Berthoud Pass, USA

Freeriders are in for a treat - there’s an abundance of great terrain to ride. The Continental Divide chair gives access to a mixture of steep blacks and double diamond chutes, cliffs and drop offs - not for the faint hearted, or the beginner. There is also a backcountry access point here for those powder lovers and steep freaks. Tree lovers should check out the half-a-dozen gladed runs in the Pumphouse Basin area where there is usually a fresh layer of thick powder. Floral Park, reached off Mines Peak chair, also gives access to some steep gladed runs. However, it's the Current Creek slopes that offer the best cluster of steep blacks.

Freestylers are also in for a good time at Berthoud. The slopes are peppered with amazing drop offs and big hits. The Hell’s Half Acre/East Side slopes are full-on. Make sure you have balls or firm tits, because the High Trail Cliffs are super-scary - attempt these at your peril. However, the fun-park, also on Hell's Half Acre, is not so daunting and easily reached from the Lodge.

Carvers who can ride fast, hard and hold an edge, welcome, as this place is for you. The West Side slopes off the Continental Divide chair offer a number of good cruisey blues and blacks, with a couple of double diamond blacks thrown in for good measure, such as Rush Chute and Nitro Chute.

Beginners, since Berthoud is not for you, go to Winter Park which is only a few minutes away. Saying that, if you're a competent first timer and can learn quickly, there are a few easy trails to check out before taking on the harder stuff.