5 Reasons to Visit North Wales

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With its dramatic scenery, charming villages, and surprisingly creative food scene, it's a mystery why visitors to Great Britain still often overlook Wales for its cousins Scotland and England. Many who do choose to experience the Welsh lifestyle stick to southern cities like Cardiff and Swansea, but the smart traveler will head north to explore the fierce beauty and delicious natural bounty there, all while avoiding the crowds found elsewhere in Britain (you're on your own navigating around all those sheep, though). Here are five reasons to make North Wales the top spot on your next European itinerary.
BODNANT WELSH FOOD CENTRE



If you're still struggling with the idea of Britain being a premier foodie destination, it only takes a few hours at this working farm/dairy/winery/gourmet restaurant to realize that Wales might be leading this unexpected culinary renaissance. Next to the gorgeous Bodnant Garden in the heart of Conwy Valley, you'll find the perfect starting point of a Welsh food tour at Bodnant Welsh Food Centre, a farm shop selling locally produced meat, bread, produce, cakes, pies, and more. There's a dairy on-site churning out traditional handmade cheese and ice cream, as well as a bee-keeping center producing honey and lotions. Aspiring oenophiles will want to check out the wine shop, which sells both local wines as well as bottles from the world's largest wine regions; classes are available to learn about wine tasting and food pairing. The cooking school offers a variety of courses throughout the year on everything from how to cook fresh local fish to making pastries. Enjoy lunch or dinner in the Hayloft Restaurant; you can even stay the night at the adorable Furance Farmhouse.
LLANDUDNO

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Prepare to step back in time when you enter the quaint Victorian seaside town of Llandudno, just north of Conwy. The brightly colored architecture alone is enough to conjure up visions of an old-fashioned summer holiday, relaxing on the beach (yes, even here temperatures in the summer warrant some sun-bathing) and strolling on the elegant promenade along the water and the pier filled with shops, food stands, and amusement park rides. Rising up behind the town is Great Orme Country Park, where tramways and cable cars can take you to the summit for stunning views, hiking trails let you encounter sheep and goats, and copper mines teach you about the history of the area.
SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK



North Wales' dramatic beauty is most evident at Snowdonia, with its 840 square miles of mountains, valleys, lakes, and rivers stretching from the Welsh midlands to the northern coast. Visitors can base themselves in the rustic village of Betws-y-Coed, and stock up on any necessary hiking or camping gear. Once you venture into Snowdonia, prepare for gorgeous scenery and striking views of nearby mountains, villages, and castles. At 3,559 feet, Mt. Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales (and England), and many adventurous travelers choose to make the trek to its summit. The less active can experience the park's beauty by taking one of several railways that transport you from one end of the park to the other.

Insider's Tip: Especially adventurous travelers should check out the Llechwedd Slate Caverns, located in the heart of Snowdonia. The caves themselves are gorgeous and haunting, as is the story of the region's mining history, which you can discover through exhibits and tours. But the real must-do is taking the zip line through the mines and surrounding mountains; you can also bounce around on the world's first subterranean trampoline inside the mines.
ANGLESEY



The lovely island of Anglesey is just off the coast of Northwest Wales, connected to the mainland by two bridges. On the picturesque island, you'll find several delightful villages filled with friendly B&Bs, lively pubs, and quaint restaurants offering more locally produced Welsh cuisine; two highlights include Beaumaris (along with its medieval castle) and the village with the longest name in all of Britain: Llanfair­pwllgwyn­gyllgo­gery­chwyrn­drobwll­llanty­silio­gogo­goch—seriously. Almost 70% of the islanders here speak Welsh, so it's also a great place to work on the complicated but charming language. Around the coast, you can explore dozens of hiking trails and paths; a highlight is the coastal walk to Llanddwyn Island, named for the patron saint of Welsh lovers (or the Welsh St. Valentine), where you can wander among the downright magical sand dunes and rocky cliffs. Anglesey is so romantic, in fact, that Prince William and Kate Middleton made it their home while they were engaged and for the first few years of their marriage.
CAERNARFON CASTLE


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Wales is home to approximately 641 castles, and there are plenty to appease history and architecture buffs in the north. Not too far from Snowdonia National Park, there's Caernarfon, one of the most imposing medieval castles in the country, and a strong contender for most Winterfell-esque. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was built in 1283 by British King Edward I in a bid to gain control over the Welsh. Today, visitors can explore the grounds and the well-intact towers, picturing the deception and bloodshed that came with the eventual cessation of Welsh forces to the British. Maneuver through the dark passageways up to the open-air towers where you'll find fantastic views of the town and the River Seiont.

