Ski Keystone, Colorado

When you Ski Keystone, you ski not just one but three massive mountains, Dercum, North Peak and the Outback. The town has its origins back in the late 19th century as a railroad staging post for the mining industry. In the early 1970s the town was morphed into a super ski resort by Max and Edna Dercum.

Of the 3 mountains, Dercum can be particularly recommended for Beginners. Lots of green runs wend down the slope overlooking the village. One of the longest, Schoolmam trail, offers 3.5 miles of long, easy-angled skiing, just perfect for practising those first faltering snowplough turns. Improving beginners graduate to the slopes on North Peak (accessed via the Outpost Gondola). Here you'll find some beautiful blue trails, with a real high-up moutain atmosphere.

There's absolutely loads of skiing for Intermediates - on any given day it can be difficult to decide where to go. Choose from wide open blue cruises, favorites are Wild Irishman and Frenchman, to charming wooded trails like Wolverine and Pika.

Experts congregate around the top of North Peak, to face tricky moguls or steep runs in the deeps. Also try the North and South Bowls on Outback, not forgetting the Wombat chutes, especially when they're choc-full of superb dry powder. Adventure-seekers will head up to the walk-in walk-out Independence Bowl, for some adrenaline-pumping free skiing.

Snowboarders hang at the A51 park. Terrain includes a pipe, a half-pipe, rails and ramps.

Ski lodging is based around the foot of Dercum mountain. River Run Village - at the foot of the Summit Express gondola, and Mountain House - at the base of the Peru Express lift, are very convenient places to stay. There's plenty to do in the evening including tobogganing, ice skating, and swimming. (Though sunset doesn't stop the skiing action, since there are 17 floodlit trails, with the lifts running till 8pm.) Lots of bars and restaurants make for a great dining and drinking choice.

Best Ski Resorts' rating : Experts 3 stars out of 5, Intermediates 4 out of 5, Beginners 4 out of 5. Happy times 4 stars out of 5.