Best of...Ski Mountains: Midwest
If the East Coast of the United States is not known for its ski mountains, then the Midwest has an even worse reputation. However, residents of the Midwest know that they have a few amazing ski areas with features that could excite any avid skier. Although the mountains may be considered closer to hills to skiers from the West, these Midwest ski mountains make the best of the area they have. Each of these mountains has unique and exciting features to offer their visitors.
Boyne Mountain, Michigan
Boyne Mountain has a great range of runs from beginner to expert. Boyne Mountain has the advantage of having a sister ski area, Boyne Highlands. Overall the mountain has 60 runs with 415 skiable acres and a total of 10 lifts. The vertical drop of the mountain is 500 feet. In addition the ski area has cross country trail and a Superpipe. Boyne Highlands has 54 runs with 8 lifts on 430 skiable acres. Boyne Highlands has a vertical drop of 552 feet. The area averages around 140 inches of snow annually.
Crystal Mountain, Michigan
Crystal Mountain is one of the Midwest's best destination ski resorts. It is a great place to come year round for an extended vacation. The mountain has 45 runs served by 9 lifts and over 40 kilometers of cross country trails. The mountain has 85 skiable acres and a 375 foot vertical drop. Crystal Mountain also lights 27 of its runs for night skiing. Visitors to the mountain will also find two terrain parks and a half-pipe. The resort also features golf and a new spa.
Mount Bohemia, Michigan
Mount Bohemia is Michigan's best ski mountain for extreme skiing. The mountain gets great powder every year and has some of the highest vertical drops in the Midwest. Unfortunately this is not a mountain that is good for beginners, but avid back-country skiers will have a great time at Mount Bohemia. This ski area averages 273 inches of snow every year. Mount Bohemia has a 900 foot vertical drop and 75 runs. Back-country skiers will especially love this ski mountain since it does not groom its runs.
Afton Alps, Minnesota
Afton Alps is located only 30 minutes away from St. Paul, making it a great destination for St. Paul residents and for visitors looking to have fun on the slopes during the day, but still be able to go back to the city for a fun evening. This mountain has a fairly large ski area with 48 runs over 250 acres of skiable terrain and 18 lifts. In addition, Afton Alps has a vertical drop of 350 feet. Afton Alps also has a variety of facilities of snowboarding, including four terrain parks and a half-pipe.
Lutsen Mountain, Minnesota
Lutsen Mountain is the largest ski mountain in the Midwest and it has the steepest vertical drop. The ski area spans across four mountains and it is a great option for skiers seeking a big mountain ski experience in the Midwest. Lutsen has 1000 skiable acres with 92 lifts serviced by 20 lifts. The mountain has a vertical drop of 1088 feet; the lift-serviced vertical drop is 852 feet. Lutsen also has the Midwest's only Gondola. The mountain also offers some tree skiing runs.
Mad River Mountain, Ohio
Mad River Mountain in Ohio is another great Midwest ski resort. Mad River has two terrain parks with features to suit everyone able to use the terrain parks. This ski mountain has 144 skiable acres with a vertical drop of 300 feet. The lift system has 6 lifts and 6 surface lifts. This resort also has a new tubing park with 10 tubing lanes that are great for everyone. Mad River Mountain is one of the Midwest's best family oriented ski mountains.
Devil's Head Resort, Wisconsin
Devil's Head Resort is one of the best Midwest ski resorts for its amazing apres-ski. The mountain has 300 skiable acres, which makes it one of the largest in the Midwest. It has 29 ski trails with 10 lifts and a 500 foot vertical drop. In addition, the ski mountain has cross country trails and has a terrain park. For skiers who are looking for a great apres-ski experience, the Devil's Den Bar is a must see destination, and it has live entertainment on certain nights during the peak season.
Granite Peak, Wisconsin
For Midwest skiers looking for an experience more like the western ski mountains, Granite Peak is the place to go. This mountain has 75 runs served by one of the Midwest's best lift systems. In addition, the mountain has a 700 foot vertical drop, much closer to the steep drops of many of the western ski mountains. Granite Peak also has five terrain parks and two mogul runs.
Tyrol Basin, Wisconsin
Tyrol Basin is best known for its amazing terrain parks, which are continually changing just to keep things fresh for visitors to the mountain. This is a relatively small ski mountain with only 30 skiable acres, 16 runs and a lift system with 3 chair lifts and 3 surface lifts. However, it makes up for its small size with its amazing terrain parks. Tyrol Basin has a long history of welcoming snowboarders with open arms. Their commitment to snowboarding is readily apparent to all of its visitors. This mountain is one of the Midwest's small ski mountain gems.
