Great American Ski Resorts
At these resorts, it’s never too early or too late to ski or snowboard and serious enthusiasts hit the ground running at about 5 am. In the east on the northern New England Coast you can take a ski trip to the Green Mountains of Vermont or the White Mountains of New Hampshire and Maine, and in the West you have the deep powder snows of the Utah and Colorado mountains. Whether you are looking to refresh and relax, or ski, ski, ski these great American ski resort towns have everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
Vermont
Pico Mountain – http://www.picomountain.com
On US 4, 2 Miles West of Killington Road and 9 Miles East of Rutland
Killington, VT 05751
Ph. 866-667-PICO
Pico Mountain is one of the places in New England where you really get the feel of big mountain skiing. From easy to advanced there is a perfect terrain for you. Mount Pico has considerable steeps and glides for more advanced skiers as well as family terrain for tubing and other snow activities. At the bottom of the mountain is the central base area and lodge. Warm your hands and feet by the huge stone fireplace in the circa 1960s decorated lodge or kick back in your slope-side condo or hotel suite with friends.
Since there are so many great packages every stay is affordable and suited to fit your needs. You can purchase all inclusive “all for one passes” which can save a lot of time when booking plans, as well as money. Mount Pico is one of the mountain faces in Vermont with a larger vertical drop than most so it attracts thousands of skiers each season. You can rent equipment, take a class, and there is also a children’s center available during the day.
Mount Pico started out with a rope tow in 1937 and has now grown into one of the largest ski resort areas in the United States. Most rooms come standard with a fireplace, and every room has cable TV, a washer and dryer, and all have access to the Pico Sports Center. Inside the center is a fitness area with machines and free weights, and a 75 foot indoor lap pool. If you are looking for big mountain skiing and classic New England charm a trip to Pico Mountain is just for you. Here are some stats to enjoy.
Summit Elevation 3,967′
Vertical Drop 1,967′
Ski-able Acres 214
50 Trails
6 Lifts
Killington – http://www.killington.com
At the junction of US 4 and VT 100 North
Killington, VT
Ph. 800-621-MTNS
No two ski seasons are the same in this winter ski town. There is always a new trail or peak just waiting to be discovered. There are also hundreds of restaurants that offer a variety of foods to make your stay more interesting. Killington has 7 mountain peaks, 200 trails covering over 65 miles, and 33 lifts. There are several different terrain parks on the mountain ranging from easy to advanced so it is easy for everyone to have a good time.
Areas that have boxes, rails, and jibs are located in Reason Park, the Double Dipper, and Bear Trap Terrain Park. Bear Trap Terrain Park is one of the best with 5 tree jibs and 2 medium sized jumps. On Bear Mountain (one of the 7 peaks) you will find more than 30 hits, boxes, and rails and the 430 foot Super Pipe that has 18 foot walls, and has its own tow. The two other popular faces are Timberline at Ramshead, and Easy Street.
Killington is also host to many events and activities all year long. In the past, Killington has hosted the USSA Freestyle National Championships, a Snow Fest, National Safety Week, conferences, and weddings. You have the choice of staying at one of the resorts or condos with a 3-4 day stay, night to night, or the best value 5 day ski week package. At Killington you will eat good, sleep good, ski well, and be pampered in a comfortable and cozy ski resort town. Just head north and drive carefully, you can’t miss it. Just follow the signs.
Summit Elevation 4.241′
Vertical Drop 3,050′
Average Snow 250″
Trail Acreage 1,029
Ski-able Acres 1.215
Mount Snow – http://www.mountsnow.com
46 Mountain Road
West Dover, VT 05356
Ph. 800-245-SNOW
Mount Snow has over 100 trails, children’s activities, and several different terrain parks that offer some of the best skiing in Vermont. Taking a trip to Mount Snow is all about having fun. Mount Snow offers big mountain skiing with a hearty season in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Events like the Budweiser Anti Gravity Grail take place here all winter so there is always something to look forward to. Even on those quiet days when there is not an event you can still look forward to some serious skiing and relaxation.
Unfortunately, Mount Snow is not pet friendly and no animals are allowed on the mountain. Children require age proof (birth date) and their skills will be reviewed before they will be allowed to ski on the mountain (for safety purposes). From tubing with the kids to downhill skiing or snowboarding there is plenty to do at Mount Snow.
