The High Life By Susan Salaz
Ski towns offer something for everyone on and off the slopes. Here are some of America’s great snowy destinations, all of them at the peak of luxury.
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Aspen, Colorado
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Aspen is a premier ski destination. Here, a lavish lifestyle comes naturally, with world class accommodations, an incredible culinary scene, renowned shopping and thriving arts and culture institutions and events. The highlight of any Aspen getaway is the après ski scene, where any level of skier can triumph with cold champagne or hot buttered rum, live music and a cozy fire at the base of the slopes in their ski boots. If you go…be sure to ride to the peak of Aspen mountain and soak in the spectacular views on the Silver Queen Gondola. Photography credit: Aspen Chamber aspenchamber.org |
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Big Sky, Montana
Adventure awaits in Big Sky, Montana, situated between Bozeman and West Yellowstone in the Northern Rockies. While downhill skiing might be the biggest draw, sleigh rides, snowmobiling and snowshoeing are all in style here. For an experience you won’t soon forget, explore the slopes under the stars with headlamp night skiing, and afterwards, soothe your sore muscles with a visit to the Solace Spa at Big Sky Resort for an elevated escape. If you go…take a snowy horse-drawn sleigh ride to the legendary North Fork Cabin at Lone Mountain Ranch for a candle-lit cowboy dinner and sing-along. Photography Credit: Visit Big Sky visitbigsky.com |
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Jackson Hole, Wyoming
At the doorstep of Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a scenic dream, offering world famous alpine skiing, snowboarding and outdoor thrills, exquisite dining, luxurious lodging and entertaining nightlife. If you’re staying in town, a visit to the National Museum of Wildlife Art or the Elk Refuge is worth the drive, but a drink at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar on the town square might be just as wild. If you go…soak in the steaming hot mineral waters of the natural hot springs just outside of town, perfect year-round, but accessible by snowmobile or dog-sled in the winter. Photography Credit: Visit Jackson Hole visitjacksonhole.com |
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Lake Tahoe, California
A stunning winter wonderland, Lake Tahoe, California, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is the perfect mix of luxury and leisure. Here you’ll find deep powder, sunny skies and picturesque views of the clear water and snow-capped mountains. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider a sunset helicopter tour to soak in the beauty from above, or keep your feet on the ground with a snowshoe hike to see things up close and personal. If you go…glide along the snowy shores of Lake Tahoe on a pair of cross country skis to fully immerse yourself in the area’s natural beauty. Photography Credit: Tahoe South Photos visitlaketahoe.com |
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Park City, Utah
With fresh mountain air, old town charm and a list of modern amenities, Park City, Utah, offers both serenity and exhilaration. This historic silver mining town presents mountain life at its finest, with so much more than skiing and snowboarding (although the slopes don’t get much better than this). Ride the trolley down Main Street for dining, shopping and entertainment, all set against a Rocky Mountain backdrop that looks like you stepped into a snow globe. If you go…give mushing a try on a dog sled excursion through snow-covered pastures and tree-lined trails for the thrill of a lifetime. Photography Credit: Visit Park City visitparkcity.com |
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