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Ski In Ski Out
10 Top Ski Destinations That Will Put You On The Slopes In Minutes
by James Wynbrandt
If there’s a thrill to match the whoosh of a downhill ski run on a perfect wintry day, it’s the satisfaction of lifting off in your own plane to get there. Whether it’s for a day trip, long weekend or extended stay, fly-in ski destinations make for an incredibly satisfying seasonal getaway.
Today’s high-speed lifts, high-tech skis and skiwear, and state-of-the-art snowmaking equipment make skiing (and snowboarding) more enjoyable and easier than ever. And the host of other outdoor activities at ski destinations – snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are de rigueur, and sleigh rides and dog sledding almost common – keep even non-skiers coming back for more.
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“Here are snapshots of 10 of our favorite fly-in ski destinations, intended for preliminary planning and armchair skiing. In addition to great runs, our primary criteria included proximity to a good, safe airport, abundant ground transportation, diverse off-slope activities, and geographic variety. Most ski resorts offer packages that include lift tickets and other incentives. Check with FBOs, which may offer otherwise unavailable discounts for lodging at crew rates, and consult event calendars for specials that may make a visit even more appealing.
 Taos, N.M.
Long before it was a ski capital, Taos was storied for its rich history and vibrant cultural life. Add to that some of the most challenging slopes and greatest vertical in the U.S., and you have a prime winter fly-in ski destination. Ernie Blake, the developer of Taos Ski Valley, found its location, about a dozen miles from town, while scouting for ski sites in his Cessna 170 back in the early 1950s, and an airplane is still an ideal way to discover it. Founded some 400 years ago, Taos today is noted for its many interesting shops and galleries, museums of art and history, and fine restaurants. The full service Inn at Snakedance, whose wine list receives perennial accolades from Wine Spectator magazine, is located at the ski area and will provide airport pickup. Note: No snowboarding allowed.
Airport: Taos Regional Airport (SKX)
Elevation: 7,091 ft.
Runway: 5,798 ft.
Note: Airport lies on an open plain several miles from the mountains.
Highest elevation by lift: 11,819 ft.
Vertical: 2,612 ft.
Base: 9,207 ft.
Contact: www.taosguide.com, innsnakedance.com
Rutland, Vt.
The airport in Rutland, in the heart of Vermont ski country, offers access to nearby Okimo (family-oriented),
Magic Mountain (for hot-doggers), Stratton and several other ski areas, with Killington, the largest ski resort in eastern North America, at the top of the list. Killington has 200 trails on seven mountains (six of them interconnected); the stalwart Killington Grand Hotel provides airport pickup and puts visitors right at the slopes. Accommodations in Rutland, such as the Holiday Inn, provide both airport pickup and shuttle service to the skiing. Serious shoppers will appreciate the famed factory outlet stores in nearby Manchester, N.H. Abundant public transportation makes it easy to get around without a car.
Airport: Rutland State (RUT)
Elevation: 787 ft.
Runway: 5,000 ft.
Summit elevation: 4,231 ft.
Vertical: 3,050 ft.
Base: 1,165 ft.
Contact: Killington.com, 800.621.6867
Lake Placid, N.Y.
Lake Placid’s legacy as site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics adds to the allure of nearby Whiteface Mountain, which features the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies. In the picturesque town of Lake Placid, which wraps around Mirror Lake, visitors to the Olympic training facilities can take a luge “rocket ride,” go bobsledding, ride the elevator to the top of the 120-meter ski jump, or skate on the oval rink where Eric Heiden won gold. Hotels do not provide airport pickup, but you’ll land only a few minutes from town, and cabs are plentiful. For those eager to maximize their skiing, motels in Wilmington, near the base of Whiteface (serviced by free shuttle bus), offer quick access to the slopes. But accommodations in Lake Placid (the Mirror Lake Inn is a good choice) offer a greater variety of off-slope activities.
Airport: Lake Placid Airport (LKP)
Elevation: 1,747 ft.
Runway: 4,200 ft.
Highest elevation by lift: 4,386 ft.
Vertical: 3,430 ft.
Base: 1,220 ft.
