Carving out a new experience in North America.

Most of us who like to slide down mountains for fun have a pretty good gauge on European destinations, what works for us, our families etc and what's the kind of place that suits. Most of us have been on a few of these trips in our time and for some of the lucky few it’s a yearly adventure into the snow. However, with the changes in foreign exchange rates and simply the massive differences in experiences for all levels of slider in the U.S and Canada this market is massively opening up, but where are the luxury resorts, the family friendly resorts, where would you try and twin with other experiences not just snow based? I'll do my best to try and explain all below but as always if you have any specific questions or comparisons give me a buzz and I'll be happy to discuss further. I've picked three of my favourites but I'm here to get it right for you, so if these don't suit let me know and I'll find the perfect place for you.

Canada - Whistler/Blackcomb

I've been privileged enough to visit this incredible resort and enjoy myself here. Some have a pre-conception that as the largest of all the ski resorts in North America (8000+ acres) that Whistler is the Disneyland of skiing, but this could not be further from the truth. Whistler village is pedestrianised and very small, about 15 minutes to get from pretty much any point in the village, there are a few bars and restaurants with the hotels but otherwise it has a relaxed vibe and didn't seem overly busy when we were there. Given its size the positive is that with so many runs, so many cable car stations you have more opportunities on the mountain to ski/snowboard wherever you like, and with the peak to peak cable car, you can go up Blackcomb and come down Whistler mountain or vice versa.

Once you've checked in you get access to an app which is linked to the resort which tells you if there is a wait at one station or another, how many people are in certain areas etc and also tracks all your skiing for the day and week and year, which is great if your away with competitive family members (not that I'm talking from experience of course), but being able to miss the queues means you have more time on the mountain, which is quite frankly the reason you are there.

This resort is mainly geared to those who are improving, intermediate runs are shown as 55% of the entire resort with 27% being designated for those who are advanced. If you want a really testing experience there are probably other resorts which will challenge you, but if you are away with family or friends and want to be able to ski and snowboard some of the best runs in Canada, Whistler is the place to be. It can be easily combined with a trip to Vancouver or indeed some incredible train trips or road trips around the Rockies.

Colorado/USA - Vail

This place oozes class and is a very special place to enjoy the winter. Soft dry powder and the most groomed slopes on earth make this is a unique experience and would be focused on those of you that want to visit somewhere truly special and are prepared to pay for it.

The front side of the resort has everything from gentle beginner slopes and rolling corduroy cruisers to moguls, glades and terrain parks. The back bowls are where things get serious, seven enormous powder bowls measuring up to 6 miles across, wilderness skiing at its best, the 10th infantry division of the U.S army used to train here for winter survival skills and thus why the ultra-exclusive restaurant here is called the "10th".

But if the level of skiing hasn't exhausted you then world class dining, shopping, galleries and accommodation await in Vail Village and Lionshead (next door).

As a guide to the focus here 53% of the terrain is advanced, but with the wilderness element to this resort you could be out in one on the bowls on your own enjoying true peace and solitude at whatever level you are. Great to mix with Denver or to pick and mix with other resorts like Beaver Creek and with the Epic Pass (discounted entry to all the Vail Resorts) you can do it relatively affordably without the hassle of paying each time. Class personified if you want to dine and slide with the elite.

Colorado/USA – Breckenridge

Want to ski for longer than most other parts of North America? Breckenridge will be the place to start, its higher than most other resorts and thus the snow arrives earlier and departs later. Before we get onto the slopes, the town is something to mention, as an old silver mining town its historic (in a US sense) and offers a really nice old world feel with wooden shuttered fronted boutiques and bars and restaurants, it’s not just a place to ski, and thus there is a local feel to it does not have that "fake" quality which you may get somewhere that has been purpose built for the ski season each year.

But the town is a bonus and the slopes that surround the area are the reason to come and visit and experience superb terrain. Its five peaks offer numerous levels to enjoy, Breckenridge itself caters for all but would realistically be suited more for those wanting to improve or learn how to ski/snowboard, as its lower slopes are not as severe as elsewhere. However, there are surprises and the Imperial Express Super Chair (the highest lift in Northern America) serves an area of awe inspiring advanced and expert bowl terrain, so really something for all.

I've not mentioned Sun Peaks or the world famous Aspen or even Park City which allows for a 30-minute transfer from an international airport unusual for the standard of resorts we are talking about. The value especially when you use the passes on offer can make for a better priced holiday than you would have imagined when compared to France, Austria or Switzerland as an example. This is why it’s important to talk to an expert like myself and combined with excellent offers and buying power through my chosen partners like Ski Independence.

Why not give North America a go, I've never had anyone complain once they have tried it and with the rules there meaning you can ski/snowboard in the entire resort, things like the harsh European insurance cover when you go "off piste" does not apply the same way in the U.S and Canada and the spaces available are wide open to carve your way down the mountains.

I look forward to planning your next winter holiday be it in Europe, or possibly North America or even further afield? Chile/Japan/New Zealand anyone but that's for another blog!