Park City

Park City in Utah played host to the 2002 Olympic boarding and giant slalom events. It is also the venue for the Sundance Festival, the independent film festival set up by Robert Redford. Located only 32 miles from Salt Lake City, the skiing is tree-lined and largely straightforward, with a choice of intermediate runs, varied terrain and long runs. Beginners will flourish at the great ski school, but with non-skiing kids you may find it hard to find childcare. For advanced skiers there is the Jupiter Bowl for off-piste and the hike-and-ski option of the 'Utah Interconnect Back Country Tour', incorporating 5 other resorts. The Canyons Ski Area and Deer Valley are nearby resorts that offer better cruising runs. Boarders are truly spoiled, with parks, powder and half-pipes, plus a specialist beginner area. If it's awesome views you are looking for, check out the top of Jupe (Jupiter).

Although the resort itself maintains its 'Wild West' feel in the centre - which is conveniently located for the lifts, the sprawling suburbs are rather less appealing. However there is a good range of accommodation, bars and restaurants, and the nightlife tends to go on until 1am.

Overall, Park City is a good base from which to explore Utah's great ski areas, with some good challenges and excellent learner facilities. January is festival time…