Ski America USA Guide

America definitely knows how to do ski resorts.

There's everything from Hollywood style glamour resorts (somewhat akin to the Val d'Isere's of France) to much more low key resorts that rock, but don't have anywhere near as much hype to their names.

Beginners may find that most resorts are built as if they expect learners to progress very quickly with very few runs being of a nursery nature. It is, however, a place where newcomers to skiing are likely to come on fast as super comfortable, fast lifts, well maintained pistes and generally brilliant snow and weather conditions. Mt Hood would be the ski-mountain pick for beginners, with plenty of wide open easy runs with extremely good lift access.

Intermediates will find heaven on most of the mountains, as many have a sprawling mid-section which is set at just the right pitch to cruise. Friendly instructors are a great help and the enthusiastic vibe for snow-sliding on all of the mountains is sure to inspire you down some steeper stuff than you thought you'd ever manage.

It's advanced skiers and snowboarders who will get the most out of the States though; predominantly because the standard of riding here is so so high. You'll see people skiing lines and popping tricks that you've only ever seen in videos before, and they'll make it look easy. Prepare to get jovially heckled as you're eyeing up that drop-off or wind lip though as going big is mandatory in this country. Luckily, with kick ass resorts like Jackson Hole and Snowbird, you can find both the terrain, and the snow to allow you to step it up.

The terrain park skiing in the USA is way better than anywhere else in the world and some of the features are just incredible. Resorts like Breckenridge and Mammoth have ridiculous numbers of hits, jibs and pipes and there's no way you're not going to progress in these places.

The feeling is of friendliness when you visit the villages associated with the various ski areas of USA. Things are generally pretty expensive in the classy, fashionable ski resorts, but at least you get friendly service and big portions when you eat! It is possible to find cheaper skiing though at resorts like Mt Baker and the Oregon resort of Mt Bachelor. Unfortunately the ski-in ski-out accommodation isn't as prevalent here as it is in Europe.

The best resorts are on the west or mid west side of the States so this ski guide focuses on this region. Read on for information on individual resorts.