Wilmot Mountain, Wisconsin
Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin is known as a great place for beginners and for its abundance of skilled instructors. The mountain has 26 runs, served by 8 lifts. Wilmot is a great mountain for beginning skiers and snowboarders. The mountain offers lessons for beginners of all ages in both snowboarding and skiing. For the littlest kids, ages 4-9, Wilmot offers their Winter Wonderland, which combines fun and ski instruction.
Best of...Southern Escapes
Every winter, those of us who live in colder climates dream of escaping winter for a few days. We dream of sunny skies, warm weather, and palm trees, blowing in the breeze. These ten cities are just a few of the fabulous places you can go for a southern escape. Each is unique and has something wonderful to offer visitors.
Florida Keys, Florida
The Florida Keys are, like Mexico and Hawaii, often visited by those seeking a southern escape. These beautiful islands are one of Florida's treasures and should be considered one of the nation's best southern escapes. The Keys are comprised of Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Key West, Big Pine Key, and the Lower Keys. Among the many delights of the Florida Keys is the spectacular snorkeling and diving. As the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, it is the place to go for vacationers seeking a great diving experience. The underwater world of the Keys is filled with colorful fish, vibrant coral, and stunning shipwrecks. Islamorada is know as the sport-fishing capital of the world, and it truly earns its reputation. Key West is an amazing spot to stop and enjoy the sunset, and of course no visit to Key West would be complete without a visit to Ernest Hemingway's home.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is a fabulous romantic getaway, and it has earned numerous awards for being a great travel destination. This beautiful southern city combines historic architecture with modern fun. In the morning you can take a carriage tour of the city and in the evening you can enjoy modern authentic southern cuisine. Savannah is a great city to enjoy while simply walking through the streets. Spend your days exploring the city's history while walking through the streets and parks at your leisure. Forsyth Park is one of Savannah's many worthy destinations, as is the Tybee Island Lighthouse, which dates as far back as 1736.
Mobile, Alabama
Mobile is the place to visit if you are looking for a unique Carnival or Mardi Gras experience. The diverse cultural influences of the city make it one of Alabama's most unique cities. Its mix of Catholic, Creole, French, and Spanish make for an amazing Carnival celebration. Mobile is home to the original Mardi Gras celebrations. The Carnival celebrations can start in November and continue until midnight on Mardi Gras. During this time period the streets are filled with parades, live marching bands, and immense crowds of revelers. If you can't visit during the Carnival season, you can still visit the Mobile Carnival Museum to experience the long, rich history of Mardi Gras and Carnival in Mobile.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is one of the South's most amazing cities. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is still rebuilding. If you are looking for a vacation where you can serve others while reveling in some of our nation's most unique history, New Orleans is the place for you. Your help in rebuilding the city is greatly appreciated no matter how much or how little you have to offer. One of New Orleans' greatest attractions is the music. Throughout the year visitors will find amazing music festivals, clubs, and more. The city has a number of Jazz Clubs as well. If you are looking for a little cajun experience, New Orleans will open your eyes to the world of Cajun food and culture.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge, known as the Red Stick, is Louisiana's capital city and it is just as rich with the unique culture of Louisiana as New Orleans is. In this city you can steep yourself in the history of the south with a plantation tour. Nottoway Plantation is the largest plantation in the South and it was recently restored to its original splendor. The Louisiana State Museum is one of Baton Rouge's best destinations for learning all about the history and culture of this amazing state. If you want to try something a little different for your southern escape, you can take the Alligator Bayou Swamp Tour where you can see the wildlife of a real Louisiana Swamp.
Austin, Texas
If you are looking for a southern escape with plenty of live music this year, Austin is the place for you. This city is known as the live music capital of the world, and it truly deserves its reputation. There are over 200 live music venues in the city. Austin City Limits is one of the city's better-known music events - you can even take a tour of the the studio. If you want to learn more about Texas music, a visit to the Texas Music Museum is worth a visit. If you fly in or out of the airport, you may be able to catch one of the eleven live shows featured there every week.
