Best Resorts

             It’s almost impossible
to list the best resorts for
ski vacations in a quick
overview, but what we can
tell you is that there is no
shortage of excellent ski
resorts and ski vacation
packages for you to
choose from worldwide.

            Some of the qualities of
a good ski resort are:

• Location, location, location: 
  Access to good terrain and
  easy connectability to ground
  transportation and major airline carriers
• Variety of ski trails and lifts:  The more varied the terrain the better.  When you are out skiing you want uncrowded trails as much as possible.  Look for resorts with an assortment of skiing terrain that will be appropriate for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers.  Deer Valley Ski Resort in Park City, Utah has 91 ski trails served by 21 lifts.  15% of their trails are rated easy, 50% intermediate, and 35% expert.
• Good snow:  This might sound obvious, but the quality of snow varies between resorts.  The best resorts are located in areas that have top-quality snow.  For instance, Steamboat Ski Resort in Steamboat, Colorado is known for its “Champagne Powder”

[Pullout:

]

• Good choices of lodging:  The best resorts have a choice of available accommodations at area condominiums, chalets, motels, inns, and hotels to fit every budget.
• Ski lesson package deals:  All of the best resorts have on-site ski rental shops.  Regardless of your skiing ability, choose a resort that offers ski lessons to help you hone your skills.  You’re never too old (or too good) to learn something new from the experts.
• Added amenities and activities:  The best resorts will have hot tubs to soak in after a long day on the slopes, onsite restaurants that serve hearty meals after you’ve worked up an appetite, children’s activities for those with families, and memorable shopping opportunities.  Beaver Creek Ski Resort in Vail, Colorado has special programs for adaptive skiing catering to the physically-challenged.