I remember fondly the beauty of this westernmost coast of the American Continent that borders on the Pacific Ocean. Thus, this British Columbia ski area just north of Vancouver can be compared most favorably to the gorgeous Big Sur in California and not to landlocked Utah or Colorado. It is really a breathtaking view of the silvery topped forests descending down to the ocean's little islands, which seem to be rising from the misty vapors like some kind of sea creature. This is definitely Black Diamond country for advanced skiers. The Whistler ski resorts selected as tops by the Conde Nast readers are the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, the new Four Seasons Resort, the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside and the Westin Resort & Spa. Alberta province has the Fairmont Banff Springs and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise with exciting slopes. Eastern Canada has the province of Quebec and the colorful Laurentian Mountains with the famous Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, making for a grand total of seven readers' top ski resorts.The favorite winter sports destination appears to be the state of Colorado with its clear air and supposed warmer climate. It names 20-ski resorts the locales for the best skiing and boarding conditions. They are Aspen Mountain, the haven for black diamond enthusiasts who can't get enough of its steep bumpy runs and fabulous vistas. Aspen/Snowmass is claimed by the locals to be one of the few places in the world to embody the perfect union of natural beauty, outdoor adventure and creature comfort. This remote mountain village has given special meaning to skiing and for over fifty years since its first run it has remained a celebrity magnet and has been called the "Beverly Hills of the Rockies".Then there is Buttermilk, known as the family favorite because of its great beginners' mountain. However, the hardcore snowboarders also get their thrills with its super pipe and terrain park.The Aspen resorts are the Hotel Jerome, Little Nell and the St Regis Resort. Beaver Creek has the Beaver Creek Lodge, Inn at Beaver Creek, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa and the Pines Lodge. The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch is the epitome of luxury. Other ski favorites are the Grand Lodge Crested Butte; the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera, Edwards; Keystone Lodge, Keystone; Snowmass Club, Snowmass; Sheraton Steamboat Springs Resort, Steamboat; Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel, Steamboat; Torian Plum, Steamboat; Peaks Resort & Golden Door Spa, Telluride and the four popular Vail resorts. They are the Lodge at Vail, Sonnenalp Resort of Vail, Vail Cascade Resort & Spa and the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa. Utah has the ultra luxurious Deer Valley ski resorts ever awesome as the world famous French Alps sinter playgrounds for the rich and famous. Deer Valley has the Goldener Hirsch Inn, the Lodges at Deer Valley, and the Stein Eriksen Lodge. At the Hotel Park City, I did don a snow proof suit and went for a snowmobile ride and forged a trail in the snow clad hills. There is also the Canyon Grand Summit Hotel in the Canyon's and the Cliff Lodge & Spa in Snowbird.California has two famous Lake Tahoe fashionable Marriott ski resorts as well as two noteworthy Squaw Valley ski centers and a Juniper Springs Resort at Mammoth Mountain. The Hyatt Regency has a Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino in Nevada. Idaho has the Sun Valley Inn, Sun Valley and the Sun Valley Lodge and would have had the Kerry Winter White House had he won the D.C. White House. The state of Montana has their ski resorts at Big Sky. Fast growing favorites with the erstwhile jet set are the Four Seasons Resort and the Treton Mountain Lodge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Taos in New Mexico is also a winter wonderland for skiers, skaters, snowboarders, and snowshoe wearers.New Hampshire was cited for the famous Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods. New York State was singled out for the Adirondacks and the Mirror Lake Inn at Lake Placid and then there is the Trapp Family Lodge at Stowe, Vermont. Incidentally, I also like Stratton Mountain and Manchester in Vermont because of their closeness to New York for a quickie ski session or for just a sleigh ride.For reservation information, contact your travel professional.Copyright by Marcia AbramsonE-mail:mascribe@verizon.net
