The Top Ten Ski Resorts for Skiing and Nightlife in the USA

According to the National Ski Area Association there were over 57 million skier visits to approximately 481 ski resorts in the USA during the 08/09 ski season. With that many resorts to choose from, how does one make a decision? Die-hard skiers judge a destination ski resort by skiable acres, annual snowfall, skiable terrain features, trails, lift system, available backcountry access, and the local apres-ski scene. If you are a skier looking for powder and apres-ski this season, these are the top ten ski resorts in the USA.

1) Aspen
There's only one Aspen. If you're looking for first-rate skiing topped off with hard-core partying, look no farther. Every ski season the Gulfstream 5's flock to Sardy Field bringing celebrities and the wealthy to the four mountains of Aspen/Snowmass.

Once you arrive in Aspen, there's no need to rent a car. The free buses will take you around town and to any of the four ski mountains. Buy a lift ticket and it's good at any mountain - even on the same day. Ski Ajax in the morning and go cruise Snowmass in the afternoon.

In-town Ajax offers expert bumps ands steeps, Snowmass provides terrain for everyone. Snowmass has 91 trails on its 3,132 acres that are classified 6% Easiest, 50% More difficult, 12% Most difficult, and 32% Expert. Its 24 lifts will get you to the goods quickly. Intermediates will enjoy Elk Camp cruisers, experts seeking air-time should head to The Cirque or Hanging Valley Wall. It's all covered by 300 inches of snowfall annually.

Expect to be pampered at Aspen/Snowmass. In the morning there are cookies and hot cocoa at the top of the Village Express lift. During apres-ski there are free hors d'oeuvres at the Mountain Dragon. Most in-town restaurants have discounted dining in their bar.

While the slopes are never crowded, the nightlife hot spots are packed. Buy a temporary membership at the Caribou Club and you too can party like a rock star. You may even be dancing next one.

2) Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Thinking of an in-bounds exteme skiing experience in the USA? You're thinking about Jackson Hole Mountain Resort! Home to Corbet's Coulier, 'The Big Red Box', and the Jackson Hole Air Force.. Make a mistake on this mountain and you could die.

Jackson's tram was re-incarnated in 2008 with a new 100 person capacity and a shortened 9 minute transit time. Arrive by 7am to catch 'first box' and fresh tracks. The 10,450 ft summit provides views of its 2,500 acres of in-bounds terrain and the over 3000 acres of accessible backcountry.

The 12 lifts provide admittance to 116 named trails rated 10% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 50% expert on Jackson's two mountains. January is the peak time to enjoy its 459 inches of annual snowfall. Don't wait for off-season deals - they don't exist in wealthy Jackson or in Teton Village.

Apres-ski can be found at the Mangy Moose in the Village. For more nightlife, take the shuttle into Jackson.

3) Telluride Ski Resort
Buried deep in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado lies the heart of expert backcountry skiing. While the wealthy and Hollywood types try to lay claim to it today, Telluride was claimed by ski bums since its inception.

Telluride has over 2,000 of in-bounds terrain serviced by 18 lifts. Its 115 trails are designated 23% Beginner, 36% Intermediate, and 41% Advanced / Expert. Expert skiers will love the hike-to terrain of Bald Mountain, Black Iron Bowl, and Revelation Bowl.

After a hard day of skiing, you'll need some nightlife to go with it. Don't worry, Telluride was voted as having the "Best Nightlife, Rocky Mountains" by OnTheSnow.com in 2009. Apres-ski can be found mid-mountain, in Mountain Village, or in Telluride. Not to be missed is the New Sheridan Bar and Fly Me to the Moon Saloon. Everyone's welcome for pool and darts at "The Buck" - even horses.

4) Vail
Vail may have a faux Tyrolian village but the skiing and apres-ski are hard to beat. There is a reason that Vail is always ranked as a top USA ski resort by SKI Magazine, Transworld Snowboarding, TripAdvisor, and Conde Nast.

Beginner to expert skiers can all find fun on Vail's expansive 5300 acres of skiable terrain. The terrain is coated with 350 inches of snow annually and has 31 lifts to access it. Vail's 193 named trails are rated 18% Beginner, 29% Intermediate, 53% Expert/Advanced. To avoid the lift lines at mid-Vail, take the Golden Peak lifts up to the top. Head down the legendary Back Bowls and then on to Blue Sky Basin. If you still need a challenge, hire a local guide for the East Vail Chutes.

Once the skiing stops, it's on to the apres-ski. Vail takes its apres-ski seriously. The well-heeled and Spring-breakers alike will find plenty of night-life. Cougars have a den at The Red Lion.

For skiing and partying, nothing beats the annual end of the season Spring Back to Vail bash. There are free concerts by nationally known bands, on the snow events, and street parties. Things wind up with the World Pond Skimming Championships. Scheduled performers and events are found on the Spring Back to Vail Facebook page.

5) Squaw Valley USA
Squaw Valley is regularly rated as one of the top resort in North America by Freeskier, SKI, and Skiing Magazine. Its slopes are often highlighted in ski films shown around the world. Who hasn't heard of KT-22?

Squaw Valley has over 4,000 acres with a boutiful 460 inches of annual snowfall. It's 34 lifts will deliver you to 170 trails classified as 20 % Beginner, 45% Intermediate, and 35% Advanced. Lift lines are easy to avoid by using an alternate lift. If you don't get enough during the day, Squaw has night skiing. At Squaw rest up and sleep at night so you can ski during the day.

