Three-time Xterra World Champion Melanie McQuaid joins team.

Some of the cyclists at the women’s crit clinic in North Austin are nervous and somewhat shy. They fidget with their cycling gloves as they quietly introduce themselves. “I’ve never ridden a road bike,” one woman says. “I’m just seeing what it’s like,” says another woman, laughing nervously. That’s absolutely fine with Lori Barrett, team leader of the elite category two women’s team which races for Team Hotel San Jose. “The main point is that it’s fun,” she says.

Chairlifts are circling again, poles and gloves are coming out of storage and a mug of hot chocolate has never sounded so good. It’s official: ski season is here! We’ve compiled a list of some of the best resorts to check out this year, from quiet mountain villages to booming party towns. Grab your ski jacket, don’t forget your chapstick and come along as we preview your next winter getaway…