Beaver Creek ....nice
Beaver Creek in Colorado is not only one of the world's poshest ski areas, but also one of the youngest. The Vail owned resort turns 30 next month, and there'll be celebrations of course for the anniversary of that first winter season that began in December 1980.
Despite that fact that it is one of the most youthful ski resorts ion the planet, Beaver creek's impressive credentials as a world class venue for downhill races mean that it is currently the only US stop on the men's world cup tour and that it has been awarded the Alpine Ski World Championships for an almost unprecedented third time, in 2015.
Mere mortals can test their mettle on the course, and beaver creek's other steep runs, by attempting to ski 24,000 vertical feet (or about 8,000 vertical metres) of very steep terrain in one day.
The Talons Challenge involves skiing or riding 13 of Beaver Creek's steepest and bumpiest black diamond and double black diamond runs on the legendary World Cup Birds of Prey downhill course, Grouse Mountain, and on the flanks of Larkspur Bowl.
Now in its eighth season, Talons Challenge is open to skiers and boarders and this winter is scheduled to take place on February 26th, 2011. Participation is limited to the first 1,500 applicants and that list fills up quickly.
Should you miss out, the Beaver Creek Ski and Snowboard School will be happy to take you on their own Talons Challenge program in which they offer you tips to help you accomplish your goal.