Great American Ski Destinations for 2015

Skiing is more than a great winter pastime; it’s also a great workout. Keeping your balance and navigating down the slopes tones your core and can help you lose weight. With only a few months left of the winter season, it’s time to look at some of the ideal skiing areas to take advantage of this year, or to start planning for the next. Consider these great skiing resorts and locations next time you are ready to hit the slopes:

• Jackson Hole, Wyoming. With many resorts to choose from and several different slopes, Jackson Hole is perfect for first-time skiers and seasoned veterans alike. In 2014, the location boasted over 560,000 visitors. Despite that large number, however, it remains relatively open, without long lift lines and crowds most of the year. In the next year or two, the ski area plans to expand its offerings by extending the lifts to areas that have previously been accessible only by foot.
• Park City Mountain Resort/Slopes of Canyons Resort, Utah. As the result of a large construction project, the 2015-16 ski season will see these two resorts connected by a gondola ride. With over 7,000 acres to explore and brand new eight-person gondola compartments, this project promises to provide winter fun for skiers and non-skiers alike. Look for changes next season as both parks rebrand under the names “Park City Mountain Resort” and “Canyons at Park City.”
• Alyeska, Alaska. If you’re looking for an intimate getaway with fresh snow and few other skiers, Alyeksa might be the perfect adventure. Enjoy a week on slopes that are almost guaranteed to provide you with fresh powder, and sleep at altitude levels that aren’t different enough to affect your health. The incredible views from the trams are captivating and add to the excitement of what, for many, is the trip of a lifetime. You can even ski in areas accessible only by helicopter if you’re looking for a real thrill!
• Vail, Colorado. If you love the rocky Colorado landscape, Vail is the place to head for a great skiing vacation. It’s currently one of the most expansive ski resorts in the world, with 5,200 acres available for skiing. You’ll find nightly activities in town for everyone in your party, and beginners as well as skiing aficionados can enjoy a challenging and fun workout and excellent powder on the slopes. If you’re looking for a wide range of eating and lodging options, you’ll find them all in Vail.
• Saddleback, Maine. If you can’t make it out West, try the snow in Maine. Saddleback is one of only a few skiing mountains in the Northeast that reach over 4,000 feet in elevation. You’ll get a great change in scenery along with some awesome skiing and a family-friendly environment. If you’re into exploring the great outdoors without a lot of pomp and circumstance, check out Saddleback. Get a taste of the old days when ski resorts were built to highlight nature.
• Cataloochee, North Carolina. For skiing in the Southeast, Maggie Valley is one of the only places to go. Many southerners learned how to ski on these slopes before heading to the larger western mountains. With affordable season passes and lessons offered daily, Cataloochee is perfect for family vacations and getting your feet in the snow.

Regardless of where you’re headed this season or if you’re already planning the next, remember to bundle up and follow the mountain safety advice offered by the resort where you stay. Skiing and other mountain activities are great ways to have fun and enjoy the outdoors throughout the winter season.

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