Growing up, I was more concerned with snow bunnies and hot tubs than "shredding the gnar". Don't get me wrong--we often made our own rules and explored out-of-bound areas: but it wasn't the adventurous, thrill-seeking world that I would discover years later. I was fortunate to grow up skiing with my family; so when it came to high school ski trips I was pretty good. College came around and skiing became less a priority--forgetting the joy of fresh air, beautiful vistas, and the adrenaline of cruising on two waxed up planks. Not only did I miss skiing; but the many facets of a good ski town as those trips out west and even here on the east coast came to a halt shortly after college. Moving to New York City and becoming exposed to other hobbies forced me into different directions. Plus the cost of skiing always played its part when vacation searching. I remember being asked by a girl friend--"Would you rather be naked on a beach with me or bundled up in layers freezing our asses off." Seemed like a no-brainer. Oscar Wilde wrote: "I can resist anything except temptation" and this has always resonated with me. This winter--I had the opportunity to chase some of the best powder on earth: exploring three highly acclaimed ski and snowboard destinations. All the trips were rather random, but as Mr. Wilde explains--I can't say no. It was this thinking and my lack of a girlfriend to steer me away from the mountains that landed me in Chamonix, Jackson Hole, and Steamboat Springs for some of the best skiing I've done in my life. It was these trips that reinvigorated my love for skiing and mountain life. Planning a trip could be overwhelming so here's some ideas if you decide to go! Chamonix Day 1 7am European Vibes Nestled in the Alps, the best way to get to Chamonix from the United States is flying into Geneva. Grab some tea and a snack from the airport and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. If you need your sleep than you should take advantage of the extra hour, because there won't be much sleep in your future. Said to be the birthday of mountaineering--Chamonix has been a playground for adrenaline junkies for quite sometime. In 1924, Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympics giving this small resort town worldwide recognition. The area is dominated by the 4,810 metre Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe, which serves as a unreal backdrop and playground for extreme sports enthusiast. I read somewhere that Chamonix has been described as the "the death-sport capital of the world". If that doesn't get you amped--I don't know what will. 9am Drop & Go The excitement of the Alps will be electrifying so chances have it that you will be ready to ride. Drop your stuff at the hotel and get dressed for the slopes. Chamonix offers a sensational amount of skiing and snowboarding terrain having a network of more than 60 lifts. The valley offers 8 varied ski resorts as well as easy access to others in Italy and Switzerland. Being your first day on the slopes--hit up Brevent, Le Domaine de Balme, or Les Houches. This will allow you to ease into the crazy terrain and altitude of the surrounding peaks. 4pm The Art of Apres-ski There's no better example of apres-ski than Chambre Neuf. Here, both locals and tourist squeeze in for a boot-stomping good time. Grab a beer and rock out to the live band. If you don't like crowded bars than steer clear and hit another bar on Avenue Michel Croz. 8pm High & Low Dining There's tons of great restaurants in Chamonix whether you're looking for local Savoie cuisine or an international variety. Hit up L'impossible for Michelin-rated cuisine or grab some of grandmother's stew at La Caleche. 10pm Beer Save some room for some delicious brews post-dinner. Micro-Brasserie de Chamonix or simply MBC has a great selection of rotating beers. Give your body some rest and try to get at least 5 hours of sleep. And drink plenty of water! Day 2 6am Eat n' Ski Wake up and grab breakfast. We stayed at Hotel Alpina, so we had a breakfast buffet every morning. Fresh squeezed OJ, omelette station, charcuterie, and other goodies fueled us up for a big day. Today, check out Les Grands Montets for crazy vertical slopes. Here we experienced some great snow, but the visibility wasn't the best. I don't know about you, but I'm OK with lower visibility if that's a promise of fresh powder for the week to come. 4pm Exploring the Village Explore the charm of Chamonix with its many restaurants, galleries, and specialty shops. Pop into Vin sur Vin and taste some Chartreuse VDP while browsing a well-curated selection of wine and spirits. Continue sampling the treasures of the area at L'Alpage de Aiguilles--a haven of meats, cheese, and wine. Give them a price point for a great variety and watch them do their magic. For 50 euros, I got enough charcuterie to feed a group of hungry snowboarders. But don't head back to the hotel just yet as there's plenty of souvenir shops, so you could stock up on gifts for your loved ones. 8pm Alpine Cuisine After some Mondeuse (local Savoie wine) and charcuterie--shower up and head to dinner. Head to Hotel Hameau Albert 1er for two great dining options. If you're feeling fancy then hit up Le Restaurant Albert 1er --a Michelin-rated restaurant with a tasting menu and great wine cellar. If you're feeling more casual than La Maison Carrier is a great option. This restaurant will serve rustic, regional cuisine with a gourmet spin that will keep you extremely satisfied. Start out with rabbit terrine and cured meats then move onto a simple cabbage salad that will disappear quicker than you'd think. Double down on rabbit with a slow-roasted leg served with creamy polenta. You won't need dessert, but try passing up a dessert bar with a variety of specialties that will make your eyes water. 