Welcome to US Skitours
We are tailor made specialists for North America,not only providing added value from our experience and contacts, but also by offering complete flexibility in the organisation of your holiday.Expert advice is essential in getting you the right accomodation, in the best resort at the best price,to suit abilities,desires and budget,from 3 star condos and hotels to 5 star luxury chalets.You are travelling a long way, so we want to ensure you make the best of it. US Skitours is a trading name of World Ski and Snowboard Ltd (Company Reg 07413892) who have appointed Express Bookers to handle all confirmed bookings.Express Bookers is a member of ABTA (L6879) and ATOL holder (10387).This ensures your financial protection.All bookings are made under the terms and conditions of displayed on the website..
Of course with America and Canada not exactly being on your doorstep and with Europe being close by,there has to be compelling reasons to fly a few thousand miles before you don those carvers or boards.Seasoned visitors will give you many reasons, such as the wide open tree-lined pistes;the relative lack of people to bump into;the generally better and more reliable snow conditions;the variety and clear piste markings;the patrolling of the slopes to ensure there is care and consideration for all;the care taken in looking after the pistes and resort;the more luxurious accommodations,the friendliness and service;the ambience,the quality and care if you sustain an injury;the shopping;the fast lifts and perhaps;but not least,the great value for 7 to 14 night breaks.If you arent convinced yet, then just talk to someone whos been there and done it for an impartial view, or read the press for their favourable comments.Many of you will find your perfect resort in the US or Canada and continue to return.
Let us have a brief look at the various resorts to help you decide:
Aspen
Set along the Roaring Fork valley are four great mountains, each with its own character and attraction. At the base of the town lies Aspen Mountain, full of intermediate cruising runs and advanced bumps and ideal for those wanting ski in ski out opportunities. You will then find Aspen Highlands on the outskirts of the resort, a mountain which offers a true test of character and skiing ability, with one of the best mountain restaurants in the US...Cloud 9.It also tends to be a relatively quiet ski area, oftten ignored by many.The intermediates can cruise the blues and the "hacks"can crack the blacks.A thoroughly enjoyable experience unmatched in Europe. Buttermilk is more sedate where beginners can find their feet and intermediates can cruise in style and 15 minutes from Aspen lies Snowmass, a legend in the making with huge terrain for all abilities.The largest area by far on the pass and suitable for all levels, with some fabulous long runs from top to bottom of around 9km.Aspens night life is unsurpassed as well as some fantastic dining opportunities.Great shopping too.A definite must visit ski area.
BEAVER CREEK
For twenty-five years now, Beaver Creek has offered the complete mountain experience to its guests, with the added touch of escalators to cut down any unnecessary walking.Pristine corduroy pistes,giving confidence to all and jaw-dropping bump runs; whether you're an off piste artiste looking for the jumps, thrills and the superb mens downhill run, or a beginner who wants gentle slopes with magnificent views and few people to bump into,Beaver Creek has it all, and that's just the mountain.The quiet nightlife enhances its ambience for families.Beaver Creek Village, is Vail's high end exclusive conclave, full of quaint shops, art galleries, bars and restaurants all conveniently linked by heated walkways and escalators. A perfect place to stay if you wish to combine slopeside access with quality accommodation.Check out Avon too by the gondola,for quality accommodation at 3 star prices.
BRECKENRIDGE
With a village level of 9,600 ft and skiing up over 13,000ft, it doesn't come much higher than Breckenridge, guaranteeing good snow conditions throughout the entire season,which normally ends at the end of April. Four inter-connecting peaks provide the perfect intermediate paradise and the gentle sloping runs on Peaks 8 and 9 are ideal for beginners or those wishing to improve their technique. To make the most of your lift pass, you must take in a visit to Keystone either by day or by night, Arapahoe Basin and Vail all covered by the same pass.The Number One choice for British skiers to Colorado, the appeal of Breckenridge is obvious. This former silver mining town is a throwback to the Old West where the authentic Main Street with its wooden clapboard buildings is reminiscent of days gone by. When the skiing day is over, you can drop into the Gold Pan Saloon with its old pot-bellied stove and enjoy a drink.The town is full of restaurants, quaint shops and bars where the apres-ski and nightlife is amongst the best to be found in the Rockies.Its friendly.Its Attitude with Altitude.Go and enjoy.
