Is it snowing where you are yet? Even if it’s not or never will, the reality of skiing season is upon us, and no self-respecting Jetsetter should be caught dead not knowing the best three places to head for to get the tips of your skis white. Vail, Colorado, is so last century, though still pretty darn good scene to make.

Deer Valley, Utah

If it’s pampering you want, this is the place to go. Ranked by Ski Magazine even ahead of legendary Vail, Deer Valley has actually topped this list two years in a row now. It seems to us that it might be worth checking out. One reader wrote in to say it was like “skiing in the lap of luxury.” The runs are maintained with obsessive attention to detail, but when it comes to skiing, we all know that, for many winter enthusiasts, it’s not really all about the skiing. With Deer Valley you can expect four-star service from the dude pulling you out of a snowbank all the way up to president of the property.

Vail, Colorado

Vail stands somewhat in opposition to Deer Valley in that the focus is on the skiing. Vail gladly cedes the pampering and white-glove service to other locations (like Deer Valley), though one shouldn’t mistakenly assume that you’ll be slumming on a winter vacation to these famed slopes. Vail is still Vail and there ain’t nothing low rent about that.

Whistler Blackcomb

Landing at #3 on Ski Magazine’s list is a name that might not be quite as familiar to the Jetsetter more accustomed to passing winter’s freezing grip on the sunny beaches of St. Tropez: Whistler Blackcomb in British Colombia. On the plus side, expect almost daily snowfall in season that leaves the runs with frequent fresh powder. On the minus side, all this snow comes at the price of rainy drizzles, cloudy mountain vistas, and an entire holiday where you might not see the sun. It’s like Paris in a way, enchanting to some, intolerable to others.

To be sure, there are many other fine skiing spots around this world, but if you’re looking for the crème de la crème as ranked by a knowledgeable source, you could do worse than these three. And when you show up ready to hit the slopes, tell ‘em Jason Hartman sent you. (Top image: Flickr | Hyougushi)

The Jetsetter Show Team