American ski resorts receive enormous amounts of snow, with typical season totals in the region of 6m to 12m, or 250 to 300 inches as it is measured on that side of the Atlantic. When compared against famous European resorts such as Val d’Isère, Verbier or St Anton, which normally receive between 3m to 6m a season, it is easy to see the attraction. Snowfall also tends to be frequent, meaning that your chances of fresh powder days during your ski holiday are much more likely.

If the Rocky Mountains are Colorado’s defining geographic feature, skiing and snowboarding must be its signature activities. Colorado is, after all, the number one destination for skiing in North America. Colorado boasts 300 days of sunshine and more than 300 inches of snow a year. One of the reasons Colorado stands above the rest is the variety, both in the widespread locations of resorts and in the activities that are on offer.

For those who want a world-class resort that is amenity-heavy and features top-of-the-line luxury, Colorado is renowned for these types of destinations.

But if you’re in the mood for more of a local’s scene, in a true Old West town with hidden lore and stashes, there are plenty of those too. Or if you’re searching for the perfect family vacation, complete with kid-friendly options such as tubing hills and caring instructors that cater to the young and the new, Colorado resorts are among the best in the world.