When you are done skiing for the day you can kick back and relax in your slope-side suite, condo, or home. Take a soak in the oversized hot tub or relax in the sauna. There is also a game room/arcade as well as Camp Snow for children and Mountain Camp for the older ones.
Average Snow Fall 166″
4 Terrain Parks
104 Trails
Summit Elevation 3,600′
Vertical Drop 1,700′
Trail Mileage 37
Tree Terrain Acres 98
Ski-Able Acres 658
Maine
Sunday River – http://www.sundayriver.com
Sunday River Road
Bethel, ME
Ph. 800-543-2SKI
Sunday River is one of the best snowy ski escapes in the White Mountains of Maine. Nestled away in the small mountain town of Bethel is Sunday River. If you are driving, take Rt. 26 into Bethel and then follow Rt. 2 West to Sunday River Road and just follow the signs for where you want to go. At the fork, go left for the Grand Summit Resort or go right for the Jordan Grand Resort. Sunday River has over 700 condos and two luxurious resort hotels that have more than 100 rooms each. Most slope-side lodging is on the eastern side of the mountain.
Sunday River also plays host to the Budweiser Concert Series all winter long and has a variety of ski and stay packages that will suit any person’s needs. You can relax by the fireplace in the lodge while sipping beers with friends, or dine of Maine lobster in one of the on site restaurants. If your stay at Sunday River is not all about skiing, beer, lobster, and live music than you aren’t doing it right. Unless, you are relaxing in the spa or taking a yoga class in the fitness center, or even swimming in the outdoor heated pool, or getting a hot stone massage. Your trip is what you make it.
Sunday River also offers snowmobiling, hundreds of nightlife and dining options, skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and ice skating. Some people even say that Sunday River has the best snow quality throughout the overall season.
Average Snowfall 155″
Ski-Able Acres 663
8 Mountain Peaks
72 Miles of Pipe
Trail Mileage 49 over 128 Trails
Summit Elevation 3,140′
Vertical Drop 2,340′
18 Lifts
Sugarloaf USA – http://www.sugarloaf.com
5092 Sugarloaf Access Road
Carr Bassett Valley, ME 04947
Ph. 800-THE-LOAF
Sugarloaf is one of the oldest ski resort areas in all of Maine and also has some of the tallest peaks. Sugarloaf is the highest lift serviced mountain in Maine. With 4,000 foot mountains Sugarloaf is a popular area with skiers and snowboarders. Sugarloaf is not one of the glam and glitter resorts, you will have to go elsewhere for that. Sugarloaf is all about skiing and it seems like every place you turn is naturally pure and untouched. The snow is constantly clean and clear for the entire season and Sugarloaf is one of the mountains of Maine that gets upward of 200″ of snowfall each season.
The longest run on the mountain is about 3.5 miles and Sugarloaf is the only Maine ski resort that offer above tree line skiing. At the central base you will find the warm and comfortable lodge, and both men’s and women’s locker rooms with tuning benches. There is an Olympic sized skating rink, a guest library, health club and spa. The spa includes a “swim spa” or what is known as Watsu (water shiatsu), saunas, and private hot tubs.
Some of the other amenities include slope-side lodging in hotel suites, condos, or rental homes complete with a fireplace, kitchen, and a wireless internet connection. Your escape here is creating a memorable adventure. It’s big and beautiful with amazing views. From cross country to downhill skiing and snowboarding, to snowshoeing and tubing there are plenty of great outdoor snow activities to be shared by all.
Average Snowfall 240″
Summit Height 4,237′
Vertical Drop 2,828′
Ski-Able Acres 1400
54 Miles of Trails
New Hampshire
Attitash – http://www.attitash.com
Route 302 West
Bartlett Village, NH
Ph. 800-233-SNOW
Attitash is the mountain for active families and as always been this way. The original founders built the very first trails so they could share their paradise with friends. Today, Attitash is the most popular ski resort in the Mount Washington Valley of New Hampshire. Once you visit Attitash you are more than likely to return season after season for years to come.
The deep powdery snow provides some of the best skiing all season long. Smaller terrain parks provide ample space for beginners while other attractions like the 500 foot super pipe attract skiers and snowboarders. The lift lines are pretty short and there are quite a few amenities for guests. You can get massage therapy, sit in the sauna or steam room, eat at the onsite restaurant Crawford’s Pub and Grill, or you can swim in the outdoor heated pool (open year round).
