readers' travel tips

Winning tip: Mount Bachelor, Oregon Underrated and little-known, Mount Bachelor is snow-sure with winding, tree-lined pistes and plenty of accessible backcountry. It’s just one of the spectacular volcanic peaks which dot the western US.A ride on the “Summit Express” to the 9,000ft peak offers views across to the Three Sisters trio of peaks and numerous marked and unmarked routes back down the mountain. Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are also popular activities in the area. youcantalan Waitsfield and Warren, Vermont The twin Vermont ski villages of Waitsfield and Warren are a real joy, full of organic bakeries, artisan studios and friendly locals who frequent the range of après-ski bars and restaurants and make tourists feel welcome and valued. nicolletta Las Vegas Ski, Nevada You probably don’t think of Vegas for skiing but there are some fun runs in the Spring mountains at an altitude around 2,800 metres, ranging from beginner to expert and the scenery is stunning. For après-ski, the Vegas strip is just down the road.