Telluride
Colorado
Despite attracting a high-end clientele, Telluride remains one of the US's more laidback ski resorts - its low profile and fantastic skiing is precisely why its devotees return time and time again. The pistes here are renowned for being steep, so make sure to hit the black-diamond Bushwhacker to show off your daredevilish side. To fuel up for ripping down groomed trails and weaving between trees, start the day with some blueberry pancakes at Butcher and Baker Café in town. Right on the ski trails, Alpino Vino is the best place for a long lunch à la Chez Vrony in Zermatt, or for a five-course meal and copious amounts of wine at dinnertime thanks to a nighttime gondola and snow coach to take you there (and back again).