Interline Adventures....

                          A GUIDE TO

NORTH AMERICA'S BEST SKI RESORTS

With more than 300 ski resorts in North America, the ski scene on this continent has grown faster than a high-speed quad can get you to the top of the mountain. Ski meccas like Sun Valley, Vail, Snowbird, Jackson Hole, and Whistler/Blackcomb are now worldwide favorites, with skiing and service now on par with the alpine peaks of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In fact, the quality of North American ski resorts has drawn many of the best Europeans in the industry for work and research. It's also drawn lots of in-the-know (and -snow) interline skiers.

Though all of the resorts covered below are best bets, each one is not right for every interliner. Whether you're planning a quick weekend interline adventure or a weeklong vacation on skis, choosing the right downhill destination is the top priority in a successful ski trip.

In Fodor's Skiing USA, Clive Hobson says, "The main reason most people don't enjoy their resort experience is that they don't choose the right resort." Some of the factors he says skiers should consider include: the priority of skiing or resort amenities; the style of the destination and resort; groomed or natural conditions; casual or challenging skiing; travel companions; and, of course, budget. Except for our only non-U.S. entry of Whistler/Blackcomb, this book provides lots of insider tips about every resort we've covered below. The only tip you really need about Whistler/Blackcomb is to get on a plane and go.

If your ideal ski resort provides lots of activity and nightlife, consider Aspen, Vail, and Whistler/Blackcomb, which are all established Rocky Mountain ski communities. But if you want it quieter, places like Squaw Valley are a better bet. For those into a bit of both, Colorado combinations include the Arapahoe Basin area, Crested Butte, and Steamboat. When your style of skiing craves cruising, rather than deep powder, head to groomed gateways like Deer Valley, Beaver Creek, Snowmass, or Park City, but avoid powder-hound places like Snowbird. Our overviews will help you narrow the field quickly.

All of the resorts reviewed below are generally easy for interliners to reach, but be sure to consider travel time from the airport if it's just a quick ski trip. Once you choose your destination, your major expense will involve accommodations. Be sure to take advantage of all interline discount opportunities, but remember to consider how your decisions may lead to additional costs. Slopeside condos may seem more expensive at first, but you may save by splitting the condo with a number of people and avoiding rental cars (if the destination doesn't provide good transportation) to get to the slopes. If you're a hard-core skier, the size and style of your sleeping arrangements shouldn't be as important as the mountain you choose to ski.

Packing for your ski adventure can be the biggest challenge after you've chosen your resort. The weather at all of our choice resorts can be as varied as the passenger list in coach. By all means, watch the Weather Channel for a general idea, but be sure to pack clothing for all conditions. Layering is the key, with lots of mix-and-match items that can dry quickly. Use your boot bag as a carry-on and be sure to pack the boots with breakable items. An extra pair of gloves, goggles, and hats always seem to come in handy for you or your travelling companions. A bathing suit for the hot tub is the most commonly forgotten item on a ski trip.

Once there, be sure to take advantage of any other interliner discounts on lift tickets, equipment rental, ski schools, and dining. Food is your next major expense and an area that's easy to keep in check. Accommodations with kitchens or kitchenettes may be a bit pricier, but you'll save money on meals, even if you just prepare an occasional breakfast or lunch. A few homemade meals may mean an extra day on the slopes or a new sweater from the ski shop.

But the real key to a ski vacation is good skiing. If you choose the right resort from our coverage, you're sure to find a ski vacation that's all downhill from here.