Snowbird, Utah

Back in the 19th century, a US army soldier discovered rich silver deposits in Little Cottonwood Canyon. A 'Silver Rush' hit the area, and the town of Alta sprung up to supply the 4000 miners who feverishly worked the mines. Alta was later destroyed by a huge avalanche, but was rebuilt, and became a ski-resort. In the mid 1960s, Ted Johnson, who lived in Alta, realised that an area just down the canyon from Alta would make a feasible second resort. Together with the help of a Texas oil millionaire, Dick Bass, Ted Johnson planned and developed Snowbird which opened in 1971 with 3 lifts.

To be honest, there's not a lot for beginners at Snowbird. There is a very small area under the Chickadee lift (just next to the center), but this is often very busy. A stone's throw up the road, the Sunnyside area of Alta is a better alternative.

There's more choice, though, for good intermediates. Chip's, which starts at the very summit of Hidden Peak (11000ft) is a real blast for a whole 2½ miles. Another great trail is Bassackwards, which sets off from the top of Gad 2 lift.

Hardened skiiers will think they've landed in seventh heaven. The steep skiing's as good as Jackson Hole, plus the snow's often in better condition and friendlier. Favorites are Last Choice and Shireen off the summit of Hidden Peak, and Gad Chutes off Cirque traverse.

The base area could hardly be called pretty, as the chunky buildings are all concrete - remember this is avalanche territory. But the thick walls do hide a world of luxury, an example is the splendid 12 storey Cliff Lodge, which boasts 5-star restaurants, bars, a spa, an outdoor hottub, and a swimming pool.