Rachael Oakes-Ash gives us the lowdown on Aspen, Telluride, The Canyons, Whistler and Banff.
ASPEN
www.aspensnowmass.com
Celebrity spotting: Aniston flat on her back at St Regis Remede Spa.
Boasting rights: Trek the Highlands Bowl and drop in to the double black diamond run.
Après Spot: USA’s Eligible Bachelor and Aspen ski instructor, Sam Von Trapp has been known to emerge at Sky Bar for après then Jimmy’s for après après.
Sleep over: Little Nell for the serious A list, St Regis Alpine Floor for private A list, Hotel Jerome for Hunter S. Thompson wannabes.
Chow down: Montagna in the Little Nell for haute cuisine
Who goes here: Moneyed New Yorkers on a boys’ weekend and Hollywood’s inner sanctum
Inside tip: Head to the Caribou Club and watch the Cougars use their fifty-plus face lift prowess to hook thirty year old toy boy prey
TELLURIDE, Colorado
www.tellurideskiresort.com
Celebrity spotting: Cameron and Justin have been known to travel incognito so look under the beanie.
Boasting rights: For serious off-piste experiences hit Prospect Bowl and beyond but take a guide.
Après Spot: Noir Bar at The Bluepoint Grill is as chic as it gets in this laid back town. Think martinis by the fire and faux fur.
Sleep over: Sleep like a snow angel in Hotel Telluride’s trademark beds.
Chow down: Go to Allreds for Spielberg-style views at lunchtime, but remember, it’s a private club so hook up with a member for easy access
Who goes here: Those in the know who don’t want anyone else to be.
Inside tip: Telluride is divided into the village on the valley floor and the mountain village that virtually shuts down at midnight when the Gondola stops. Rules? Mountain village by day, valley floor by night.
THE CANYONS, PARK CITY, UTAH
www.thecanyons.com
Celebrity spotting: This is Sundance Film Festival Territory, so anyone who has been, is, or about to become anyone has been here
Boasting rights: 1200 hectares of terrain. Lift queues? What are they?
Après Spot: Mother Urbans for live music and 101 beers in Park City
Sleep over: The Canyons Grand Summit Hotel, luxury and location in one at the base of the gondola.
Chow down: Go the yurt! A moonlit sleigh ride takes diners to the mountain top, a short cross country ski through pristine wilderness and voila, the Viking Yurt dining experience awaits.
Who goes here: Lovers of all things dry in powder
Inside tip: This is Mormon country but don’t believe what you hear. You can drink here. If an establishment refers to itself as a ‘private club’ then you’ll have to pay a small temporary membership fee in order to imbibe, much like a cover charge.
WHISTLER, British Columbia, Canada
www.whistlerblackcomb.com
Celebrity spotting: This is where Seal proposed to Heidi Klum
Boasting rights: Cat Skiing is the new Heli. Powder Mountain Cat Skiing take committed boarders and skiers to secret powder spots far from the crowds.
Après Spot: In the Mix for martinis and Longhorn for last lift drinks and people spotting.
Sleep over: Bed down at the intimate Adara Hotel for urban design.
Chow down: Elements for Asian inspired tapas, low key atmos and damn fine cocktails.
Who goes here: A weekend fave for Vancouverites and Seattle folk.
Inside tip: There’s something potent about knocking the head off a bottle of bubbly with a sword. Saber your own champagne bottle at Andre St Jacques’ exclusive Bear Foot Bistro. The nosh is good here too.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK
www.skibig3.com
Celebrity spotting: Baldwin, Cusak and Grammar have all been spotted here.
Boasting rights: Delirium Dive at Sunshine Village. Worth the ten minute trek with avalanche beacons for the views alone. Did we mention the chutes? Close your eyes and point your skis down.
Après Spot: Think low-key rather than rip roaring in Banff town. Line dancing at Wild Bills, Rose & Crown for pub grub and Aurora for late night cigars and djs.
Sleep over: The luxe Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel spa suites for a pumice stone throw from Willow Spa. Bliss.
Chow down: Walliser Stube restaurant at Chateau Lake Louise. Swiss style fondue with a Canadian bison twist.
Who goes here: Seriously laid back folk and couples in love
Inside tip: Crème boutique on Wolf Street for Nudie, 2K, WE, Tsubi, Spy and Von Zipper eyewear.
