The Best 5 Views In North America
We’re talking jaw-dropping, OMG moments in and around ski resorts in North America – the views to die for. The USA and Canada is renowned for some pretty staggering scenery and their ski destinations don’t disappoint. These are my favorites, why not tell us yours?
Heavenly, Lake Tahoe
Experience breathtaking and contrasting views of Lake Tahoe to your left, and to your right the arid desert plains of Nevada. Above your head a bluebird sky and underneath your skis, stacks of creaky dry Heavenly snow. If this doesn’t put a smile on your face then nothing will. You’ll think you’re the luckiest person alive, something the casinos in town will be keen to disprove!
[caption id="attachment_1768" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="View from the Gunbarrel Grill in Heavenly"]
[/caption]
[/caption]
Whistler Blackcomb, Black Tusk
In winter, covered in metres of snow it should really be called the White Tusk. A Whistler landmark that’s visible from almost any of the higher elevations. The Black Tusk is a massive chunk of incisor-like volcanic rock standing proud and a marker for arguably North America’s best ski resort.
[caption id="attachment_1770" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The best of Black Tusk is from the top of the Peak Chair on Whistler Mountain"]
[/caption]
Lake Louise –Lake Louise & The Fairmont Chateau
Not a view from the resort but a strong candidate for your absolute nailed on Kodak moment. In winter, the hotel sits on shores of the snow covered frozen Lake Louise with the Victoria Glacier at the opposite end, all framed by the surrounding pine tree covered mountains. It’s even more spectacular in when it’s snowing and the silence adds another layer of drama. If you stay in the hotel, make sure you ask for a Deluxe Lakeview Room – opening the curtains at home was never like this!
[caption id="attachment_1771" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Absolutely stunning views in Lake Louise"]
[/caption]
Snowbird – Top of the Tram
Maybe it’s the snow, maybe it’s knowing that today you might spend the morning tearing up Snowbird before an afternoon at Alta, but there’s something very special about being up here. Watch the tram disappear back down towards Snowbird base and the imperious Cliff Lodge Hotel, a steel and concrete leviathan built to withstand avalanches and a likely candidate for a bond villain’s lair.
[caption id="attachment_1772" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="On top of the world in Snowbird - where else would you want to be?"]
[/caption]
[/caption]
Aspen Highlands, Top of Highlands Bowl
This one takes a bit of effort – there’s a 40 minute hike along the Highlands Bowl ridge at Aspen Highlands to reach the top. Elated and exhausted at having made it, you’re rewarded with incredible views of the Maroon Bells and endless mountain ranges behind them. The Tibetan prayer flags add a nice touch and feel smug looking down the ridge to see other souls struggling to the summit. Clip on your skis, shuffle to the edge and Highlands Bowl is the playground in front of you. [caption id="attachment_1769" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The view from the top of Highlands Bowl - well worth the hike! "]
[/caption]
Whistler Blackcomb, Black Tusk
In winter, covered in metres of snow it should really be called the White Tusk. A Whistler landmark that’s visible from almost any of the higher elevations. The Black Tusk is a massive chunk of incisor-like volcanic rock standing proud and a marker for arguably North America’s best ski resort.
[caption id="attachment_1770" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The best of Black Tusk is from the top of the Peak Chair on Whistler Mountain"]
[/caption]
Lake Louise –Lake Louise & The Fairmont Chateau
Not a view from the resort but a strong candidate for your absolute nailed on Kodak moment. In winter, the hotel sits on shores of the snow covered frozen Lake Louise with the Victoria Glacier at the opposite end, all framed by the surrounding pine tree covered mountains. It’s even more spectacular in when it’s snowing and the silence adds another layer of drama. If you stay in the hotel, make sure you ask for a Deluxe Lakeview Room – opening the curtains at home was never like this!
[caption id="attachment_1771" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Absolutely stunning views in Lake Louise"]
[/caption]
Snowbird – Top of the Tram
Maybe it’s the snow, maybe it’s knowing that today you might spend the morning tearing up Snowbird before an afternoon at Alta, but there’s something very special about being up here. Watch the tram disappear back down towards Snowbird base and the imperious Cliff Lodge Hotel, a steel and concrete leviathan built to withstand avalanches and a likely candidate for a bond villain’s lair.
[caption id="attachment_1772" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="On top of the world in Snowbird - where else would you want to be?"]
[/caption]