Whistler

Whistler

Whistler/Blackcomb

Blackcomb rises 5280 vertical feet on one side of Fitzsimmons Creek and Whistler rises 5020 vertical feet on the other side of the creek. Both fields are found 70 miles north of Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada. They offer more than 7000 acres of terrain plus backcountry runs when combined.

Whistler is located 70 miles north of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. The field covers 3600 acres with a vertical rise of 5020 feet. The season runs from November to July and they experience great spring snow conditions.

The Whistler region receives an average 360 inches of snow each year. In the 1998 to 1999 season, it snowed 644 inches. Whistler has seven-mile-long runs and is as big as it gets in the lift-serviced fields of North America.

The Whistler village is more like a small city. Plenty of partying goes on through the night.

Whistler Blackcomb will be hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics. The fields are located 70 miles north of Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada...

Aspen

Aspen

Aspen, Colorado, United States of America

On the surface Aspen can appear to be a ritzy place just for the rich to play up. When you get past this and get into the mountains there is plenty of amazing steep and gnarly terrain. This is a home for the true snowboarder, not just a place to wear the gear with the rich pseudo-snowboarders/skiiers. If you want to feel the thrill of some real terrain and the crisp air to match it - you will find the runs here!

Aspen is a favourite Colorado ski resort. It is world-renowned for its downhill skiing. Aspen Mountain rises imposingly from the township and is one of four ski areas surrounding Aspen. Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk all lie within 12 miles of Aspen town.

These mountains are cut by beautiful alpine valleys. The Maroon Creek, Castle Creek and Hunter Creek Valleys are all easily accessible from Aspen township. Much of the high mountain area surrounding Aspen lies within designated wilderness areas in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass, Hunter-Fryingpan, and Collegiate Peaks wildernesses.

Aspen sits at the upper end of the Roaring Fork Valley, with the Roaring Fork River, a superb trout stream, running through the town. Aspen offers an interesting history, outdoor challenging recreation opportunities, abundant cultural activities, pleasant climate and beautiful natural scenery.

Most of the area around Aspen is public land within the White River National Forest. The spectacular Elk Mountains rise to the south and west of Aspen, with the Williams Mountains and the Sawatch Range to the east. These mountains are cut by beautiful alpine valleys.

The Maroon Creek, Castle Creek and Hunter Creek Valleys are all easily accessible from Aspen township. Much of the high mountain area surrounding Aspen lies within designated wilderness areas in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass, Hunter-Fryingpan, and Collegiate Peaks wildernesses.

The four ski mountains are the most popular attractions within Colorado ski resorts but are far from the only ones. The Maroon Bells are some of the most photographed mountains in North America and are a very popular destination.

In addition to the restored historic buildings within the town of Aspen, Ashcroft and Independence are well preserved ghost towns which offer a scenic outing and a glimpse into the region's rich mining history.

The Roaring Fork and Fryingpan Rivers provide anglers with some of the best trout fishing in the state. Independence Pass (a main summer route into town), Castle Creek Road to Ashcroft, and Maroon Creek Road are all paved roads offering spectacular scenery.

More information on the mountains to come...