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When planning the perfect ski getaway, it's important to think about more than just the snow reports. To guarantee that your winter holiday is everything you want it to be, spend some time thinking about personal ski ability, types of lodging and the character of the surrounding community.

Amy Olson grew up in Westport, Connecticut, often spending winter weekends skiing Vermont’s Stratton Mountain. After college she moved to Idaho, where she now works as the Communications Coordinator for the Sun Valley/Ketchum Chamber and Visitors Bureau. Here Olson lists some important considerations for selecting the perfect resort for your next ski vacation:

• Think About Skiing Ability
  When choosing a ski resort, consider the skiing ability of everybody in the group. Do you want a mountain with plenty of black diamond trails for the expert skiers, or will you need a lot of gentle bunny slopes for the beginners?

• Shiny and New or Rustic and Historic?
  Will you be happy with a modern, newly built ski facility out in the middle of nowhere, or is it important to be near a historic mountain town with lots of local color and flavor?

• Check Out Kids' Programs
  When bringing kids, says Olson, you should look for a well-run ski school that fits their ability. This way, if you drop your kids off in the morning and go ski all day, you can be sure that they're with instructors who will take great care of them.

• Research via Internet
  The Internet is your best resource for ski-vacation planning. When you can surf the Web and see actual photos of potential sites, from resorts and restaurants to activities and excursions, you'll have a better idea of what your vacation will look like.

• Consider Town Ambience
  You'll want to get a sense of the ambience of the area in which you're considering staying. Do you want a sleepy village or a late-night party town? Ask the local visitors bureau if they cater more to quiet families or rowdy spring breakers. Many villages also feature live web cams that may provide a good indication of its true character.

For more information about ski resorts and skiing, check out the following organizations or websites:

Sun Valley-Ketchum Chamber & Visitors Bureau

Go Ski

Ski Resorts Guide: USA & Canada