There is also laundry in unit or on site, winter shuttle service, a game room/arcade, cable TV, valet parking, a fitness center, and spa. Attitash is located just off Route 302 West in Bartlett Village. Go about 3 miles up the road and the Attitash Base Lodge will be on your left. If you get lost you can call the mountain phone at 603-374-2368. Attitash has over 140 guest rooms and suites as well as personal concierge service.
2 Mountains
Vertical Drop 1,750′ (Attitash) 1450′ (Bear Peak)
Summit Elevation 2,350′ (Attitash) 2,050′ (Bear Peak)
70 Trails and Glades
12 Lifts
Trail Mileage 22
Colorado
Steamboat – http://www.steamboat.com
Steamboat Access Road
Steamboat, CO 80487
Ph. 800-922-2722
Steamboat is one of the premiere family resorts of Colorado and is located just outside of the town of Hayden. Take Highway 40 into Hayden and then continue on Steamboat Access Road for about 2 miles. Just follow the signs to the base lodge. If you are lost or want to get information on the trail conditions you can call Steamboat Information at 970-879-6111. Shuttle and taxi service are both available for guests traveling to the mountain resort.
Since the early 1900s Steamboat has been a popular world class resort and not much has changed in the last one hundred years. The legendary snow covers 6 peaks of varied terrain ranging from easy to advanced. The Maverick Super Pipe is 650 feet long, 50 feet wide, and has a 17 foot radius with 15 foot walls, and is by far one of the most popular destinations on the mountain. Steamboat offers all kinds of skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, helicopter rides, rentals, horseback riding, sleigh rides, and tubing so it is very easy for everyone to do something they like. You can also get ski locker rentals so you don’t have to drag around your ski stuff everyday. There are also hot springs near the lodge and in January Bud Light holds its annual Cowboy Downhill. In February the resort hosts the Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival which is fun for the whole family.
Whether you choose to stay in a home, duplex, condo, hotel suite, or motel there are plenty of options that fit any budget. Much of the lodging is slopes-side and only steps from the base area. There is also a Winter Gondola Adventure Zone with some really outrageous activities like wall climbing, but on snow. Ski Free and Stay Free packages are offered too to make your stay a little bit easier, you only pay one price for everything.
Spa services and ski and snowboard school are also available every day for a modest fee. Steamboat gift cards can be purchased in the lodge gift shop if you need a quick gift. Steamboat is easily accessible from 9 major airports with daily non-stop jet service to several cities.
Summit Elevations 10,568′ (Mt.Werner) 10,372′ (Storm Peak) 10,384′ (Sunshine Peak)
Vertical Drop 3,668′
6 Peaks
20 Lifts
164 Trails
Utah
The Canyons – http://www.thecanyons.com
Canyon Resort Drive
Park City, UT
Ph. 866-604-4167
The Canyons is the biggest ski and snowboard resort area in all of Utah, also one of the 5 largest in the United States, and is located in renowned Park City. Over 70 non-stop flights and 800 daily flights come into Salt Lake City everyday and most of the people are headed for the Canyons resort area. The Canyons are also only 4 miles from Historic Main Street in Park City. If you are looking for Olympic grade snow, the Canyons is the right place for you.
The Canyons has great nightlife and dining options and is home to the Pond Skimming and Reggae Fest, held in April. There is also a half pipe challenge in mid winter and live music and dancing at the onsite Cabin Restaurant. From March to April the Canyons resort area also hosts a concert series. Since there are more lodging options than trails you definitely have your pick when it comes to where you stay. There are also over 100 tantalizing restaurants in Park City to excite your taste buds.
You can choose from slope-side lodging in homes, condos, and hotel suites to many convenient and luxurious locations in town. There is even an RV resort, several bed and breakfasts, and motels to choose from. The Canyons also have equipment rentals, ski school, and children’s activities. In 2002 the Canyons hosted the Winter Olympics and are still used for Olympic training, trials, and championship games.
All guests are invited to use the Health Club, Spa, and Fitness Center. Reservations must be paid in full at the time of booking so make sure that you plan ahead. The busiest times are usually between November and February so travel after February to avoid the vacation crowds.
8 Mountain Peaks
3500 Ski-Able Acres
Summit Elevation 9,990′
Vertical Drop 3,190′
