Who's got the better ski?
Europe
Side Score: 7
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North America
Side Score: 5
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I would say that if you are a pretty good skier looking for intense rides, then you can't argue with the Alps for satisfaction. Snowbird Utah is awesome, yes, and so is Park City, but the French peaks are truly majestic. I've never actually been to Val Thorens, but I have heard about the near 6000 ft. peak that's nestled between white caps and clean air. I've been outside of Zermatt in Switzerland where the peaks are sloping and sharp, and my favorite thing to do was carve my own path through the trails. Part of skiing, for me, is the adventure of finding new sections to cross through and different ways to go. I think that my problem with US trails is that everyone's always struggling to discover them first, whereas in Europe, the ski culture is much more relaxed and it's about the cathartic experience. Side: alps
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points
I absolutely agree with you about carving your own path through trails and finding new sections. I've had the pleasure to snowboard an entire season in Switzerland and that's the thing I enjoyed most. In Verbier you could hit untouched powder days after a fresh snow fall because the diversity of the mountain allowed for so many potential pathways. Verbier and many others are for the most part above the tree-line giving you much more opportunity to discover untouched territory. The runs are endless. Check out the map enclosed. Side: alps
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Even though Europe's Alps can be otherworldly, I think we have it a little better over here in the States. Europe is very different and absolutely worth the experience to ski/snowboard. Plus it's cheaper 9 out of 10 places you go compared to the States. But I would still say when it comes down to it the States just has the best spots. Tahoe, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming.... the list goes on. Side: North America
Vail is the most amazing ski resort in the US (I haven't yet experienced Whistler so I can't claim its the best in North America). Check out these stats (best way to compare ski resorts): Front Side: 1,627 acres Back Bowls: 3,017 acres Blue Sky Basin: 645 acres 34 Lifts (14 high-speed quads) 192 Trails 347" Annual Snowfall Vertical Rise: 3,450 Side: Vail
While North America certainly has a plethora of beautiful ski slopes, I don't think that anything can compare with the Alps. The picturesque scenery at places like The Arlberg, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Chamonix are unparalleled. The mountains over there are so big and have so much out of bounds skiing that oftentimes you feel as if you're the only one on the mountain. Side: North America
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