5 cool ski resorts to visit

There are different slopes for different folks and depending on what sort of snow adventure you are looking for, there is a slope out there for you.

Longest, vertical descent: Revelstoke, Canada 

This is one of North America's newest resorts. Until 10 years ago the way up was by snowcat or helicopter, now high speed chairs and a gondola make for a quick ascent and it's a long, thigh burning 1,713 metre descent, the longest serviced by a lift in North America. There are only three lifts (not counting a couple of conveyor mats) but they open up more than 69 trails over 1,200 hectares of terrain - the longest run is a tad over 15km. Revelstoke is also the only resort in the world to offer lift, cat, heli and backcountry skiing from one village base.

GETTING THERE

• Air Canada flies direct between Brisbane and Vancouver for domestic connections to Revelstoke.
• Flight time is approximately 13.5 hours.
• Research and book accommodation with Booking.com.

New frontier: Big Sky, Montana

Known for its vast, steep terrain and an annual snowfall of more than 10 metres, Big Sky is still one of America's best kept skiing secrets. Most of the skiing is for intermediate level and better with more than 20 lifts servicing 1,500 hectares of terrain - the longest run is just under 10km. The new ergonomically-designed, eight seat, high speed super D-Line chairlift, the first of its type in the world, complete with heated seats and blue 'bubble' cover to keep the wind and snow out is the best way up. On a rest day take a trip to Yellowstone National Park, less than 30km away, and spot buffalo herds, elk, bald eagles and geysers from a snowmobile.

GETTING THERE

• Qantas and Virgin Australia fly direct between Brisbane and Los Angeles for domestic connections to Montana.
• Flight time is approximately 13 hours.
• Research and book accommodation with Booking.com.

Best celebrity spotting: Aspen, Colorado

Visit during Christmas and New Year and you could rub shoulders with Hollywood A-listers on the lift and in the bar. Aspen is also well-connected to Snowmass, Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands for all-round skiing terrain from beginner to expert. Off the slopes it also gets high marks for après ski - not just for shopping, bars and live entertainment but for theatre and culture too.

GETTING THERE

• Qantas and Virgin Australia fly direct between Brisbane and Los Angeles for domestic connections to Aspen.
• Flight time is approximately 13 hours.
• Research and book accommodation with Booking.com.

Best steep and deep: Jackson Hole, Wyoming 

Nestled in the heart of the Teton mountain range, Jackson Hole is a remnant of the old west, a cowboy town that has grown up to offer some of the most challenging ski terrain in North America. Its beauty lies in more than the panoramic mountain views. It boots uncrowded slopes, more than 1,200 metres of vertical skiing and snowboarding and a truly relaxed atmosphere.

• Qantas and Virgin Australia fly direct between Brisbane and Los Angeles for domestic connections to Wyoming.
• Flight time is approximately 13 hours.
• Research and book accommodation with Booking.com.

Best cultural experience: Nozawa Onsen, Japan

In the north of Nagano prefecture in Japan, Nozawa Onsen is a village with plenty of character in its narrow streets, ryokans (traditional inns) and more than 30 hot springs for après ski wind-down, while on the slopes there's a world-class terrain park and 50km of groomed trails. On a rest day take a tour to the Yudanaka National Park to see the Nagano Snow Monkeys, about an hour's drive from Nozawa Onsen.

• Qantas flies direct between Brisbane and Tokyo for domestic connections to Nozawa Onsen.
• Flight time is approximately 9 hours.
• Research and book accommodation with Booking.com.

CREDITS

• Feature image: Aspen, Colorado, is a winter wonderland | Photo by: Jeremy Swanson
• Originally published in: BNE Magazine
• For more ski adventure inspiration see travelplan.com.au
• Read: 5 Ways to spend a white Christmas