For die-hard downhillers, winter is all about hitting the slopes on skis or a snowboard. These 10 North American resorts are sure to satisfy your snow fix.

Vail Ski Area
Vail, Colo.

Located 100 miles west of Denver in the central Rocky Mountains, Vail is one of the West's biggest and most popular ski resorts.

Resort stats: Vail boasts some impressive stats: four terrain parks, seven bowls, 33 chair lifts, and 5,289 acres of freeride terrain. And at seven miles wide, it's easy to score fresh tracks for skiing or snowboarding. It's a great place for expert skiers, with more than 50 percent black diamond trails. For a refreshing change of pace, check out sleigh rides, back-country skiing, snowshoeing or even dog sledding. Thanks to its free bus system, Vail makes it easy to get around town.

When to go: This season starts November 20 and ends April 18, 2010.

Image courtesy Vail Resorts

Visit www.vail.com for more information.