A ski resort's fun factor rating depends on its trails, lifts, lodging venues and off-slope activities. The immediate resort, the surrounding town and the local shops and restaurants contribute to the fun. Some ski areas just provide the basics, whereas others go out of their way to provide a total vacation experience
Bormio Italy
Bormio (j2ski.com) is not a traditional ski resort -- it's a medieval Italian spa town that just happens to have a ski mountain. The mountain belongs to the town, while private companies own the different lifts and ski schools. Because you basically ski on public land, don't be surprised if you glide past a private farm, where sheep, cows and goats watch you from behind a fence. Most hotels in Bormio do not have a hot tub. Instead, skiers relax in the local ancient hot springs. Bormio plays host to many World Cup skiing events. Expert skiers can test their skills on the Stelvio Pass, a steep downhill race course.
Portillo, Chile
When the lifts stop turning in the Western Hemisphere, dedicated ski enthusiasts feed their habit in South America. Portillo (skiportillo.com), Chile's iconic ski experience, draws an international crowd, with Olympic ski teams from all around the globe. Your all-inclusive vacation includes lodging, lift tickets, four daily meals, a gym, a basketball court and evening entertainment, but it's the little things that add to its charm. The two Saint Bernard rescue dogs that sit near the lifts warm your heart and are good for a few snuggles after you ride the exciting-yet-terrifying Roca Jack, a five-person poma lift that services equally scary steep terrain. Warm your body with a cup of South American hot chocolate, which elevates the cocoa experience to an art form. Place a chocolate candy bar in your cup, add hot water and wait for the chocolate to dissolve. You'll never drink powdered cocoa again.
Mont Tremblant
Mont Tremblant (tremblant.ca) in eastern Canada in the province of Quebec offers a French Alps experience without the French Alps cost. The self-contained village offers an eclectic selection of shops and restaurants, including a restaurant that serves crepes for breakfast. Once on the snow, the Adrenaline Terrain Park amuses visitors with its series of jumps, rails and boxes. Rent a Flaik GPS system, which tracks your speed, trails skied and vertical elevation, and claim your bragging rights at the end of the day. Other activities include dog-sledding, snowmobiling, sleigh rides and spa treatments.
Copper Mountain
Employees at Copper Mountain (coppercolorado.com) wear name tags that say, "I am a play-maker." Fun is an integral part of the corporate culture at this Colorado resort in Summit County, and the staff constantly invents new ways to keep their guests entertained. Whether it's the mountain ambassadors handing out granola bars in the base area or serving chocolate chip cookies near the top of the American Eagle lift or the Santa Claus with the live reindeer who visits during the holiday season, there's always some kind of fun happening at Copper. Test your racing speed at the public NASTAR course, take a free cat-skiing tour of Copper's backcountry or jump on the trampolines at Woodward, Copper Mountain's indoor training camp.
Member Comments