Jackson Hole Ski Resort

Although it's not one of the world's largest resorts, Jackson Hole is one of the few ski areas, alongside resorts like Aspen, Chamonix, Whistler or St Moritz, that has built a reputation as being synonymous with skiing. In Jackson Hole's case, the reputation is not for glitz or excess, but as a pure mountain sports haven that draws in all those who love snow sports from all over the world.

Beyond skiing, Jackson Hole has a reputation for genuine, traditional hospitality, while the charming local town of Jackson itself, 19km (12 miles) away, offers both the spirit of the Old West and modern facilities.

The current version of the resort's iconic aerial tram, an image that made it famous worldwide when first opened, is bigger and faster than the old one, carrying 100 passengers 1,262 vertical metres (4,139 ft) to the mountain summit in nine minutes – the greatest continual vertical rise of any lift in the USA. The quick ride to the top of the mountain provides skiers and snowboarders access to 1,012 hectares (2,500 acres) of exciting terrain and entrance into the backcountry.

Jackson Hole has also built a reputation for its high environmental standards. The resort is powered by 100% renewable energy and is one of only two resorts in the USA that are third-party (ISO 14001) certified as a ‘green' company.