COPPER MOUNTAIN
Colorado is renowned for its sunny, blue-sky days along with some of the best powder in the world. Copper, located within easy reach from Breckenridge or Vail, is Summit County's largest ski area with over 2,400 skiable acres and averages 380 inches of snowfall during the ski season. Copper has something for all ages and abilities. The naturally divided terrain starts out with gentle, sloping runs on the west, and gets progressively steeper as you head east. And there are several wide-open bowls for advanced skiers and riders. Copper also has one of the best terrain parks and pipes in Colorado.
Copper Mountain vacations are filled with plenty of piste time on the mountain, followed by a relaxing or rockin' night in the Intrawest built village, which features plenty of incredible quality lodging options, shops, restaurants, bars and family activities. All of the lodging is just steps away from the mountain and gives you access to the Copper Mountain Athletic Club, featuring a 25-yard pool, weight room, cardio equipment, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms.Great value,great skiing,great boarding,so why not go!
HEAVENLY
Heavenly lies at the heart of Lake Tahoe's fabulous skiing which offers the biggest concentration of ski areas in North America. With over 10,000 feet of pure exhilaration on offer - here you will find world class tree skiing, the biggest vertical drop in the region and soul-searching bowls that will put your abilities to the ultimate test. With six other ski areas located within easy reach and on the same interchangeable ski pass, why not try a change of scene, such as Squaw Valley, Sierra at Tahoe,Kirkwood,Northstar,Alpine Meadows or Mt Rose.Different by design to the Colorado resorts or Whistler for example, Heavenly's appeal is a little unique. Here you will find the nightlife centres around the awe-inspiring casinos where you can treat yourself to a buffet dinner or a live show not to mention the chance to spin the roulette wheel. For something a little more relaxing, there is a vast array of restaurants and bars hugging the lake shoreline. There's no ski resort quite like it! Prices are so good too for excellent accommodation,many with wonderful views of the lake.Sit and smile,ski in awe.
JACKSON HOLE
Awesome ski mountain, spectacular scenery, genuine ranch town. This is the Jackson Hole experience - skiing in the heart of the true West. With 2,500 acres of legendary inbounds terrain, a 4,139' vertical rise, 459" of average snowfall each winter, and unparalleled backcountry access, Jackson Hole offers a truly unique winter experience. An adventure outpost with incredible skiing and snowboarding. Experience all Jackson Hole has to offer including, world class terrain for all levels, amazing on mountain dining with the new Bridger Restaurant at the Gondola summit and resort activities for all ages. Visit two historic National Parks and escape to an old western town that still knows the cowboy way!Those who love the mountains will soar 4,139 feet to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain in just nine minutes. With 360-degree views and mind-blowing ski routes this is one of the top destination ski resort in the United States. Affordable accommodation make it an attractive proposition.
Accommodation is divided between Teton Village at the base of Apres Vous Mountain, ideal for die-hard skiers and the town of Jackson Hole, some 20 minutes away where most of the action is. A small but quality collection of bars, shopping opportunities and restaurants provide more than enough distraction after skiing. One of the best value resorts in the Rockies,with Corbetts Couloir awaiting you!
KEYSTONE
3 huge mountains offer well over 2,000 acres of Colorado's finest skiing. Not to mention the night skiing where you can ski runs up to 3 miles long under floodlit pistes. Add to this some of the best tree skiing in North America - are you starting to get the picture?
Keystone is a resort, not just a ski town. Keystone is the place for vacationers looking for a variety of fun adventures on their winter holiday - from ice skating to Nordic skiing, snowmobiling to scenic gondola rides, wine tasting to tubing, or snowshoeing to sleigh rides, there's something for everyone at Keystone,more so for families.
Some of the best restaurants in Colorado are found right here, from relaxing places for a quick refueling to vibrant apres ski spots, where you can rendezvous with friends for fine wining and dining. It's not everywhere that you can take a moonlight gondola ride to a fondue dinner, or sip award-winning wines next to a roaring stone-hearth fire. But you can do all this and more at Keystone.
KILLINGTON
New England`s Premier Ski Destination - the Killington Experience offers 7 peaks with 200 trails serviced by 31 Lifts. Over 7 miles of skiing means that the resort is the largest of the East Coast.
Although 200 slopes, 31 lifts and 7 miles of terrain is enough to keep even the most avid alpine action fan busy for a week, vacations are not measured by numbers alone. In the Killington region, shops, entertainment, off-mountain snow activites, museums, and local nooks and crannies offer even the hardiest of skiers a day away from the slopes. The Killington Road is well known as THE place to apres-ski and where most of the action is with ski shops, restaurants and nightspots. And, with free shuttles travelling the road until last call, there is a safe option to end your evening. Keeping the gauge on full - there are as as many gastronomic options as trail options.
