If you’re looking to adventure outside of Europe for your skiing adventure, the United States could be the perfect destination. There is a huge choice of tempting resorts, plenty of high altitude mountains and tree lined slopes to tackle as well as some first class American hospitality.
Why Choose America?
· Great for beginners - Not everybody is after the fastest slopes or daunting hazards and drops on either side as you hurtle down the mountain. Generally, the American slopes aren’t as packed as in Europe. Beginners will build their confidence without the worry of being surrounded by speeding skiers. USA ski resorts are known for their immaculate grooming of beginner slopes as well as a friendly approach to those venturing onto the runs for the first time. Check out the Mammoth Mountain Inn. Mammoth boasts plenty of beginners terrain as well as steeps for the adrenaline junkies.
· There is more snow - Some European resorts have quite short seasons or are prone to waiting for the snow to fall. However, generally is the Sates this isn’t an issue. Aspen, for example, boasts in excess of 170 inches of snow a year. The season is 6 months long at Aspen and we offer some exceptional accommodation, including the St Regis with its 5 star spa facilities. Squaw Valley could have skiing for up to 8 months, we offer holidays at the idyllic Squaw Valley Lodge.
· So much to do for non skiers - With so many of the resorts being nestled into vast parks and mountain ranges, there is so much more than simply skiing to entertain you. Winter walking and snowshoeing at Beaver Creek for example. A break from the mountains can be found in the exclusive boutique shopping there. Many resorts offer the chance to have a go at snowmobiling or riding a dog sled. This is the case throughout the country, but if Beaver Creek particularly takes your fancy, why not try one of the many resorts we offer?
· Multi Centre Holidays - The long haul nature of a trip to the USA makes it perfect for having more than one stop on your holiday. The internal flight network in America is comprehensive and means you can create a multi centred trip for yourself quite simply. Maybe combine a glitzy city break with your skiing holiday. A popular combination is to ski at Lake Tahoe before heading to San Francisco for some city action.
· More skiing time - Resorts in the USA tend to be newer than their European counterparts. They have, therefore, invested in the very latest ski lift technology offering ultra fast and comfortable travel in getting you to the top of the slopes. Less time in queues means more time skiing. Why not take advantage of a ‘ski-in, ski-out’ resort such as the Viceroy Snowmass in Aspen?
· Great for families - The American ski industry works hard to attract families to its resorts. Some venues lend themselves to families better than others - having short transfer times and access to beginners’ slopes will attract the big family groups. Skiing holidays with children can be frustrating for keen parents. Resorts can certainly help by catering for all ages. Some offer parades and entertainment and others go as far as to offer nursery services. Park City, with its easy access, is one resort worth considering if you’re planning a family skiing trip. The USA is generally a very child friendly country, evening meals and entertainment can almost always be enjoyed as a whole family.
· Snowboarding - Nearly all of the American ski resorts now also offer snowboarding for adrenaline junkies. You’ll find dedicated and enthusiastic snowwboard instructors who are determined to increase your skills and enjoyment.
· Off piste powder - Many of the ski resorts in America feature boundaries within which you are invited to ski. For the more adventurous, experienced skiers, there is plenty of deep fluffy powder to explore without strictly sticking to the runs. The slopes are so wide in places that it makes sense to get onto the air like, deep stuff and make your own routes. Obviously there will be no-go areas and everybody should ski to their own ability whilst taking in local restrictions and advice
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· USA sized Apres Ski - The United States (quite rightly) has a reputation for offering generous helpings when it comes to refreshments. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the apres ski scene is only about the food though. Great grub will be offered alongside feel good hospitality and a variety of opportunities to enjoy a perfect wind down after a hard day on the slopes. We offer a great choice of skiing holidays in Apsen, where there is a well deserved reputation for luxurious evening choices. Indulge in fine dining on terrace as the sun goes down, or head into town for the buzzing social scene. For a more traditional American ambience, try one of our Steamboat skiing packages. Steamboat offers wild west bars serving cold beers and authentic American food, all to the backdrop of the pure powder slopes and the setting Colorado sun.
The USA offers such a large selection of ski resorts, it can be hard to pick a favourite.
Colorado is certainly the main destination for British skiers looking to venture out of Europe. Direct flights into Denver make travelling to Colorado’s famous Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, Aspen (and plenty more) resorts relatively easy to access.
Outside of Colorado there are also some serious areas, such as The Canyons and Deer Valley, linked by one ski pass. This creates opportunities for mixing and matching your skiing and trying out different areas during your stay. If that is your type of holiday then look at our range of resorts in Park City, Utah.
Get in touch today to start putting together that dream USA skiing adventure
