There you sit; ready to get away and go on a winter vacation somewhere. I know you have some idea of where are the best ski vacations on the West coast? Some of the best ski resorts  include destinations such as Colorado, Montana, Aspen, and Wyoming. While, not exotic per say, they would still be relaxing and fun places to get away no matter which one you choose.

Sure, east coast skiing gets you sliding over snow, but when you get tired of the ice and slop, follow the words of Horatio Alger and go west! Western mountains and ski areas have a variety of snow conditions, terrain and apres-ski activities. When you are ready to get some snow and slope-side action this winter, look to some of the best areas on the country, let alone the west, and then head out cowboy.

Vail, Colorado. At Vail, skiers experience 300 days of sunshine-filled days to ski on 5,289 acres, including seven miles of front side groomers, seven miles of Back Bowls and nine children’s adventure skiing zones. Vail offers ski lessons for children, teens and adults, both in ski school and private lessons. Besides skiing, guests can participate in other winter activities at Adventure Ridge, such as snow tubing, snowmobiling, or ski biking down the mountain. The resort also offers Nordic cross-country skiing and back-country snow-shoeing.

Vail is known as a great party resort, making it a great place to visit for college students or anyone interested in having a great time. Every Thursday night is the free Bud Light Street Beat concert series, bringing free music and fun to the streets of Vail for visitors and locals to enjoy. Vail also hosts snow events like the Teva Mountain Games, bringing professional and amateur athletes to the slopes as well as art, film and music events.

Big Sky, Montana. When you are ready to forgo the $12 bowls of chili, $10 bottled beers and “skiers” who only want to be seen in the latest Gucci snowsuits, head to Montana and the slopes of Big Sky. Big Sky is a ski and snowboard mecca. This is the place to go when you want to hit as much vertical in a day as possible, without having to wait in long lift lines or spend a mortgage payment for a lift ticket. The mountain has three terrain parks and eight square miles of runs covering 4,350 vertical feet. Play in- or out-of-bounds in the bowls at the top and back of the mountain.

If you’re looking for a more glamorous trip, Aspen is the place to be. It’s teeming with celebrities and winter athletes, alike. Aspen is also home to the annual ESPN Winter X Games as well as the Bud Light Spring Jam; both bring exciting competitions and plenty of party events.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It’s hard to imagine Jackson Hole not making a list for best of the west; though not for those who are afraid of a challenge. Jackson has legendary snow falls of blissful champagne powder and runs that challenge even the most hardcore of snow enthusiasts. Boasting 4,139 feet of continuous vertical rise, the longest of any ski area in the U.S., Jackson Hole Resort is known as a very trying mountain.

Apres-ski fun is had in town, or in nearby Yellowstone National Park. Ski one day, then snowshoe with buffalo and elk the next. There is also The National Elk Refuge, located just outside of Jackson, where visitors can take a sleigh ride to catch a glimpse of some of the wildlife.

All of the resorts mentioned above are a just a handful of the great places to visit and get out on the trails. Think you can’t afford a trip to some of these famous spots/ Check out a list compiled by OutsideMagazine to get the best deals on skiing, lodging and meals so you can realize your snowy adventures this season.

See the original article for more info (including the link for the list by OutsideMagazine referenced here.) Vail, Colorado caught my attention because I would be looking to bring my family along on my vacations. However, if you’re a college student Vale has something for you as well. Big Sky, Montana is probably more in most people’s price range and in addition boasts a brand new relaxing spa which of course probably appeals to 99% of women on the planet! Aspen/Snowmass Mountain is just beautiful and who knows, you might even meet a celebrity.

There’s just one caveat, you might want to have a lot of spending money in order to afford ski vacations on the West Coast because as the author mentioned, there are over 100 bars and restaurants to choose from. When you’re on vacation, who could pick just one restaurant to go to? I would want to try as many as possible in the time I was there (within reason of course.) Whatever your level of ability to ski, whoever you are, whether you bring your family or are traveling solo, there’s something for you at any one of these ski resorts.

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