The best part of winter is snow—that is, if you like to ski or snowboard. And it is possible to fly to some ski resorts in the country that are easily accessible from general aviation airports. From Vermont to Colorado and Maryland to Maine, there are a number of GA airports that are close enough to winter resorts that you can find taxi service, shuttle vans, and/or a courtesy car to get you to the slopes.
Out west, pilots who love to ski or snowboard know that the resorts near Sun Valley, Idaho; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and Driggs, Idaho, are near some hospitable GA airports. On the east coast, Rutland, Vermont; Fryburg, Maine; Davis, West Virginia; and even Maryland’s Garret County have nearby resorts—all with varying altitudes and challenges. Snowshoe and cross-country ski areas abound too.
If you’re taking your skis or snowboards, remember your weight and balance calculations. And always call ahead for runway conditions. Oh, and one more thing: If you absolutely have to get back home at a certain time, reconsider flying yourself. Weather conditions may keep you grounded—but, hey, sitting by a fire waiting for the weather to improve doesn’t sound too bad, does it?
Related Articles