Ultimate Guide to Vermont's Best Ski Resorts

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While the western half of the United States often gets credited with having the country's best ski resorts, the East Coast has no shortage of mountains where skiers and snowboarders can hit the slopes. Throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic, dozens of ski resorts can be found in states like New York, Pennsylvania, Maine, New Hampshire, and most notably, Vermont, which reigns supreme. With 43 Nordic (cross-country) and Alpine (downhill) resorts, the Green Mountain State offers more ski areas than any other in the region, featuring a wide variety of resorts that appeal to every ski level and traveler type.

There’s another reason Vermont should be on your ski-resort radar: The 2014–15 season may very well be among the best the state has seen. That’s because many resorts significantly upgraded their snowmaking capabilities in 2014 as part of a $15 million statewide program that replaced many outdated snow guns with new, low-energy models. Promising to expand the efficiency and coverage of resorts’ snowmaking efforts, which help keep trails open even when the weather doesn’t cooperate, these new machines also aim to improve the quality of snow surfaces and extend the ski season. Below you’ll find need-to-know information on eight of Vermont’s best ski resorts, so you can decide which location is right for you.
KILLINGTON RESORT



Rightfully nicknamed "the Beast of the East,” Killington stands out with its superlatives: the highest skiing elevation in Vermont (4,241 feet at the summit of Killington Peak), the largest vertical drop in New England (3,050 feet), the longest ski season in the Eastern U.S. (usually late October/early November through mid-May), and the largest skiable area in the East (1,509 acres). Comprised of six mountain areas (a seventh, Pico Mountain, is technically connected, but operates as a separate resort), Killington has 155 downhill trails, which are roughly divided equally between beginner, intermediate, and expert levels. You’ll find the longest trail in the Eastern U.S. here: Juggernaut, a green run that measures 6.2 miles. The resort also features six terrain parks for snowboarders and freeskiers.

Though it’s popular with experts, Killington is also a great resort for novices, as it features new terrain-based learning areas and offers lesson packages that include a free snowboard or pair of skis. No matter what your level—and even if you don’t participate in snow sports at all—be sure to stop in for lunch or a drink at the Peak Lodge; located atop Killington Peak, it promises breathtaking views of five states, Canada, and three mountain ranges through floor-to-ceiling windows. Killington loyalists also know how to party, as anyone who’s experienced the access-road nightlife can attest.
STOWE MOUNTAIN RESORT



Located between Burlington and Montpelier, the town and ski resort of Stowe is actually comprised of two mountain areas, Mansfield and Spruce Peak. The mountains boast a combined 116 trails, more than half of which are graded at an intermediate difficulty level; only 16% of the trails are greens, making Stowe a better option for experienced skier and riders. The resort also has six freestyle terrain parks for adventure-seekers. For cross-country skiers, Stowe offers four interconnecting areas with a combined 90 miles of groomed trails that wind their way through the town.
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Stowe’s allure can also be found away from the mountains: The town is idyllic in appearance, and Main Street is folksy and postcard-perfect. It’s also become a place to dip into luxury. Six-storyStowe Mountain Lodge, at the base of Spruce Peak, simultaneously manages to be one of the greenest and poshest mountainside lodgings in the world (enjoy that complimentary access to a Mercedes-Benz!), while Topnotch Resort offers relaxation and spa treatments a few miles from the ski resort. And, of course, there’s the lively après-ski scene, which kicks off as early as 2 pm on weekends.
MOUNT SNOW RESORT



Located in the gorgeous Green Mountain National Forest, Mount Snow has the distinction of being Vermont’s closest large-scale ski resort to major metropolitan areas in the region (2.5 hours fromBoston, 4 hours from New York City). Its four mountain areas (Main Face, North Face, Carinthia, and Sunbrook) feature 80 trails, nearly three-quarters of which are blue runs. That shouldn’t discourage beginners, though, because Main Face has some fun green runs that go from the 3,600-foot summit all the way to the bottom. North Face, meanwhile, features the most advance terrain, including tree-skiing areas and the double-black-diamond trail Ripcord.

Mount Snow’s most unique feature, however, is Carinthia, an entire mountain face dedicated to terrain parks; it's the only one of its kind on the East Coast. Spread over 100 acres, the 12 parks here feature rails, jumps, and a superpipe, making it an ideal place for snowboarders.

