Aspen/Snowmass clocks in at number two. The mega resort is made up of four mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk. Individually, these mountains offer some of the best in terrain and park and pipe, but combined as Aspen/Snowmass, they are in the league of “Best Resort Ever.” Once you taste what Aspen has to offer, the phrase “something for everyone” takes on entirely new meaning.

Aspen Mountain lays claim to incredible steeps and glades, as well as making a case for the best corduroy of all time. Snowmass — the largest of the four mountains — caters to any and all with its fear-inducing steeps and giant terrain park, where a third halfpipe will be added for 2011. Aspen Highlands allows you to hot lap endless steeps, and hike to the legendary Highlands Bowl for powder so divine you’ll faint. And finally there’s Buttermilk, home to Winter X Games, and home to one of the best terrain parks in the world. The math is pretty simple: cover all that terrain in 300 inches of Colorado champagne and add in more sunny days than California, and you’ve got a damn near perfect resort.

Then there’s the near-perfect town of Aspen. It’s home to over 100 eateries and bars for every budget, from a sandwich at Johnny McGuire’s to an uber-luxurious dinner at Montagne. The après gives France a run for its money while the late-night partying can’t be missed. And you can’t forget the unreal hiking, biking and rafting in the warmer months.

Whether you hitchhike, steal a car, or beg your way onto a flight, get to Aspen/Snowmass this winter and experience what a world-class resort has to offer.

     

THE TOP 12
#1 Whistler/Blackcomb, BC
#2 Aspen/Snowmass, CO
#3 Squaw Valley, CA
#4 Jackson Hole, WY
#5 Mammoth Mountain, CA
#6 Alta/Snowbird, UT
#7 Breckenridge, CO
#8 Telluride, CO
#9 Mt. Baker, WA
#10 Big Sky, MT
#11 Copper Mountain, CO
#12 Park City, UT