Powder Puff: Two Ultimate Ski Getaways

This is the sixth in a series of features sponsored by Hilton (www.hilton.com). To ignite your own memorable moments, discover top gay destinations and experience the most exciting LGBT-centric events of the season, visit www.GoOut.Hilton.com.

Snow bunnies (and their admirers) have their fluffy tails in a flurry, waiting with baited breath for substantial amounts of the white stuff to land on the east coast this winter. Those eager to hit fresh powder and beautifully groomed trails should consider heading to one of these renowned winter destinations, which cumulatively averaged 355 inches of snowfall last season.

PARK CITY, UTAH
The big news coming out of Park City this year is the opening of Park City Mountain Resort, which merged Snowbird with Canyons Resort to create a staggering 7,300 acres of skiable terrain and 41 lifts. A brand new $50 million gondola (scheduled to open by Christmas week) connects the two properties, making it the largest resort in America. Highlights include:

Not Too Cool For School - Regardless of your experience level, consider spending a day at Park City Ski and Snowboard School. Whether you're just learning how to balance or ready to tackle moguls, instructors can offer expert guidance in a group setting or private lesson.

Warm Up - Take a break from the elements at the brand new Miners Camp, a casual restaurant located at the base of Silverlode lift and the new interconnect gondola. Enjoy homemade casual fare including Mediterranean kabobs and gyros. For tableside service, Lookout Cabin (at an elevation of 8.300 feet) offers American cuisine and stunning views of Wasatch Range.

Let the Sun Shine In - Sundance Film Festival returns January 21-31, when even Hollywood's elite can't melt the Utah snow. If you can handle the paparazzi, the festival overtakes 13 intimate movie theaters in Park City to showcase some of the industry's best new works. This year's line-up includes fascinating documentaries about Robert Mapplethorpe and Michael Jackson (directed by Spike Lee), along with an insightful look at the relationship between Anderson Cooper and his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt.

Waldorf Astoria Park City
After a day in the elements, there's no better destination to unwind and settle in for the night than the Waldorf Astoria Park City. The property is directly connected to Park City Mountain Resort by the Frostwood gondola. Rooms and suites offer all of the amenities you'd expect from the Waldorf Astoria. Consider a high-class slumber party for family or friends with a three-bedroom suite that can sleep ten and includes five gas fireplaces, dining area, and a spacious living room. Of course, it's all about mountain time, so consider one of these signature experiences:

Ski with an Olympian - Two-time World Champion medalist and 2010 Olympian Nate Roberts will be your personal guide for a one- or two-day tour, which includes top-of-the-line demo rentals so you'll be skiing on the best equipment available.

Cocktails, Please - Waldorf Astoria's "Apr�s Butler" will ensure that the day ends as beautifully as it begins by preparing your preferred libation ahead of time, along with a selection of cheese and charcuterie. Specify your preferences and you can return to your room with the fire lit and a drawn, hot bath waiting for a luxurious soak.

Thrill Seekers - Back country skiers, prepare! This ultimate trip includes a two-day Wasatch Extreme Experience, premiering this season. You'll be outfitted by a custom ski stylist for back country exploration, enjoy Park City's local High West Distillery, then rise early for a private heli ski tour of Wasatch Mountain Range. Of course, no day of skiing is complete without a Mountain Salvage Sport Massage at the Waldorf Astoria Spa.

BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO
For a quintessential Colorado ski town, head to the charming enclave of Breckenridge, where you'll discover the Rocky Mountain's dynamic landscape. With a summit elevation soaring up to nearly 13,000 feet, be sure to ease into your ski/snowboard experience to adjust to the altitude. Once acclimated, you can take advantage of the more than 2,900 acres of ski/ride terrain, accessible by 34 lifts. Here are a few key points that make Breckenridge so unique:

Nestled in the 'Fourteeners' - Colorado is famous for its 53 peaks that rise above 14,000 feet. Breckenridge is in the midst of them, which offer scenic vistas but also impacts weather conditions.

Orographc Lift - Brush up on your meteorology. Orographic lift refers to weather patterns that move to higher elevation, resulting in an average yearly snowfall of 300 inches - that's a lot of powder!

An Epic Experience - Download the EpicMix app and experience the mountain in an entirely new way. You can create the perfect ski day by imputing basic information like your resort area, ability level, and amount of time you want to spend on the slopes. Voila! You've got a personal ski concierge to map your routes and track your progress.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Breckenridge
Location, location, location! DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Breckenridge is ideally located within walking distance of Breckenridge Ski Area's Peak 9; so when you're ready to hit the slopes, just walk outside!

There are also plenty of winter activities beyond skiing and snowboarding. Consider an invigorating snowmobile tour, dog sledding, sleigh riding, or a gold mine tour that pays homage to the region's history. Regardless of your plan for the day, consider taking advantage of a complimentary pre-ski yoga class to enjoy a good stretch before hitting the slopes or the streets.

Hilton's Go Out travel package offers premium Wi-Fi, welcome beverages, and late checkout when available, which will give your more time to enjoy the outdoor hot tubs or sleep in after a relaxing meal at 9600 Kitchen, the property's 'pasture to plate' restaurant offering rustic American fare including forest mushroom soup, Rocky Mountain elk rack, and Colorado lamb.