The United States, and the western part of it specifically, has some of the best places to snowboard in the world. That means you don’t have to venture too far to participate in one of the most epic snow sports around. Snowboarding has increased in popularity over the last decade, so it’s no surprise that resorts have started catering to them, too. We’ve curated our top five picks of destinations you should try your skills out this season.
1. Breckenridge, Colorado
It should come as no surprise to see Colorado on our list. With five peaks (Peaks 6-10) and 180 trails within the Rocky Mountain Ten-Mile Range, Breckenridge is a snowboarding and skiing mecca. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a first timer, there are a variety of slopes ready and waiting for you.
Intermediate-Advanced
Right under the lift line of Peak 10, you’ll find smooth, steep groomers that allow you to cruise at altitude. Looking for natural and rugged terrain? Head to the northside or southside of Peak 10 to find rock outcroppings, glades, and moguls.
Beginner-Intermediate
Start your adventure at Peak 9, also known as one of the best places to learn to ride. There are beginner slopes at the bottom, mellow learning areas throughout, and intermediate terrain at the top. Peak 9 also has the closest base area to downtown Breckenridge, with two small base areas (the Village and Beaver Run) that offer lift tickets and rentals. There are plenty of chairlifts and easy access to the surrounding peaks, as well.
While in Breckenridge, tour the largest historic district in Colorado, shop over 200 boutiques on Main Street, and experience fine dining.
Season: November-April
2. Park City, Utah
Want to experience the same slopes as Olympic gold medalists Shaun White and Torah Bright? Then pack your snowboard and head over to Park City, Utah. Home to one of the most progressive park and pipe setups, Park City Mountain offers six terrain parks which include one halfpipe and a mini pipe. That means there’s something for every rider!
Intermediate-Advanced
Their flagship park zone is called 3 Kings and gives you the choice of four trails all converging into one freestyle experience. Make your way over to the Pick n Shovel terrain park for an array of large jumps and jibs perfect for more advanced riders.
Beginner-Intermediate
If you’re not much of a jibber or jumper, you can check out Eagle superpipe for more transitions. Pick Axe also offers medium jumps, rails, and boxes prime for intermediate-level riders. If it’s your first time snowboarding, there’s a selection of small jumps, boxes, and rollers at Little Kings park.
Park City has over 100 bars and quaint shops, an art center, and a distillery worth exploring when you’re not on the slopes.
Season: November-April
3. Mammoth Lakes, California
Looking for a more extended season? Experience snowboarding on a variety of snowy terrain under the sunshine at the highest ski resort in California. Mammoth Mountain offers alpine bowls, above tree line runs, and endless groomers. Snowboarders of any level can enjoy thousands of acres of snow here amongst 175 trails and 25 lifts. Additionally, Mammoth Mountain has the largest ski school in California, so any rider can learn something new here.
Intermediate-Advanced
The Snake Run is defined by its short jumps and mellow berms that combine to create a rhythmic shred pace that more advanced riders will love. Known as the “BMX Run,” this terrain has been compared to riding a bike through a pump track. If you’re an expert-level snowboarder, you’ll want to venture over to Main Park or The Hemlocks.
Beginner-Intermediate
The Disco, Wonderland, and Eagle playgrounds are ideal for helping you gain confidence on freestyle terrain. They have beginner-friendly features like gentle rollers, small snow spines, and mini-boxes. Check out the Forest Trail for more well-proportioned jibs and jumps that will allow intermediate-level riders to progress their skills.
In The Village of Mammoth, there’s an array of restaurants, bars, and shops to discover.
Season: November-June or July
4. Vail, Colorado
Home to over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain, Vail is one of the largest ski resorts in the U.S., making it any snow lover’s dream. While it’s mostly a haven for skiers, there are several epic parts of the mountain available for snowboarding. Don’t miss out on 195 trails, 31 lifts, and seven back bowls.
Intermediate-Advanced
With quick access to the mountain via the Riva Bahn Express Lift, you can head straight to Golden Peak. Discover over 30 features, multiple jumps, a 500-foot Superpipe, and more. Ruder’s Run is a wide intermediate trail that runs parallel to a grove of aspens, which is a must-ride in Vail.