NORTHSTAR
Ideal family skiing with almost 2,500 acres of skiable terrain and something to suit everybody. 17 lifts service 83 ski runs of which over 80% are suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers. The longest run is 1.3 miles, there are 13 advanced runs on the backside of Mt. Pluto with several over 1 mile-long. For the intermediate to advanced skier, there are 525-550 acres of backcountry terrain (Sawtooth Ride & White Rabbit) open for experts when conditions permit.Northstar has been recently purchased by Vail Resorts, adding to the existing Heavenly resort.
As one of the finest mountain villages in North America, the Village at Northstar is now flourishing with life. Featuring luxury, condominiums, a variety of shopping options from stylish boutiques, art galleries and specialty retailers to a collection of cafés and restaurants all centered on a year-round skating rink. Join all in the Village for live music, special events, holiday festivities, and a collection of fire pits, ideal for roasting marshmellows and telling stories of the day's adventures.Another class act with so much more skiing on the six other mountains, including Squaw and Heavenly on the interchangeable ski pass. Check out Truckee too, a few minutes away.
PARK CITY (And surrounding areas)
One of North America's best-known resorts, the legendary powder snow of Park City has long been an irresistible attraction for skiers. The resort lies at the heart of Utah's best skiing and the Three Resort International Pass that includes Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort and The Canyons Resort allows you the opportunity to ski some of the best runs in the Rockies. Clustered close together in the same valley is upmarket Deer Valley, with its unparalleled service and quality as well as the up and coming brash neighbour - The Canyons, offering 3,700 acres of skiing, 155 trails and 17 lifts.
A former mining town, this colourful past is the very heart of Park City. Here, the spirit of the Old West is still to be found in the historic Victorian buildings on the lively Main Street. Choose from over 100 bars and restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisine from Thai to Texan! If you have enjoyed resorts such as Breckenridge and Steamboat, then you'll love Park City's unique cocktail of western atmosphere and world class skiing and quirky licensing laws! The night life is vibrant to compliment the superb skiing.Accommodation is good value with a choice of many condos by the slopes or the excellent hotels such as Park City Peaks or Hotel Park City.Being only 40 mins from Salt Lake City it has one of the shortest transfers from any major airport.Also on the same lift pass is:
DEER VALLEY.Deer Valley Resort has been honored with being named the #1 ski resort in North America by the readers of SKI magazine for the third time. Remarkably, in the past seven years, the resort's ratings haven't dipped lower than third. And, Deer Valley is consistently ranked #1 in the individual areas of dining, guest service and mountain grooming.very classy though quiet area.
THE CANYONS.The Canyons is the largest single ski and snowboard resort in Utah and one of the five largest in the U.S. if you are staying at The Canyons, the nightlife attractions of Park City are on your doorstep.
SNOWBIRD,ALTA,SOLITUDE and SUNDANCE all add more unbelievable skiing to the massive ski area which is larger than the 3 Valleys, though its not interconnected.
SNOWMASS
Snowmass is the jewel in Aspen's crown with almost two thirds of the entire 4 mountains ski area located here. With mostly ski in ski out accommodations, it is the ideal place for both families and those whose priority is go get on the slopes with minimum hassle! From some of the highest bowl skiing in North America to gentle tree lined slopes, there is truly something for everyone at Snowmass with all the runs leading back to the same base area. With a vertical drop of 4,406 feet, (the most in the USA) 3,132 acres of terrain, cruisers, glades and steeps, the sheer volume of Snowmass demands repeat visits. The longest run is 5.5 miles.And it doesn't end there, the mid-mountain Elk Camp Meadows learning area accessed by the Elk Camp Gondola, the Snow Park Technologies terrain park and The Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center offer something for everyone and more so for families. With flights into Aspen this is a MUST visit ski area...soon.
SQUAW VALLEY
Guests ride the 2,000 vertical feet to High Camp in Squaw Valley's aerial cable car. High Camp is also the gateway to most of Squaw Valley's beginner terrain. Here skiers and snowboarders will find scenic views and plenty of wide open gentle slopes on which to hone their skills. Squaw Valley offers Lake Tahoe's most extensive and appealing night terrain with skiing and riding until 9pm nightly under the lights on the 3.2 mile mountain run, and in Central Park with the Riviera Halfpipe and Terrain Park.
