Between the Rockies and the Appalachian Mountains, the U.S. is home to some of the world’s most iconic ski resorts and ski towns. Are you gearing up to hit the slopes this upcoming winter season for some adrenaline-pumping fun, or, like me, do you prefer winter activities that don’t involve strapping on a pair of skis or a snowboard? Not only can avid skiers and snowboarders experience the thrills of speeding down a mountain but there are also plenty of activities at the resorts and surrounding towns for those of us who do not wish to ski or snowboard. We are incredibly lucky to have so many ski resort options in this country. Here are the best ski resorts in America for your next winter getaway:
Ski Resorts in the Western U.S.
Within the Rocky Mountains, the Cascade Range, and the Sierra Nevadas, you’ll find the vast majority of epic ski resorts in this country. The terrain, higher elevations, and drier snow conditions make the western U.S. ideal for some of the most epic skiing and snowboarding in the world. Here are some of the best ski resorts out west:
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Skiing at Lake Tahoe is a dream for many. As in the above photo, just picture yourself skiing downhill with the view of the largest freshwater lake in America in your line of sight. Stunning!
There are several ski resorts surrounding Lake Tahoe with most in California. Palisades Tahoe, for example, was home to the skiing events during the 1960 Winter Olympics and offers world-class skiing today. For those who don’t feel like hitting the slopes, the Palisades offers lodging in its village, a spa, outdoor hot tubs, an aerial tram for scenic views, and shopping. Just spend a relaxing day at the spa or perusing the shops before heading to dinner at one of the resort’s many restaurants.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Whether you enjoy winter sports or not, Jackson Hole, Wyoming is an absolute winter wonderland this time of the year! Set in the Tetons of western Wyoming, Jackson Hole experiences between 400 and 500 inches of snow during the winter months making it an ideal ski and snowboard spot in the U.S. Additional activities such as ice skating, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, heli-skiing, winter bike tours, and wildlife tours make this resort community fun for the entire family. Jackson Hole is also home to several fine dining establishments alongside luxurious accommodations at resorts like the Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa or Hotel Terra.
Telluride, Colorado
Skiers and snowboarders from all over the world have Telluride, Colorado on their bucket lists. Why? Well, not only are the town’s powder conditions and diverse terrain optimal for all ski levels but you also can’t beat the scenery surrounding the town. With snow-capped mountain peaks towering above, this is a magical place to be any time of year but especially so during winter. The town offers more than just excellent ski conditions, too! In addition to ski-in/ski-out resorts like the posh Madeleine Hotel & Residences and the luxurious Inn at Lost Creek, visitors can peruse Telluride’s historic district, go dog sledding or ice skating, go for a hike, or relax in the hot springs. This town truly has it all for a memorable winter getaway.
Aspen, Colorado
While Telluride is always an excellent ski town to visit, Aspen, Colorado is one of the most popular in the country. Aspen is known for its luxury hotels and resorts, five-star dining, nightlife, and high-end shopping, and is home to several world-class ski resorts. Among the most popular ski resorts in town are Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort which offers an Aspen Mountain Powder Tour and Buttermilk Ski Resort, home to a challenging terrain park and the X Games. For those seeking an outdoor adventure that doesn’t involve skiis or a snowboard, go for a winter hike at Maroon Bells, take a gondola ride, or go ice skating downtown. When you stay in Aspen during the winter, you’ll experience luxury in a gorgeous mountain setting that rivals anywhere else in the U.S.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Home to one of the oldest ski resorts in the country, Sun Valley, Idaho may as well be called “Snow Valley” once winter arrives. The town experiences an average snowfall of 175 inches annually, and its consistent snow makes it a popular ski resort town in the Pacific Northwest. With its diverse terrain across 2,500 acres and 3,400 vertical feet, any level of skier from novice to expert can enjoy time on the slopes. For those of us who would rather stay in town instead of hitting the slopes of Dollar or Bald Mountain, there’s so much to see and experience! In fact, you can take the family bowling or to the movies if you’d rather spend time indoors or head outside for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, or even a winter wagon ride. If you’re searching for hotels in the area, try the Sun Valley Resort, a ski hotel with a spa, or Knob Hill Inn which is nestled in the mountains and has an indoor pool.
Deer Valley Resort, Utah
There’s no doubt that Utah is a mecca when it comes to skiing. After all, it hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics so you know there’s first-rate skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and other winter sports to be found here. Among the ski resort towns in Utah, Park City is the most popular as well as the most beautiful in the state. This town, while small, is utterly beguiling any time of the year but especially covered in a layer of snow. While there are winter sports aplenty including sledding, snow tubing, and ice skating, you may also attend a winter festival or event, browse local boutiques on Main Street, and discover endless incredible dining options. For ski-in/ski-out accommodations, make a reservation at Stein Erikson Residences near Deer Valley Resort, one of the town’s two major ski resorts.