Contact: lakeplacid.com, 800.447.5224/www.orda.org (Olympic Regional Development Authority) 518.523.1655
Putting Skis on Your Plane
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Reaching a great ski destination by plane is easy enough; getting there with your skis is another matter. Over the years, Cessnas, Pipers, Beechcraft and Mooneys have all been outfitted to carry skis, either by putting a ski tube into the aft fuselage, or mounting one under the belly. These modifications typically have been done as one-time field approvals rather than as STC mods approved for installation on all similar aircraft. But shops that have performed such installations in the past, including Aviation Research Systems in Washington and Air Mods in California, say these approvals are now harder to come by, as the FAA has tightened its approval process. Experts advise contacting owners’ associations and type clubs to inquire about the availability of mods for any given aircraft model.
As an alternative, Luggage Express will ship your skis, golf clubs and suitcases from your home to your destination and back. Prices start at around $87, and service range from overnight to three- to seven-day delivery. Get a free quote on the web at usxpluggageexpress.com. The U.S. Postal Service and UPS, in addition to overnight delivery services in a pinch, can ship gear to your destination so it’s there upon your arrival. And all major ski areas have top-flight rental gear readily available, offering the latest equipment and big savings over an airframe mod.
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Lake Tahoe, Nev.
The 1960 Winter Olympics put Lake Tahoe on the map for skiers. Spectacular lake views, deep powder, and the extremely varied terrain have kept it there ever since. Heavenly, Lake Tahoe’s ski area, straddles California and Nevada. Expert runs in Mott and Killebrew Canyons are complimented by easy cruising trails and big bowls. There’s no free airport pickup to local lodging, but the Tahoe Casino Express bus plies the route from the airport past all major hotels. Adjacent to Heavenly’s high-speed gondola are two Marriott properties, the Grand Residence and the Timber Lodge. The ski area is in the midst of a major development program that includes construction of the Alpine-themed Heavenly Village, new lifts and renovated facilities. Typical après-ski activities are bolstered by the gaming and entertainment at casinos lining the lake’s south shore on the Nevada side.
Airport: South Lake Tahoe (KTVL)
Elevation: 6,264 ft.
Runway: 8,544 ft.
Elevation of highest lift: 10,067 ft.
Vertical: 3,527 ft.
Base: 6,540 ft.
Contact: www.skiheavenly.com, 800.2.HEAVEN (243.2836)
Big Bear, Calif.
The proximity to Los Angeles and the airport make Southern California’s only ski area – a rustic and unpretentious mountain town wrapping around beautiful Big Bear Lake – ideal for day trips and weekends alike. One lift ticket covers its two ski areas, Snow Summit and Big Bear (the latter attracts freestylers and snowboarders). The runs aren’t as challenging as the
West’s premier slopes, but accessibility, simplicity – and night skiing – make this destination a 10. Less than half a mile from Summit, the landmark Wishing Well Motel – and its proprietor, pilot Myron Kaza – provides airport pickup, has discount lift tickets, and will even shuttle guests to the slopes in a pinch.
Airport: Big Bear City (L35)
Elevation: 6,748 ft.
Runway: 5,850 ft.
Summit elev.: 8,805 ft.
Vertical: 1,665 ft.
Base: 7,140 ft.
Contact: www.bigbearmountainresorts.com, 909.866.5766/wishingwellmotel.com, 800.541.3505
Jackson Hole, Wyo.
Jackson Hole gets its caché from some of the most challenging ski slopes in the United States and the proximity of the spectacular Grand Tetons. The town of Jackson (Jackson Hole refers to the surrounding valley) exudes cowboy character, though its wooden sidewalks now front fashionable galleries featuring southwestern art. Snow King (in the town of Jackson) and Jackson Hole Mountain, a dozen miles away (served by bus) are its two major ski areas. The Snow King Resort provides airport pickup and its mountain features the steepest lift-fed runs in the world. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village provides access to the greatest vertical drop of any slope in the United States. The Jackson Hole area also offers incomparable opportunities for winter wildlife encounters. Note: This is the final year you’ll be able to tour nearby Yellowstone National Park by snowmobile.
Airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
Elevation: 6,447 ft.
Runway: 6,300 ft.
Notes: Check NOTAMs for severe winter conditions from Nov.-April.
Highest elevation by lift at Snow King: 7,808 ft.
Vertical: 1,571 ft.
Base: 6,237 ft.
Contact: www.jacksonholewy.com, 800.443.6931/snowking.com, 800.522.5464/
www.ski-jackson-hole-wyoming.com, 800.323.9279
Boyne Mountain, Mich.