Located on Lake Tahoe's North Shore about an hours drive from Heavenly, Squaw Valley - host to the 1960 Olympics, offers one of America's largest ski areas with 4,000 acres of skiable terrain as well as the night skiing. With the ongoing development of a new resort village at the base of the mountain, there is more to do than ever before with Squaw offering an ideal vacation with Heavenly,Northstar,Sierra,Alpine,Kirkwood and Mt Rose all being on the same interchangeable pass.You will never be bored.......just "awed"
STEAMBOAT
Self-styled Ski Town USA, Steamboat is an appealing mixture of cowboy town and one of the best ski mountains in North America. Steamboat is actually a complete mountain range: Mt. Werner, Sunshine Peak, Storm Peak, Thunderhead Peak, Pioneer Ridge and Christie Peak. 2,965 acres of permitted terrain offer a diversity of trails for all levels of ability. Mavericks Superpipe is a freerider's dream. Mavericks is 500 feet long, 56-feet wide and has 18-foot walls, and a 22-foot radius. Steamboat's terrain park, serviced exclusively by its own chairlift features terrain for all ability levels spread over 11.8 acres, an outdoor sound system, professional designed rails and several jumps.In addiiton, Mini-Mavs, a miniature version of the big superpipe with ten-foot walls, perfect for novice riders lies just around the corner in Rabbit Ears Park. Gladed areas of Pioneer Ridge, Sunshine and Storm Peak are Steamboat's particular claim to fame, with Champagne Powder snow in the trees for the most avid powder hounds. Remember, the term Champagne Powder was coined in Steamboat and this is the only place you’ll find it! The ideal family resort due to its KIDS SKI FREE programme and affordable slopeside accommodation.Skiers of all abilities have just so much fun and "yee haw" all the way to the bottom.Another resort to put on a "must ski"visit. Check out the wonderful Steamboat Springs though.
STOWE
From top-to-bottom runs with groomed cruisers to bump runs to some truly fine glade skiing, Stowe has it all. The infamous Front Four (Starr, Goat, National and Lift Line) are arguably the most exciting runs in the East. For the novice skiers and riders, there's an entire mountain (Spruce Peak) criss-crossed with easygoing runs. And with the longest average trail length in New England , be prepared to spend some time on the mountain. While the trails are classic, the lifts are modern. Along with several doubles and triples, there is a a high-speed quad and a state-of-the-art eight person gondola that whisks skiers from bottom to top in a blazing seven and a half minutes.
Only Stowe combines a classic 200-year-old village with Mt. Mansfield , Vermont 's highest peak. This unique juxtaposition imbues Stowe with a character reminiscent of great European mountain resorts. In New England, only Boston and Providence boast more award-winning dining establishments than this quaint town of 4,300 residents.Absolutely ideal for that 7 night break but dont forget a night in Boston!
SUNDAY RIVER
In terms of sheer size, Sunday River is remarkable: 131 trails, 667.7 acres, and 8 interconnected mountains. Each peak offers a distinct experience, from the steeps and bumps of White Cap to the tree skiing of Oz to the cruising on North Peak and Jordan Bowl, and it's all serviced by a network of 18 modern lifts, four of which are high-speed quads, ensuring easy access to every corner of the resort quickly and easily. Introduced last season, was the installation of a state-of-the-art magic carpet surface lift. Covering 92% of the resort is a legendary snowmaking system, blanketing trail after trail with the most dependable snow in New England. Sunday River makes more snow than anyone else, and a fleet of 12 snowcats makes sure that snow is in great shape every day of the season.
New England skiers and riders will experience a new mode of mountain transport next winter as Sunday River prepares to install the first Chondola in the Northeastern U.S. The Chondola will be a high-speed detachable six-person chairlift that carries gondola cabins at regular intervals. The $7.2 million hybrid lift is one of only four in North America and will transport skiers and riders from the South Ridge base area directly to the summit of North Peak, a location from which six of Sunday River’s eight peaks are directly accessible.A fantastic choice for families.
TELLURIDE
Colorado powder days, awesome scenery, home town charm and over 300 inches of snow annually all add up to a resort which many regard as a little bit special, hence the Hollywood stars who have homes here. Uncrowded trails and a reputation for some of the finest bumps and off-piste skiing not to mention a challenging descent back to the village are part of Telluride's unique appeal. With the opening of Revelation Bowl for the 2008/2009 season, Telluride will increase it’s skiable terrain to over 2000 acres. Classic town atmosphere which has its own uniqueness.We like the Icehouse and the New Sheridan so pay them a visit soon.
