Buying a ski cross is normally essentially the most economical approach to plan a ski trip whereas providing entry to a wide range of ski resorts. The Epic Cross supplies entry to over 60 resorts throughout North America and past, together with a few of the world’s finest ski locations. Even should you don’t plan to go to all 60 resorts this season, it’s possible you’ll need to expertise a couple of. That will help you select, our Mountain Journey Specialists have curated an inventory of their prime Epic Cross picks:
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge —fondly often called “Breck” by locals—is certainly one of Colorado’s most beloved ski resorts. With its family-friendly ambiance, picturesque views, and 5 towering peaks, Breck gives one thing for everybody. The resort spans almost 3,000 skiable acres throughout the Ten Mile Vary and supplies terrain for all talent ranges.
The 5 peaks are well-organized by capability degree, with newbie inexperienced runs close to the bottom of Peaks 8 and 9 and extra superior black terrain greater up. Inexperienced persons will admire the ski college choices and broad, groomed runs, whereas seasoned skiers and riders love the wide-open bowls and difficult terrain of the T-Bar and Imperial Specific on Peak 8.
Don’t overlook to pack your can of oxygen! Breckenridge’s excessive elevation, sitting above many different resorts, contributes to its distinctive snowfall and prolonged season, typically lasting past Memorial Day. It’s additionally residence to North America’s highest carry, the Imperial Specific, which reaches 12,840 ft. For these feeling adventurous, a brief however mighty hike to almost 13,000 ft rewards you with breathtaking views.
Past the snowboarding, Breck’s historic city is a serious draw. With its Victorian-era buildings, charming native retailers, nice meals, and alluring après-ski scene, the city exudes a comfortable, laid-back mountain vibe that makes guests return yr after yr.
Vail, Colorado
There’s simply one thing so magical about Vail that makes you are feeling like you’re strolling by means of a quaint storybook-inspired European Village. With luxurious heated walkways lined with upscale retailers and world delicacies, the city gives a mix of charming and upscale lodging, all whereas skiers cross by means of, embodying sophistication, class, and mountain journey. Its tagline, “Like Nothing on Earth,” completely captures the essence of this vibrant mountain city.
Vail will not be solely recognized for its luxurious really feel but in addition for its world-renowned slopes. As Colorado’s largest ski resort, it options 5,317 acres of skiable terrain with one thing for everybody. Inexperienced persons will admire the groomed runs and designated household zones within the Golden Peak space, whereas consultants can head straight to the again bowls for wide-open first tracks, particularly thrilling on powder days.
The “Legendary Again Bowls” actually dwell as much as their identify, that includes seven expansive bowls with seemingly infinite fields of snow that give the feeling of getting the mountain all to your self. There’s no want for avalanche security gear right here; Blue Sky Basin gives backcountry-style glades, unique vibes, and gorgeous views, making it excellent for beautiful snowboarding on each powder and bluebird days.
Park Metropolis, Utah
Park Metropolis, Utah, is the biggest ski resort within the U.S., spanning 7,300 skiable acres with over 330 trails. The resort caters to all ranges, providing every part from newbie zones to black diamond bowls and glades. Identified for its plentiful snowfall, Park Metropolis receives over 350 inches of sunshine, fluffy snow every year, because of the “lake impact” from the Nice Salt Lake. This distinctive snow is usually known as “the best snow on earth.” With such huge terrain, guests can spend every week exploring and nonetheless not cowl the entire mountain, discovering new favourite runs every season.
Park Metropolis appeals to all sorts of skiers and snowboarders—households, powder lovers, and people in search of a luxurious getaway. It gives top-rated lodging, infinite eating choices, and a full of life après-ski scene, each downtown and on the base areas of Park Metropolis Village and neighboring Canyons Village. Historic Foremost Avenue, the cultural and social hub, blends the city’s mining historical past with trendy luxurious, providing a lot for the entire household to get pleasure from. For added comfort, skiers can end their day by taking City Runs immediately into city with out the effort of transportation.
Certainly one of Park Metropolis’s standout options is its accessibility. Salt Lake Metropolis Worldwide Airport is only a 35-minute drive away, making it a perfect vacation spot for vacationers in search of each comfort and world-class snow.
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Whistler Blackcomb is a world-class vacation spot recognized for its huge skiable terrain, Olympic historical past, and charming village. With over 8,000 acres unfold throughout two mountains, it gives one thing for everybody. Ski lovers dream of visiting this iconic resort, whereas households admire the number of actions each on and off the slopes.
Just lately named the #1 ski resort in North America by UK Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Selection Awards, Whistler Blackcomb stands out for its world-class facilities, breathtaking surroundings, and dependable snow situations. Professional skiers will love the steep runs, moguls, and powder stashes, whereas extra daring powder hounds can expertise heli-skiing. Inexperienced persons and households are nicely catered for with devoted studying zones, a wonderful ski college, and intensive inexperienced runs. Even should you’re not a skier, there’s a lot to get pleasure from on the resort. Take a scenic experience on the enduring Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which gives breathtaking views whereas connecting Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
Along with epic snowboarding, Whistler Blackcomb’s village gives five-star eating, distinctive retailers, luxurious lodging, spas, and a vibrant après-ski scene. Situated on the base of the mountain, the charming pedestrian village options many ski-in ski-out choices, making it simple to maximise your time on the slopes and get round effortlessly.