Ski Resorts in the Northeast
While the western part of the United States experiences more consistent snowfall during the winter, conditions in the Northeast can be variable. However, if you live on the East Coast and want to take a day or weekend ski trip to one of the region’s charming ski towns, there are a few excellent options.
Waterville Valley, New Hampshire
Set in the beautiful White Mountains, the family-friendly Waterville Valley Resort in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire has 11 lifts, 62 trails, and a vertical drop of 2,020 feet. If you’re getting your small children into skiing, kids ages 5 and under ski for free here! (Just make sure to get a Tyke Ticket at the ticket window for them to use during your visit.)
In addition to skiing, guests can explore the town’s dining and shopping establishments and go hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tubing, sledding, and snowmobiling. I love all of these fun options, and you will, too! And if you’re looking for a place to spend the night, take a look at the Silver Fox Inn which has 32 rooms and offers views of beautiful Mt. Tecumseh.
Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont
I am a huge fan of the town of Stowe and stay at the Trapp Family Lodge, owned by the famous von Trapp family of The Sound of Music Fame, when visiting. Not only is the town utterly charming but it also offers wonderful dining options at establishments like Harrison’s Restaurant on Main St. and The Bench on Mountain Rd. as well as cafes like The Roastery. In addition to exploring the town, there are winter activities aplenty here. At Vermont’s Stowe Mountain Resort, for example, skiers and snowboarders will spend all day cruising down the slopes of Mt. Mansfield, the highest peak in the state.
Ski Resorts in the Southeast
You may be surprised to learn that, yes, there is skiing in the Southeast. While there aren’t as many ski resorts as there are out west and snow conditions can be quite variable year to year, there are a few places to enjoy outdoor recreation in the southern Appalachian Mountains during the winter.
Snowshoe Mountain, West Virginia
For a place to stay, try the Corduroy Inn & Lodge, a ski-in/ski-out hotel with on-site equipment rentals.
Beech Mountain, North Carolina
Located in Beech Mountain, North Carolina, Beech Mountain Resort is on the North Carolina-Tennessee state line in the Southern Appalachian Highlands. Sitting at an elevation of 5,506 feet, this is the highest ski resort on the East Coast. The resort has 17 trails and 10 lifts that include carpet conveyors, chair lifts, and a tow rope for skiers and snowboarders. For snowboarders, there’s also a terrain park that caters to all skill levels, from beginner to expert. Tubing is also a big deal here and quite a popular activity among families. Throughout the season there will be several Cosmic Tubing sessions held at night with lights and music and even more fun!
For accommodations, it’s best to reserve a vacation rental like this updated condo located close to Beech Mountain Resort.
Ski Resorts in the Midwest
The Midwest is certainly not well-known for its mountains, although mountains, namely the Ouachita Mountains, the Black Hills, and the Ozark Mountains, do exist here. Therefore, opportunities to go skiing across the Midwest region are possible. Here are the best ski resorts in the Midwest for your next winter getaway:
Boyne Mountain, Michigan
Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, Michigan is one of the best places in the Lower Peninsula for winter fun. Obviously, there is downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding along with an array of unique winter recreation like Sno-Go Biking, Fat Tire Snow Biking, and Moonbike Tours. I bet you didn’t know you could go biking in the snow! Visitors can also go tubing, ziplining, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and ice skating.
For those who would rather stay indoors, perhaps a day at Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark is a good idea. Throughout the waterpark’s 88,000 square feet, there are slides, a surf simulator, a lazy river, activity pools, hot tubs, and more.
Wilmont Mountain, Wisconsin
Wilmont Mountain is a popular ski resort in Wisconsin, and it’s easy to see why. Between its 120 acres of skiable terrain, 25 trails, 10 lifts, three terrain parks, and an elevation of 960 feet, this is quite the playground for those who love winter sports. The resort also makes its own snow ensuring consistency throughout the season.
For those who prefer snow tubing, you’re in luck — the mountain’s Bubly Tubing Park has 22 lanes over 1,000 feet long for a thrilling downhill ride! This happens to be one of the largest tubing parks in the state. In addition to snow activities, the resort offers plenty of après-ski activities including live music and dining options.
Have you planned a winter getaway to one of the best ski resorts in America yet? If you don’t live within driving distance of one of the finest resort towns in the U.S., sign up for Dollar Flight Club for the best deals on flights. And if you need new winter gear, take a look at our Ultimate Winter Packing List for all your cold-weather essentials.