Three Fantastic Ski Resorts Out West

Skiing is a fantastic sport. Not only is it great exercise, but it is also a lot of fun. Most of us feel as if we are flying when we race down the slopes, and I know as children, my brother and I had no fear, no matter the size of the mountain or the amount of snow. We just loved the sport and the adrenalin.

Below find three great resorts we enjoyed when we were kids, that we have revisited as adults.

1) Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is a fabulous place to ski. I can not reiterate enough how much my brother and I loved this place as kids. Thankfully our parents took us a couple of times, and it definitely left an impression - a good impression. Jackson Hole, which is near Idaho on the Western border of Wyoming, is a valley surrounded by gorgeous mountains, rivers and streams. This is a spectacular part of our country. Jackson Hole has 116 ski trails, half of them considered expert, and "Ski Magazine" rated them first in "challenge skiing" and 2nd for customers being satisfied with all aspects.

These days, one of the most fabulous resorts in Jackson Hole is Teton Mountain Lodge which is a four star resort with almost any amenity you need and quite luxurious to stay at.

The scenic views are fabulous which ever way you turn or look whether it be valley or mountains.

Rooms vary (some with fireplaces, some bi-level etc.). You can get a room in early December for around $149 a night with a fireplace as well as a bi-level room for $399 a night.

The wonderful thing about Teton Mountain Mountain Lodge is that you never need to leave it (except to ski) since it has a spa, 2 restaurants, indoor (and outdoor) pool, bar & wedding services and so much more.

As for the skiing, well, the mountain resort is only .1 miles away. You can't beat that.

This place is family friendly, romantic for couples and plenty of fun for groups of all kinds.

Lift tickets and passes - full day, afternoon, beginner tickets available (senior and kids rates as well)
Lessons (ski school) for all ages - group and private.

As a bonus, if you do want to leave the resort and try the food elsewhere, there are plenty of places to eat, for instance, Rendezvous at the summit of the Bridger Gondola has windows galore that let you enjoy a view while you eat buffet style, or what they call "Action Stations." Open daily at 11am.

There are also local faves like Nick Wilson's Bar and Grill, with homemade pizza and drink specials. It's located at the base of the aerial tram, and is a fun night spot. Opens daily at 3pm.
DINING IN JACKSON HOLE

2) Beaver Creek, Utah
You hear all the stories about how incredibly beautiful Utah is, but until you see it, it's hard to believe. And it is also very true.
The place to stay is Beaver Creek Ski Resort which is another luxury resort. Beaver Creek can handle all of your skiing needs as well as vacation needs. Three resort villages on the mountains and two resort towns below, in the valley, with more than plenty to do. This area is truly a full fledged vacation spot.

Enjoy different spas in this village, for example the Allegria Spa at their Hyatt with services for kids too or Spa Struck at the Charter which focusses more on fitness and well being.

There is also plenty of shopping, nightlife activities such as taverns, jazz concerts, broadway performances and more.
They also have village transportation that is complimentary.

Buy lift tickets as part of a hotel package, go tubing or ice skating, take ski lessons or read a book in front of a gorgeous fire. A great place to come back to after a day of skiing the fantastic slopes. And a bonus is that they also provide daycare as well as plenty of family activities.
Book online or call 800-953-0844

3) Snowmass Village (Aspen), Colorado
We used to go to Snowmass with a couple of families when we were young, and it was so much fun. The skiing is fantastic and the amenities are more than enough. This is, and was, a great family vacation for anyone who loves to ski and loves good skiing.

There are many places to stay in Snowmass, whether you are looking for luxury or budget:

On the luxury side, The Crestwood is what you want if you are looking for all out luxury as well as a fantastic skiing experience. Right in "the heart" of Snowmass Village, these condos are actually slope-side, so you come out in the morning and your are literally on the slope. A pool hot tub, rental center, spa, yoga, ski valet and more. We stayed in this area as kids and there is plenty to do - restaurants and local events such as the ESPN Winter games in January. Lodging starts at around $550 a night for a one bedroom loft or $625 for a two bedroom for 2 adults and 2 children. They also have packages that include airfare, car rentals, lift tickets etc...where you may get a better deal.

On the cheaper side is Hotel Aspen which also has anything you need for your ski vacation all within walking distance of this great hotel which sports fantastic mountain views. The Hotel Aspen is not as pricey as some others in the Aspen vicinity, but it has plenty of amenities such as a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, breakfast, wine and cheese (during the ski season), in room microwaves and more. Surrounded by four mountains for great skiing, no matter what level you are, this is a great vacation spot. There is also a free ski shuttle. Rates as low as $180 a night depending on time of year.

Extras in Snowmass:
Lodging
Food/Shopping