RESORT GUIDE 2010 : #2 Aspen/Snowmass

#2 — ASPEN/SNOWMASS, CO
WEBSITE: aspensnowmass.com
VERTICAL: 4,406 feet (Snowmass)
ACREAGE: 5,303 (4 mtn. total)
SNOWFALL: 300 inches
TICKETS: $97 (2009-10)

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.