The Mount Hood stratovolcano, located approximately two hours’ drive east of Portland, Oregon, stands as an awe-inspiring ski destination, presenting a perfect snow-capped pyramid that pierces through the clouds. Adorned with a belt of fir trees and ski trails weaving through the forest like strands of a spider’s web, this picturesque landscape encompasses several exhilarating ski areas, including Timberline, Mount Hood Skibowl, Mount Hood Meadows, Summit Ski Area, and Cooper Spur. For winter sports enthusiasts, this region consistently provides compelling reasons to extend their stay.
Much like the allure of Mount Hood, the charm of a winter sports excursion in North America lies in the diverse array of destinations, even in the most unexpected locales. Whether skiing above the Arizona desert, navigating chutes in Nevada before indulging in the excitement of Las Vegas, or exploring over 80 ski resorts in British Columbia and Quebec each, with California and Colorado not far behind, the possibilities are vast. From the opulence of Aspen Snowmass to the rugged beauty of Mount Washington on Vancouver Island, where sightings of black bears are commonplace, the choices cater to a wide spectrum of preferences.
While only a minority of Brits currently venture across the Atlantic to experience this diversity, North America is gaining popularity as a winter sports destination. The interconnection of resorts, expansion of lift networks, and the introduction of enticing new activities contribute to this trend. Furthermore, abundant snowfall, breaking records in various locations from Mammoth Lakes in California to numerous ski towns in Utah, is redefining the landscape for skiers.
For those seeking a starting point, Montana’s Big Sky, one of the largest ski resorts in the United States, boasts the title of having America’s fastest six-person chairlift. Noteworthy investments include the recently refurbished Lone Peak Tram, providing access to a six-mile-long run from Liberty Bowl to Mountain Mall. The introduction of Big Sky’s first five-star property, Montage, in 2021, and the upcoming One&Only Moonlight Basin, the luxury hotelier’s inaugural venture in the US set to open in 2024, signal the resort’s commitment to excellence. Meanwhile, in California’s Palisades Tahoe, a groundbreaking base-to-base gondola — the first of its kind in North America — now seamlessly connects the destination’s two mountains, enhancing the overall resort experience.
The palpable sense of progress is particularly pronounced in Colorado, notably within the environs of Steamboat. Currently undergoing a $200 million (£156 million) modernization endeavor, the resort is poised to unveil the longest ten-person gondola in North America. Simultaneously, the renowned Aspen Mountain is diligently expanding its skiable acreage by over 20% for the upcoming season. This relentless pursuit of improvement encapsulates the burgeoning allure of winter sports in North America—never resting, always forward-looking.
Three North American Ski Adventures to Explore:
- Mammoth Mountain, California
- The Snow-Sure Resort
- Boasting the title of the highest ski destination in California, Mammoth Mountain receives an annual average of nine meters of snow. Ski Solutions offers a seven-night trip starting from £1,600 per person (based on double occupancy), inclusive of direct flights from Heathrow to San Francisco, three-star ski-in/ski-out hotel accommodation, and car hire.
- Breckenridge, Colorado
- The Luxury Favorite
- Acclaimed for both its chic destination hotels and high-profile guests, Breckenridge is as renowned for its beginner-friendly areas and terrain parks. Skiworld provides a seven-night package from £2,139 per person (based on double occupancy), encompassing direct flights from Heathrow to Denver, three-star ski-in/ski-out hotel accommodation, and shared transfers.
- Whistler, British Columbia
- The All-Rounder
- A perennial favorite among British skiers, Whistler offers top-notch pistes, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant après-ski options. Ski Solutions presents a seven-night journey from £1,385 per person (based on double occupancy), featuring direct flights from Heathrow to Vancouver, four-star ski-in/ski-out hotel accommodation, and resort transfers.