When to go: February and March.
What's there: The Mauna Kea slopes have varying amounts of what locals call "pineapple powder." The mountain, an extinct volcano, is seeing the best snow in years, with three or four feet in some spots. Generally, skiers cover no more than 2,500 vertical feet, though occasionally large snowfalls pile atop dangerous lava rock. The slopes aren't groomed, and there are no ski shops around for equipment rental.
(Las Vegas Ski And Snowboard Resort Dave Bassett)
|
|
Cost: Free, if you have the equipment. Otherwise, Ski Guides Hawaii (808-885-4188, www.skihawaii.com) will take you to the top and give you a guide for $250 per person (minimum of three people), plus $50 to rent ski or snowboard equipment.
Getting there: Mauna Kea is 1 1/2 hours from Hilo on the Big Island (a 30-minute flight from Honolulu). Getting to the top is tough, because there is no ski lift and the road isn't paved. Skiers take turns driving, picking up others at the bottom of runs.
Info: Ski Association of Hawaii, www.hawaiisnowskiclub.com.
• MOUNT LEMMON SKI VALLEY IN SOUTHERN ARIZONA
Best for . . . anyone who wants to boast about skiing at the southernmost resort in the continental United States.
When to go: Mid-December to late March, right after a snowfall.
What's there: Though this resort in the Santa Catalina Mountains is not Arizona's top ski spot -- head north to Sunrise Park Resort or the Arizona Snowbowl for that -- the wet winter has been good to the south, leaving plentiful snow. However, since this is the desert, the powdery, dry snow melts fast. That's why the resort is often packed right after the snow stops falling. Most of those skiing here are college students from nearby Tucson, locals and even Mexicans coming north for a day trip. The 18 ski trails lead to one area, making Mount Lemmon ideal for groups of varying skill levels to keep an eye on each other.
Cost: Lift tickets are $35. Ski rentals are, $20 and snowboard rentals are $33.
Getting there: Mount Lemmon is an hour's drive northeast of Tucson.
Info: Mount Lemmon Ski Valley, 520-576-1400.
