Jackson Hole, Wyoming

You'll see Jackon's catchphrase 'Like Nothing You Have Skied Before' on lots of T-shirts in the resort, and who's to disagree, since Jackson has an amazing number of challenging trails and steep backcountry terrain set amongst the magnificent Grand Teton mountains. There's 2500 acres of skiing on two side-by- side mountains, Rendezvous (10450ft) and Apres Vous (8481ft). Sheridan ridge links the two.

For beginners, start with the runs around the two beginners lifts, Teewinot Quad and Eagle's Rest. This is the only novice area in Jackson, but is quite large enough for early lessons and practice.

Intermediates will find that they'll have to raise their game to get the most out of Jackson. Most of the accessible intermediate territory is below Sheridan ridge - a good starting point to make for is the Bridger restaurant, reached by the Bridger gondola.

Experts can take the Sublette quad and East Ridge double chairs to reach the very summit of Rendezvous. From here you can try some of Jackson's infamous double blacks, such as Corbet's Couloir, which entails a heart-stopping 20foot jump inside a narrow 10 foot wide couloir. Alternatively you can ski of the backside of Rendezvous into the spectacular Grand Teton National Park terrain.

As to where to stay, you have a choice between Teton Village, clustered around the ski base station, or Jackson Hole itself, about 10 miles away. Teton Village certainly wins for convenience, and the number and variety of restaurants and bars available in the village is steadily improving. But whichever you choose, make sure you get to enjoy the rip-roaring nighttime action of downtown Jackson, with its genuine cowboy feel. Raised wooden boardwalks remind you of your favorite wild-west movie. Remember to take in the lively Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.