Article by William Brister
1. Whistler Blackcomb, British ColumbiaWhistler is an unparalleled year-round ski destination resort, a mere two-hour drive from Vancouver, BC. More than just world-class skiing, it’s setting in British Columbia’s Coast Mountains offers visitors a wide variety of both winter and summer activities. The amazing downhill skiing at Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, in the winters is what has made the area world famous. These two towering mountains provide the best skiing in North America, with the biggest vertical drop. Moreover, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, heli-skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, sleigh-riding, dog-sledding and a host of other winter recreational pursuits.
Summer in Whistler is just as spectacular with its mountaintop sightseeing, world-class golf, mountain biking, hiking, in-line skating, horseback riding, sightseeing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and even glacier skiing are some of the main attractions of Whistler.
Snuggled at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains is Whistler’s charming pedestrian village offering cafes, international stores and over 100 restaurants that cater to all tastes. The surrounding valley is dotted with parks, worlds top beaches, picnic areas, boat launches and hiking trails. Along the valley there are five lakes, numerous creeks and rivers with long stretches of established trails for hiker, bikers and inline skaters.
Whistler is truly one of the strongest contenders for the title of “world’s greatest ski resort.”
2) Kitzbuhel, AustriaKitzbuhel is considered the “Pearl of the Alps” and is the most famous holiday resort in the Austrian Tyrol, situated between Innsbruck and Salzburg. A 700 year old village it represents the charm of a true Alpine village, oozing sophistication. Kitzbuhel is a truly spectacular Troylean resort with cobblestone streets and a 12th century stone wall surrounding part of the village. More than just a ski resort, it offers a variety of things including, designer shops, bars and cafes filled with gastronomical cuisines, private saunas and luxury accommodations.
The Hahnenkamm race week is very popular when the fastest skiers gather at this quaint village. Its slopes are vast with 50 Lifts and several runs located in the five main ski areas surrounding the village. For the intermediate it is a paradise with long tree-lined runs providing picture perfect settings. For the experts, some of the most extensive mogul runs in Europe can be found here. Additional activities in Kitzbuhel include horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, curling, swimming in the indoor pool, indoor tennis, bowling, and even theatres with English-speaking movies.
3. Zermatt, Switzerland Surpassing Gstaad and St. Moritz is the famous village of Zermatt known as a peaceful getaway thanks to its vehicle free environment. The mountain village of Zermatt is one of the most impressive ski and climbing centers of the world. Nestled in a deep valley between steep mountains, it is dominated by the huge and gracefully curved pyramid of the Matterhorn. The stunningly picturesque, Zermatt holds the world’s second biggest lift-served vertical drop and receives huge snowfalls thanks to its altitude.
The cobblestone streets, horses with sleighs and the striking silence because of the lack of vehicular traffic immediately absorbs you into its tranquility. The air is fresh and alpine and draws you in with its unique charm as soon as you step off the train.
Dominated by the impressive peak of the Matterhorn at 4478 m encircled by a famous ring of mountains, all over 4000 m tall, the beauty and setting of Zermatt remains unsurpassed.
4. Vail, Colorado, Western United States Vail is the single largest single ski area in the United States and offers approximately 5,300 acres of terrain you can ski on. Vail has three distinct area of mountain, each with its own special features including four terrain parks, seven bowls and thousands of acres of free ride terrain. By virtue of its vastness and being seven miles wide, finding fresh tracks is easy. One of the mountains has the fastest high-speed detachable quads, a feat that remains unparalleled on a ski resort today.
There are a whole lot of other activities offered here that do not require skis and boards. For some Best adventure Destination and fun Vail offers much more with several art galleries, museums, ballooning, dog sledding, ice skating, hockey and snowmobiling.
Colorado’s Vail Valley has been adjudged one of the world’s premier vacation destinations. It is a stunningly beautiful place, with great lodging, wonderful weather, recreation, and sophisticated vacation amenities.
5. Banff/Lake Louise, Alberta, Western CanadaLocated in the heart of the historic and majestic Banff National Park in Canada, Lake Louise ranks as one of the most scenic mountain resorts in North America. With 4200 ski able acres, it is also the largest ski resort in North America. Beginners and intermediate skiers have access to an abundance of gentle slopes and long cruising runs. Experts can explore endless chutes, glades, gullies and remote bowls in some of the Rockies’ most challenging terrain.
It has spectacular scenery, vast, varied and uniquely beautiful terrain and pristine wilderness. Banff/Lake Louise has three different ski areas – Mount Norquay/Mystic Ridge, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise that are roughly 50 km apart. Norquay has acquired a legend for its brutal and unrelenting vertical monster mogul peaks.
Lake Louise is the ultimate romantic getaway, relaxing as well as the perfect ski resort.
William Brister – http://www.travelonguide.com – A list of the most famous Ski Resorts.
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