San Antonio, Texas
Beautiful San Antonio is a great city with a long and fascinating history. The home of The Alamo certainly is not lacking in interesting attractions. For history buffs, San Antonio has it all: historic sites, events, landmarks, and museums. You can even eat at historic restaurants. If you want to stay in a historic venue, try the Crockett Hotel which was built on the very site of the Alamo Battlefield in 1909. Of course, no visit to San Antonio would be complete without a little time spent at the Alamo. The Alamo was the first Mission in San Antonio and had already been in the city for 100 years before it became famous in the Battle of the Alamo. Visitors to San Antonio will also spend time at the River Walk. This relaxing walk along the San Antonio River is a great way to enjoy some of the dining and shopping of the city.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is a great destination for art and culture enthusiasts. This city highlights the unique culture of the southwest and features the amazing artwork of the Pueblo Peoples. The city has over 300 galleries and art dealers. If you prefer the environment of the museum over that of the gallery, you will still find plenty of attractions to interest you. Also, Santa Fe is the home of the annual Indian Market, which is the biggest event in the city each year. Visitors to the Market will find hundreds of booths and artists featuring the unique art of the southwest. Southwestern cuisine also tastes its best in Santa Fe.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a city with something to offer every type of traveler. In Sedona you will be able to pamper yourself in a a city surrounded by stunning red-rock monoliths and the amazing Oak Creek Canyon. Visitors to Sedona can enjoy relaxing scenic drives which will highlight the amazing natural beauty of Arizona. Sedona is one of Arizona's amazing destinations where you can relax in luxury while reveling in the natural beauty of your surroundings.
Santa Cruz, California
As the most western of the cities in this list, Santa Cruz has a very different culture than the other cities, but it is just as vibrant. Santa Cruz is considered to be a great spot for surfing, and it also has a great skateboarding culture. For skateboarders, the Ken Wormhoudt Skate Park is a must-see destination. For those seeking some amusement, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of only a few seaside amusement parks that combines traditional boardwalk activities with the thrill of modern amusement parks. One of Santa Cruz's real gems is the Santa Cruz Mystery Spot. The Mystery Spot draws people year round and helps to keep Santa Cruz quirky and weird.
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Best of...Ski Mountains: West Coast
The West Coast of the United States is full of great ski mountains. Ski mountains in the west are known for their amazing powder, blue skies, and optimal conditions. Everyone on the West Coast has their particular favorite spot -- determining which are the best is a wonderful challenge! These are just a few of the West Coast's great ski mountains.
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Aspen Snowmass is a network of four mountains: Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. Each of the four mountains has something different to offer visitors, from gentle beginner trails to amazing black diamond trails and even some backcountry experiences.
Snowmass has a vertical drop of 4,406 feet (the most vertical drop in the US), 3,132 acres of terrain, a summit elevation of 12,510 feet, and a longest run of 5.3 miles. The ski area has a total of 21 lifts and 3 terrain parks, a beginner pipe, and a superpipe.
Aspen Mountain has great difficult and expert terrain. On Aspen, skiers will find a summit elevation of 11,212 feet, a vertical rise of 3,267 feet, and 675 acres of terrain. The mountain has 76 trails and 8 lifts.
Aspen Highlands has a great range of beginner to expert trails, and backcountry enthusiasts can hike to the top of Highland bowl (at 12,392 feet) for an amazing in-bounds backcountry experience. Aspen Highlands has 1,028 acres of terrain, a vertical rise of 3,635 feet,and a summit elevation of 11,675 feet. There are 118 trails and 5 lifts.
Finally, Buttermilk is a great spot for beginning skiers and families. Buttermilk has 470 acres of terrain, a vertical rise of 2,030 feet, and a summit elevation of 9,900 feet. The mountain has 44 trails, 9 lifts, and 2 terrain parks.
Park City Mountain Resort, Utah
Park City Mountain Resort was an official venue for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. It has great and varied terrain and is a very accessible mountain resort. The mountain has seven peaks and nine bowls. There are 3,300 acres of terrain and the summit elevation is 10,000 feet. This resort has 108 trials with a nice range of difficulty for skiers and snowboarders, plus 25 lifts. The total hourly capacity of the lift system is 30,800 people. The mountain also has night skiing, four terrain parks, and a superpipe.
Nearby Deer Valley Resort is another 2002 Winter Olympics venue. It is known as one of the best resorts in the country, and it has great skiing. However, the mountain does not accomodate snowboarders. It is a great destination for skiers, with a total of 2,026 skiable acres over six mountains and a vertical drop of 3,000 feet. There are 100 runs, 1 Tricks 'n' Turns Park, and 22 lifts.