Beginner-Intermediate
At Golden Peak, you can also find Vail’s renowned Ski and Snowboard School. This makes for a great home base for any first-timers looking to progress. Take your first turns at Gopher Hill or check out Pride which has four beginner-friendly features.
The Vail Village is enchanting and has four access points to the mountain from two chairlifts. In your spare time, explore lodges, boutiques, and galleries. You can even book a horse-drawn sleigh ride if you want an authentic snow village experience.
Season: November-April
5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
If Jackson Hole isn’t already on your snowboarding bucket list, add it now! Spread over 2,500 acres of Alpine terrain, riders will find extreme slopes catered to more advanced snowboarders. Sitting at the base of the Teton Range of the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming, Jackson Hole Mountain is well known for its pristine powder and jagged peaks.
Intermediate-Advanced
Depending on weather conditions, the Corbet’s Couloir drop can go from a few feet to a huge drop, making it expert-only terrain. There’s also the “Stashley” Ridge, known for being Jackson Hole’s most challenging run with large features like the satellite dish, ninja pillows, and field goals.
Beginner-Intermediate
Although most of the mountain is for more advanced riders, Little Stash is perfect for beginners. Features include a tree fort, mini log rides, and banked tuns to help you improve your skills. For the next level up, Deer Flat Stash has a beginner-intermediate landscape that includes the popular moose jib and wall ride.
Season: April-November
Downtown Jackson is only a few miles away on the START shuttle and has the old feel of the west. Visit local bars, restaurants, and shops during your downtime from the slopes.
Planning a west coast road trip? Check out our road trip checklist at the bottom of this article before you take off to make sure you have everything you need before you go.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources and is offered for educational purposes. Furthermore, it should not replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
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Ready, set, cook! With the big game just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to plan out your game-winning spread filled with tasty eats. Although staples such as burgers and hotdogs are always welcomed, we’re going big this Super Bowl and mixing things up a bit. To keep your guests fed through the final quarter, we put together this list of Super Bowl recipes that are certified crowd favorites.
Super Bowl Recipes for the Big Game
1. Pigs in a Blanket
A good Super Bowl spread understands the importance of appetizers and finger foods. With so much excitement on the screen, it’s hard to take your eyes off the action at times. Kicking off our Super Bowl recipes list is a quick and easy appetizer that only requires two main ingredients: pigs and a blanket.
Ingredients:
8-ounce can of crescent roll dough
14-ounce package of cocktail-sized smoked sausages
1 large egg
Everything bagel seasoning (optional)
Instructions
1. Begin by preheating your oven or air fryer to 375F. Next, open the can of dough and unroll it on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Cut each dough triangle into three smaller triangles.
2. Pat the smoked sausages dry then place one sausage on the wide end of 1 small triangle. Next, roll the sausage toward the narrow end of the triangle, allowing the dough to overlap and wrap around the sausage. Place the rolled sausage point side down on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Repeat this step for the remaining sausages.
3. Whisk together an egg with a splash of water in a small bowl to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over each pig in a blanket and top with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning.
4. Bake until dough is puffed and golden brown, or for around 12 to 15 minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!
If you haven’t made a spinach artichoke dip before, be prepared to welcome in a new favorite. Not only is this dish super delicious, it’s also incredibly easy to put together. Filled with flavor and cheesy goodness, you’ll be coming back for seconds…and thirds.
Ingredients
14-ounce can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
½ cup of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
8-ounce package of cream cheese (softened)
¼ cup of mayonnaise
¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup of Romano cheese
¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350F and lightly grease a small baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan, Romano, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Once combined, gently stir in artichoke hearts and spinach.
3. Transfer the mixture to your baking pan and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven until the top is bubbly and lightly browned, or for around 25 minutes.
4. Remove from oven and enjoy. Serve with potato chips, pita bread, or veggies.
Looking for recipes that will bring some heat to your Super Bowl party? We got you covered. These bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers deliver non-stop creamy, spicy flavors with each bite.
