Smooth Operators: Follow the Leaders

Where do the experts vacation? Our ski-travel gurus fess up.

Chips Lindenmeyr

President, Lindenmeyr Travel, New York; 800-248-2807,lindenmeyrtravel.com

Destinations Served

Austria, France, Switzerland

Favorite Resort

Chamonix, France

Best Advice

“Take a helicopter ride from Chamonix over the Argentière Glacier. You can see people on the Haute Route and climbers on the ice as you circle the peak of Aiguille du Midi and look down into the valleys.”

Lance Cygielman

Managing Director, Ski Vacation Planners, Jackson Hole, Wyo.; 800-822-6754, skivacationplanners.com

Destinations Served

Western U.S., Alaska, Canada, South America

Favorite Resort

Kicking Horse, B.C.

Best Advice

“Book one of the two suites at the top of the gondola. You get incredible views and you own the place for the night, since it comes with a caretaker and a chef. As soon as ski patrol opens the mountain, you’re skiing powder before the first customer is halfway up the gondola.”

Bruce Rosard

President, Moguls Mountain Travel, Boulder, Colo.; 800-666-4857, moguls.com

Destinations Served

Western U.S., Canada, South America, Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland

Favorite Resort

Whistler/Blackcomb, B.C.

Best Advice

“I like the new Sundial Hotel in Whistler. It’s located across from the lifts and it’s in the heart of everything. It has beautiful one- and two-bedroom condos, some with private hot tubs. There’s a rooftop hot tub that was installed this summer.”

Daniela Gugliotta

Marketing Manager, Ski Europe, Houston; 800-333-5533, ski-europe.com

Destinations Served

Andorra, Austria, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy

Favorite Resort

Zermatt, Switzerland

Best Advice

“Ski down to Cervinia, Italy, and stop for lunch at the Rifugio Teodulo for great Italian dishes. For a view of the Matterhorn, ski on the Rothorn side down to Chez Vrony in Findeln for lunch. On a sunny day you’ll enjoy a spectacular view while tasting some true Swiss specialties.”

NOVEMBER 2004