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Winter Wonderland: 12 Retreats To Satisfy Every Athlete
by Carrie Miner
With the frenzy of the holiday season left behind, it's time to jump into ski season and celebrate the power of powder on the coolest slopes in the country.
Whether you're interested in carving your own path or cruising through the countryside, our list of the top ten, general aviation-friendly ski resorts will help you catch some air — with and without your skis.
Join us as we head north of the border to explore the wintry delights of the most renowned ski resort in the North American East; dip down West Virginia to ride the rails of one of the region's largest snowboard terrain parks; take a blast to the past in Vermont at the nation's first commercial cross country ski area or head way to west to Wyoming and brave a vertical drop of 4,139 feet—the greatest continuous rise in the United States.
Even though skiing takes a prominent place in tribute to winter, we'll explore a plethora of other snow sports as well. Break out across the countryside on a speedy snowmobile, play it up as a musher with your very own dog sled team, bundle up for a romantic sleigh ride through a frosty forest or take a romantic snowshoe hike by the light of the moon.
Just don't wait too long—spring is just around the corner. So until then, Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
 Two Views Of Vermont
Vermont tops our list as a skiers delight. Soulful scenery and a stunning network of trails combine to create a delightful winter wonderland in this snowy state.
The Mountaintop Inn & Resort, which can be accessed by setting down at the Rutland State Airport [KRUT], sports more than 80 kilometers of cross-country ski trails branching off from the Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Center.
Renowned as the nation's first commercial cross country ski area, the Mountain Top Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Center came from humble origins — starting out as a barn on a turnip farm and evolving into a relaxing retreat for the rich and famous.
The ski center's trail system began development more than 40 years ago and, today utilizes a state-of-the-art snowmaking system to provide skiing opportunities year-around. Best of all, a complimentary ski pass is gifted to the resort's overnight guests.
Add to your winter fun itinerary with snowmobile daring-do on the nearby Catamount Trail, work on your ice skating spins or enjoy the countryside with a sleigh ride or a dog sled tour before heading back to the cozy inn where you can finish the day with a decadent meal at Highlands Dining Room paired with stunning mountain views.
 If you're seeking a more refined approach to resort living, you may want to consider a stop at the Topnotch at Stowe Resort and Spa, which is located just nine miles from an easy landing at the Morrisville-Stowe State Airport [KMVL].
Situated on 120-acres at the foot of Mt. Mansfield-Vermont's loftiest peak-this four-star resort features on-site cross-country skiing on 25 kilometers of groomed and natural trails.
Those seeking to add some alpine adventure into the mix can head over to the Stowe Ski Area — the leading site for skiing in the Northeast. All the guest rooms at this swanky resort offer views of the surrounding Green Mountains and the nearby village of Stowe, which in itself defines New England country charm.
Custom treatments at the acclaimed Spa at Topnotch will sooth sore muscles and, if you didn't get enough exercise on the mountain, you can always hit the resort's state-of-the-art fitness center.
Finally, finish off your day at Maxwell's, the resort's signature restaurant—a gourmand's delight with such succulent dishes as Vermont organic coq au vin served with wilted spinach & maple glazed root vegetables and the restaurant's dill-shallot crusted rack of lamb dished up with falafel, Vermont feta, tomatoes & Fox mustard sauce.
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