November

Page 8The best Ski Resorts in North AmericaGerman-World.comFor all ski fans, who will not make it to the Alps this season, German-World put together thebest skiing areas in the US. Have fun!CaliforniaBig Bear Mountain ResortsLocated less than two hours away from Los Angeles is thehighest and steepest ski resort in Southern California. At8,805 feet, Big Bear Mountain offers an ideal resort forsnowboarders and skiers alike. Big Bear is a good place forchildren and first-timers as well since there are manybeginner hills and several ski schools. An added bonus toBig Bear is the stunning view of the beautiful lake in thevalley below, which can be seen from almost every run.Snow is guaranteed from November until April. This isensured not only by the weather but also by the high-techsnowmaking machines. Just this July the Snow Summit SkiResort bought its competitor, Big Bear Mountain Resort.From this season on, visitors can buy tickets that are validfor both places. That means 23 lifts and more than 30runs. The mountains have ideal slopes for snowboarders,who make about 80% of the more than 800,000 visitors ayear. The runs are perfect for freestyle and several halfpipes keep even the most adventurous snowboardersbusy.There are not too many hotels in the Big Bear, but you canrent one of the countless cozy cabins around the lake.They cost between 100 and 300 dollars, depending on thesize and number of beds.Season: Mid/End November - Early MayInfo: www.bigbear.com, (909) 878-4638Mammoth MountainMammoth by name and nature, the resort's huge size isserved by North America's largest uphill transportationservice. A total of 30 lifts are capable of moving an excessof 50,000 skiers per hour. Mammoth Mountain was establishedin 1950 by living legend Dave McCoy, who retainedownership throughout the resort's spectacular growth tobecoming one of the world's greats. The resort has a reputationfor early season opening - generally in the first halfof November thanks to a combined effort between itsextensive snowmaking system and the natural stuff. In thelatter category, about 30 feet of snow is dumped onMammoth each season. This abundance also helps theresort to stay open late - usually into June. The snow isthen mercilessly bashed into place on more than 150 trailsby the resort's award-winning fleet of groomers, the largeston the planet.Off the ski slopes, the base village of Mammoth Lakes continuesto grow, with about a dozen bars and restaurantsand even more retail outlets. Activities include ballooning,bob sledding, dog sledding, saunas, sleigh rides, snowmobiling,snow shoeing, spa, tobogganing and winter hikes.Season: Mid November - July 4Hours: 8:30 A.M. - 4 P.M.Info: 1-800-MammothSnow conditions: 1-888-SnowrptWeb Site: www.mammoth-mtn.comLake TahoeTahoe features North America's largest concentration ofSki/Snowboard Resorts, with perfect powder, groomed andmachine-made snow from late November to early April.Not only can you go skiing and snowboarding, but you canrent snowmobiles as well. Tahoe is the perfect place forCross-Country skiers. It is also a fun place for childrenwho enjoy playing in the snow parks.Kirkwood is a standout in terms of natural beauty and terrainvariety, with everything from the greenest greens tohair-raising chutes and cornices. On holiday weekends, it'sa non-stop floorshow at the top of The Wall, with skiersand riders of all abilities peering over and dropping in. Youcan stay slope side at Kirkwood, or drive about 40 minutesfrom the resort to South Lake Tahoe.Season: Mid November - MayHours: 9 A.M. - 4 P.M.Info: (209) 258-6000Snow conditions: 1-877-KirkwoodWeb Site: www.skikirkwood.comUtahPark CityPark City Mountain Resortdelivers the goods for skiersand snowboarders ofjust about every persuasion.This is a big mountainby North Americanstandards, and the liftservedterrain seems togrow every year. Thetown of Park City is alsohome to two other resorts(Deer Park and TheCanyons), and there arefew if any services lack inthe valley. Bars, clubs, galleries, fine dining, fast food, andlodging of every kind... it's all there, including a manufacturer'soutlet mall. With events including the annual worldfamous Sundance Film Festival, Park City is one of themost popular winter vacation spots in America.To escape from the development in the Park City valley,take a day trip to Big Cottonwood Canyon (home ofBrighton and Solitude) or Little Cottonwood Canyon (Altaand Snowbird), each about an hour away by car. Or get