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Olympic Runs
By Michelle Reneau

We asked Winter Olympic competitors Stacey Cook and Keely Kelleher to name their favorite ski runs, providing an insider's look at popular skiing destinations across the planet. While they vied for medals at this year's Winter Games, you see if their choice ski runs make the grade.

Stacey Cook
Sport: Alpine Skiing
Hometown: Mammoth Lakes, California

Mammoth Mountain, California
Favorite run(s): Dragon's Back and Dragon's Tail
In her own words: It seems to get more snow than the rest of the mountain on powder days and the tree skiing is amazing. I really only cruise down to that part of the mountain on powder days or when it is really crowded, the trees make it feel like you can get away from everyone. The run is not super long, but it is pretty steep and challenges the best of skiers, I think that free skiing will help you in the gates, and tree skiing is even better. If you can dodge a tree, you can dodge a gate (and ball).
While you're there, we suggest: Ride Mammoth's Panorama Gondola to the mountain's summit. Once there, you can explore the area's volcanic and cultural history at the interpretive center then step outside to take in the amazing view.

Portillo, Chile
Favorite run: The Lake Run
In her own words: It's a wide-open run and you can really let it fly!
While you're there, we suggest: Tio Bob's, a restaurant at the top of Lake Run, is where you'll find U.S. Ski Team members on a rare day off. "You can go eat a great meal and then cruise down an epic piste," Cook says. "You have to hike out on a frozen lake at the bottom."

Northstar at Tahoe, California
Favorite run: Iron Horse
In her own words: Iron Horse on the backside is always a thrill. It's one of the most technically challenging runs I have ever been on. I grew up ripping around on this mountain so I know its ins and outs, and it always keeps me coming back for more. It's a hard run to ski down without stopping for a break. It challenges the body and mind. I have always thought they could run a world cup race down this slope; it would be awesome.
While you're there, we suggest: Northstar caters to kids. In addition to tubing, geocaching, and a bungee trampoline, they have two adventure areas on the mountain where the terrain is just their size.

Zell am See/Kaprun, Austria
Favorite run: Cook says, "I'm still exploring — it would be unfair to pick a favorite when I haven't seen it all."
In her own words: Zell am See/Kaprun is the new hometown for the women's U.S. Alpine Ski Team in Europe. There are lots of mountains in this region to choose from. We just had an awesome day of early morning training on the mountain in Kaprun. We were up on the lift at 7 a.m. for the sunrise and then had the run to ourselves for a few hours — that's one of my favorite parts of this job.
While you're there, we suggest: Treat yourself to the newly renovated, Hotel Tirolerhof. It's located in the centre of Zell am Ziller and offers a spa, gourmet dining, and access to transportation to local activities.

Keely Kelleher
Sport: Alpine Skiing
Hometown: Big Sky, Montana

Lone Peak Mountain in Big Sky, Montana
Favorite Run: Any run off the tram and Snake Pit
In her own words: I have traveled to the most desired ski destinations in the world and out of all those places I've been, I have to say my hometown of Big Sky, Montana, is my favorite. I've been skiing there for 24 years: The terrain is unbelievable, the people are wonderful, the scenery is breathtaking, and who doesn't love no lift lines on a powder day? As a kid it was my babysitter, and I have fond memories of ripping through Snake Pit, trying to keep up with the boys, and beating them down the run.
While you're there, we suggest: With over 50 miles of nationally ranked, groomed cross-country ski trails, you might consider some nordic, as well as downhill, skiing.

Coronet Peak, New Zealand
Favorite run: Any
In her own words: Skiing in the Remarkables mountain range is breathtaking. I got there in August and it had just dumped a foot! Skiing powder in August always makes the experience that much sweeter.
While you're there, we suggest: Night skiing. Offered on Friday and Saturday nights, it's a great way to avoid big crowds at the lift line.

Portillo, Chile
Favorite run: Any run off a roper jack (a 6-person t-bar lift)
In her own words: There are plenty of shoots and cliffs to ski off and wide open bowls to lay arcs into.
While you're there, we suggest: Exploring the vast region. Portillo is in the middle of the Andes Mountain range isolated from the world. It's a three-hour drive from Santiago, up twisting switchbacks. You can only look up to see what you are driving into because the canyon is so steep. "Being there all I thought about was skiing, mainly because everyday — whether a snowstorm or blue-bird day — the skiing was amazing," Kelleher says. "I arrived during September to a huge snowstorm; it was the lightest powder I've ever skied."

Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
Favorite run: Any
In her own words: Cortina d'Ampezzo has so much personality and so much to explore. I race there every January and the snow reminds me of snow in Colorado. Racing in Cortina, Italian fans come out cheering! It's always a good feeling when I come here. The town at night lights up. The pizzerias can't be missed. The terrain is steep to moderate, and the tree skiing is always good.
While you're there, we suggest: Sightseeing. Cortina is picturesque ... Precisely the reason it's chosen for movie filming. Explore the area and try and spot sites from 1963's The Pink Panther, For Your Eyes Only, or Cliffhanger.

St. Moritz, Switzerland
Favorite run: Any
In her own words: I've had some of my best results in St. Moritz. I love the feel of it. If Aspen were to be in Europe, St. Moritz would be it. It is above tree line, and rolling terrain can be skied down most of the runs. You can take a train up higher to the top of the mountain where the skiing gets extreme. On a sunny day there is no place I'd rather ski that St. Moritz. It seems like the skiing goes on forever.
While you're there, we suggest: Other snow activities, such as cross-country skiing. "Last year I went cross-country skiing with my teammates around the lake," Kelleher says. "I've been coming here for six years and every year brings a new adventure. Also check out the hockey and horse polo on the lake in the afternoons."