Top 5 Ski Resorts for Experts

Shoulder-width runs, near-vertical pistes, great mountain air, and acres of unspoiled country with deep powder and high thrills. This is the realm of fearless mavericks who crave hardcore pitch and double black runs. With countless options in North America and Europe, choosing the top five resorts for the experienced powder hounds has not been easy, but this list captures the best of the toughest snow capped peaks that will give you serious bragging rights.

At number 5 on our list, Chamonix in France offers spectacular glaciers and deadly cliffs. Since hair raising drops and avalanches claim more lives each year than most other whole countries, hiring an experienced guide is a necessity if you choose this skier's heaven. The imposing Mont Blanc is the official highest summit in Western Europe at nearly 16000 feet. The Vallée Blanche tour from the Aiguille du Midi is one of the most popular tours in the area, and the main route down the Italian side of the glacier is quite easy. The climb down the spine from the ice cave at the top is good fun but if you can handle jumping decent size crevices to get a good adrenaline rush, go down the French side of the glacier.

Apart from the breathtaking views,74 pistes (over 55% for advanced or expert), and a vertical rise of 6890 feet, Chamonix offers a great nightlife and romantic spots. The downside is that if you plan to visit, keep in mind that the price tag for this trip can be pretty hefty. A flight from NY starts at $750, and lodging goes to about $200 per night in a three star hotel during peak season. Though lift passes are only $45 dollars per day, with an annual snow fall of 264 inches, you might be better off if you go closer to home.

With a vertical rise of 5280 feet and a snowfall of 402 inches, Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia Canada is at number 4 on our list. The upper peaks of Blackcomb sport some of the most extreme terrains in North America, while the West bowl on Whistler peak is an all time favorite for the skiers from all over the world. Experts usually flock to The Peak lift, the gateway for above-tree-line black runs including Grande Finale, Whistler Bowl, Monday's, and Stephan's Chute. The triple black diamond terrain on the Blackcomb with Garnet, Diamond and Sapphire Bowls offers a serious challenge even for the most experienced and requires a photo license that is bought at the bottom.

Both Whistler and Blackcomb can be accessed by a single issue ski ticket costing approx $67 per day and lodging goes for $ 170 per night(free 3rd night) during peak season, which is not bad when compared to the previous resort.
Thanks to it's epic terrain, over-the-top service and an après ski that attracts celebrities, Aspen mountain in Colorado takes number 3 on our list. This gem tucked on the slopes of Rocky Mountains is one of the best resorts in North America and has held a legendary reputation for half a century. Aspen is not the place for beginners. The easiest slopes are for intermediates and 52% are for expert and advanced skiers. This resort is all about old school skiing with punishing runs, bumps and steep pistes. Most skiers congregate at Little Nell Hill, just steps from downtown, and then make their way to the summit via the recently refurbished Silver Queen Gondola, with floor to ceiling windows that let you take in the view before you plunge down a vertical rise of 3267 feet covered with an annual snowfall of 300 inches.

Prices for basic lodging in Snowmass village start at approx $130 per night. Lift tickets are about $70 per day, but keep in mind that Aspen is one of the most world famous hangouts for the rich and famous and if you plan to immerse in the glamorous night life and fancy après ski prices will soar drastically.

If you prefer rustic and homey to the luxury of mega resorts, you will fall in love Alta. With an annual snow fall of 500 inches, 5000 skiable acres and a vertical rise of 2,020 feet, Alta in Utah is the ultimate experience for old school powder hounds. Tucked on the peak of Little Cottonwood Canyon, Alta's 116 runs is skiing at its best. The challenging peaks are a hike from the top of the lifts and you require a surface tow ride to return to the chair lifts. In an era of mega resorts and instant gratification, Alta stands in a category of it's own with its enduring snow boarding ban and lifts that seem to conspire to make you hike and take in the gorgeous scenery.

Even though no snow boarding is allowed here, with it's high powder, few people on the mountain and homely lodging, this gem is considered at the top of ski resort list for experts by the ski and snowboarding resorts guide and many agree that there is something magical about Alta. Since fancy service and glitzy nightlife is not an option here, prices are extremely affordable and ski lift passes go down to $52 per day and basic hotel lodging starts at $106 per night.
The queen on our list of the best resort for daredevils is Jackson Hole in Wyoming USA. With an annual snowfall of nearly 460 inches and a vertical rise of 4139 feet, Jackson Hole is a legendary resort that attracts only the best in skiing and snowboarding. 12 lifts and an eight-person gondola service 2,500 acres of skiing on the two mountains and an additional 3,000 acres of backcountry terrain in the Bridger Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park.

Over 50% of 116 trails at Jackson Hole are for expert skiers. When you reach the top of the Rendezvous Bowl, you can ski tackle the legendary Corbet's Couloir, a double black diamond run with a 20-foot jump inside the steep 10-foot wide chute.

The Sublette Quad Chair leads you into more of Jackson's legendary bowls such as Rendezvous Trail, a winding intermediate run from the top of Sublette, with great views of surrounding mountains . It also gives you access to the Hobacks an experts-only area, that will satisfy even the pickiest powder hounds.

Prices for a three star hotel at Jackson hole start at approx $100 per night and a lift ticket prices goes at approximately $62 per day during peak season.
Sources

"Top ski resorts for experts" Away.com
Ashley Patterson "Alta" Away.com
"Top 5 Ski resort for experts" Igluski.com
"Mont Blanc"Chamonix.com
Alistar Wearmouth "Chamonix" Away.com
Dina Mishev "Jackson Hole" Away.com
Steve Giordano "Whistler-Blackcomb Ski resort" Away.com
Prices for hotel lodging - expedia.com
Prices for ski lifts - Orbitz.com
Prices for ski lifts & lodging for Whistler/blackcomb - Whistlerblackcomb.com
Claire Walter "Aspen mountain ski resort" Away.com
Prices for Aspen lodging and lift tickets - Aspensnowmass.com