My Three Favorite Places to Winter Ski

For many people, skiing is more than a sport. It's alsowound up on many people's list of the best places to
a chance to travel and see and enjoy other areas oflive in the U.S. Madison is a large college town, located
the country. Whether it's the people, thein the heart of the midwest, and like most college
environment, or a particular ski resort - everyone hastowns, is full of vibrant energy.
their favorites. Here, in no particular order are myThe Midwest is mainly known for it's flatlands, not its
favorite places to ski in the U.S.mountains, so it is probably not on many people's
- Aspen, Colorado.best list of best ski places. Wisconsin hosts some
Aspen is where I learned to ski and I have had anice sized mountains, but not great. However, it is a
fondness for it ever since. Like everywhere else, themagnificent location for cross-country skiing. Known
cost of living in Aspen has skyrocketed so much thatas the "City of Lakes", Madison has four area lakes
it's now known, in large parts, as a destination spotand in the winter when the snow covers the
for only the rich and famous. But, if you take thegrounds, you can enjoy cross country skiing near the
time to find deals, there are many reasonably pricedlakes whilst taking in the beautifully stunning and
lodging options available from rental homes totranquil lake scenery.
condominium to lodge resorts.Madison is a cosmopolitan city and you'll find much to
Aspen, Colorado is famous for its skiing, so much sodo there. However, if you feel like a road trip,
that it's a magnet for people from all over the world.Madison is within a two hour trip to one of the
Don't be surprised if you wind up meeting peoplegreatest cities in the U.s., Chicago, Illinois.
from as far away as Spain, France, England, Saudi- Park City, Utah
Arabia, and other parts of the world. The small townPark City Utah, home of the 2002 Winter Olympics
atmosphere of the city gives it an intimate feel,and famous for it's Sundance Film Festival, is a
there's no feeling of being rushed, and the people andfabulous ski town and true resort town. It is home to
visitors are friendly as can be.three fantastic ski mountains - Deer Valley, The
The scenery is Aspen is fantastic. After a bigCanyons, and Park City Mountain Resort. Collectively
snowfall, the ski slopes form a virtual winterthese mountains have nearly 300 ski runs - so you'll
wonderland. And if you're looking for powder, there'shave no trouble avoiding long lift lines.
few places where you'll find better. DowntownUtah has a reputation as a staid place to live, but
Aspen is a combination of homey pubs and chicyou'll never be bored at night in Park City as it has
restaurants and within a ten minute shuttle ride tomany and varied night clubs where you can find live
four magnificent mountains. It's a great winter spotmusic, restaurants where you can enjoy the best
to spend a week or two on your vacation.meals, and "private clubs." And as far as skiing, truly
- Madison, Wisconsin.one of the best of the best.
Over the years, the city of Madison, Wisconsin has