Les 3 Vallées, France
Les 3 Vallées, positioned within the gorgeous French Alps, is the biggest ski resort on this planet—larger than the 5 largest North American resorts mixed. Spanning 25,916 skiable acres, or roughly 380 miles of terrain, it connects seven famend resorts throughout 4 valleys: Courchevel, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Val Thorens, and Orelle. With wide-open slopes, newbie runs, blue groomers, tree-lined trails, steep couloirs, and studying areas, the resort gives one thing for each degree of skier. Its excessive alpine surroundings ensures dependable snow and a protracted season.
As an Epic Cross Companion, cross holders can get pleasure from 7 consecutive days at Les 3 Vallées. With its expansive terrain and diverse problem ranges, this resort gives infinite choices for all ages and talents. It additionally options a number of villages, every with a singular ambiance, vibrant après-ski scenes, and various lodging starting from cozy chalets to luxurious lodges. Eating is a spotlight, with over 16 Michelin-starred eating places within the space, combining epic snowboarding with world-class French delicacies. Warning: After snowboarding right here, you would possibly by no means need to depart!
Beaver Creek, Colorado
Think about wrapping up your final run of an epic day, whether or not you’ve been studying the ropes, cruising down pristine groomed slopes, or navigating tree runs. Your legs are drained, and also you’re able to loosen up in a sizzling tub with a glass of wine. To your delight, a chef awaits on the finish of the run, providing freshly baked, gooey chocolate chip cookies to have fun your day on the mountain. This sums up the essence of the service, excellence, and heat ambiance that Beaver Creek Ski Resort supplies for its friends.
Beaver Creek is famend for its luxurious facilities, family-friendly vibe, low crowds, and distinctive service. Also known as a “hidden gem” by each locals and guests, this ski resort is bound to enchant you. As you drive by means of the gates, flanked by waving worldwide flags, you instantly really feel a way of pampering and exclusivity.
With 1,815 skiable acres, Beaver Creek gives terrain for all capability ranges, together with a delegated studying space that’s away from visitors and crowds, lengthy scenic groomed runs within the Bachelor Gulch space, and difficult chutes and moguls for consultants in search of untouched powder. The signature Birds of Prey run, well-known for internet hosting World Cup races, is understood for its impeccable grooming, and the resort boasts the most effective studying packages within the space.
Past the slopes, the village exudes appeal with its upscale ambiance, heated sidewalks, boutique purchasing, and scrumptious alpine eating choices. Distinctive on-mountain cabins present memorable eating experiences, accessible through snowcat rides. The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch options an out of doors patio that hosts a full of life après-ski scene with dwell music, champagne popping, and a comfortable bonfire. One go to is all it takes to fall in love with Beaver Creek’s enchanting ambiance—come see for your self!
Crans-Montana & Andermatt, Switzerland
Snowboarding within the Swiss Alps appears like a dream come true, gliding down the mountain surrounded by gorgeous peaks, experiencing the enduring apres-ski tradition, and ending the day with conventional Swiss fondue, we promise it’s not too good to be true! Crans-Montana and Andermatt are our Mountain Journey Specialists’ prime picks on the Epic Cross, we promise you’ll love them simply as a lot!
Crans-Montana boasts 300 days of sunshine, guaranteeing epic climate throughout your go to. This high-altitude resort gives glacier entry, guaranteeing glorious snow—a perfect mixture for each skier. With breathtaking views from the mountaintop, you’ll be able to see the enduring Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, the very best peak within the Alps and Western Europe. Spanning 87 miles of ski runs, the resort caters to skiers of all talent ranges. Two neighboring villages improve the expertise with stylish boutiques, pleasant eating places, lodges, and vibrant bars, that includes an beautiful Swiss-style après-ski scene.
Andermatt, nestled within the coronary heart of the Swiss Alps, is famend for its genuine appeal and distinctive off-piste snowboarding. Much less commercialized than close by resorts, this ski space options uncrowded slopes and excellent situations. With over 12 ft of snowfall yearly, it’s the largest ski space in Central Switzerland, masking 1,500 skiable acres and catering to learners and professional skiers alike. The resort and its village exude a laid-back, native vibe, showcasing conventional Swiss structure, cozy chalets, and heat hospitality, offering a real Swiss expertise.
Hakuba Valley, Japan
For a singular cultural expertise, journey to Japan to ski at one of many 10 resorts within the Hakuba Valley. You could have heard the time period “Japow,” referring to the spectacular snowfall that many Japanese ski resorts obtain yearly. The Hakuba Valley, positioned within the Japanese Alps, averages over 30 ft of snow every year. Right here, the yuki—the Japanese phrase for snow—is usually mild and dry, that means no snowball fights right here! It crumbles in your palms, which creates a sensation of floating on clouds underneath your skis and snowboards. These resorts cater to each skier, providing family-friendly actions, ski faculties, childcare, groomed blue runs, and professional terrain for these in search of excessive snow adventures.
Japan not solely boasts epic snowboarding but in addition supplies a wealthy cultural expertise. Immerse your self by staying in conventional ryokans (inns) and unwinding après-ski in stress-free onsens (sizzling springs) to appease your sore muscle tissue. Don’t miss the possibility to attempt native sushi or ramen for a real style of the tradition, and you should definitely cease by one of many many merchandising machines for cold and warm drinks, together with beer!
