When it comes to choosing which mountains to ride and ski this year, remember that, "more famous" and "more popular" does not equate with "better skiing."
The following ten ski resorts have been selected based on two criteria more important than any other: consistency of good snow conditions, and quality of terrain. Building your trip around any one of these places will make for an epic days this season.
Please ski and ride safely and we'll see you out there!
10. Kirkwood, CA
Off Tahoe's beaten-path, Kirkwood is 45 minutes south of the lake and resorts like Heavenly and Squaw. Its location helps thin the crowds, even as Kirkwood receives the most snowfall of any Tahoe resort, averaging 600 inches a year.
When it's not snowing, it's probably sunny, as Kirkwood also boasts a healthy majority of bluebird days. Take Wagon Wheel or Cornice Express and slice down steeps, bowls and chutes like The Wall and Cliff Chute.
9. Big Sky, Montana
With 4,350 feet of vertical, Big Sky is one of the largest in the US. It's also pretty huge in terms of acreage-3,812. Purchase a Big Sky-Moonlight Basin Interconnect ticket and your skiable acreage expands to 5,512, quickly making Big Sky/Moonlight the country's largest lift-served resort area.
Ascending the mountain, you can't help but stare at the sheer face of Lone Mountain, towering ominously in the background, inviting the willing onto its many chutes, bowls and couloirs. While the riding is huge, the crowds and lift lines are virtually non-existent-so if you miss out on any terrain, you can be sure it's because the resort was just too damn big.
Photo from Silverton Mountain
Comments(0)