Alta

Number of lifts: 7 lifts — 2 quad, 3 double and 2 triple

Vertical drop: 2,020

Skiable acres: 2,200

Terrain: 25 percent beginner, 40 percent intermediate, 35 percent expert

Top elevation: 10,550 feet

Number of runs: 115

Snowboarding: No

Terrain parks: 1

Comment: It was in 1935 that legendary skier/ski jumper Alf Engen stepped into what was then a dusty bowl and proclaimed that this would become one of the greatest ski areas in the world. Two years later, Alta opened with what was then the second operational chairlift in the world.

Alta has long been called the "resort for skiers." Being in a natural bowl, passing storms tend to sweep in and circle around, dropping snow at record depths.

One of the fun parts about skiing at Alta is the history that comes with the resort. One run in particular, for the experts, is Alf's High Rustlers, once voted one of the best runs in the country because of its snow and "perfect pitch." If you can't ski it, at least you can see what a "perfect" run looks like. The new high-speed lift has also made it easier to ski the area with one lift, top-to-bottom.

Beaver Mountain

Number of lifts: 5 — 1 triple, 3 double, 1 surface

Vertical: 1,600 feet

Skiable acres: 664

Terrain: 35 percent beginner, 40 percent intermediate and 25 percent expert

Top elevation: 8,800 feet

Number of runs: 30

Snowboard: Yes

Terrain Park: 1

Comment: Beaver Mountain is probably one of the few resorts left in the country that is completely family-owned. The area was founded by Harold "Harry" and Luella Seeholzer back in 1938, who, it was reported, "were looking for a fun winter recreation for their children and friends." A surface tow was soon installed, and Beaver Mountain became a labor of love for the family.

Beaver Mountain is comprised of two main mountains, along with an