TREMBLANT
With 94 runs serviced by 13 state-of-the-art lifts, the mountain dominates a stunningly beautiful countryside. Here, those who live for the great outdoors and love to breathe clean air have the perfect playground. A paradise where ski and snowboard enthusiasts are both spoiled silly: 18 acres of ramps, rails and jumps as well as an Olympic calibre superpipe. Taste the freedom, dare the mountain, live Tremblant to the fullest!
Of course, Tremblant offers a myriad of different activities in winter. The highest peak in the Laurentians is renowned for its great ski slopes, but it doesn't stop there! From dogsledding to iceclimbing, to cross country skiing to snowmobiling, Tremblant offers activities to suit every taste and lifestyle!Great for that 7 night break, with flights into Montreal and 90 minute transfer.High quality slopeside accommodation with skiing at its best.
VAIL
Vail lays claim to be America's Number One ski resort. The launch of the Colorado Ticket now offers the biggest ski experience in the USA, rivalling in size the major French ski areas. On one lift pass, you can now ski not only Vail and Beaver Creek but Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin as well. Vail itself, boasts the legendary back bowls, seven miles wide and one mile deep, home to some of Colorado's famous champagne powder, not to mention miles of superb runs on the front side of the mountain. Nearby Beaver Creek, is the ideal venue for those who enjoy intermediate cruising days out in a classy atmosphere!
Vail village is a pedestrianised resort offering over 200 shops, bars and restaurants to satisfy every appetite from sushi to gourmet dining. Bridge Street is the main hubbub of activity where day or night, there is always something happening. Lionshead is where the main gondola departs from and here you will find a cluster of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants,with the new Arabelle offering some of the highest end accommodation in the USA.The style here is very Austrian with Swiss "tint".To some the area is classed as "Disney on ice". To those who have been....Its just terrific.
WHISTLER
Consistently rated as the Number One resort in North America,rivalling the 3 valleys but with added steeps, Whistler nestles amid spectacular alpine scenery just 75 miles from Vancouver and increases in popularity each year. Two great mountains each with their own characteristics and terrain dominate the skyline above the village. They offer North America's biggest vertical descent, the largest ski area, 12 bowls and more than 200 marked trails, a simply irresistible combination. Great for families with our KIDS SKI FREE programme available all season except for the Chrsitmas/New Year holidays.Snowsure and a fun resort.
Add to this a pleasant and lively pedestrian village, a wide choice of great value accommodation, close to 100 places to enjoy a drink or meal at and you begin to see why Whistler is now the first choice for British skiers to North America. NEW FOR 2008-9 is the mountain-to-mountain gondola now linking both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains for the very first time! Visit soon to avoid any disappointment!!!
WINTER PARK
Five inter-connected peaks, 143 runs and over 3,000 acres of skiing means that Winter Park will keep you interested. One of the best aspects is the sheer variety, the expert terrain is made up of a combination of Mary Jane with some of the USA's best mogul skiing and the new Vasquez Cirque which is host to the most extreme runs in Colorado. Almost half of the trails cater for intermediate skiers, a perfect choice for those who like to cruise the wide-open spaces. 3,060 total skiable acreage (1,521 hectares), includes 143 designated trails and 1,212 acres (490 hectares) of off-piste terrain, including Vasquez Cirque and glade skiing.
Winter Park has seen some dramatic changes in recent years and is intent on increasing its appeal to skiers.Extensive investment has been and is being,made which is obvious to see. Over 50 different restaurants plus a nightlife bar tour will combine to keep you busy after dark as well as the local hot springs and the chance to try out night skiing at nearby Silver Creek resort.
Usskitours also offer the "Colorado Sampler"which is a 3 night stay in each of the resorts of Winter Park,Steamboat,Aspen and Vail which we run in January (so travel light) together with unique dining/catering options from bespoke 4 or 5 star catered chalets,to homes with prebooked evening meals,saving you money,time and the hassle of finding and booking a restaurant,especially at peak times.This service is available in most US and Canadian resorts.
One of the major costs of the trip across the water is the flight.We believe that our flight link gives you the most competitive quote from reliable suppliers.One you have decided on your flight,then we do the rest,or we can help you with the flights through our ATOL bonded sources.So if you are thinking of skiing North America, then just call or email us to see what we can offer you.Skiing Stateside is a unique and wonderful experience and we hope we can help enhance that experience for you.
Have a nice day !
