USA

The USA is renowned for having all things big and ostentatious, and their ski resorts are no exception. Many of the resorts are mega-large and have over 1,000 hectares of skiing terrain. The associated profile of many of the resorts is also large such that they become household names in the skiing industry. Who hasn’t heard of Vail ski resort, Aspen, Snowbird, Deer Valley or Jackson Hole?

There are many benefits to going skiing or snowboarding in the US. Outstanding lift systems such that there are negligible lift lines, high annual snowfalls, fantastic facilities, and the classic high standards of US hospitality – why wouldn’t you want to go to America?

Ski Resorts in the US Ski resorts are dotted across various states in the US. Colorado skiing is probably the most well known with 27 resorts scattered across the Rocky Mountains. Examples of resorts in Colorado include Breckenridge, Aspen, Telluride and Vail, and the family-friendly resorts of Keystone and Winter Park. Utah skiing is great with many resorts around Salt Lake City including The Canyons, Park City, Deer Valley and the infamous Snowbird ski resort. On the west coast in California, there are well known resorts such as Heavenly, Squaw Valley and Mammoth Mountain. Northern ski states include Idaho and Montana, and expert skiers should head to Jackson Hole in Wyoming. This challenging mountain is on steroids.

Although most of the ski resorts are in the west, there are also some ski areas in the Eastern United States (e.g. Killington and Sugarloaf). Due to perceptions regarding inferior snow conditions, these Eastern ski resorts aren’t commonly visited by international visitors.

There are also ski resorts in Alaska, but people only tend to visit these if they (or their partner) are also there to heli-ski. Examples include Alyeska near Anchorage, or Mt Eyak in Cordova.

Cat Skiing and Heli Skiing in the US Alaska heli skiing is world renowned. Alaska has a high concentration of heli-ski operations, particularly around the Chugach Range near Girdwood, Valdez and Cordova. Most heli skiing packages are multi-day, and they generally cater to experts who make the most of the steep slopes that can be tackled due to the relatively stable maritime snowpack. In the lower 48 states, there are only seven helicopter ski companies. See our US heli skiing overview for more information.

There are also plenty of Colorado cat skiing opportunities. The style of snowcat skiing in the United States can vary somewhat from that in Canada. See our USA cat skiing overview for more information.

Snow for Powder Hounds Powderhounds will not be disappointed with the amount of snowfall in the United States. When it comes to the statistic of average annual snowfall, 12 US resorts sit in the top 20 in the world. The abundant snowfall is partly due to the north-south orientation of some of the mountain ranges. Aleyska receives a whopping 18.3 metres (720 inches) of average snowfall per year. Kirkwood in California has a stat of 15.2 metres, and there are various Utah ski resorts that receive 12.7 metres (500 inches) annually.

Why Take a Ski or Snowboard Holiday to the US? The skiing and snowboarding in the US is great, but there are also lots of other options for entertainment during the day, après and night time. Obviously the locals speak English, and thanks to television the culture is familiar, so you can focus all your energy on the slopes (and après). Another benefit is that chicks on sticks will be lured by the shopping (and possibly also the blokes?). In the United States, you can get the most out of your snow holiday. When you get there, you’ll get into the local lingo and call it a vacation!

The size of many of the resorts is large, so you won’t get bored with the skiing. Thankfully the resorts are so big, because you’ll need to ski or snowboard hard to work off all the calories from the generous American portions of food that will be served up to you!
Travel Agents & Tour Operators
Blue Powder Tours - Snow Travel Specialists
Blue Powder Tours specialise in individual & group tours to your favourite ski destinations in the USA. We have personal experience of skiing at various USA ski resorts & can tailor a tour to your budget.

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