This year’s ski season is shaping up to be one of the best in years. Early snowfalls mean there is already powder on the slopes and locals have been enjoying early runs. Here are five top ski destinations you can easily access with a share in the PlanseSense® fractional ownership program, thanks to the versatility of the Pilatus PC-24 and PC-12 aircraft.
5. Taos Ski Valley
When people think of New Mexico, skiing isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind, but the state is quickly becoming a favorite for families who are looking to escape the crowds and crazy scene at other mountains in the West. It also was recently named one of the North America’s 10 best ski towns by USA Today.
Taos Ski Valley brags that it’s “not made for the masses” but for “adventurers at heart.” It is also the first ski resort in the world to be certified as a B Corporation, which means its business practices are designed to support the local community and be mindful of its environmental impact. Breathtaking scenery, high-end amenities, and the nearby Pueblo UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Landmark make this a ski trip like no other. With 300 inches of snowfall a year, more than 300 days of sunshine a year, and a vertical drop of 3,280 feet, Taos Ski Valley offers plenty of great skiing, too.
Getting There
Taos Airport (KSKX) is a municipal-run airport just 25 minutes from Taos Ski Valley and is easily accessible with the Pilatus PC-24 and PC-12. There are a number of transportation options once you arrive to get you to the mountain and on the slopes in no time.
4. Telluride
This Colorado ski town perfectly mixes sophistication and the charm of an Old West town. The mountain is considered one of the elite ski destinations in North America, with the steep Gold Hill chutes challenging the most advanced of skiers. There is plenty of skiing for intermediates and beginners too with lengthy trails for both, including the beginners Galloping Goose— a stunning 4.6 miles long!
Telluride offers plenty off the slopes as well. Whether you are looking for lively action après-ski, a quiet place to get a romantic dinner, or a hip eatery that offers something for the whole family, you’ll find it in this renowned ski town.
Getting There
PlaneSense® fractional owners particularly enjoy this ski destination because the Pilatus PC-24 and PC-12 aircraft make the mountain so easy to get to. This is a big advantage since there is no commercial airline service to Telluride and it’s not easy to get to via car. The PC-12 and PC-24 are two of the few aircraft that can access the airport during certain conditions. By flying into Telluride Regional Airport (KTEX), you are just minutes from the mountain. You can opt to rent a car to your lodging, or choose from one of a number of luxury car services available.
3. Steamboat
Steamboat Springs considers itself a true ski town for those who truly love the sport, which is probably why it also was named a top 10 ski town by USA Today. There is plenty to do here besides ski the resort’s six peaks, including the town of Steamboat Springs with its many art galleries, great restaurants, and breweries. There’s even dog sledding, winter biking, and horseback riding available!
Steamboat is known for getting more snow than any other major ski resort in Colorado and provides great early skiing for those who like to go during the holidays. There are plenty of intermediate trails to keep the kids happy, and visitors looking for an additional thrill can hike to the resort’s highest point for a less-crowded and challenging selection of expert trails.
Getting There
PlaneSense fractional owners can easily fly to Steamboat by landing at Steamboat Springs Airport (KSBS). With a runway length of 4,454 and at an altitude of nearly 7,000 feet, not many private aircraft can get in and out safely like the PC-12 and PC-24 in the PlaneSense® program.
2. Mont Tremblant
Just over the Northern Border you’ll find the quaint Quebec ski town of Mont Tremblant, a completely walkable village with shops, dining, and entertainment. If premiere skiing on 102 trails and the Village’s entertainment are not enough, head over to the Casino De Mont Tremblant to enjoy free shows and a variety of games.
Getting There
The Mont-Tremblant International Airport (CYFJ) is about 30 minutes from the ski resort, features a log cabin passenger lounge with a cozy fireplace and a shuttle so comfortable it’s used by 95% of all passengers who land there. The PlaneSense PC-24 and PC-12 are both able to access this airport easily. It also has a great fixed-base operator (FBO).
1. Stowe
It doesn’t get more quintessential New England than Stowe, Vermont. In the heart of the Green Mountains, Stowe offers couples and families plenty to do on and off the slopes. It has some of the best skiing in the East, live concerts, races, shopping, a certified childcare center, and a historic downtown—Stowe calls itself the “perfect Vermont ski town” and once you see the amenities you will likely agree it’s right. USA Today certainly agreed when it put it on the list of best ski towns in North America.
Getting There
Because of the quick flight from a number of major cities on the Eastern Seaboard, many of PlaneSense’s East Coast fractional owners often choose to fly to Stowe Morrisville-Stowe Airport (KMVL). The airport recently underwent significant upgrades and a new $20 million upgrade is in the works that will include a passenger terminal and FBO. Both the Pilatus PC-24 and PC-12 can access this airport, but with a runway length of only 3,701’, the PC-24 jet is the only fractionally owned jet that can safely access KMVL. Otherwise, you’ll need to land at an airport nearly an hour away from the slopes.
For those who are avid skiers and seek access to the country’s top ski destinations, fractional ownership with PlaneSense is the perfect option. Get to your favorite ski resort and be on the slopes faster and more conveniently than ever.
