Last season, Vail got 56 inches of snow between January 17 and 23. With anything close to that, the inaugural Winter Teva Mountain Games (February 9–12) should be a powder paradise. An offshoot of the summer Mountain Games, the winter edition will include events like ice climbing and telemark skiing, and the requisite concerts and parties. Stay near the action at the Lodge at Vail (doubles from $469; lodgeatvail.com) or the Tivoli (doubles from $422; tivolilodge.com). Smart Idea: On powder days, head to Beaver Creek. It has a reputation for easy groomers, which is why the Grouse Mountain area, 1,838 vertical feet of steeps, often stays untracked.
Beaver Creek Photographer: Jack Affleck
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