A Bucket List for the Serious Ski Bum

You want a new adventure, and you love to ski. Well, you’re in luck. Here are a few U.S. based  I ski resorts that are worth the trip, so grab your skis and head for the hills.

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Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole tops the list of “best places to ski” simply for the fact that it has the highest and longest vertical lift in the U.S. If you choose a luxury hotel, Jackson Hole offers some of the best in the nation in that department too. At the end of the day, you can unwind at some of the most gorgeous and wonderful restaurants too. And, if you need a break from skiing, you can go hiking and snowshoeing here.

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Bogus Basin

Don’t let the name put you off. This place is actually pretty amazing. The Bogus Basin is a non-profit community operated by Idaho ski area with a lot of terrain to explore. Ski 360 degrees from one of two different summits that span over 2600 acres. The drop? 1800 vertical.

This mountain has multiple face, which can be a little confusing for “never evers.” The lodges are simple, rustic even, and there aren’t a lot of amenities. This is a mountain purpose-built for ski-enthusiasts.

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Tamarack 

Tamarack has the distinction of being the first brand new ski resort in North America in over two decades – opening in 2004. It’s expansive too, at 2100 acres near Lake Cascade. There are seven lifts serving the mountain and, if you’re a newbie, definitely check out Bliss and Serenity. If you want a more mellow afternoon, Tamarack has over 5,000 acres of bowl terrain for you to enjoy.

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Sun Valley

Sun Valley is probably one of the most historic ski resorts in the country. This is partially because the first chair lift was built here and also partially because so many Olympians were produced on these slopes. Movie stars, musicians, and even ski bums invented the whole concept of a “ski week” here.

The summit is 9,150 feet, at Bald Mountain.The slopes are not for beginners though (not mostly), as the vertical is 3,400 feet, so also bring your “A game.”  The accommodations at Sun Valley Resort are just as impressive. It’s everything you would expect it to be – complete with marble bathrooms, roaring fireplaces, and amazing food. The resort is the definition of “posh.”

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Grand Targhee

The Grand Targhee is the underdog of the bunch. It’s almost the opposite of Jackson Hole, with only 100 lodging units in the mountain village. There are few amenities here. What you will find is skiing – lots of it.

The pitch here is perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers. It’s not too steep and, at the same time, there aren’t many flat spots. It also doesn’t feel too pretentious. You feel like part of the family that lives here. If that sort of thing strikes a chord with you, you’ll love it here.

Author: Debbie Huntsberry loves to search for new places to ski. When she finds them, she enjoys sharing her discoveries with others on the web. You can read her illuminating articles on a variety of websites and blogs.

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