6) Breckenridge
Mention skiing to any college student and their first thought is Breckenridge. They would be correct. Breckenridge is a former Victorian mining town that is now a skiing mecca. Breckenridge's 2,358 acres of skiable terrain with 300 inches of annual snowfall gets your attention. Ullr Fest and Spring Massive keeps it.

It has over 155 named trails that are accessed by 29 lifts. The trails are classified 15% Beginner, 33% Intermediate, 31% Advanced, 36% Expert. On weekends and holidays the lower lifts will have long lift lines. To avoid the crowds, head up to the Lake Chutes. To save on lift tickets, buy an Epic Pass off-season online or discount tickets in the grocery store in Denver.

7) Steamboat
Steamboat is the default destination for intermediate skiers seeking knee-deep Champagne powder (r). The tree-skiing is equally as legendary. Both can be obtained right up to Steamboat's Closing Day. Those coming from sea-level will also appreciate Steamboat's lower altitude.

Steamboat's 2900 acres of skiable terrain receives over 331 inches of light powder annually. The areas 165 named are classified as 14% Beginner, 42% Intermediate, and 44% Advanced. Better yet, the only long lift line to be found is at the gondola in the morning. Skiers in need of a more extreme experience can get their fix in Christmas Tree bowl or the chutes off Mt. Werner. Steamboat Powder Cats is available for those wanting a backcountry experience.

For those on a budget yet want abundant powder, spring is the best time to go. The crowds are gone and hotel rates drop. You can however expect to see many Texans on skinny skis wearing rear-entry boots and day-glo fashion.

One good thing about the current economy is that it has prevented the destruction of the legendary Tugboat Grill and Pub. You haven't been to a ski bar until you've been to the "Tugger". Bring impeccable ID for entry. Everyone gets tossed out at 2 am.

8) Park City Mountain Resort
Park City always make skiers eyes light up. It's the home of the U.S. Ski Team and the Sundance Film Festival. Now that Utah's peculiar drinking laws have changed, the nightlife is looking even better.

Park City has over 3,300 acres of skiable terrain with 107 named trails rated 17% Easier, 50% More Difficult, 33% Most Difficult. Its 16 lifts let you swiftly reach the good stuff that's covered with over 355 inches of light fluffy powder. With a peak elevation of 10,000ft., no need to worry about coverage in the spring. If you do happen to get bored at Park City, it's a quick drive to Alta, Snowbird, Powder Mountain, and Snowbasin.

9) Copper Mountain Resort
Copper Mountain Resort lies in the heart of Summit County Colorado but is often overshadowed by neighboring ski resorts. As a result, Copper's expansive 2,450 acres are largely uncrowded and fresh powder is easier to find. The 126 named trails and bowls are serviced by 22 lifts with free snowcat skiing on Tucker Mountain. Total skiable terrain is rated 21% beginner, 25% intermediate, 36% advanced, 18% expert.

February is the best time to come enjoy Copper's 282 inches of annual snowfall. If you are looking for discounts, spring is the time to enjoy Spring Break, snow, and nightlife. There are plenty of free concerts by national headliners during Sunsation. Copper Mountain also hosts The Red Bull 1976 Games and the USASA National Championsips.

10) Winter Park Resort/Mary Jane
Mogul skiers around the USA judge their expertise by their ability to conquer the bump runs at Mary Jane. She's left many skiers in tears. While Winter Park is famous for bumps, it does offer bowls, trees, and glades. The new Winter Park Village has added many new eateries and watering holes.

Winter Park/Mary Jane has over 3,060 acres of skiable terrain with 143 named trails. It slopes are rated 8 %Beginner, 17% Intermediate, 19% Advanced, 53% Most Difficult, and 3% Expert Only. Four new lifts have been recently been added to its fleet of 25 modern lifts. The Panoramic Express is the highest six-pack lift in North America.

If you enjoy spring skiing, Winter Park receives over 378 inches of annual snowfall. With a base elevation of 9,000 ft. and a peak elevation of 12,060 ft., the snow sticks around well past Closing Day. When the Prospector and Eskimo lifts get crowded, head over to the Pioneer or Eagle Wind lifts.

If you are a true Mary Jane devotee wanting to eat at the new Village but wouldn't be caught dead on the Winter Park side, COO Gary DeFrange offered this suggestion. "Put on a balaclava and head down Corridor to the Village. After you're through eating, take the Zephyr lift up and immediately head down Outhouse. Your friends will never know you were there".

For apres-ski don't miss the margaritas at Lime and the Belgian beer at The Cheeky Monk in the Village. In town apres-ski can be found at The Winter Park Pub, Ullr's Tavern, and Mirasol Cantina.

While there are numerous ski resorts in the USA, not all of them deliver on skiing and apres-ski. If you pick one of the above resorts, you won't be disappointed.

www.nsaa.org
http://www.nsaa.org/nsaa/press/operating-ski-areas.asp
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http://www.breckenridge.com/
http://www.skiwinterpark.com/index.htm
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http://www.vail.com/
http://www.parkcitymountain.com/winter/
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http://www.telluride.com/the-mountain.html
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