With ski season typically only lasting six months out of the year it's important to make the most of what precious time you have to hit the slopes, and with Ski.VacationsMadeEasy you'll be able to easily find information on top ski resorts across North America. Many travelers know of certain ski meccas such as Colorado, Utah and British Columbia, though there are also a number of overlooked, quality ski spots throughout North America, and a number of overlooked activities to enjoy at many of the well-known resorts as well. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, and even across the border into Canada, you can find a quality ski destination in nearly every area for a great winter vacation.

Western United States

The Western United States may reign as one of the more prominent areas for skiing with both Colorado and Utah, though California also offers a couple quality areas for skiing as well.

Utah showcases the cluster of Park City, Salt Lake City and Snowbird, each with a number of resort options. The three areas form somewhat of a triangle, with each being roughly forty minutes apart from the others. With such proximity between these three major ski destinations it's quite possible to catch major events in any of the cities, regardless of where you stay in the area. This convenient lay-out also makes it quite possible to visit any mixture of Salt Lake City ski resorts, Park City ski resorts and even Snowbird Ski Resort during your ski vacation in Utah.

Even more so than Utah, Colorado stands as one of the truly iconic symbols of skiing in North America, and it's easy to see why. With areas such as Copper Mountain and Winter Park offering quality skiing throughout the majestic Rockies for all skill levels the Colorado area offers a professional time of skiing that can adhere to the talents of novice and professional alike. Along with being considered a definitive ski experience, many Colorado ski destinations, such as Copper Mountains, also offer a number of non-ski, indoor and outdoor activities.

Though not as well known to the mass public as either Colorado or Utah, California also offers pristine ski locations throughout its various natural settings, from Lake Tahoe to Mammoth Mountain. Mention of Lake Tahoe may strike up images of rolling, green grass and a shimmering lake, but next to this meadow-esque view you'll find a variety of ski resorts, including Alpine Meadows, Heavenly, Kirkwood, Mt. Rose, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Sierra-at-Tahoe and Squaw Valley USA.

Mammoth Mountain, located just a short distance north of Lake Tahoe, stays true to its name with a massive 3,500 skiable acres comprising the resort, and can also offer a great California ski vacation. On an interesting side note, it's also formed from volcanic eruptions.

Eastern United States

While the Eastern states aren't quite as known to the mass public for their great ski spots, there are definitely a few throughout the area. And for those living on the East coast, these locales can make for a great weekend getaway without taxing your busy schedule.

Vermont features two cities that are perfect for the ski enthusiast: Killington and Ludlow. At Killington, visitors will find a variety of ski terrains with seven different mountains stretching just under 90 miles. And with a total of 200 trails you can be sure that the wide expanse is being used to its fullest. Ludlow is another Vermont destination that offers a rather large ski area. Okemo Mountain Resort's 117 different trails is still quite an impressive number, though it's main draw is southern Vermont's highest vertical drop at 2,200 feet. Don't worry though, along with unbelievable slopes, guests will also find a number of trails for novice and intermediate skiers as well.

Vermont isn't the only ski destination in the East though. Windham Mountain Resort in Windham, NY is another great ski resort for skiers of all levels, and vacations of all lengths. The Catskill Mountains provide the terrain needed for quality skiing, while the quaint town can provide much needed relaxation. The base elevation of the resort's ski area is at 1,500 feet with a vertical rise of 1,600 feet, ensuring that you'll be skiing on one of the highest mountain peaks in all of the Catskill Range.

Canada

In Canada, British Columbia is heavily loaded with five quality ski destinations. Fernie, Golden, Kimberley, Rossland and Whistler all offer quality resort settings with Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort, Red Mountain Resort and Whistler Blackcomb Resort, respectively. Naturally, with such a focus of skiing in British Columbia it's quite easy to find summer ski competitions taking place to help you enjoy the sport year-round. Inversely, there are also a number of notable events taking place in certain areas throughout the ski season as well.

Banff, Alberta helps to round out the western half of Canada with a few different ski destinations. Ski Banff at Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise are all quality resort ski areas in Banff. And best of all, combination tickets are offered so that you can experience all three ski options during one visit!

Just as with the United States, Canada may seem to be loaded with ski options towards the western part of the country, but that doesn't mean there are no options in the east. In fact, Quebec City features a number of ski options that include the likes of Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham. And just as in Banff, lift ticket combinations are available so that you'll be able to explore both areas during one visit to the Quebec area.