10pm After Hours Depending on your mood--L'Amnesia, Bunker Club, or Les Chamonix Social Club are all good options for post-dinner drinks. Don't stay out too late, because you have a big day tomorrow. Day 3 6am Italian Perspective Just 12km away from the French side of Mont Blanc is Courmayeur: a tiny ski village at the top of the Valley d' Aosta. Arrange for a guide and they will hook you up with transportation. Hiring a guide will allow you to explore parts of the mountain that most people don't see. If you're guides are any good--you'll soon be exhausted from long trails and deep, untouched terrain. Lunch on the mountain will get you questioning food at ski resorts back home. Refuel on deer ragu and pair it with some fumin from Grosjean. Take in the moment, because this is as good as it gets! 4pm Apertivo In France you say Apres-ski; but in Italy they live and die by apertivo. Walk along the narrowed, cobblestone streets and pop in-and-out of shop and restaurants. Explore the boutiques catering to the wealthy or sip a negroni while snacking on some crostini. This village offers great dining whether it's take out gnocchi, a bresaola panini, or high-end fare. Grab a bottle of Donnas Nebbiolo from one of the many shops and don't leave without a bottle of Braulio, an Italian digestive, for the ride home. 10pm Back in France Les Caves de Chamonix is a good spot to wind down once you get back to Chamonix. If you're too tired then head back to the lounge at Hotel Alpina and drink the wine you bought in Italy. Day 4 6am Bucket List Runs Vallée Blanche is one of the most famous off-piste run in the world. It's said to be one of five bucket list runs that every skier/snowboarder should do. With amazing views and dramatic terrain; Vallee Blanche is accessed by a spectacular cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi (3,842 m). 4pm Cheers: You Deserve It I don't like repeating spots, but you can always head back to Chambre Neuf for apres. We hit a few spots around town including an outside bar selling mulled wine. We ended up at Le Pub for some beers before dinner. 8pm More than Fondue L'Bistrot would be a good spot for your last meal in France. Here, the menu is both simple yet inventive--focusing on both the season and region. Treat yourself to their tasting menu and a nice bottle of wine because you know what they say--you only live once! 10pm Groovin' Maison des Artistes may not look like much; but it's a great time whether you want to chill or dance the night away. On the night we visited, the DJ played old-school hits that kept the dance floor rocking. Sip on some Genepy des Alpes for an herbal digestif and keep those hips swaying. . . Whether you enjoy the adrenaline of off-piste skiing/snowboarding or prefer strolling around a charming European village --Chamonix should be on your short-list. Spend the trip hopping around some of the world's best ski destinations in France, Italy, and Switzerland or relax with a day at the spa followed by a luxurious dinner. Chamonix has something for everyone and you'd be a fool not to check it out! Jackson Hole, Wyoming After Chamonix, one might roll their eyes at ski destinations in the states; but Jackson Hole is anything but eye rolling. With some of the US's steepest and varied terrain, you won't be bored. 12pm A Slower Pace I was surprised to grab a nonstop flight from Newark to Jackson Hole, but was even more surprised when my flight landed 45 minutes early. I was considering a half day on the slopes but decided to explore this cowboy town instead A couple walking ahead of me moved off the sidewalk and let me pass while looking at my strange. I offered a hello and they commented on my fast pace. Apologizing for being in "New York mode", I asked them for a food recommendation in town. They recommended Cafe Genevieve: a quaint cafe serving comfort food and great hospitality. Indulge in the chicken and waffles or explore other classics that keep the locals smiling. Time to walk off lunch with a stroll around town. There's plenty of souvenir shops to get lost in; but I enjoyed the antique shops and art galleries. I don't know who could afford some of the prices; but it was awesome to look around nonetheless. If you got the coin then you'll have a field day with beautiful taxidermy, ancient Indian textiles, local art, or custom cowboy boots. Grab some ice cream at Moo's Gourmet Ice Cream for an afternoon pick-me-up. On your way home, stop at Pearl Street Market & Bin 22 for provisions for the next couple days. Between the two, you should be plenty stocked on food and booze to keep you fueled for the slopes. 