OVERLOOKED (AND UNDER BUDGET) SKI DESTINATIONS
11-09-2007
Vermont’s Lesser Known Jay Peak Offers Vim, Vigor and Value
NEEDHAM, Mass. – November 8, 2007 – TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel community, today announced ten overlooked ski destinations in the U.S., as chosen by TripAdvisor editors. These ski resort destinations feature mountains with a 2,000 foot vertical drop on average, and also offer less expensive lift tickets, and more affordable lodging and night life than many of the country’s more celebrated resorts.
1. Jay-Snow: Jay Peak, Westfield, Vermont – Adult lift ticket: $62
Vermont's last ski stop before the Quebec border, Jay Peak is where travelers venture to for what some consider the best skiing in New England. Located in a snow belt that generates a remarkable 350 inches of snow on average annually, Jay Peak has developed a reputation for its excellent powder skiing with adventurous off-piste opportunities, and with less traffic than Vermont’s trendier ski spots. Said one TripAdvisor traveler about Jay Peak, “Real skiing. Real Vermont. Unreal snow… feel free to keep skiing where you're skiing so I'll have the place to myself.”
2. Super Solitude: Solitude Mountain, Solitude, Utah – Adult lift ticket: $55
Less than an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City, Solitude is located in the gorgeous Big Cottonwood Canyon. Offering Utah’s self proclaimed “Greatest Snow on Earth,” Solitude provides skiers plenty of the white stuff, at a better value than some of Utah’s ritzier resort destinations. When its time for après-ski, travelers can warm up in Solitude’s quaint European-style village. According to a TripAdvisor traveler, “A quick weekend trip with the family to ski some powder at Solitude turned out to be one of the best resorts we've been to. The ski conditions were excellent, and there are no lift lines or restaurant waits.”
3. Great From This Sandpoint: Schweitzer Mountain, Sandpoint, Idaho – Adult lift ticket: $55
With breathtaking views of three mountain ranges, Schweitzer is a terrific ski destination in the Northwest that features excellent skiing for beginners and experts alike. Schweitzer boasts nearly 3,000 ski-able acres, 85 trails and an exhilarating six person high-speed lift named Stella. Remarked one TripAdvisor traveler, “Schweitzer Mountain is a great ski area that's undergone a lot of upgrades recently. It’s a reasonably short drive to decent sized airports (in Boise and Spokane).”
4. Cannon Fodder: Cannon Mountain, Franconia, New Hampshire – Adult lift ticket: $54
Situated in Franconia Notch State Park, Cannon Mountain was home to the “Old Man of the Mountain,” before the famous rock formation collapsed in 2003. Experience wonderful skiing and a bit of history on Taft Slalom, one of the first ski trails cut in the U.S., or visit the New England Ski Museum with historical ski-related paraphernalia. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “Cannon has been a wonderful place over the years. The experience is always memorable, regardless of the weather.”
5. Don’t Dodge It: Durango Mountain, Durango, Colorado – Adult lift ticket: $60
Released from Purgatory (the former name of the ski area) and now called Durango, the often sunny (but still snowy) resort has recently undergone significant renovations as well. Durango is located in the San Juan Mountains, featuring some of the highest peaks in the Rockies. There is great skiing for all skill levels on Durango, and the base offers additional outdoor activities of all kinds. Offered one TripAdvisor traveler, “The drive to Durango Mountain resort was beautiful. It was so fun and my children had a great time.”
6. Test in Taos: Taos Ski Valley, Taos, New Mexico – Adult lift ticket: $63
Up for a challenge? Head to Taos Ski Valley where more than 50 percent of the runs are expert – including a number of double black diamonds. Novices can enjoy a designated learning area or strive for the expert slopes with the Ski-Better-Week package. Enjoy the European flair of the Taos Ski Valley town, by immersing yourself in the surroundings of the Swiss-influenced village. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “While it has been mentioned that Taos Ski Valley is more suitable for experienced skiers, I have to point out that it also provides an amazing experience for beginners.”
7. Ski Gem: Diamond Peak, Incline Village, Nevada – Adult lift ticket: $48
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