Singles on the Ski Slopes
When winter approaches, the minds of snow lovers turn to thoughts of mountainside romance. While snow sliding was once a male dominated activity, recently, a significant number of Shred Betties and Bumpin’ Babes are seen at every ski area. If you’re searching for a slope side soul mate to share your passion for powder, check out our guide to the best resorts for singles.
Resort Romance Primer
Although the aprÃ?¨s ski scene is filled with interesting prospects, noise and crowding make it difficult to focus. The singles line at the lifts may offer a viable alternative. While it might take a few runs to find someone who interests you, during the lift ride, there will be less noise and distraction than in the bars. If you’re hitting it off with someone, take a few runs together, but if you are the better skier or rider, resist the temptation to show off. Wait for the other person at various stopping points, or get their number and hook up later. Some people give aprÃ?¨s ski parties at their condos or ski houses. They invite various people they’ve met on the lifts, creating a more selective group of guests.
If you spend time with a snow slider of a lesser skill proficiency, don’t try to teach them. Teaching your sport to your significant other can put your relationship on a downhill slide to disaster! However, if you’re a guy who loves to teach, consider becoming an instructor. Look at the ski school. Most lesson takers are women, and women just can’t seem to resist a guy in an instructor’s uniform. Even guys who aren’t quite all that become Mr. Romance when they wear a jacket that says “
Ski & Ride
School
.” If you’re a part time instructor who has a “real” job that actually earns you a decent income, all the better, since most full time instructors are usually pretty broke. Ski instructors are often the only ones in ski towns juggling at least two or three girlfriends, while the other guys have trouble finding only one.
Although women have an easier time meeting men at ski areas, male skiers can be picky about the ladies they choose. Most of my single male ski buds would love to meet a woman who is serious about her skiing. They don’t care if she skis as well as they do, but they want someone who shares their passion for the sport. A beautiful, expensive Bogner one piece will get you labeled as “ski bunny” if accompanied by straight skis and rear entry boots. Look your best, but make sure your clothing and gear are functional. Your best bet for meeting men in ski towns is to get friendly with local women. The female locals in ski towns often have husbands, boyfriends or both, so competition is not an issue.
Choosing a Destination
Planning a ski trip for singles requires research. Some areas have great skiing, but not much of a party life. What are you looking for? Do you want to meet someone who lives within a two hour drive of you? Consider a resort that attracts people from your area. If you want to widen your scope to include singles from all over
North America
, or even the world, consider the larger destination resorts. The following checklist should help you make a decision:
- Avoid resorts described as: Voted Best for Families.
- Unless you’ll only consider a partner whose skills match yours, choose areas with varied terrain. Although women are catching up in the snow sport arena, the pickings are slim at the more extreme resorts.
- Areas that have a self contained village offer better opportunities for meeting people.
- Consider the economic factors. If you live a relatively humble existence, anyone you meet at a jet setter’s resort may be looking for someone with a higher economic status.
- When you go determines who you’ll meet. Spring Break attracts college age singles. During Christmas, the resorts are filled with families and couples. If want to meet a local so you have an excuse to move to a ski town, plan your trip for either early or late season when the resort is not overrun with tourists.
The Resorts
Killington: In 2004, Killington, otherwise known as the Beast of the East was the recipient of the Ski Press Perfect Award for the Perfect Singles Scene. The mountain is popular with
New York, New Jersey
and
Boston
singles.
Hunter
Mountain
: “Huntah” as the folks for
New York
call it is 132 miles from
New York City
. The resort is famous for snowmaking, as well as the number of singles it attracts from the
New York
metro area.
Mont
Tremblant: For those who prefer a bit of a European flair without the expense of a European trip, Tremblant is the place to go. Throbs of snow sliders gather at Le Shack for AprÃ?¨s Ski. After dinner, the singles scene continues at Tremblant dance clubs such as Caribou or CafÃ?© D’Epoque.
http://www.tremblant.ca/index.htm
Seven Springs: Because of its proximity to
Pittsburg
, Baltimore and Washington DC., snow sliders from the
Mid-Atlantic States
gather at Seven Springs.
