Book excerpt: A guide for both skiers and snowboarders to the slopes and resorts of the US and Canada, covering over 100 destinations from world-class mountains to local gems. There is in-depth coverage of the ski areas, including piste reviews, suggestions for backcountry forays, details of boardparks and tips on avoiding crowds. The guide also provides informative and colourful reviews of the other attractions that make up a ski trip - hotels, restaurants, bars, spas and shopping.