Ingredients
12 slices of bacon, cut in half
12 large jalapenos, sliced in half lengthwise with insides removed
8-ounce package of cream cheese softened
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400F. Line a sheet pan with foil and lay down the bacon slices (without overlapping). Partially bake for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove bacon from the baking sheet and set a wire rack on top. Spray the wire rack with cooking spray.
2. While bacon is cooking, slice jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the insides using a spoon.
3. In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Using a spoon, spread the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeno half (do not overfill).
4. Wrap each jalapeno with a ½ slice of bacon, using a toothpick to secure in place. Place jalapeno poppers on the wire rack.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and cheese is melted. Remove from heat and serve.
It wouldn’t be a Super Bowl recipes list without a grilling option. These grilled tri-tip steak sandwiches are a personal favorite of ours…and once you try them yourself, you’ll understand why.
Ingredients
Recipe and image from AIS Team Member Eddie
3 pounds of tri-tip
8 ciabatta bread rolls (or thick sourdough)
Provolone cheese
4 jumbo yellow onions
4 tablespoons of butter
Salt and pepper
1 package of washed arugula
¼ cup of olive oil
Your favorite steak seasoning rub
Your favorite BBQ sauce
Instructions
1. Begin by coating the tri-tip with your favorite steak seasoning, then cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least an hour. Remove and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before transferring it to the grill.
2. Heat grill to 500F. Once hot, sear all sides of your tri-tip over direct heat for 3 to 5 minutes.
3. After searing, reduce the grill to medium heat and finish cooking tri-tip over indirect heat until the steak’s internal temperature reaches 130F, or for approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
4. While the tri-tip is cooking, caramelize the onions. Thinly slice your onions and transfer them into a skillet alongside the olive oil and butter. Cook and stir until onions change in color and appear somewhat transparent. Turn off the heat and set aside.
5. Once the tri-tip reaches the correct temperature, remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes. Cut the tri-tip into thin slices (across the grain) and prepare for assembly.
6. In a small bowl, lightly coat washed arugula with a drizzle of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. To assemble the sandwich, begin by toasting your bread. On the bottom bun, add some BBQ sauce if desired and top with thinly sliced tri-tip. Next, add a slice of provolone cheese followed by the caramelized onions. Finish by adding arugula and the top bun.
If we’re talking about football eats, it’s impossible not to mention chicken wings. Truthfully, you can marinate these however you like, and the cooking process will be the same. Oh, and if you ask us, drums are superior.
Ingredients
2 pounds of chicken wings
¼ cup of melted butter
2 tsp of salt
1 tsp of garlic powder
2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp of lemon juice
1 tsp of lemon zest
1 tsp of Dijon mustard
Instructions
1. Pat wings dry using a paper towel and preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Combine salt, garlic powder, and 1 tsp of pepper in a small bowl. Next, add wings to the seasoning mixture to coat.
3. Place wings on the grill. If too many flames flare up, reduce heat slightly. Cook wings for 15 to 20 minutes in a closed grill while rotating every 3 minutes (helps prevent skin from burning).
4. Remove wings from the grill once they reach an internal temperature of 170F.
5. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp of pepper. Toss warm wings into the sauce. Plate and enjoy.
It’s the big game, so all eyes are going to be glued to the screen. We like to serve sliders instead of traditional burgers at our cookouts to prevent the chef from missing any of the action.
Ingredients
2 pounds of ground beef
24 dinner rolls
12 slices of cheddar cheese
½ large onion, finely diced
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of pepper
1 tsp of garlic powder
2 tbsp of melted unsalted butter
1 tbsp of sesame seeds
½ tbsp of olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350F and grease the bottom of a rimmed baking sheet.
2. Place a large skillet over medium/high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add in the diced onions and ground beef, using a spatula to break the meat apart. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Continue to cook until the beef is fully cooked through.
3. Cut your dinner rolls in half. Place the bottom half on the greased baking sheet and line the bread with sliced cheese. Next, evenly spread the ground beef mixture over the cheese. Cover beef with any remaining slices then place the top buns (cut side down) over the burgers. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle over sesame seeds.
