Choosing a nice ski resort should be the first of your priorities when booking a ski trip. Unfortunately, a lot of novices who just started skiing have difficulty understanding what separates great ski resorts from mediocre ones. Here are few pointers that should help you find the best resort for you.
Distance
The first thing you should consider when picking a ski resort is distance. If possible, you want to pick a destination as close as possible to you. Whether you live in Massachusetts, Vermont, or New Mexico, you’re more than likely to find a great ski resort within a reasonable distance. If you live on the west coast for instance, Snowmass, Colorado is a great option. If you’re looking for great lodges in the area, check out this site.
Flying to a destination for skiing is not always easy, so try to go for a spot within driving distance, even if it means taking 4 to 5 hours getting there. Also, the location you pick will have a direct incidence on the weather and ski conditions. Some resorts enjoy snow during the whole season while others might only have great snow for two or three months per year.
Check out the Number and Type of Runs
The number of runs on ski resorts can range from a few dozen to a hundred. While you want a large variety of runs, mega centers are often much more expensive. Some might have a few runs only, but be targeted towards pro skiers who are more into the sport than the resort aspects. So, while these may be great for pros, they might not have the same amenities as other resorts that are more open to the public.
If you’re a beginner, it’s always better to go for a smaller slope or one that offers multiple options for beginners. Check out if they offer special courses for beginners and make sure you book in advance. A smaller slope will allow to get a lot of practice and do the same run over and over. You’ll also be surrounded by other skiers around your level, which will make the atmosphere much less intimidating.
However, if you’re a mid level or pro skier, then it’s always better to get reviews and go to resorts with more challenging runs. High difficulty slopes have a “black diamond” certification. Make sure you check whether the resort you’re going to will have a wide variety of single, double or triple black diamond courses to make sure you don’t end up bored.