Is Year-Round Skiing Your Fantasy?

By Elaine Osgood, President
Atlas Travel International

There are two kinds of New Englanders. There are those who start planning their Caribbean escape as soon as the mercury dips below 40 degrees, and the others who strap skis to their feet long before the first flurry hits the ground. While my future travel columns will offer plenty of tips to the large contingent of warm-weather lovers, this month we offer insights to those who are already rummaging around for their gear, fastening the rack to the top of the car and waxing their skis and snowboards.

Good skiing is part of the reason many people live in New England . For those New Englanders passionate about the sport, it's preaching to the choir to offer “insider tips” about Sugarbush, Sugarloaf and Stow . So we're going to branch out and look at the hotspots outside of New England where skiers love to travel on the ultimate skiing vacation.

For Experienced Skiers

According to the ski vacation specialists at Atlas Travel International, the ultimate ski escape in North America can be found at Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole , Wyoming . “For the more experienced skier, Jackson Hole is fantastic,” says Thecla Vis, an Atlas agent who is so devoted to skiing that she sought out a ski resort in Chile that allows her the luxury of great skiing from June through October, in the same time zone as Boston . “ Jackson Hole offers not only skiing, but snowmobiling, dog sledding, cross country, snow tubing parks, wildlife expeditions and nature tours,” she says.

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 ski choice in the U.S.

Perfect for a Combination of Skill Levels

If your winter vacation party includes different ages and experience levels, Atlas recommends 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.

“One of the great things that we are able to offer,” explains Vis, “is creating a specific package with our ski wholesalers that includes the exact mountain, accommodations and amenities tailored specifically to your ideal vacation. This is important to skiers from New England who are branching out for a totally new ski experience. They know what they like, but they also want it to be totally different.”

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.

For an Idyllic, Peaceful Ski Experience

And for those who want to steep themselves in a quiet, incredibly serene and beautiful ski experience, Atlas 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.

It's Not Too Early to Plan…

While Copper Mountain opens as early as the first week in November, most of these resorts open toward the end of the month and the skiing gets better as the base increases, so December is even more preferable…if you can wait! No matter what your skill level or budget is, there's a ski resort that's perfect for you and Atlas has two ski enthusiast-turned-travel agents (Jean Brush and Thecla Vis) to assist you in selecting the perfect resort for your personal ski fantasy.

And remember, if the winter months in the northern hemisphere alone don't salve your passion for the sport, ask about Valle Nevado in Chile , where you can ski all summer long!

If you have questions about ski vacations or about other travel topics, or if you have a suggestion for a future travel article, please contact me at: