Skiing and snowboarding were growing in popularity even before the pandemic, but COVID-19 gave a big boost to just about every form of outdoor recreation, including those on snow. As a result, the story of the past two winters has been crowds, often to the point that ski travelers who previously cared more about food, hotels, spas or terrain started to weigh lift lines and skier density on the slopes as suddenly important considerations.
The good news is that there are four major resort expansions coming online in the U.S. this winter, all at very popular resorts, all of which should directly mitigate crowding. With Labor Day around the corner, it’s not too early to start planning winter vacations, and when you do, take these major upgrades into consideration.
Big Sky, MT: For the past few years Big Sky has been the hottest ticket in American skiing, the place to go, and last year I wrote a detailed feature here at Forbes on all the reason why.
I put Big Sky first because it’s signature selling point was already “uncrowded,” boasting what is widely considered the lowest skier density per acre of any major destination resort in the country. That in part is because it is the country’s second largest ski resort to begin with, just huge, nearly 6,000-acres with a very impressive 4,350 foot vertical. There are 300 trails, six terrain parks, and three dozen lifts, with a way above U.S. average annual snowfall of over 400 inches. But it also has arguably the most advanced lift network, and several years of massive infrastructure investment have added new very high-speed 8 and 6-passenger chairs, including the nation’s fastest six. Even before this year’s big addition, these improvements increased uphill capacity from the base by 50%. In addition, despite a real estate boom and new hotels on the horizon (including the first ever mountain location of luxury brand One & Only, coming the following winter) it still has less rooms and capacity than a ski resort this size usually would. It also has a smaller drive market and gateway airport (Bozeman), is not near a major city, and averages more than an acre of terrain per skier, a very luxurious number. According to Zrankings.com here at Forbes, it gets less than a quarter of the skier volume of the nation’s most popular resort, Vail, yet it is significantly larger.
But the one spot that has been notoriously crowded at Big Sky is Lone Peak, with the antiquated 15-passenger mini-tram up to the summit of “America’s Matterhorn,” an experts-only mini-mountain atop the resort. While it is only for advanced skiers, Lone Peak is both locally beloved and globally iconic, and lines could grow very long. All that comes to an end this season when a new state-of-the art
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Shanghai is known for its forest of skyscrapers with the world’s third-largest megatower leading the charge. Travelers wary of heights will find a medley of things to do at ground level including the historic waterfront, trendy Xintiandi, and the ancient Yu Garden. In terms of where to stay in Shanghai, the city is a playground of high-rise luxury hotels with infinity pools, rooftop bars, and awesome skyline views. The best hotels in Shanghai, China, are near or within eyesight of The Bund.
Of all the art exhibits NYC has to offer, some of the best come not from the permanent collections of storied establishments but instead, the temporary shows at museums, galleries, and other more unconventional spaces. As summer comes to its inevitable close, several new shows are opening around the city—some celebrating great masters, others with an eye for the contemporary and/or the unsung. Plus, some of summer's tentpoles—Africa Fashion at the Brooklyn Museum, for example—will run all the way into October, so if you haven't made your way to them yet, there's still time. Of the myriad options, we've rounded up some of the best to hit now or in the coming weeks—we're certain you'll find something to your liking.
The season for pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, and fall foliage is almost here. Ontario is beautiful in all seasons but leaf peeping in autumn is particularly special as nature puts on a vibrant colorful show with leaves of bright fiery reds, golden hues of orange, and shining yellow ambers. As temperatures start to dip it’s the perfect time to hit the open road and head to a destination to appreciate the great outdoors and fall in Ontario. Canada’s second largest province is home to rugged beauty, forests, and natural landscapes making it a great road trip journey whether you live in Canada or are coming from the United States. Here are three Ontario destinations where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn.
Whether you’re already planning a getaway or simply fantasizing about fascinating horizons, the new Great Outdoors U.S.A.: 1,000 Adventures Across All 50 States(National Geographic Books) is an action-packed, info-generous, photography-rich, bright beacon. This ambitious 736-page, colorful and insightful travelogue encourages all levels of nature lovers. It illuminates fun, spirited pursuits in every state; surprising, off-the-beaten-path gems; and full-throttle epic journeys. Perhaps coolest are the heart-warming verdant oases unveiled in urban areas.
My foray into the world of credit cards, points and miles really began when I joined TPG about a year and a half ago. I had a couple of cards prior to working here, but I didn't give much thought to which card to use, or when or how to maximize the benefits.
If you’ve ever been crammed into an uncomfortable coach seat, been charged extra for a bag, or had a flight delayed for no good reason, you know how much the airline you fly can impact your trip.
Summer may be coming to a close, but there's good news that comes with school being back in session: College campuses everywhere are springing back to life in full force. The Midwest is home to several of the best, with world-class museums, acclaimed restaurants, and notable festivals, boasting their own unique draws. And while autumn is always an exciting time to visit (think football and foliage), there’s enough happening in each of these destinations to warrant a getaway any time of year. From a bustling big-city suburb to a UNESCO City of Literature, here are the Midwest’s best college towns to visit now.
The best time to visit Thailand is from December to March—though, as with any tropical destination, a short and ridiculously torrential burst of rain is unpredictably possible, even on the sunniest of days.
This story is part of the Great Bagel Boom, a Bon Appétit series celebrating the vast creative expanses of bagel culture across America—because yes, you can find truly wonderful bagels outside of New York now.