Long a favorite of Midwest skiers, an onsite airport makes this resort attractive for pilots. Located near the north end of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Boyne Mountain has more ski runs than any other ski destination in the state, and its 500 feet of vertical are second only to nearby Boyne Highlands. Terrain parks with an array of rails and half-pipes make it popular with the snowboard set, too. Stay in the Bavarian-style Main Lodge or in a rustic yet luxurious private log cabin. The Snow Sports School has been teaching beginners and experts for more than 40 years. A lively après-ski scene and large outdoor hot tub and pool cap the daily on-slope action. An arcade helps keep youngsters busy and full spa services are available at the nearby Inn at Bay Harbor.
Airport: Boyne USA Resort (BFA)
Elevation: 710 ft.
Runway: 5,200 ft.
Summit elevation: 1,120 ft.
Vertical: 500 ft.
Base: 620 ft.
Contact: www.boyne.com, 800.GO.BOYNE (442.6963)
Aspen, Colo.
World-class skiing. People watching. Shopping. Aspen’s reputation as a winter hot spot is well earned. Half of America’s private jets seem to be parked on the ramp at Aspen Base Operations during ski season.
Aspen is also a cultural capital, reflected in its many galleries and the impressive collection of the Aspen Art Museum. Top-tier lodging choices like the Little Nell, adjacent the high-speed gondola, offer airport pickup. The FBO’s concierge can assist with arrangements, as well. Aspen Mountain, or Ajax, to which Aspen clings, offers more than enough skiing for one visit, but if you want to roam, the Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass ski areas a few miles down valley are accessible via an Aspen lift ticket (and by free shuttle bus). Other outdoor activities include free snowcat rides, concerts on the mountain, and, for those who just can’t keep their feet on the ground, paragliding off Aspen Mountain and hot-air ballooning. Après-ski, Aspen has unparalleled dining options.
Airport: Pitkin County – Sardy Field (ASE)
Elevation: 7,820 ft.
Runway: 7,006 ft.
Notes: No night landings in IFR conditions permitted. Instrument rating is required for night landings in VFR conditions, unless VFR pilot has completed a takeoff or landing at ASE in the previous 12 months.
Highest elevation by lift at Ajax: 11,212 ft.
Vertical: 3,267 ft.
Base: 7,945 ft.
Contact: aspensnowmass.com, 800.308.6935
Mount Tremblant, Quebec, Canada
The Laurentians, just north of Montreal, have long been the capital of eastern Canada’s skiing. The new Tremblant International Airport (a privatized former military field) now transforms the area into a top fly-in choice. Mount Tremblant Resort, located beneath the highest peak in the Laurentians, offers the ambiance of a European village. Voted the No. 1 resort in Eastern North America by readers of Ski Magazine, it provides airport pickup for fly-in guests. Lodging ranges from luxurious suites in the picturesque village of Place Saint-Bernard to idyllic houses tucked away in the woods. Expansion of the ski area is ongoing. New this year is a snow park for snowboarders and freestyle skiers. Other outdoor activities include ice climbing and horseback riding; complete spa facilities are on site. For U.S. visitors, a favorable currency exchange rate makes a Canadian vacation an even better bargain.
Airport: Mount Tremblant International (CYFJ)
Elevation: 827 ft.
Runway: 6,000 ft.
Private but friendly full-service airport. Call for landing permission: 819.425.7919
Summit elevation: 2,871 ft.
Vertical: 2,116 ft.
Base: 755 ft.
Contact: www.laurentides.com, 800.561.6673/www.tremblanthotels.com, 800.215.5322
Bryce Resort, Va.
Bryce Resort has its own airport, making it a top choice for pilots. Snowmaking equipment assures excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions throughout the season. Advanced skiers will love the challenge of Bryce’s expert runs, while beginners learn the ropes courtesy of the on-site Horst Locher Snowsport School, instruction programs for youngsters, and special packages for first-time skiers and snowboarders. Weekends bring NASTAR ski and snowboard races. Both standard accommodations and condo and townhouse rentals on the resort property are available. Nearby Shenandoah Valley Airport puts you a rental-car drive away from several ski areas, including the Homestead, Massanutten and Wintergreen, as well as Bryce.
Airport: Sky Bryce Airport (VG18)
Elevation: 1,263 ft.
Runway: 2,240 ft.
Notes: Day, VFR only; call 800.821.1444 for clearance and info.
Summit elevation: 1,750 ft.
Vertical: 500 ft.
Base: 1,250 ft.
Contact: bryceresort.com, 800.821.1444
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