4. Bake at 350F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and buns are golden brown.
Whenever working with fire, it’s important to follow a few safety guidelines. If you’re grilling for the big game, be sure to clean your grill to prevent hazardous fires. Check out these tips on how to clean your grill properly before each use. For more recipes and celebration tips, head over to our holidays and recipes section for more inspiration.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources and is offered for educational purposes. Furthermore, it should not replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
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After becoming a homeowner, you’ll likely consider purchasing a home warranty plan. In essence, a home warranty plan protects you against unexpected expenses from costly repairs on your home systems and appliances. Home warranty plans typically cover appliances such as your washer and dryer, air conditioning system, major kitchen appliances, and your home’s plumbing and electrical systems.
Home warranty coverage is something that you can add at any point during home ownership, and it plays an important role in keeping the things you love up and running. Although not required, there are many reasons why homeowners decide to purchase a home warranty plan. In this guide, we’ll go over the top five reasons why home warranty coverage can be a valuable purchase.
1. Protects Your Budget
As a homeowner, budgeting is essential as it helps you save money and plan for things you want to accomplish. However, just because you have a budget in place doesn’t mean it will be easy to stick to. After all, life does happen, and unexpected expenses are always around the corner.
Purchasing a home warranty plan can help your monthly budget stay intact. For example, if your air conditioning system malfunctions and requires significant repairs, you could be in the hole for thousands of dollars. With a home warranty plan, however, the repair or replacement costs will be covered. This will apply to any listed appliances, such as your loyal refrigerator or dryer. Purchasing a warranty plan prevents these costly repairs from putting a significant dent in your budget and setting you back.
2. Provides Quality Help
For some, the prospect of having to fix a broken microwave or dishwasher is an exciting home project. However, if you’re not one of those people, having home warranty protection is an excellent idea because you will have someone standing by to handle tricky repairs for you. Most quality home warranty companies have a network of service providers in your area who are:
Licensed and insured to help you avoid scams
Monitored closely and scored based on customer feedback
Carefully vetted and approved before being sent to your home
Trained to effectively repair a wide range of systems and appliances
3. Covers Only What You Need
Home warranty plans are not “one size fits all.” This means that you won’t have to pay for coverage on things you don’t even own. A good home warranty company will present you with several options for coverage that will work best for you. This gives you the flexibility to choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. For instance, if you don’t own a hot tub, why should you have to pay a premium for hot tub repair? Coverage flexibility allows you to get a great deal on protecting the appliances that matter most to you.
4. Discover More Ways to Save
Fun fact: in addition to helping you save on repairs, home warranty plans can also come with some additional perks. Imagine being able to buy new appliances at a discounted rate! Since brand-name appliances can be expensive, this is a big deal. Depending on your provider, you may be eligible for special saving opportunities through your home warranty plan. In addition, keep an eye out for enrollment offers that could give you 1–2 months free when you sign up for a year-long plan.
5. Gain Peace of Mind
Although savings are great, the true benefit of a home warranty plan is the added peace of mind knowing your home’s systems are covered. The last thing you want to worry about is one of your home’s major appliances failing without the funds to properly fix or replace them.
When you enroll in a home warranty plan, you position yourself to avoid hefty repair costs and know exactly who to call when your refrigerator, dishwasher, or any other covered appliances you rely on daily need fixing. These appliances undergo a significant amount of wear and tear over time. A home warranty plan allows you to live your life without major setbacks slowing you down.
AIS Can Help
For most homeowners, a home warranty plan is an excellent complement to homeowners insurance that helps to maximize your coverage. If you’re interested in purchasing home warranty coverage, AIS has partnered with Cinch to offer plans that can protect your home’s appliances and major systems. To learn more about how affordable a Cinch home warranty can be, begin your quote online or call (833) 640-0969.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources and offered for educational purposes only. Furthermore, it should not replace the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms, and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied. The opinions expressed by guest bloggers are theirs alone and do not reflect the opinions of AIS Management LLC, any subsidiary or affiliate of the same, or any employee thereof. We are not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by guest bloggers.
