If you are planning a ski vacation, you may find yourself wondering whether you should go to the eastern or western U.S. While it comes down to personal preference, it’s important to know the differences.
We at Snow Sport Vacations have done the research for you. In this post, we’ll be comparing a popular Colorado ski resort, with one of the East Coast. In the east, there is Stowe, in the beautiful state of Vermont. On the western side is Keystone, Colorado. Without further a due, let’s take a look at the resorts!
Stowe Mountain Resort
On average, Stowe receives more than three hundred inches of snow each year and boasts 485 skiable acres. There are 116 trails, of which 16% are great for beginners. 55% are for intermediate skiers, and 29% are for the experts. Getting to the top is easy with twelve lifts, which is more than any other ski resort on the east coast. You can even go from one mountain to the other by using the inter-mountain transfer gondola.
There are plenty of activities and fun to be had off the slopes as well. If you’re not skiing, you may find yourself stopping to tackle the indoor rock-climbing center, ice skating, relaxing at the spa, and wandering around the charming town for a little shopping.
This beautiful ski resort can be found in the fabulous Green Mountains in the state of Vermont. When you ski there, you will find yourself sliding down the slopes of both Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. This area was not well-known until Nathaniel Goodrich skied through these mountains in 1914. After that initial trip, numerous firsts came from these mountains, providing history that has turned it into the incredible alpine destination that it is today.
2. Keystone Resort
This fabulous ski resort can be found a short drive from Denver. It is the perfect skiing destination for adults and kids. The mountains of this resort can be found within the White River National Forest in the Rocky Mountains. Keystone includes three mountains: North Peak, Dercum Mountain, and the Outback.
On average, Keystone receives more than 230 inches of soft powdery snow each year. The mountain’s 20 lifts give you access to 128 trails and over 3000 skiable acres. Approximately twelve percent of them are designed for beginner skiers. Thirty-nine percent of the trails are for intermediate skiers and forty-nine percent are for more advanced skiers.
If you are ready to do more skiing and your kids are not, you can sign them up for the Kidtopia program. As you are back out on the slopes, your kids will have a blast participating in scavenger hunts, making arts and crafts, playing in one of the world’s largest snow forts, and even watching a parade and fireworks!
When you are also ready for a break, you can venture over to the scenic gondola ride. Once you hop into your gondola, you can sit back and relax as you look at the panoramic views that surround you. The gondola will take you to the top of Dercum Mountain, which is 11,640 feet high, so be prepared for extraordinary views and experiences once you get there.
You can also do a little snowtubing at Adventure Point, go on a sleigh ride, do some ice skating, and take the family mountaintop adventure tour. Of course, a trip to the spa is a must to relax those muscles and prepare for your next ski run before your trip home.
Conclusion
While Keystone offers more terrain, both ski resorts are wonderful and offer their own characteristic amenities. This short article has mentioned only the basics. We encourage you to do your own research and make your decision based on your individual preferences. Whether you choose the east or west for your next ski vacation, you can’t go wrong. Ski resorts are designed to facilitate fun for the whole family.
