The Top 5 Ski Resorts for Expert Skiers and Snowboarders in the USA

There's a top five list that will never include some of the most well-known ski resorts in the USA. This exclusive list is the top five ski resorts for expert skiers. Expert skiers and snowboarders seek terrain that offers bumps, bowls, steeps, trees, chutes, cornices, and mandatory air time. Anything less is boring. If you are planning a ski vacation this season, these ski resorts will satisfy your need for expert ski slopes.

1) Silverton Mountain
Located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, Silverton Mountain is every expert skiers fantasy ski resort. It's a ski resort with no grooming, no cut runs, and absolutely devoid of any Beginner or Intermediate terrain. This ski resort is 100% Advanced and Expert skiing and snowboarding. The easiest run has a 35 degree pitch. Expect steep chutes, bowls, and cliffs on the bill of fare.

In the morning, groups are determined by pace with no more than eight people per group. Once started, let your guide know the terrain you want to explore. Silverton offers unguided skiing for $49.00 and guided skiing at $119.00. If you want more, Silverton now offers heli-skiing at $159.00/run. All skiers and riders are required to carry a beacon, probe, and shovel while on the mountain. When you are through skiing or riding for the day, there's lodging in nearby Silverton, CO. I've found Handlebars Restaurant & Saloon to have good food and rustic ambiance.

2) Squaw Valley USA
Freeskier, SKI, Transworld Snowboarding, and Skiing Magazine consistently rank Squaw Valley, CA as one of the top five ski resorts having the most challenging expert ski slopes. If you've ever been to a ski or snowboard movie, you've seen Squaw's KT-22 Peak. Locals line up at the KT-22 lift on powder days hoping to score freshies on The Fingers with its chutes, cliffs, Alaska-style 50 degree steeps, pillows, and hips. Next on the menu are the Palisades.

The ski slopes at Squaw are rated as 20% Beginner, 45% Intermediate, and 35% Advanced with plenty of hike-to terrain and cornices on it 4,000 acres. For those looking for lines of varying difficulty, big-mountain snowboarder Jeremy Jones gives up the goods in the December 09 issue of Transworld Snowboarding. Full day ski lift tickets are $83.00 full season. Le Chamois for apres-ski. Lodging is slopeside in the village.

3) Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Ask any expert skier in the USA about challenging expert ski slopes and Jackson Hole is immediately inserted into the conversation. Located in the Tetons outside Jackson, WY, it is home to Corbet's Coulier, and an in-your-face sign that reads "This mountain is like nothing you have experienced before. Its terrain presents everything from groomed slopes to dangerous cliffs. And its weather is just as variable. That's why it is important to use extra caution to prevent getting lost or making a mistake that could result in serious injury or death."

Jackson provides everything for the expert ski vacation - cliffs, chutes, insane steeps, and rock drops. The terrain is rated 10% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 50% expert over its two mountains. Skiing Magazine ranks its terrain as the most challenging slopes for expert skiers. A great ski resort guide was put together by Jackson Hole guide Bob Peters.

Jackson Hole offers guided backcountry skiing & riding through surrounding backcountry access gates. If you are still working on your technique, Jackson offers its world-famous Steep and Deep Camp for skiers and snowboarders. Expect to pay for your skiing ecstacy. Lift tickets are $91.00/day. Lodging can be found in Teton Village or 20 minutes away in Jackson. Those going solo should consider the Hostel X. You have to try the beer at the Snake River Brewery. They have World Beer Cup medal-winning beers.

4) Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort
Situated in Little Cottonwood Canyon outside Salt Lake City, Utah, Snowbird is every expert skiers and snowboarders object of desire. The menu includes 500 inches of annual snowfall, 4,700 acres of skiable terrain, and Skiing Magazine's #2 ski resort for challenging terrain. You'll experience big moguls, limited grooming, waist deep freshies, 45 degree steeps, chutes, bowls, and rock drops.

The terrain is rated 27% Beginner, 38% Intermediate, and 35% Advanced. The truth is, if you aren't an expert skier, the Bird's ski slopes will school you. Expert skiers and riders will be howling with delight.

If you're ready to book your ski vacation, lodging can be found in Snowbird Village or in nearby Salt Lake City. Daily ski lift tickets are $72.00. An Alta/Snowbird combined ticket is $85.00. Check with Liftopia.com for any discounted lift tickets.

5) Aspen Highlands
Aspen Highlands sits on the outskirts of tony Aspen, Colorado. Don't let the location mislead you, Highlands Bowl has long been respected as expert hike-to terrain by the skiing and snowboarding faithful. It's terrain is rated 18% easiest, 30 % more difficult, 16% most difficult, and 36% expert. A ski vacation here will offer spectacular views of the Maroon Bells and challenging expert ski slopes. The nightlife is fabulous. Lift tickets bought in multi-day plans offer the best rate. Lodging can be found in Aspen or nearby Snowmass. Head to Woody Creek Tavern to experience the best Aspen dive bar.

http://www.silvertonmountain.com/page/home
http://www.squaw.com/
http://www.squaw.com/le-chamois
http://www.jacksonhole.com/
http://www.epicski.com/wiki/jackson-hole-guide-to-skiing-jackson-hole-mountain-resort
http://www.thehostel.us/
http://www.snowbird.com/index.html
http://www.aspensnowmass.com/onmountain/statsfacts/statsfacts.cfm?area=Aspen%20Highlands