There are many bars at the base of the slope. The weekend night skiing tends to attract the under 25 crowd. The resort’s signature hotel has been described as a “dryland cruise ship.” The buffet style dining encourages social interaction. Lest you tire of the skiing, the hotel offers roller skating, bowling and live entertainment. Steeler’s fans gather round the big screen TV to watch the game.
http://www.7springs.com/home.html
Winter Park
: For two years in a row, Forbes voted
DenverColorado
the Best U.S. City for Singles.
Winter Park
is an hour and a half from
Denver
, and attracts many
Denver
singles. You can get an early start on the party scene by taking the Ski Train from Union Station in
Denver
. Apr�¨s Ski is quiet during the week, but pretty lively over the weekends.
http://www.skiwinterpark.com/index.htm
Breckenridge: The entire town of
Breckenridge
is one big non stop party, filled with more bars and dance clubs than you can name. The windy conditions at the resort make the lift rides long enough to have the beginning, middle and end of a romance in one chair ride. The Maggie and the Quandary Grill are popular for AprÃ?¨s Ski. After dinner, dance the night away at Cecelia’s. Breckenridge also has the advantage of being close to the other Summit County resorts, such as Copper Mountain, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin. Since Breckenridge has the best nightlife, everyone gathers there.
http://breckenridge.snow.com/winterhome.asp
Copper
Mountain
: Like other Intrawest Resorts such as Tremblant and Whistler, Copper’s self contained Village makes aprÃ?¨s ski an art form. Jack’s and Enzo’s are the hot spots for entertainment.
Vail: Although Vail is located only 35 minutes from
Summit
County
, it seems to draw a slightly more upscale crowd of singles. The mountain itself is awesome, with terrain suitable for very level of skier or rider. Snow sliders gather to listen to Phil Long’s lively music at the Red Lion for AprÃ?¨s Ski
Aspen
:
Aspen
is an upscale resort that attracts the rich and famous and those who’d like to meet them.Now that
Aspen
allows snowboarding, the resort is beginning to attract some of the younger single crowd.
http://www.aspensnowmass.com/default.cfm?var=1&hasFlash=1
Park
City
: Like Breckenridge, the town of
Park
City is filled with exciting opportunities. There are three resorts in the
Park
City
area:
Park
City
, The Canyons and
Deer
Valley
.
Deer
Valley
is a “tonier,” skier’s only resort that appeals to an older, upscale crowd. Harry O’s is the hottest singles bar in town for visitors and locals. They have great bands and a huge dance floor.
http://www.parkcity.com/index.cfm
Tahoe: Tahoe bears the distinction of being a ski area that attracts a relatively equal number of men and women. The Pierce Street Annex is the hot spot for younger singles. Interested in meeting a pro skier? Check out the Plaza Bar in
Squaw Valley
. If you’re into snowboarders, head to the Tiki Bar, located at the base lodge of Sierra-at-Tahoe. You can dance to live surf music while enjoying Polynesian drinks and watching the boarders show their tricks at the Broadway terrain park.
http://laketahoe.com/tahoe/SITE/top/listing.cfm/other/696/0/direct
Mammoth: Mammoth is about a six hour drive from
L.A.
The resort tends to attract a
Southern California
crowd. At night, folks gather at The Yodler Bar, which Ski Magazine rated as the best apr�¨s ski bar in
California
.
http://www.mammothmountain.com/ski_ride/
Whistler/Blackcomb: Whistler/Blackcomb may be the ultimate singles ski resort. Its awesome terrain for snow sliders of all proficiency levels gives it a broad appeal. Whistler attracts an international clientele. You may not find the love of your life, but it’s a great place for an exciting fling. Garibaldi Lift Bar and Grill in
Whistler
Village
and Merlin’s in Blackcomb are the two AprÃ?¨s Ski hot spots.
http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/index.htm
Portillo: Many serious skiers and riders head to Portillo in the summer. Apparently, the majority are single males, because in late August, single females can get a 50 percent discount for another female sharing the room. All guests stay at the Grand Hotel Portillo and gather there for Apr�¨s Ski.
http://www.skiportillo.com/home-eng.html
St. Anton: If you are seeking a more exotic locale for an exciting international fling, consider St. Anton. While the resort attracts people from all over the world, it’s extremely popular with Brits. If you like your singles scene with a British accent, this is the place to go. Mooserwit and the Krazy Kangaroo Bar are popular AprÃ?¨s Ski destinations.
