Skiing Vail ©Jack Affleck
Each one of these resorts is unique, however they all have similarities in terms of the fantastic terrain and world class reputation. Read on to find out more about each of these resorts and what makes them so special…
Vail
Scenery
Vail‘s scenery is absolutely stunning. Situated in the middle of the Rockies, it exudes beauty, which is helped by the 300 days of sunshine a year. In particular, the winter season and the snowy mountains is a sight that should not be missed.
Ski Area
As one of the largest ski areas in the world with over 5,000 acres of terrain and home to the largest single mountain in the USA; Vail guarantees endless adventure. Experts are drawn to this resort for the legendary back bowls, which offer treeless skiable areas of powder covering seven miles. Intermediates and beginners are also a fan of Vail as the pistes are uncrowded, wide and open. Also, there is a good variety of nursery slopes with short lifts from the base area.
Town
Vail is elegant and sophisticated with a Tyrolean feel. Trees line the pedestrianised streets, which are full of bars, restaurants and boutique shops. After a day exploring the slopes, hit up the après ski and nightlife or relax your muscles in the spa. If you want another activity to do, there is plenty to choose from such as ice-skating, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, tubing and ski-biking.
Accommodation
Stay in catered Chalet Gleneagles, which is located in a beautiful Aspen tree-lined residential area in East Vail. Conveniently, there is a free ski bus stop only 20 metres away. This chalet is bright and spacious, providing a real home from home feel. Once you come off the slopes, you can relax in the cosy living room in front of the open fire, or in the hot tub on the chalet terrace. Depart on the 16th January 2019 and stay in Chalet Gleneagles for 7 nights, including flights, transfers and chalet board for £934 per person.
Chalet Gleneagles in Vail
Alternatively, you can stay in The Lodge, which was the first hotel in Vail, located just steps from Gondola One. The Lodge prides itself in its excellent reputation, authentic character and unsurpassed levels of service. For a peaceful experience, try the Vail Racquet Club, which is based in a secluded location on the border of the White River National Forest. This hotel is perfect for those on a budget.
Breckenridge
Historical
Founded in 1859 as a thriving gold mining town, Breckenridge has managed to maintain many of the original faded pastel buildings, still holding its Old Western ambiance. Breckenridge’s ski area officially opened in 1961, attracting around 17,000 ski visitors, despite the lack of accessibility at this time. Now, Breckenridge has developed into a first class ski resort, keeping the relaxed, laid back atmosphere that draws people back time after time.
Breckenridge Main Street in winter ©Jeff Scroggins
Activities
Although renowned for the ski holidays, Breckenridge offers the opportunity to participate in many other snow activities. These include snowboarding, cross-country skiing, telemarking, ski blading, snowmobile tours, snowshoe tours, dog sledding, ice skating and hockey. If you want to do something that isn’t snow related, Breckenridge has a theatre, cinema, recreation centre with a gym, indoor pool with water slides and tennis courts. If you are feeling cultured and want to learn about the history of Breckenridge, there are museums and art galleries.
Ski Area
Spanning 2,908 acres of pistes and five huge peaks, skiing at Breckenridge will not disappoint. This resort is perfect for all abilities, with the beginner and intermediate trails being groomed daily, allowing to practice turns. If you want more of a challenge, there are four snow parks, one for every skill level. For unreal views, jump onto North America’s highest chairlift, the Imperial Express up to the high alpine bowls.
Accommodation
There is the catered Chalet Victoria which is situated in the historic area of Breckenridge, only 400 metres from the bars and shops on the Main Street. The chalet has a traditional Victorian weatherboard style where all bedrooms have en suites. Ideal for tired limbs is the outdoor hot tub. Stay in Chalet Victoria for £929 per person, departing on 19th January 2019 for 7 nights, including flights, transfers and chalet board.
Chalet Victoria in Breckenridge
If you are looking for a Ski In/Ski Out hotel, then you should check out Beaver Run, which is located next to its very own chairlift – the Beaver Run Super Chair. This hotel is not only convenient; it has an excellent range of facilities such as a hot tub, sauna and steam room. Another ski-in/ski-out place to stay is The Village at Breckenridge with the ski school right out the door as well as ski and board rentals. This accommodation brings a combination of location, convenience, selection and value.
Whistler
Ski Area
As winner of many ‘best resort’ awards, you can expect only the best from a Whistler ski holiday. It’s home to the largest ski area in the USA and Canada, with over 8,100 acres of powdered slopes and 200 marked trails, 3 glaciers and over 16 alpine bowls. To help skiers and boarders get in as many ski miles as possible, they can benefit from the integrated network of high speed lifts. To top it all off, Whistler gets an average of 12 metres of snowfall per year.
Après Ski
Whistler is one of the liveliest resorts in North America with over 100 bars and around 80 restaurants, offering something for everyone no matter the budget or tastes. Where you après, how you après and who you après with can make or break you ski holiday. One of the newest additions to the après family is the Umbrella Bar, situated outside the Roundhouse on Whistler mountain. One of the most well-known hosts is Dusty’s, which does amazing food and live music. The Garibaldi Lift Company and/or the Longhorn Saloon & Grill have sun-drenched patios, free-flowing drinks and bouncing music – these two places should not be missed.
Continuous Investment
According to experts, Vail Resorts is investing $66 million on improving Whistler lift services this season. This includes a 10-passenger gondola on Blackcomb Mountain going towards the top of the mountain. This replaces the Wizard and Solar Coaster chairlifts. On Whistler Mountain, a new six passengers high-speed lift has also replaced the Family Ski Zone Emerald Express four-passenger chairlift.
Whistler ©Mike Crane
Accommodation
Whistler has a range of hotels ranging from 3 to 5 star. If you are looking for absolute luxury and high quality, then the Four Seasons Resort is where you should stay in Whistler. The service is flawless and the facilities are fantastic, with a heated outdoor pool, whirlpool, steam room and spa. Check out Whistler Peak Lodge if you are looking for better value and a central location, yet comfortable with all the necessities.
Epic Pass
Looking to explore all three of these amazing resorts? Well you can save by getting the epic pass, which gives you unlimited and unrestricted access to these resorts. There are also no restricted dates as to when you can use this pass. For added benefit, you get discounts in all resorts including food and beverage, rentals and lodging.
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