Stories & Lifestyle: The USA – a paradise for skiing enthusiasts

In contrast to the German skiing regions, where temperatures are rather spring-like this winter, the American skiing regions are perfect for ski and snowboard enthusiasts even this year. Powdery snow everywhere. The high mountains and the low humidity, together with the snow-friendly climate, are perfect for skiing down almost untouched slopes. There is about 60% less humidity in American snow compared to European snow, making it much flakier and lighter.

THE WORLD'S LARGEST SKIING REGION - IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS
The American ski resorts of Vail, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek and Keystone in the Colorado Rocky Mountains together form the largest skiing area in the world. More than 600 slopes for skiing and snowboarding and countless areas for powder-snow enthusiasts set high standards. The car-free town of Vail was built Tyrol-style. There is live music in the après-ski bars. There are more then 250 boutiques and stores. Breckenridge is the oldest town in Colorado, it had been a gold-seeker's town and has retained its Old West atmosphere. Saloons, galleries, shops and restaurants with a Victorian charm can be found along Main Street. In Aspen, the best-known US ski resort in Europe, Hollywood stars meet on their skiing trips. Steamboat Springs, the town named after the hot springs nearby, has produced a large number of great American skiers. So far, 54 of them have participated in the Olympic Games. The region is famous for its great cruiser runs, the extensive "tree-skiing terrain," several mogul fields, but also many runs for those who just wish to enjoy themselves. There is something for everyone. The town itself has retained its Old West atmosphere. A number of pubs with live music create the right kind of après-ski feeling. Offers for skiing vacations are available for everyone in the US, from very expensive to extremely favorable. Accommodation can be found in holiday homes, apartments, motels, inns, and expensive hotels.

EVEN CALIFORNIA HAS WINTER SPORTS REGIONS
The Heavenly Mountain Resort near 680 square kilometer (262 square miles) Lake Tahoe, for example, is the second biggest in the US after Vail in Colorado and has 23 lifts and 92 runs. The longest run is 7 km (4.3 miles). California has 300 days of sunshine a year. When it snows, a lot of snow falls over a short period of time. Sometimes more than one meter (3.3 feet) of new snow falls within one night, even though Lake Tahoe has the same degree of latitude as Majorca. After the snow storms, the weather is always great again. Squaw Valley is one of nine ski resorts on the Northern shore of Lake Tahoe. The Olympic Winter Games were held there in 1960. The resort is well known for its steep runs and huge holes full of powder snow that anyone who dares may jump into. The other ski resorts - Northstar, Alpine Meadow, and Sugar Bowl, for example, also have runs for all skill levels. Beginners can try runs such as "Broadway" or "Gold Coast." But if a run is called "Our Father" like the one in the Alpine Meadow resort and is marked with a skull, you should have a certain skill level before attempt it.