Squaw Valley USA, California
Squaw Valley USA near Lake Tahoe was the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. The ski area is located among six Sierra peaks. It has varied terrain, a vertical drop of 2,850 feet, and a summit elevation of 9,050 feet. Squaw Valley also has one of the largest lift networks in the world with 33 lifts. With 4,000 acres of skiable terrain, it is also one of the largest ski areas in the country. In addition, the ski area has facilities for snowboarders, including 3 terrain parks and a Super Pipe and a halfpipe.
Vail, Colorado
Vail is consistently considered one of the best ski resorts in North America, and it is the largest ski resort on the continent. Originally, the resort started as a European-style ski village and now it is one of the best ski areas in the world. The ski area gets an average of 350 inches of snow annually. In addition the ski area has 5,289 acres, a peak elevation of 11,570 feet, and a vertical rise of 3,450 feet. Vail has 193 trails, 53% of which are expert-level runs. The ski area is served by 31 lifts and there are 3 terrain parks, a superpipe, and a halfpipe.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos is another West Coast skiing gem, made even better by an average of 300-plus days of sunshine. The ski area has 1,294 acres with 110 trails, of which 51% are expert trails. The trails are served by 13 lifts and there is a terrain park as well. The lift-served summit elevation is 11,819 feet, but for skiers willing to hike a little farther, Kachina Peak (with an elevation of 12,481 feet) has some of Taos's best views and longest runs. Taos has a vertical drop of 2,612 feet from the lift-served area and 3,274 feet from Kachina Peak.
Mammoth Mountain, California
Mammoth is one of California's great ski destinations. Like Taos, it has an average of 300 days of sun per year, so visitor should bring some sunscreen and sunglasses. On top of beautiful blue skies, Mammoth has more than 3,500 skiable acres, over 3,100 vertical feet, and a top elevation of 11,503 feet. The ski area has 150 trails and 28 lifts. In addition, the ski area has amazing terrain parks, including seven parks and 3 pipes.
Mount Bachlor, Oregon
Mount Bachelor is one of Oregon's best ski areas. Visitors will find a wide range of skiing and snowboarding options. The mountain has an annual average snowfall of 370 inches. There are 71 runs and 13 lifts with a nice spectrum of novice to expert runs. There are also over 12 cross-country trails ranging from beginner to expert. The top of the mountain is at an elevation of 9,065 feet with a vertical drop of 3,365 feet.
Durango Mountain Resort, Colorado
Durango Mountain is another one of Colorado's top-rated ski areas. Durango Mountain Resort calls its ski area Purgatory. The annual snowfall is 260 inches; the summit elevation is 10,822 feet, with a vertical drop of 2,029 feet. Purgatory has 85 runs serviced by 10 lifts over total 1,325 skiable acres. In addition, visitors to Durango will find 3 terrain parks.
Crested Butte, Colorado
Crested Butte, like the other mountains in Colorado, has great powder and great facilities. The summit is at an elevation of 12,162 feet with an overall vertical drop of 3,062 feet (this requires a hike to the Peak Terrain). The lift-served vertical drop is 2,775 feet. Crested Butte has 1,167 skiable acres with 121 trails serviced by 16 lifts. Crested Butte also has 3 terrain parks and a superpipe that is 55 feet wide, 18 feet high with a 17 degree slope.
Solitude, Utah
Solitude is one of Utah's top ski areas. Tt has a great reputation as a place that has first class snow without the lines. The ski area has an average snowfall of over 500 inches. The top elevation is 10,035 feet with a vertical drop of 2,047 feet. Solitude has 1,200 acres of skiable terrain, with 65 runs serviced by 8 lifts. The ski area also has a terrain park and a nordic center, which offers about 20 kilometers of groomed trails.
Best of...Ski Mountains: East Coast
East Coast weather conditions are very different from West Coast conditions, with icier mountains that tend to get less snow. However, the East Coast does have some amazing ski resorts and mountains, which offer great alpine and nordic skiing, snowboarding, and a variety of other winter sports. Here are ten of the East Coast’s top ski mountains:
Stowe Mountian, Vermont
Stowe Mountain Resort, located in Stowe, Vermont. The resort is on Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, boasting an elevation of 4,395 feet. The top elevation of the ski area is 3,640 feet with a vertical drop of 2,360 feet. The resort offers 485 skiable acres with 116 trails and 13 lifts. Stowe Mountain has well-groomed trails, good cross-country options, and offers backcountry skiing. The mountain is particularly famous for the "Front Four," the four runs on the front side of the mountain, known as Goat, Starr, Liftline, and National. The "Front Four" offer some of the East Coast's most challenging skiing.
