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Winter Wonderland: 12 Retreats To Satisfy Every Athlete
by Carrie Miner
Crowning Achievements
Nicknamed the "The Big One", Jackson Hole Resort claims celebrity status with accolades proclaiming it the best ski area in North America.
Those who may scoff at the title quickly change their minds when taking the aerial tram over the "Hole"—more than 2,500-acres of dramatic bowls, chutes and ridges surrounded by jagged peaks.
 Jackson Hole Resort, which is easily accessed by a short drive from Jackson Hole Airport [KJAC], encompasses two mountains-Apres Vous Mountain and Rendezvous Mountain.
Apres Vous is perfect for intermediate skiers, featuring a vertical drop of 2,100 feet, which then levels out to create a terrain suited for beginners. On the other hand, the steep terrain on Rendezvous Mountain is what continues to attract expert alpine enthusiasts worldwide. With a vertical drop of 4,139 feet, Rendezvous Mountain features the greatest continuous rise in the United States.
With all of the natural features covering these snow-covered mountains, many snowboarders stick to the slopes. However, thrill-seekers looking to hone their skills can show off at the full-size terrain park tucked away at the bottom of Apres Vous.
While it is the steep terrain and deep powder that attract most skiers to these snowy slopes in the Grand Tetons, the stunning back country is also worth exploring. Some of the favorite alternative activities in this winter wonderland include dog-sledding, cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and heli-skiing.
Land Of Enchantment
Located just 20 miles from the Taos Regional Airport [KSKX], the Taos Ski Valley is one of the few family-owned and operated ski resorts in the country.
Founded by Ernie and Rhoda Blake in 1955, this southwestern ski destination features 110 trails, half of which are dedicated to expert alpine skiers. Kachina Peak's 2,612-foot vertical drop features awe-inspiring, double-diamond terrain.
 But skiing here isn't limited to expert experience; 49 percent of the mountain's trails are dedicated to intermediate and beginner skiers. Just don't bother to pack a snowboard—it's all about the skiing at Taos Ski Valley. Snowboards are off limits at this famously pristine ski destination.
The Taos Ski Valley perfectly blends its high elevation and arid desert climate to provide an ultimate ski experience. With an average annual snowfall of 305 inches and more than 300 days of sunshine—the lofty 11,819-foot Kachina Peak is known as a world-class destination, with the Taos Ski Valley consistently ranking as one of the top ten ski resorts in the United States.
While skiing reigns supreme on these glistening slopes, there are many other area activities to explore—ice skating, tubing, snowmobiling, hot air ballooning and cultural tours to the nearby Taos Pueblo—all of which keeps with the tradition of making the Taos Ski Valley a family-friendly place to stay.
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