Ski resorts have advantages and amenities that vary depending on where you go. Beginner and expert skiers alike can appreciate different aspects of ski resorts including lessons, restaurants and area entertainment. The key to being satisfied with the ski resort you visit is to do a little research and choose one based on your priorities.
If you're a beginner, you'll want to be sure that instruction and rentals are available to you. Even if you'll be skiing with an expert skier, lessons are recommended for beginners. Besides ensuring your safety, ski lessons can get you up and running faster than your brother-in-law (who may be tempted to leave you on that Green Circle for more difficult terrain). The ski resorts you choose should have beginner slopes which are easy to learn on. New skiers don't have to worry too much about the advanced trails a ski resort has to offer. The less populated the bunny slopes are, the better for you as a beginner. This means a smaller, less popular ski resort in your area might be the perfect place to learn. (Bonus: you won't have to wait long in lines!)
Advanced skiers will probably want to look into ski resorts with challenging trails.
Ask other skiers for recommendations or hop online to read reviews from those who have visited. Consider purchasing your lift ticket online in advance, to save time and money. You can also poke around online to find discounts to some luxury ski resorts.
If you'll be traveling to your ski destination from far away, make sure you pick ski resorts in an area you like. Park City, Utah and Vail, Colorado are among areas known for their après ski. Pick an area with great restaurants and exciting entertainment (keeping in mind that you just might be so wiped out that all you want to do is sleep).
You may also want to consider resort-hopping. Spend one day at a small, unpopulated resort and the next at a larger, more advanced one. This will give you a taste for the variety of ski resorts and help you decide what you like for next time.
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