I was never a powder chaser or lift monkey (or whatever seasonal lingo the kids are using this year as a term for skiers and snowboarders who spend more than their fair share of free time on the mountain), so I won’t be so adept at blogging about slope quality and snow conditions. But as we edge up on Thanksgiving Holidays, when many ski resorts plan to open their lifts and runs, I thought a piece on a few hidden gems might get even us rusty down-hillers excited about winter sports (or hot cocoa by the fire back at the resort).
1- Brian Head, Utah: Only three hours from Las Vegas and a little more from Salt Lake or Park City, UT, Brian Head is nestled up against Utah’s most famous National Parks and invites a laid back, low-key atmosphere uncommon for many winter-sport destinations. Liftopia.com writes that Brian Head “is Utah’s highest-elevation resort, receiving over 400 annual inches of light, Utah powder. The resort has 50+ runs for all ability levels, including an entire mountain dedicated to beginners and children.” With four terrain parks for varying ability levels, more than 30 snow features, rails, fun boxes, a half pipe, and night skiing, it’s well-equipped to handle your family’s extended weekend activity schedule.
2- Plattekill Mountain, Roxbury, New York: If you’re a decent skier and looking for a weekend getaway, Plattekill resort is known (among the few who have found this little gem) for its short lift lines and how uncrowded its slopes are. It’s a small resort, and only open during the week for Holidays, but it generously offers a licensed day-care on site and tubing activities for the little ones or those of us unsteady on skis. Staff are known to go out of their way to be friendly and helpful, and deals for lift tickets from $15.00 per day make this resort a quaint and affordable destination in the Catskills.
3- Aspen Highlands, Aspen, CO: While the above-mentioned resorts are beginner to intermediate in specialty, Aspen Highlands can boast of its expert terrain and its status as the locals’ favorite of the four mountains in Aspen. With 19 Advanced (Black Diamond) and 43 Expert (Double Black Diamond) trails, Aspen Highlands offers challenges and thrills for the adrenaline junkies and surefooted. Also offering lodging and dining on the slopes, its amenities provide warm places to rest and regroup after hitting some steep runs. A worthy contender as a day’s outing for Aspen vacationers.
Aspen timeshare resorts are very popular as a winter destination, and Aspen’s Highlands would be relatively easy for Aspen timeshare owners to check out on their annual visit. While Utah’s more famous mountains like Park City and timeshares like Marriott Mountainside or Summit Watch are not as close to Brian Head’s runs, Brian Head’ location in between Las Vegas and Park City make it a viable side-trip option in good winter weather. Plattekill in Roxbury is only a few hours from New York City and Boston, though far from many timeshare resorts.
Why not try somewhere new, this year? Call the timeshare (and snow!) experts at Premier Timeshare Resale for ideas.
