#10: Big Horn

Big Horn Ski Resort is a relatively new resort located in Wyoming, west of Buffalo in the United States. Big Horn doesn't have anything particularly spectacular to recommend it in the surrounding area, but if you're a skier, you're sure to appreciate the top-notch runs and long skiing season (from November to April, not dependent on weather).

Big Horn is also famous for its snowboarding, and they have a special area set up for snowboarders. If you like to surf your way downhill, Big Horn definitely won't disappoint!

There isn't much to do at Big Horn besides ski, but if you're interested in other outdoor activities, they have snowmobile rentals and beautiful scenery. There are also a variety of new lounges and restaurants, perfect spots to wind down after a hard day on the slopes.

One of Big Horn's best attractions, though, is its super-quality artificial snow system! You'll almost never find closed runs at Big Horn. They even have an early season snowmaker which they use to get things started on the right foot. Big Horn's artificial snow has been so successful that they've upgraded their machines, meaning that this year's snow should be better quality than ever.

Big Horn is for hardcore skiers not worried about taking a day or two from the slopes, but if you want to focus on skiing and the outdoors without distractions, it's the perfect destination!

# 11: Japser

Back to Canada, and even Alberta. Banff is a lot of fun, but if you're up for a slower pace, or you just really want to focus on the skiing and enjoy nature without the hordes of tourists, Jasper might be for you! Geographically, it's not that far removed from Banff – both are nestled in the Rocky Mountains in western Canada – but there the similarities end. While Banff is a madhouse of activity, Jasper is one of North America's least crowded ski resorts

That doesn't mean it's unpopular – everyone north of the 49th parallel knows the name Jasper when they hear it! With spas, massage parlors, luxury hotels, conference areas, spectacular restaurants, and, of course, great skiing, Jasper is a retreat that can't be beat! Runs are split pretty evenly between advanced, intermediate, and beginner, so it's fun for all levels. What's more, you'll get to enjoy the crisp, pristine Canadian wilderness only a few miles from the Jasper town site!

Located in Marmot Basin, Jasper is accessible from Calgary, Alberta (you remember Calgary – home of the eighty-something Olympics?). It's widely acknowledged as one of the best ski resorts in Canada. If you're looking for an authentic outdoors experience with luxury just minutes away, check out Jasper and Marmot Basin!

#12: St. Anton

We're back on skis. I'm inspired -- there are two inches of snow outside my window!

And we're off to Austria! St. Anton's to be precise. Now, St. Anton's is definitely not for those who are looking for a slower pace, and it also might not be the best spot for a family holiday. But if you're into high-paced, fast action skiing, St. Anton's is definitely somewhere you should check out!

St. Anton's is a narrow valley with as much stuff as possible crammed into its confines – a strange and eclectic mix of traditional and new structures, ski aficionados from all over the world, and great places to eat, drink, and make new friends. Why are so many skiers drawn here? Because St. Anton's has some of the best ski slopes in the world – if you're lucky. St. Anton's is like the little girl from the poem – when it's good, it's very very good, and when it's bad, it's horrid. You can wind up with melting patches and slushy snow when conditions are bad.

Still, skiers from all over the world continue to flock to St. Anton's, and if you're as interested in discos, dancing, parties, and meeting new people as you are in skiing, it's not likely to disappoint.