5pm Taxicab Confessions Snake River Brewing was the only spot my driver pointed out on the way to my hotel. He went on to talk about the burger and happy hour specials; so needless to say it's a Jackson Hole staple. If you're looking for something more spicy then hit up Thai Me Up for craft beers and Thai food. 8pm The Hot Spot The Rose is a great spot whether it's a pre-dinner cocktail or a night cap. Bartenders know their stuff, so no need to stick with beer. Not only are the bartenders quite knowledgeable but they're working with good ice and glassware which makes me totally willing to pay $14 for that well-stirred Manhattan. The Rose can get packed but it's your best chance of spotting a female if your sick of the ski-town sausage fest. Day 2 7am Rise and Shine Persephone Bakery is a great spot for a expertly-made cortado and pastry. If you're looking for a more complete breakfast than head over to Lotus Organic Cafe; but we're doing it European style with coffee and croissant. Before you know it you'll be squeezed into the tram heading up to Corbet's Couloir. The tram operator warns you that the terrain is dangerous and for expert skier only. He ends his rant with "If you don't know" while the riders yell back "Don't go." I'm not usually one to read signs, but felt inclined to read the one that describe Jackson Hole's extreme terrain: “It is huge. With variable terrain from groomed slopes to dangerous cliff areas and dangerously variable weather and snow conditions. You must always exercise extreme caution. You could become lost. You could make a mistake and suffer personal injury or death. Protect yourself—understand the trail map and ask questions before you proceed. Obey all trail signs and markers. Please think and be careful. Give this special mountain the respect it demands!” 4pm Well-deserved Beer After crushing runs with little room for error like Meet Your Maker--you'll be looking forward to a couple brews. No trip to Jackson Hole would be complete without a visit to The Mangy Moose. Heralded as one of the top apres-ski bars in the country; The Mangy Moose is an essential part of Teton Village's ski experience with plenty of food, booze, and live music. 8pm After Apres-Ski If the $130 lift tickets got you budgeting then hit up Liberty Burger for a fast-casual dining option. If your looking for something a bit more then head to Silver Dollar Bar & Grill or Trio. Silver Dollar Bar & Grill pairs classic American cuisine with Western ambiance while Trio focuses on seasonal and regional specialties. 10pm OxyMoron Walks Into a Bar Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is mostly tourist, but it's a piece of Jackson Hole history that cannot be skipped. Climb into a saddle stool and drink some Wyoming whiskey while the live band keeps you entertained. Whether your shooting pool, dancing, or just hanging --Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is likely a good time. Day 3 8am God's Country Although we hit the slopes again, I'd be lying if I didn't admit to my inner debate over exploring something else. The beauty of this place makes you want to explore and perhaps cancel you return ticket. If it wasn't for my love of skiing, I would have been snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park or even Grand Teton National Park --abundant with plenty of wildlife. Paragliding or Hot Air Ballooning also seemed intriguing, but I'll save that for next time. I will also add Kelly Hot Springs to the list as it seems more magical than the hot tub at our hotel. 1pm Last Day Lunch At the base of the mountain you'll see The Handle Bar inside the Four Seasons. Sit by the fire pits on the great outdoor deck and watch skiers go by or take refuge inside at a convivial communal table. The menu could be pricey, but it's more appealing than overpaying for a whack hamburger or sandwich on the mountain. Wash that porchetta sandwich down with a kolsch and you'll be ready for a few more runs. 4pm Step it Up If you're looking for something a bit more laid-back than the Mangy Moose in Teton Village then head to The Spur. A comfortable dining room and fireplace lounge give way to the perfect slope-side retreat. With an extensive bar--you'll have plenty of drink options whether you're looking for a cocktail or local beer. Grab a charcuterie board or some 307 fries with braised elk gravy and cheddar cheese. 