The 10th Mountain Division Hut System contains 34 backcountry huts in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, each connected by 350 miles of routes perfect for backcountry skiing. Located between Vail, Aspen, and Leadville, the huts honor the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army, who trained at nearby Camp Hale in World War II. From the immense scale of the hut system to its dedicated community of users (the huts often book up months in advance), this is ski touring at its finest.

This past winter, the Alta Lodge celebrated 75 years at the base of its eponymous ski resort. The original, 12-room property first opened its doors on Nov. 29, 1940, when rides on the single-chair Collins lift were 25 cents and Alta ski area was just a year old. Catch a drink at the classic Sitzmark Club for a slopeside windows, a wood-burning fireplace, and an authentic take on Utah skiing.

Located on the third level of the Vail Village Parking structure, the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum might be easy to pass by. But inside, you'll find a range of exhibitions and a treasure trove of ski paraphernalia from across the decades. Don't miss the Colorado Snowboard Archive that showcases how the sport evolved from its earliest days in the 1930s to become the popular pastime of today.

The hike-to terrain at Telluride Ski Resort is some of the best in North America, featuring everything from steep trees to chutes and plenty of powder stashes. But not every mountain is so dedicated to its beloved expert skiers and snowboarders that they install two steel staircases and a bridge on the mountain, creating a literal stairway to heaven. Providing access to Gold Hill Chutes 9 and 10, a hike up the staircases feels more like Chamonix than Colorado, and that's just fine with us. The gorgeous views are a bonus.

This Squaw Valley staple doesn't just provide some of the best views in ski country, it's also a helluva good time. Located at High Camp at an elevation of 8,200 feet, the hot tub usually opens in March (you can check dates here) and provides a scenic back drop for some of the best après ski parties around. Arrive early and remember to hydrate.

No essential guide to ski country can be complete without the highest chairlift in North America. Opened in 2005 and topping out at a whopping 12,840 feet, the Imperial Express at Breckenridge Ski Resort isn't a long ride at just 2.7 minutes, but it provides access to some of Breck's best high-alpine bowls and hike-to-terrain. Oh- and the views aren't too shabby either.

Two-time site of the Olympic Winter Games and host to countless World Cup events, the Olympic facilities at Whiteface Lake Placid are worth a trip. Visitors can check out the Jumping Complex and get a bird's eye view of what jumpers see as they accelerate from the 120 meter tower.

Since 1995, the Lone Peak Tram has been shuttling expert skiers and snowboarders to the peak of one of the gnarliest mountains around. From the top you can see views of three states and on clear days you can even catch a glimpse of the Tetons. And while most skiers opt for top-notch turns off of double-black runs like Marx or Lenin, some thrill seekers go for the incredibly difficult Big Couloir. This is hero skiing at its best, with the entire tram line watching, mandatory turns, and a long no-fall zone. There's a reason you have to check-in at ski patrol before you attempt the Big Couloir.

The brand new Quicksilver Gondola at Park City Mountain was one of the largest news stories in the ski industry in 2015. As the crowning achievement of Vail Resorts' $50 million investment in Park City Mountain, the eight-passenger Quicksilver Gondola also linked Park City to Canyons to create America's largest ski resort. Together, Park City now has 41 chairlifts, more than 300 trails, and 7,300 skiable acres.

The oldest bar in Utah was originally built in the 1850s and started operating as a saloon in 1879. This iconic après spot is near skiing at Snowbasin and Powder Mountain, and the interior itself is worth a trip. You'll find a 298-pound Saint Bernard named Buck mounted on the wall, along with a massive moose and a slew of dollar bills pinned to the ceiling. Grab a Star Burger (just trust us) and prepare to people watch in one of the last true ski bars around.

Stowe's most recognized landmark has nothing to do with skiing. Instead it's a white, 19th-century-church with a high steeple that towers over town. Originally built in 1863, the Stowe Community Church may be well-known among church-goers for its Simmons pipe organ, but skiers and snowboarders use the church as a heart-warming sign that they've arrived at one of New England's best ski towns.

