, but if you are then try snowboarding, paragliding or fly fishing – there really is something for everyone. And for something different, you could try wandering around and spotting some of the rich and famous who also make Aspen their winter playground.
Stowe
Some of the best ski resorts can also be found in Vermont, in the village of Stowe; famous for it’s New England charm. Close to Mount Mansfield the highest mountain in Vermont, Stowe is well known for it’s family friendly atmosphere and it’s ski slopes that cater to all levels of skill and ability.
Squaw Valley
In California near to Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley offers the excitement of night skiing. As well as the excellent skiing opportunities and breathtaking scenery of the surrounding Sierra Nevada, there is the heritage of the 1960 Winter Olympic events that can be viewed at the local Olympic Museum. Go skating at The Olympic Ice Pavilion, which includes a heated swimming lagoon and spa.
These are just some of the best ski resorts in America, and most people will not have to travel too far to find a great ski holiday experience.
But if you don’t mind a little travel, why not look overseas and mix a ski vacation with a little European culture?
Best Ski Resorts: France, Norway, Switzerland, Dubai, Australia and New Zealand
France
The alpine ski slopes of France are very popular, and while ski resorts are available most people on ski trips stay in ski chalets. These are often self catering apartments and are much more affordable, especially when they are shared amongst a group or a family.
Norway
Snow and skiing is simply a way of life in Norway, with the amount of snow that the country experiences. So they cater for all snow related activities an all snow addicts with first class skiing conditions and facilities. Their cross country skiing opportunties are especially good.
Switzerland
Switzerland has some of the highest ski resorts in the world (Zermatt,3900 metres) and offers ski resorts with largest accessible vertical (highest piste to lowest ski lift). The best ski resorts are ultra expensive and luxurious but there are many more affordable self catered chalets.
All levels of skiing ability are catered for, but those who are more daring or accomplished on the ski fields will not be disappointed.
Dubai
Yes, Dubai. Not exactly ski resorts, more like fine hotels. But Dubai offers a unique experience with the largest indoor skiing facilities in the world, as well as water parks, climate controlled beaches and luxury shopping malls.
Australia and New Zealand
Both Australia and New Zealand have excellent ski resorts and skiing experiences, and while they can’t challenge the traditional skiing destinations such as Switzerland in terms of sheer amounts of snow, there are other sights and experiences to enjoy while you are there. After all, there are no kangaroos or koalas in the Swiss Alps.
And Americans usually feel right at home when travelling through Australia and New Zealand.
These are just some of the best ski resorts on offer around the world. If you are planning a skiing vacation, there is a wide variety of destinations to choose from and you will be able to find the perfect skiing experience for you.