Sugarloaf Ski Area and Resort, Maine
Located in the Carrabassett Valley in Maine, Sugarloaf is Maine's second highest peak at 4,237 feet. Overall the ski area has more than 1,400 skiable acres and a vertical drop of 2,280 feet, the most continuous vertical drop on the East Coast. The mountain offers 138 trails with 15 lifts on over 651 acres. Sugarloaf also has the East Coast's only lift-serviced above-tree line skiing.
Whiteface, New York
Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort is located in Wilmington, New York, which is about 13 miles from Lake Placid, a former host of the Winter Olympics. Whiteface has the highest vertical drop in the east: 3,430 feet. The ski area has mixed terrain, offering gentle terrain for beginners and many expert trails and extreme backcountry skiing. This ski area has 314 skiable acres, 85 trails, and 11 lifts. Whiteface's highest skiable terrain lies at an elevation of 4,650 feet; this terrain is known as The Slides. The Slides are a series of steep narrow chutes, only accessible by hiking to the top, and only for expert skiers. In addition, The Slides are only opened when deemed safe and at times a ride on The Slides requires full avalanche gear.
Jay Peak, Vermont
Located in Jay, Vermont, Jay Peak is the snowiest ski area on the east coast, averaging 355 inches of snowfall annually. The mountain has 2 peaks and over 50 miles of skiable terrain. Jay Peak's ski area has a top elevation of 3,968 feet and a vertical rise of 2,153 feet. There are 76 trails and 8 lifts over an area of 385 acres. Jay Peak is known for its challenging terrain and good backcountry skiing. The peak is best known for getting the most snow on the East Coast.
Killington Resort, Vermont
Killington is located in central Vermont, east of Rutland. Killington Resort spans six peaks: Killington Peak, Skye Peak, Ramshead Peak, Snowdon Peak, Bear Mountain Peak, and Sunrise Mountain Peak. This resort is much larger than any other ski resort on the East Coast. The ski area offers 141 runs and 22 lifts over 752 acres acres. The summit elevation is 4,241 feet and has a vertical drop of 3,050 feet. There are runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Killington is also known for its great apres-ski and nightlife options.
Smugglers Notch, Vermont
Smugglers Notch is known for its great family ski area and fantastic ski school. The ski area is located in Smugglers' Notch, Vermont, just 2.9 miles from Stowe. The resort is compiled of three interconnected mountains: Madonna, Sterling, and Morse. The ski area has a top elevation of 3,640 feet with a vertical drop of 2,610 feet. There are 78 trails with 8 lifts and 310 skiable acres. Smugglers Notch has over 1000 acres of terrain and the Nordic Center offers 58 kilometers of cross-country and snowshoe trails. Another bonus is that Smugglers' Notch has the only triple black diamond on the East Coast: Black Hole.
Holiday Valley, New York
Located in Ellicottville, New York, this ski area has a summit elevation of 2,250 feet. The ski area has 56 trails, 13 lifts, and 282 skiable acres. Beginners of all ages can take private lessons from the ski and snowboard school at Holiday Valley. In addition, the resort offers 37 night trails, four terrain parks, and a half pipe.
Sugarbush, Vermont
Located in Warren, Vermont, Sugarbrush has excellent terrain. The summit elevation is 4,083 feet with a vertical drop of 2,600 feet. There are 508 skiable acres, 111 trails, and 16 lifts with a good range of intermediate and advanced runs. Sugarbrush encompasses Mount Ellen, Lincoln Peak, Castlerock Peak, North Lynx Peak, Gad Peak, and Inverness Peak. Sugarbrush offers many lessons and programs, including programs for racing and backcountry skiing.
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Bretton Woods Mountain Resort, also known as the Mount Washington Resort, is located in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. Bretton Woods is the largest ski area in New Hampshire with 434 skiable acres. The ski area has 101 trails, 10 lifts, and four terrain parks. The resort also has night skiing.
Okemo Mountain, Vermont
Located in Ludlow, Vermont, Okemo Mountain is near to Killington. The ski area has 119 trails, 19 lifts, and 632 skiable acres. The mountain has a top elevation of 3,344 feet and a vertical drop of 2,200 feet. Okemo Mountain resort has 97% snowmaking, so the resort has consistently good coverage. In addition, the runs provide a good range of difficulty level.
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