9pm After a snacking at The Spur you may not be super hungry for dinner, but you won't get a reservation anywhere in town after 9pm. This didn't stop us from indulging in multiple courses at Local:a modern chophouse on the square. Some standouts were the Buffalo tartare and the dry-aged ribeye for two; but they even treated their vegetables with care like the squash and kale salad with a light maple-cider dressing. The food was quite good and I was happy to find my favorite domestic Pinot Noir from JK Carriere on their list. From One Cowboy Town to Another: Steamboat Springs, Colorado In an ideal world, I would have flown from Jackson Hole to Hayden; but flights into Denver were way cheaper. Plus flying into Denver meant a stop at Cherry Cricket for a burgers and some beers. The place is divey, but they have a good beer selection and the "build your own" burger is pretty tasty. if you're into exploring Denver's dispensary scene--I think there's one around the corner that's pretty sweet (my friend told me). 7pm We get on the road after lunch and make it to Steamboat Springs right before dinner. Nestled along the Yampa River in Northwest Colorado--this seems like a laid back cowboy town that attracts those not looking to mess with the likes of Vail or Aspen. Some of the guys take advantage of the free night skiing pass while I decided to explore town. Strolling along the promenade at the base of the mountain we find Truffle Pig that serves up a fine selection of food and booze. 10pm Since we had plenty of food and booze, I decided to play chef and cook up a chicken stir-fry for the guys. The house we rented was pretty awesome and we were waiting on some stragglers who had a later flight. The pool table, hot tub, and plenty of booze kept up busy. If we did go out, Mahogany Ridge was recommended by at least 4-5 people throughout the trip. Day 2 7am Hitting the Slopes Fueled up on breakfast sandwiches we hit the slopes. Steamboat is one of the largest ski resorts in Colorado with 2,965 acres of terrain. With 18 lifts and 165 named trails--the terrain is spread across six peaks. The whole resort is below the tree line so there are no alpine bowls and only a couple of chutes, but the tree skiing is rave worthy. Tree lined groomers and moguls make up the rest of the terrain, as well as an impressive terrain park and superpipe. We didn't get that "champagne powder" everyone always raves about; but it was a ton of fun. Grab a beer at Red's Bar at Thunderhead while enjoying the view and the company. 4pm Time for Taps Though you can find apres-ski throughout the promenade--we found T-Bar's feel just right. The scene that gathers here might not be as polished, but they sure are fun. Grab a hammer and play taps while watching skiers get in their last runs. 8pm STEAK If being in a cowboy town out west isn't reason enough to visit a steakhouse then add the fact that we're on a bachelor party. You'll have a bunch of choices, but we found that E3 Chophouse was on point. Well made Manhattans and a porterhouse for two kept me very happy. 10pm Right across the street is Carl's Tavern while a couple doors down is Sunpies. In fact, you'll find a bunch of eating and drinking destinations along Yampa. But if Carl's isn't doing it for ya and it's too early for Sunpies, then head to Lincoln Street for more options. Chances are you'll end up at Schmiggitys and you probably won't leave till they kick you out. The bar gets packed, but they usually have good music so get comfortable and enjoy the show. Day 3 10am Hair of the Dog If you did Schmiggitys right then you'll be hurting a bit today, but no worries because you'll be drinking before ya know it. Colorado is known for its vast number of breweries and today you'll check out two of Steamboat's, Start at Butcherknife Brewery with some beer flights and see where the day takes you. We ended up here for a few hours playing cards and ordering lunch to the brewery. We then hit up Storm Peak where we continued the fun and games with a couple rounds of Jenga, Raise the stakes and make some good rules so your buddy embarrasses himself --just thinking Katy Perry "Firework" while standing on a table. 6pm Gettin' Naked Located 7 miles from downtown--Strawberry Park Hot Springs is an essential stop on any trip to Steamboat. Here, a series of stone enclosed hot pools are set aside a mountain. Go during the day and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the landscape or go at night for more of a party atmosphere where clothing is optional. You might not think getting naked with all your guy friends is fun, but relax and let the hot springs do their magic. Play it cool and maybe that bachelorette party will wander over. 9pm Rocky Mountain Cuisine C.V. Bistro probably wasn't the best choice for dudes drinking all day; but I thought it was real good. For the price, some of our party wasn't impressed; but I thought the food lived up to the hype. I remember yellowtail jack crudo and wagyu beef tartare to be standouts, but how can I forget that bone marrow! Again, probably a bit more sophisticated for that moment in time, but I'm glad we checked it out. 11pm I Just Want to Dance Old Town Pub was the jump-off with a lively crowd and rocking band. The crowd seemed a mix of old and young with both tourist and locals alike. The line to get in was pretty brutal, but thinned out pretty fast. The band was pretty good, but we didn't get to stay too long as one of our friends got kicked out. So we made our way back to Schmiggitys where the dance party was in full effect.
