"Nicknamed “Pow Town,” this mountain claims the most vertical feet in North America and an average of about 34 feet (over 400 inches) of snow yearly; it offers a 5,620-foot vertical descent (the largest in North America) and North America’s longest ski run at 9.4 miles. The terrain is expansive (about 3,121 acres) with long runs rather than many short ones: of 75 named runs, 12 percent are beginner (green), 43 percent intermediate (blue), and 45 percent advanced (black). There’s an abundance of ridge traverses, wide-open bowls, glades, and local powder stashes, plus intermediate progression terrain, a dedicated beginner area, cat- and heli-skiing options, and guided backcountry tours. Art is integrated into the experience — you can ski through a gallery of 22 pieces made from recycled skis and snowboards — and programming includes kids’ lessons, adult lessons (including a “Cat Heli Prep” class), and a First Tracks experience for early-chair fresh runs. Laura Meggs, the communications manager, sums up the mountain’s character: "We have two personalities here. We're known for the extreme, so a lot of our terrain mimics the backcountry, and that's why people love coming here," and she adds, "I think the terrain and the snow are what bring people back for sure, but the part of the puzzle you can't really put your finger on is the community." Lydia Syme with the local tourism office emphasizes the town connection and culture: "Our history is rooted in the industry, most notably railway and forestry. Canadian Pacific Railway trains still roll right through town ... For a small town, our culinary experiences rival those in the city, and our coffee culture is second to none. All of this is bolstered by our deep and unwavering relationship with mountain sports." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines