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Winter is coming. No, seriously, winter is really coming. That means gloves and hats, hot chocolates and hot toddy's, and, of course, the onset of winter signifies hitting the slopes. Is there anything more freeing than dashing down the side of a snowy mountain on skis at a reckless speed, curving left and right over moguls, or teaching a terrified friend how to do "French fry" (point the skis downhill and go...fast!) or "pizza" (whoa, point those skis together in a triangle and stop!)?

We here at The Travel have studied all sorts of winter activities and came to the nearly scientific conclusion that skiing, regardless of ability, is an awesome way to spend the winter.

Trying to make winter plans? We have put together a guide on what to consider when choosing the right resort, and mountains, and how to find that dash of black diamond bravery.

Related: 10 New Hampshire Ski Resorts Perfect For Avid Skiers

Where To Ski: From Beginner To Expert

There are so many fantastic mountains to enjoy winter sports on. From Aspen to Lake Tahoe, there are plenty of incredible slopes that will make for an amazing experience. Skiing and snowboarding are the kinds of activities that are ideally learned young.

It's easier to fling oneself down a mountain when your center of gravity is just a few feet off the ground. Still, it's never too late to learn, and most resorts offer lessons that can speed up the learning process and get folks off the bunny slope.

What should everyone, from beginners to experts, consider when choosing where to go? For starters...

Study The Slope Map

The first thing one should do is study the mountain map and count how many ski slope colors are green and blue. Green runs are for beginners, so the slopes will generally be less than a 25% gradient. It will be less icy, with fewer moguls, and the run will be even wider to allow kids and novices a wide berth.

It's best to ensure there are several blue runs as well because these are considered only moderately more difficult, and once folks get comfortable on their skis or board, changing it up with more challenging slopes will add to the fun.

Expert Skiers Seek Black Diamonds That Challenge

For the experts on skis and snowboards, be sure to check slope maps for Black Diamonds that present the widest range of challenges. Black diamond runs are the most difficult on the mountain and should only be tried when one considers themselves an expert skier.

Black diamonds will have a gradient of 40% or higher--it will be the steepest slope, tends to be more narrow than others, and may feature dangerous hazards, like cliffs, trees, and rocky outcrops. Even for very confident skiers, the unexpected variety of the types of black diamonds means only skilled skiers should attempt them.

There are also double black diamond runs, and, as one can imagine, these combine steep terrain and significant hazards that may require skiers or snowboarders to stop suddenly or make extremely controlled turns in narrow spaces. These runs are astonishingly difficult, and only a truly advanced skier can handle them.

Related: Bundle Up: 10 Of The Coldest Ski Lifts In The World

When To Ski: The Best Times To Hit The Slopes

After studying the resort map and renting a pair of skis or buying a new board, it just becomes a question of when to go. Many resorts open the day after Thanksgiving, and all of them are open for the holidays.

However, Christmas tends to be the most expensive time to ski and the most crowded. And while there is no more festive time to put on the goggles and enjoy a winter wonderland, waiting in long lines for the chairlift can dampen the experience. This is why the best times to ski are from early January through March.

The powder will be fresh, and the crowds will be more manageable. This is especially true for anyone with the flexibility to hit the slopes on a weekday. Or, for another kind of quiet experience, night skiing is a must. The lift tickets are significantly less expensive, and guests will enjoy sparsely populated slopes under a crisp blanket of stars.

Where To Go For The Best Skiing

For folks located in the northeast, there are several awesome options to choose from. Lake Placid offers incredible runs, and it's easy to see why the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics were held here.

Of course, heading to Vermont is another great option, and Killington and Stowe offer legendary skiing. For iconic skiing and a chance to rub elbows with celebrities, Aspen is the place to be. For folks fortunate enough to head to picturesque Wyoming, skiing Jackson Hole will be a memorable experience. And for those on the West Coast, Lake Tahoe offers incredible views and varied terrain to experience.