For the third time in a row and the 5th time this decade, the readers of Ski Magazine have ranked Deer Valley Resort the number one ski resort in North America. Down the road, Park City raised in rank from #5 to #4 this year. Neighboring resort, The Canyons also made the top 20 list.

Known for its diversity of terrain and easy access from Salt Lake City. Deer Valley Resort is best known for its commitment to providing a level of care rarely found at a ski resort; delivering classic, consistent, and quality service both on and off the mountain.

Rounding out the top 5 top resorts are 2. Whistler/Blackcomb, B.C. 3. Vail, CO. 4. Park City Mountain Resort 5. Beaver Creek, CO. TheSociety.com offers vacation home rentals in the top 5 resorts as voted on by readers of Ski Magazine.

It has been a tradition of Ski Magazine to list their top ski resorts annually. The ranking criteria consider many variations from terrain to nightlife to readership ratings. Last week we provided “opening dates” for a few resorts, this week, the top 30. Below is the list with a few comments added by our “winter sports specialists” here at The Society.com:

1. Deer Valley, Utah – no snowboarders allowed on mountain & limited # of passes sold per day.
2. Whistler Blackcomb, B.C. –site of the 2010 Winter Olympics
3. Vail, Colorado – largest single mountain resort in North America & legendary back bowls
4. Park City, Utah – consider the Silver Passport lift pass
5. Beaver Creek, Colorado – where locals escape Vail weekend crowds
6. Snowmass, Colorado – new base area for 2009/2010
7. Sun Valley, Idaho – say hello to Gov. Arnold of California
8. Squaw Valley, California – former Winter Olympics venue
9. Mammoth, California – option for the S. California resident
10. Steamboat, Colorado – western family resort, challenging trees and powder
11. Telluride, Colorado –hidden gem, culinary tour de force
12. Jackson Hole, Wyoming – not for the faint of heart
13. Heavenly, California – cross the border and gamble into the morning
14. Aspen Mountain, Colorado –the original “glamour gulch”
15. Breckenridge, Colorado – spring break central for colleges and universities
16. Northstar-at-Tahoe, California – small scale, big challenges
17. Aspen Highlands, Colorado – expert terrain and a Ritz-Carlton
18. Copper Mountain, Colorado – segregated terrain, bowls can challenge
19. Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana – never a crowd
20. The Canyons, Utah – see #4, Silver Passport program
21. Keystone, Colorado – a true resort with “charging privileges”
22. Big Sky, Montana – limited nightlife, to exhausted from skiing all day
23. Winter Park, Colorado – drop in next door at Mary Jane
24. Crested Butte, Colorado – high-altitude skiing/boarding
25. Snowbird, Utah – for strong intermediates and experts
26. Solitude, Utah – small family-oriented enclave
27. Taos, New Mexico – from valley heat to snowcapped peaks in 30 minutes
28. Alta, Utah – skiing as it was 40 years ago
29. Snow Basin, Utah – rustic chic
30. Alpine Meadows, California – Tahoe’s hidden gem

Whistler, the outpost of great skiing and boarding in British Columbia, Canada is preparing for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. While the resort area is well known for its winter sports pursuits, foodie’s in the know appreciate Whistler for its outstanding culinary opportunities.

One of our partners in Whistler is Whistler Tasting Tours. The owners, Skai and Joe provides visitors to Whistler and unforgettable experience to explore the best Whistler restaurants in one enjoyable evening on a Whistler Tasting Tour.  Each restaurant on the tour serves a delicious culinary creation paired with a tasty local British Columbia produced wines.  It’s a dining experience guests will not soon forget!

Of course, dining alone does not make a vacation. Be sure to check out vacation home rental options available through The Society at:  Whistler Vacation Home Rental Opportunities

Spring Break Society Style

Sun or snow, what’s your go?

The Society has numerous rentals still available for last minute, Spring Break bookings. For as little as $40/person/night, you can spend your break in a luxurious and private vacation rental estate or villa. Destinations including Oahu, San Diego, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Venice Beach, Mayan Riviera, Whistler, Vail, Aspen, and Sun Valley are awaiting your inquiries.

Below are a few of our highlighted discounts in Snow destinations.  View rentals in Sun destinations.

Go to Whistler to Ski: Get 2 Night Free.

3500 sq ft of luxury on 3 levels.
5 bedrooms. 10 person capacity.
Available Weeks of 3/21, 3/28 and 4/4
Retail: $8,225/week.
Special 2 nights free! Only $84/nt per person.

See More Details. Inquire Now.

Incredible Aspen Stay: Little to Pay.

Renovated victorian, located in Aspen’s core.
9 bedrooms. 18 person capacity.
Available Weeks of 3/21, 3/28, and 4/4
Retail: $42,000/week.
Special 33% off! Only $222/nt per person.

See More Details. Inquire Now.

Hit Vail’s Slopes in a Flash: Save Some Cash.

Outstanding private residence, walk to village/gondola.
5 bedrooms. 12 person capacity.
Available Week of 3/21. Many more available 3/21-4/4
Retail: $27,125.
Special 42% off! Only $187/nt per person.

See More Details. Inquire Now.

Impressive Sun Valley Places to Play: Ski Lifts Just Steps Away.

Overlooking Warm Springs Creek, steps from slopes.
4 bedrooms. 8 person capacity.
Available Weeks of 3/28 and 4/4.
Retail: $7,000/week.
Special $200/nt off + 1 nt free! Only $86/nt per person.

See More Details. Inquire Now.

More Discounts -

Beaver Creek, CO:

The Former Home of President Ford
http://thesociety.com/vacation+rental/23357
Inquire Now
# it sleeps: 12+
Retail Rate: $7920
Special Rate: $6400
Weeks available:
3/21-3/28      Y
3/28-4/4        Y
4/4-4/11        Y

833 Strawberry Park Road
http://thesociety.com/vacation+rental/23332
Inquire Now
# it sleeps: 14
Retail Rate: $4895
Special Rate: $3750
Weeks available:
3/21-3/28      Y
3/28-4/4        Y
4/4-4/11        Y

3698 Daybreak Ridge
http://thesociety.com/vacation+rental/23323
Inquire Now
# it sleeps: 16
Retail Rate: $4895
Special Rate: $3950
Weeks available:
3/21-3/28      Y
3/28-4/4        Y
4/4-4/11        Y

Vail, CO:

225 Forest Road
http://thesociety.com/vacation+rental/20210
Inquire Now
# it sleeps: 12
Retail Rate: $2650
Special Rate: $1780
Weeks available:
3/21-3/28      N
3/28-4/4        Y
4/4-4/11        Y

695 Forest Road
http://thesociety.com/vacation+rental/20225
Inquire Now
# it sleeps: 10
Retail Rate: $1960
Special Rate: $1100
Weeks available:
3/21-3/28      Y
3/28-4/4        Y
4/4-4/11        Y