3 Ski Vacation Ideas (That Don’t Include Aspen)

Skilift of Faloria

For many people, the idea of skiing is typically associated with some kind of cultural reference to the Rocky mountains, or to a city like Aspen itself, renowned for its ski hills and resorts. But does skiing really have to be limited to one comprehensive location, or is there more going on in this fun winter sport that can be explored without starting at the most obvious place to start?

If you’re interested in ski resorts but don’t want to be another person who “spends weekends in Aspen,” this list is for you: you’ll find some of the other finest ski hills, their locations, and what makes them unique. Here are some ski vacation ideas – that don’t include that resort that we’ll no longer name.

1. The Cortina d’Ampezzo Ski Resort.

The Cortina resort in Italy is one of the most popular skiing spots in the world, the “Aspen” of Italy, so to speak (oops! I promise no more mentions of Aspen.) In Italy, skiing is a serious sport, especially in the regions closer to the Alps, where Italy’s terrain succumbs to winter quickly and easily. At one point, the Olympic Games were held in Cortina (1956), bringing an even higher level of professionalism and world-class elements to this brilliant Italian ski resort.

2. Mont Treblant Ski Resort.

This is a Canadian ski resort, and if you’ve ever spent a winter or two in Canada, you know that Canada is a country that takes its winter – and winter sports – seriously. In addition to being a great ski resort, the Treblant resort doubles as a golf resort in warmer climates – but you’ll have plenty to do if you plan on some frequent skiing trips. 19 skilifts work their way up to 90 ski hills, offering you a range of possibility that’s rivaled only by the other top ski resorts of the world.

3. Stowe Mountain Resort.

If you’re looking to spend your ski resort in America, but not in That Place in Colorado, then you might want to check out the Stowe Mountain Resort. This resort is located in Vermont, also one of the best locations for skiing, and rests on Mount Mansfield as well as Spruce Peak. Mount Mansfield doubles as the highest peak in Vermont and is known for extremely difficult trails that help the true professionals polish their skills – or have to repair their skis.

If you see something you like, don’t hesitate to try an “alternate” (and really, these aren’t “alternative ski resorts”) ski resort. Be a true dedicated student of skiing and continue to explore the options available to you.

Photo Credits: lorenz347

Originally posted 2009-05-26 05:13:21.

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