A New England Skier Imagines the Best of Year-Round Skiing

By Thecla Vis, Atlas Travel International Ski Vacation Specialist

There are two kinds of New Englanders. There are those who start planning their Caribbean escape as soon
as the temperature dips below 40 degrees, and there are those who dig their skis out from storage, have
them tuned up and look forward to being ready for the first snowfall. In the summer I love to lie on the
beach and soak up the sun, but my winters are strictly reserved for a good workout on the slopes. I would
like to offer some of my personal insights on how to get the most out of your snow time and enjoy your
winter holiday as never before.
There is a lot of good skiing in New England. For New Englanders passionate about their sport, there is no
need to extol the virtues of Sugarbush, Sugarloaf or Stowe. I am going to branch out and look at some
hotspots outside of New England where skiers can enjoy a whole new experience.

For Experienced Skiers

I have been skiing all of my life. As a travel
agent, I have lots of information about ski
resorts at my fingertips, as well as first-hand
knowledge of these places. I have traveled
extensively in search of the "ultimate
mountain," but have found that rather than
picking a favorite it is more useful to classify
them according to the skills and preferences of
the type of skier. Some mountains are easier to
ski than others; some are more scenic, for those
who like to look around them; and some can
only really be enjoyed by very experienced
skiers.
One of my favorite places to go is Jackson
Hole, Wyoming. The Spring Creek Ranch is a
wonderful place to stay, offering beautiful
views of the Grand Tetons. This mountain is
incredibly challenging and perfect for the more
experienced skier. Besides wonderful skiing, it
offers all sorts of winter playground
opportunities, including snowmobiling, dog
sledding, cross-country, snow tubing parks,
wildlife expeditions and nature tours. With a
4,139-foot vertical drop, 22 miles of groomed
terrain, average annual snowfall of 459 inches
and 2,500 acres of resort to enjoy, Jackson Hole
is the expert's skiing choice in the U.S.
 Perfect for a Combination
of Skill Levels
If your winter vacation party
includes different ages and
experience levels, I
recommend Whistler
Blackcomb in British
Columbia. This ski resort has
some of the longest and
steepest vertical runs in all of
North America, yet it also
boasts one of the best ski
schools in the world, so it is a
great starting place for those
who have never strapped on
skis before. The village has
an immense variety of
accommodations, including
luxury hotels, homes, lodges,
chalets and condominiums.
At Copper Mountain in
Colorado, skiers of all ages enjoy a self-contained resort with over 850 lodging units ranging from hotel
rooms to 5-bedroom homes. This resort also has a Club Med on site. The summit elevation is 12,313 feet
with a base at 9,772 feet, 23 lifts and 125 runs.
One of the great things that we are able to offer at Atlas is the creation of a specific package with our ski
wholesalers that includes the exact mountain, accommodations and amenities tailored specifically to your
ideal vacation.

For an Idyllic, Peaceful Ski Experience

And for those who want to steep themselves in a quiet, incredibly serene and beautiful ski experience, I
recommends Davos, Switzerland . If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the lively North American
ski resort towns and drink in the simplicity of nature, this is the place for you. With its six extensive skiing
areas all accessed by high-tech ropeways, Davos attracts skiers from all over the world. Nicknamed "Magic
Mountain," Davos also sports Europe 's largest natural skating rink, sledge slides, paragliding and
handgliding.

For Those Passionate Enough to Ski in Summer!

If the winter months in the northern hemisphere
alone don't salve your passion for the sport, there's
always Valle Nevado in Chile. I've flown here to ski
June-October.
Located in the heart of the majestic Andes, only a 1
1/2 hour drive from Santiago, Valle Nevado has
become a major South American Mountain
destination. This self contained resort offers 3
lodges and 2 apartment complexes built around the
base area with a few restaurants, shops and skier
service buildings.
Valle Nevado is a huge resort offering 29 named runs with
approximately 40 miles of groomed runs and a vertical drop
of 2,592 feet and many acres of off-piste ski terrain, all
served by 11 lifts.
All skiing in Valle Nevado is above tree line and the skiing
options off all lifts are endless, with numerous ridges and
bowls. There is always a groomed run or two from every
lift, otherwise it's pick your own route and go. With an even
mix of terrain, Valle Nevado offers skiing and riding for all
ability levels. Skiers can also ski La Parva and El Colorado,
2 areas located in the valley just below Valle Nevado by
purchasing a lift pass upgrade once at the resort.

Get Planning, the Snow's Flying Somewhere!

No matter what your skill level or budget is, there's a ski
resort that's perfect for you and I would love to assist you in
selecting the perfect resort for your personal ski fantasy.
If you have questions about ski vacations or about other
travel topics, please contact me at:

Thecla Vis
Atlas Travel International
One Maple Street
Suite 3
Milford, MA 01757
Phone: 508-488-1109
thecla.vis@atlastravel.com