Who said anything about walking in a winter wonderland? If you’re hooked on the feel of wind on your cheeks, snow beneath your feet and a whole lot of speed, you won’t want to miss these top ski destinations. Nestled along the Rockies, these North American towns and cities are among the world’s best places to get that a mountain rush.

There’s a lot of ways to experience the slopes, and we love them all. If you’ve got the kids in tow, or are a novice yourself, hit the bunny slopes of ski-anywhere resorts in Salt Lake City. Craving something a little more death-defying? Try your skill, and luck, on Vail Mountain, the world’s second largest single ski mountain. Snowboarding more your thing? They’ve got that too. And it’s not just the slopes that make these destinations great. From the laid-back mountain charm of Breckenridge, to the haute-couture attitude of Aspen and the neon casinos of Lake Tahoe, there’s plenty else to do between treks up the mountain. Like raucous parties, kick-back bar rooms or cozy, cocoa-sipping lodges? How about multi-day festivals that include demos, deals and concerts? Or do you want to unwind and gaze out at pristine lakes, untamed forests and vast wilderness of Whistler? You can do it all in these white wonderlands.