Best of Winter 2008 - Skiing

Aspen/Snowmass, CO

Copper Mountain, CO

Keystone, CO

Sky Hotel, Aspen, CO

Photo by Martin Crabb

Ski Resort

Winner - Aspen/Snowmass, CO - Four fabulous mountains and two great ski towns set the scene for serious winter fun. With nearly 5,300 acres of terrain (and six terrain parks), there is something for every level of ability. This year is the 40th anniversary of Snowmass, and new on-mountain improvements continue to establish this area as one of North America’s premier resorts. aspensnowmass.com

More Readers’ Picks
Whistler, BC, Canada; Vail, CO; Sun Valley/Mt. Baldy, ID; Angel Fire, NM; Park City, UT

Snowboarding

Winner - Copper Mountain, CO  - Copper Mountain boasts every type of snowboarding experience from a beginners track with mini kickers and small rails to the award-winning Superpipe—a 430-foot pipe with 18-foot-high walls set on a 16-degree pitch. The Kidz Terrain Park is the perfect place for those future Shaun Whites.
coppercolorado.com

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Squaw Valley, CA; Crested Butte, CO; Stevens Pass, WA; Jackson Hole, WY; Big Sky, MT

Après Ski

Winner  - Sky Hotel, Aspen, CO  Hip and modern, this is the place to see and be seen after a day on the mountain. The 39 Degrees Lounge is famous for its large fireplace and comfy couches on which to curl up with one of the hotel’s signature cocktails. The expansive pool area offers an outdoor bar and hot tub.
theskyhotel.com

Editors’ Picks
The Grill, Amangani, Jackson, WY; The Bar at the Little Nell, Aspen, CO; Garibaldi Lift Co., Whistler, BC, Canada; Mezzaluna, Vail, CO

Kids’ ski school

Winner  - Aspen, CO - This area continues to improve its award-winning ski school with Snowmass’ new $17-million Treehouse Kid’s Adventure Center. The first of its kind in the snowsports industry, it offers thoughtful programs for beginners of all ages, as well as fun indoor activities, easy check-in and equipment rental, and family après-ski entertainment.
aspensnowmass.com

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Breckenridge, CO; Deer Valley, UT; Alta, UT; Northstar-at-Tahoe, CA

Cross-country

Winner -  Vail Golf Course, Vail, CO - Stunning views and an elevation of more than 8,200 feet have been drawing golfers to the Vail Golf Club for nearly 40 years, but come winter, it’s the thick blanket of snow that calls local cross-country skiers to its fairways. Stop at the Vail Nordic Center for rentals—and even a lesson or two—before you go.
vailnordiccenter.com

Editors’ Picks
Grand Teton National Park, WY; Priest Lake, ID; Ashcroft, Aspen, CO; Trillium Lake Basin, OR

Ice Skating

Winner  - Sun Valley Ice Rink, Sun Valley, ID - At this renowned rink, Olympic medalist Linda Fratianne heads a top-notch staff of professionals ready to give group and private lessons. Or just relax with a warm drink and watch from the Terrace of the Sun Valley Lodge as professional skaters practice their routines.
sunvalley.com

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Evergreen Lake, CO; Olympic Ice Pavillion at High Camp, Squaw Valley, CA; Beaver Creek, CO

Night Skiing

Winner - Keystone, CO - If you don’t want to stop at four in the afternoon, head to Dercum Mountain in Keystone, the only resort in Colorado to offer skiing after dark. Fifteen slopes and a terrain park are lit up for diehards who don’t want the day to end. And since the runs are groomed again in the afternoon, you’ll be skiing on fresh corduroy all evening.
keystoneresort.com

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Park City, UT; Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, BC, Canada

Snowshoeing

Winner  - Yellowstone National Park - Snowshoeing is the simplest (and perhaps the best) way to enjoy the majesty of one of our most beloved national parks. Outfitters located in gateway towns offer day- or week-long tours hosted by licensed guides who know just where to go to see wildlife in its natural environment. Or just rent some equipment and head out for a few quiet hours of pristine beauty.
yellowstoneparknet.com

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Badger Pass, Yosemite Park, CA; Devil’s Thumb Ranch, CO