Winning tip: Mount Bachelor, Oregon
Underrated and little-known, Mount Bachelor is snow-sure with winding, tree-lined pistes and plenty of accessible backcountry. It’s just one of the spectacular volcanic peaks which dot the western US.A ride on the “Summit Express” to the 9,000ft peak offers views across to the Three Sisters trio of peaks and numerous marked and unmarked routes back down the mountain. Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are also popular activities in the area.
youcantalan
Waitsfield and Warren, Vermont
The twin Vermont ski villages of Waitsfield and Warren are a real joy, full of organic bakeries, artisan studios and friendly locals who frequent the range of après-ski bars and restaurants and make tourists feel welcome and valued.
nicolletta
Las Vegas Ski, Nevada
You probably don’t think of Vegas for skiing but there are some fun runs in the Spring mountains at an altitude around 2,800 metres, ranging from beginner to expert and the scenery is stunning. For après-ski, the Vegas strip is just down the road.
skilasvegas.com
catchytitled
Mad River Valley, Vermont
Mad River Valley has breathtaking views of snow topped peaks and bohemian village communities like Waitsfield where locals run cafes bars and independent theatres that are a refreshing change from the national chains. The Big Picture House in Waitsfield is an uplifting après-ski experience, showcasing local bands, cult movies, dance classes and locally sourced food. Listen, Lounge and Linger is their invitation!
bigpicturetheater.info
foxthecox
The Mangy Moose, Wyoming
The Mangy Moose in Jackson Hole is a funky alternative to the rich cowboy ski bars in the area. A huge stuffed moose is visible from every part of the old-style wooden bar and there’s is a great choice of local craft beers at $5 a glass in during happy hour. The food is cheap and hearty – huge, filling burgers from 11 bucks. The place really gets rocking when the free live music starts almost every night.
mangymoose.com
gallarate
Après-ski in Utah
Après-ski options are improving in the once alcohol-disapproving state of Utah. In Park City, for an après-ski drink with a local vibe head to No Name Saloon or to local brewery Wasatch, but for something different, and a petrolhead heaven, it has to be Billy Blancos for Tex Mex food beneath fully functioning cars and bikes.
callens17
Jackson’s power bowls, Wyoming
Too much hype is written about the legend of Corbet’s Couloir that it overshadows Jackson Hole’s true attraction: the unbridled joy of finding your own way down Rendezvous Mountain through a series of waist deep, feather light powder bowls. Get the first tram up to get the first ride down, navigating your way down to the Hoback’s. Then do it again. And again. And again. Four hours later after floating over what seemed like an endless sea of powder, we stopped at The Mangy Moose (see above) for Yard Sale Burgers - the perfect tonic before going out to do it all over again in the afternoon. I’ve skied many places around the world but that day was unparalleled.
tommalcolm
Mad River Glen, Vermont
This great little ski resort is a one-off, being owned by a co-operative since 1947. The slopes aren’t pisted and it still has a single chair lift. Serious black bump runs, tree skiing and groovy music from the big-bearded lift operators’ boom boxes. It’s unlike anywhere else I’ve ever skied.
cg1960
