Aspen Snowmass

Freeriders will go crazy here. Snowmass is a real pleasure and offers fantastic riding. Those wanting to cut some serious terrain should check out Hanging Valley and Cirque for some double black steeps and powder bowls. The run known as Baby Ruth is also where advanced riders will get a real buzz. Snowmass offers plenty of backcountry riding with organised tours: Aspen Powder Tours runs trips for riders wanting the ultimate thrill, from around $230 a day. Freestylers have two halfpipes and a three terrain park, as well as a mountain riddled with natural hits. The main pipe is some 500ft long, with big walls and perfect transitions for getting massive amounts of air. The pipe was originally designed by pro Jimi Scott, and is easily reached off the Funnel lift. There is also a very good fun-park reached off the Coney Glade chair lift. Carvers have a good selection of wide, open motorway flats for putting in some big carves, with an array of all-level, well groomed trails set out across the area. Big Burn reached off Lift Number 4 is a good intermediate trail. Beginners cutting their first snow should start at the base area from the Fanny Hill chair lift, before trying out the steeper stuff on the Big Burn. The local ski-school has a 3 day beginner's programme, that guarantees you will learn to ride: if you don't, you get an extra day's tuition free.