THE FACTS ABOUT SUNDAY RIVER

USA

WHERE A small village on the New Hampshire border, with the Grand Summit Resort Hotel at one end and the Jordan Grand Resort at the other; the self-catering apartments scattered between the two are served by a bus service. WHAT A ridge of eight peaks with 18 lifts. The 1,450 snow-making cannons provide ample snow assuming the temperature is low enough. A good choice for families: après-ski includes floodlit 'tubing'. WHY Beginners benefit from the ski school's graduated-length method (see Les Arcs), which helps them gain confidence quickly. Novice snowboarders have their own mini-pipe. These slopes remain blissfully uncrowded. HOW Three-hour drive from Boston through exquisite New England countryside. You can ski straight out of the Jordan Grand Resort. www.sundayriver.com