Also of note: The resort is home to the Bluebird Express, the first six-passenger bubble chairlift in the East, which cuts down on wait times for getting to the summit. Mount Snow also has one of the best snowmaking systems in the mountain-resort industry, having invested more than $25 million in enhancements since 2007, including the installation of more than 250 high-output fan guns (the most of any North American resort) and, in 2014 alone, the addition of 645 new low-energy snow guns.
STRATTON MOUNTAIN RESORT



Just north of Mount Snow lies sophisticated Stratton, which SKI Magazine readers have ranked in the top 10 resorts for snow, grooming, lifts, terrain parks, service, lodging, on-mountain food, dining options, and après-ski/nightlife. Clearly, this is a resort with something for everyone to enjoy, including shopping, both in the village and in nearby Manchester. Home to the tallest peak in southern Vermont (at 3,875 feet), Stratton has 97 trails spread over 670 acres, with 160 acres of gladed terrain. The trail breakdown—40% novice, 35% intermediate, 25% advanced—favors nonexperts, but thrill-seekers have plenty of black and double-black trails to choose from, plus six terrain parks.

Stratton prides itself on its immaculate grooming and also its lifts, which make up the fastest fleet at any resort in the East. If you prefer to stay off the slopes, there are 11 miles of cross-country trails to tackle, as well. The resort’s sports center, open year-round, has a 25-meter indoor pool, hot tub, steam room, and a fitness facility.
JAY PEAK RESORT



Four miles from the Canadian border sits Jay Peak, which sees an average of 380 inches of snow annually, more than any other ski area in the Eastern U.S. Accordingly, it's renowned for its powder, especially since some skiers complain about a lack of fresh snow at other resorts in the state. Jay Peak is also home to the state’s only aerial tram, which transports up to 60 people from the base to the summit in just seven minutes. Two interconnected mountains make up the resort, which offers 78 trails on 385 acres of skiable terrain, more than 100 of which are backcountry terrain. One-fifth of the trails are beginner-level, with the remainder evenly split between intermediate- and expert-level runs. There are additionally four terrain parks, each rated for different abilities, and 12 miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiers.

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been poured into resort improvements over the past five years, reflected in the gleaming slope-side amenities. In addition to three new hotels, recent additions include more restaurants; an ice arena for hockey, figure skating, and curling; and an indoor water park (maintained at a balmy 80 degrees), where you can learn to surf.
OKEMO MOUNTAIN RESORT



While many resorts are owned by large corporations, Okemo has been family-run since 1982. At 2,200 feet, it sports the largest vertical drop in southern Vermont, with 120 trails spread across 644 acres on four mountain areas. Trail difficulty is almost evenly divided between novice, intermediate, and advanced, but winding, rolling blue runs are the resort’s specialty. The mountain may lack the white-knuckle difficulty of nearby Killington, but there’s a laid-back appeal in Okemo’s cruisers, which are known for being particularly well-groomed.

This season, Okemo installed a new, six-person bubble chairlift with heated seats, making it quite possibly the warmest lift in the United States. Popular with families, the resort regularly receives high rankings in various magazines’ reader surveys for family-friendly resorts and kid-focused activities. Okemo offers multiple terrain parks for all skill levels, including the longest superpipe (500 feet) in the East. The resort also has 13 miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

There’s a good deal of fun to be had off the slopes, too: The Adventure Zone offers activities like snowcat excursions and a mountain coaster, while the Spring House has a sauna and family pools with slides.
SMUGGLERS' NOTCH RESORT



Better known as Smuggs, Stowe-adjacent Smuggler’s Notch takes its name from a narrow mountain pass that was once used by smugglers to transport illegal and embargoed goods across the Canadian border. With three mountain areas, the resort has 78 runs, half of which are designated blue trails. Smuggs is considered Vermont’s best family resort—SKI Magazine’s readers ranked it "#1 Kid-Friendly Resort in the East" for this season—but there’s more to it than that. For one, Madonna Mountain boasts some of the most challenging trails in New England, including Vermont’s only triple-black-diamond run, Black Hole. There are more than 1,000 acres of skiable terrain here, including wooded glades, in addition to six terrain parks spread across all three mountains. For cross-country skiers, Smuggs offers 18 miles of trails.

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Still, it’s the family fun that keeps visitors coming back year after year. Evening torchlight parades and fireworks are among the highlight of any family’s stay, while zip-line canopy tours and nature snowshoe walks offer alternatives to downhill adventures. Kids also love the FunZone, a recreation center where they can play video games, run an obstacle course, and more.