Steamboat review: 51 facts and highlights

A nearby airport is ideal, as journeying by car or bus through mountainous areas can take longer than on flat terrain.

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The summit is higher above sea level. This means the mountain can have lots of snow, even in springtime.

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The resort has played host to the winter olympics. This means it is likely to have a range of professional slopes, other winter sports, and finally, good facilities and well developed transport links.

The level of the base of the mountain above sea level.

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The opening hours is the average number of hours per day that the resort is open for skiing. Long opening hours mean you can go for an early ski, or have a long sleep and go later.

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The resort has dedicated on site childrens clubs, so no need to worry about a babysitter.

The total number of ski slopes available at the resort.

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In resorts which allow off piste-skiing, you can ski anywhere which is great for adventurous types. However, there are hazards such cliff edges, avalanches or simply getting lost and suffering exhaustion.

Ski schools offer lessons to beginners.

Cross-country skiing is an Olympic sport that provides great exercise for both the upper and lower body. Resorts that keep the cross-country skiing trails open for the general public attract professional and casual skiers.

Ski trail difficulty is measured in "percent slope", a system in which a 100% slope equals a 45-degree angle. Medium difficulty trails (marked with a blue square) have a slope gradient between 25% and 40%. These trails are ideal for regular skiers.

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Ski trail difficulty is measured in "percent slope", a system in which a 100% slope equals a 45-degree angle. High-difficulty trails (marked with a black diamond) have a slope gradient of more than 40%; such trails are designed for experienced skiers who enjoy a good challenge.

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More restaurants and bars can indicate a lively nightlife, as well as offering visitors more choice.

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Rather than having to trek back to the base of the mountain, it is a lot more convenient to have restaurants and bars on the slopes.

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Ice climbing is a great sport for adrenalin seekers. It entails climbing frozen cliff edges/waterfalls using tools such as ice axes in order to grip the surface.

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A snowmobile tour is a great way to cover large distances in a short time. After lots of physically demanding activities, it can be good way to sit back and let the motor do the work.

The resort has a golf course which visitors can enjoy, weather permitting!

At the ice rink you can get your skates on and try your hand at a different winter sport.

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The resort will be more easily accessible when serviced by public transport. It is also usually cheaper than other modes of transport.

With more hostels and hotels at the resort you have a range to choose from.

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The resort offers facilities so that companies and organisations can hold conferences or other corporate events.

Camping can offer a cheaper alternative to hotels or B&B’s, and can provide a fun outdoors experience - although it might not be ideal in winter!

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Five star hotels at the resort can indicate prestige. It can provide luxurious accommodation to those wanting to spend a bit more.

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A chalet is a type of house commonly found in ski resorts. Renting your own chalet can be fun and can often work out cheaper than staying in a hotel.

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The average snowfall each season as measured in inches. The more snowfall there is, the more powdery and fluffy the ski slopes will be.

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Average snowfall in the month of March.

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Average snowfall in the month of April.

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Average snowfall in the month of December.

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Average snowfall in the month of February.

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Average snowfall in the month of January.

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