TIPS FROM THE PROS

Garnering local knowledge can make all the difference when you vacation on the slopes. Whether you’re seeking fresh tracks for an early morning descent or looking for dining and après ski gems, acquiring that info is often easier said than done.

Lucky for you, a few American pros have revealed their home-town favorites.

BY BRYCE HUBNER

JIMMY COCHRAN is a national champion many times over—not to mention a 2006 Olympian. Prior to making the US Ski Team, he was a standout at the University of Vermont, where he spent countless hours on the slopes of STOWE MOUNTAIN:

BEST BEGINNER RUN: “Gondolier and Perry Merrill—both are accessed from the gondola, and are great, wide open cruisers.”

BEST EXPERT RUN:“The famous ‘Front Four’ trails are pretty sweet, especially Starr—a Stowe rite of passage. For high speeds, opt for Hayride, but watch out for the compression and left turn at the bottom. I crashed into the woods there once.”

BEST APRÈS SKI HANGOUT:“The Matterhorn Bar. Expect distinct local flavor. Get wings to eat, of course.”

MOST AFFORDABLE FARE: “Piecasso Pizza. Their pizzas are tasty.”

WORTH-THE-SPLURGE FARE: “The Green Mountain Inn. It’s not the fanciest place in town, but it’s a beautiful setting and the food is delish.”

BEST MOUNTAIN LODGE:“Topnotch Resort and Spa.”

MUST-DO ACTIVITY: “For expert skiers, Hell Brook Trail. It requires hiking to the chin of the mountain from the top of the gondola. It’s not for the lazy; those vertical feet are earned.

GRETCHEN BLEILER is equal parts gorgeous woman and fiery, feared competitor. Fresh off winning a 2008 ESPY for Action Sports Woman of the Year, she’s also one of the most decorated snowboarders in US history. Bleiler has lived most of her life in ASPEN, CO. Here are her top picks:

BEST BEGINNER RUN: “Buttermilk Mountain. Out of the four mountains in Aspen, it’s the easiest and most forgiving terrain.”

BEST EXPERT RUN: “Hike up the Aspen Highlands Bowl on a powder day for wide-open, fast, bottomless turns… The hike’s tough, but worth it.”

BEST APRÈS SKI HANGOUT:“The Sky Hotel’s bar, 39 Degrees. It’s a swanky atmosphere with a nice, big fireplace, really cozy couches and chairs, great drinks and après food.”

MOST AFFORDABLE FARE: “The Big Wrap. Try the ‘To Thai For.’”

WORTH-THE-SPLURGE FARE: “Matsuhisa. I love the black cod.”

BEST MOUNTAIN LODGE: “The Little Nell.”

MUST-DO ACTIVITY: “Take a snowcat powder tour on the backside of Aspen Mountain.”

DARON RAHLVES is a Bay Area native and three-time Olympian who grew-up shredding the mountains around Lake Tahoe. He recently took up skier cross, winning gold at the 2008 ESPN X Games last January. When winter sets in, you’ll find him at SUGAR BOWL, in Norden, CA (187 miles from San Francisco):

BEST BEGINNER RUN: “Nob Hill and White Pine—short, mellow and easy.”

BEST EXPERT RUN: “Access terrain from the Mt. Lincoln Express Quad and the Disney Express Quad… Great tree skiing, open bowls and steeps through chutes and rock outcroppings. Silver Belt to Sugar Bowl is the zone for experts.”

BEST APRÈS SKI HANGOUT: “Beltroom Bar has a nostalgic feel, plus you have an awesome view. Judah bar is where most of the locals hang.”

MOST AFFORDABLE FARE: “Village Pizzeria and Taco Jalisco.”

WORTH-THE-SPLURGE FARE: “Moody’s Bistro in Truckee is a great place to splurge on food, wine, drinks and a good vibe. They also have local to world-renowned jazz bands four nights a week.”

BEST MOUNTAIN LODGE:“Sugar Bowl’s Village or The Lodge at Sugar Bowl.”

MUST-DO ACTIVITY: “Take a drive to Lake Tahoe to watch the sun go down and get a bite.”

Vacation Like a Pro