Ski Resorts you must visit in 2015

North America is home to hundreds of spectacular ski areas, with snow quality, ski schools and off-piste entertainment exceptionally high across the board. Ski USA or head further north to Canada and you’ll have a wealth of world-class resorts at your feet, home to family-friendly facilities, terrific terrain and outstanding accommodation. And there’s even more to look forward to for 2015, with new ski areas established, brand new high-speed lifts and seasonal deals which make experiencing North America exceptionally good value.

Here’s our pick of the top ski resorts to visit in 2015:

Breckenridge, USA

The opening of the new Peak 6 ski area makes this Colorado resort one of USA’s hottest ski destinations for 2015. Peak 6 increases the size of the ski area by 23%, adding 400 acres of lift-served ski area, 143 acres of hike-to terrain and two new chair lifts, making it one of the biggest terrain expansions in North America to date.

Home to the highest lift in North America, Breckenridge has long been a favourite amongst British skiers and the historic charm of colourful Main Street mean you can have just as much fun off the slopes as on. Ski Breckenridge and you can also benefit from Colorado’s ‘Epic Pass,’ which gives free access to four other resorts – after spending a few days finding your feet, hire a car for the day and nip across to Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone or Arapahoe Basin to experience perfectly groomed pistes and big mountain skiing.

Jay Peak, USA

Voted ‘Number one Ski Resort on the East Coast’ by Skier Magazine, Jay Peak promises some of Vermont’s best backcountry and tree skiing terrain. It’s one of those legendary resorts which skiers-in-the-know were whispering about long before it started appearing on mainstream ski itineraries. And thank goodness it did, with a multi-million dollar investment plan introducing everything from accommodation and chairlifts to an indoor water park for the kids. New hotels continue to open each season, so keep your eye on Jay Peak for 2015, and the resort’s new West Bowl ski area is set to open in the next couple of years, adding 20 new trails to the resort’s existing 77.

Whistler, Canada
Had enough of so-so ski conditions? Ski Whistler in 2015 and you won’t be disappointed.  Consistently rated the number one ski resort in North America, it’s home to some of the ski-world’s most reliable snowfall, with more than 11 metres falling each year. With two brand new, high-speed chair lifts opened in 2013/14 – the Crystal Ridge Express quad and the Harmony 6 Express six-pack – you can also expect easier piste access and more freedom than ever before.

Whistler’s huge ski area has something for everyone, from world-class heli-ski terrain to confidence-boosting beginner slopes. Even better, Whistler promises some of the best early booking deals in North America, so book your 2015 ski trip now to take advantage of the best bargains.

Steamboat, USA
With 3,000 acres of diverse terrain spread across six peaks, champagne powder that’s talked about the world over and an atmospheric town that’s packed with bars and restaurants, you can’t go wrong with a Steamboat ski trip. If you fancy a white Christmas with added extras, visit Steamboat in 2015 and get ready for a truly memorable and great value seasonal escape. For example: arrive at the Steamboat Grand on 17 December for a ten night stay and get up to three nights’ free accommodation, free skiing for the kids and complimentary upgrades.

Tara Rogers is a professional travel writer for Ski Safari – tailor-made ski holiday specialists.