What's your favorite shrine on #Ajax? #Elvis #Aspen #AspenMountain @aspensnowmass @aspenco #skiing #snowboarding

A photo posted by Sky Hotel (@skyhotelaspen) on Dec 12, 2015 at 3:08pm PST

Aspen might be better known for glitz and glamour than for its die-hard ski population, but dozens of shrines in the forest prove that there's much more to meet the eye in this acclaimed ski town. Ski down Aspen Mountain and you'll fine shrines paying homage to Marilyn Monroe, John Denver, and Grateful Dead front-man Jerry Garcia. And while most of the shrines are on Ajax, you'll also see some shrines at nearby Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands, and Snowmass too. There's no map to the shrines, so if you want to find them your best bet is to ask a local or ski patroller.

Spring skiing doesn't get any better than Arapahoe Basin. The ski area tops out at 13,050 feet, an elevation that sometimes allows the lifts to run into July. The ski area presently has June 5 pegged as a closing day this year, which sounds mighty fine to us. Insider's tip: book a spot at the Beach, a set of prime parking spots that backs up to three lower mountain chairlifts. You can expect music, good food, and lots of beer.

Woolly is getting buried! These El Niño storms dropped almost 4 feet of snow on the mountain the past few days. If you're out there getting after it, share your photos with us using #mammothstories

A photo posted by Mammoth Mountain (@mammothmountain) on Jan 7, 2016 at 7:41am PST

Ski country isn't usually known for its statuary, but the Woolly Mammoth statue at Mammoth Mountain is popular enough to make the cut. Mammoth just wouldn't be the same without Woolly, especially because the statue is an easy way to assess just how much snow has fallen overnight. And while in winter we love Wooly for the snow, in spring we just can't get enough of Mammoth's sunny days.

The Roundhouse at Sun Valley isn't just another mountain-top dining destination. It was built in 1939 by Union Pacific Railroad Chairman (and Sun Valley founding father) Averell Harriman. The octagonal structure is today serviced by the Roundhouse Gondola and provides tremendous views and a sun-soaked patio.

as I'm looking at only steep runs of moguls in front of me ... #Taos #taosskivalley

A photo posted by beth daecher (@bethdaecher) on Feb 15, 2016 at 2:34pm PST

Taos Ski Valley has been known for decades for its unconventional trail signs and names, many of which can still be found on the mountain. Our favorite is this sign at the base of Chair 1 that tries to ease potential skiers' anxiety by explaining that not all of the mountain is as steep as what's in front of them: 1,800 vertical feet of Volkswagen-sized moguls on Al's Run.

And for a major bonus: skiing Snowbird in the spring is a rite of passage, and the ski area usually stays open through May. Score!

The Timberline Lodge in Oregon holds the esteemed honor of being the first hotel in a National Forest to be designed, built, and owned by the federal government. Constructed between 1936-1938 on the south slope of Mt. Hood, the 74,000-square-foot hotel helped to define the style of American ski buildings for decades to come. It's a great western lodge in the most classic sense, complete with a ninety-two-foot high stone fireplace, a central lobby, and plenty of wood and stone accents.

Was Tuckerman Ravine your first backcountry skiing experience on the east coast?? It was certainly mine... And I've had the earn your turns bug ever since!!

A photo posted by Backcountry Yoga® New England (@backcountryyoga) on Nov 24, 2015 at 11:03am PST

Deep in New Hampshire's White Mountains, Tuckerman Ravine has become known as the birthplace of extreme skiing in the United States. Each spring, thousands of snow pilgrims make the 3.1 mile trek to this thrill-loving destination at Mount Washington. The scene is part spring break debauchery, part serious skiing, but there's plenty to watch as skiers and snowboarders attempt to conquer the 45-degree average slope.