The holidays are passing, the snow is falling, it’s officially winter and that means it’s time to pull out your trusty skis. If you’re looking for fresh powder, overpriced hot chocolate, and maybe even a dreamy little ski town to go along with it all, throw these U.S. ski adventures on your itinerary!
Park City, Utah
7,000 glorious feet in the sky lies Park City, Utah. This famous ski town has something for everybody. There’s a reason Robert Redford established the Sundance Film Festival there. Formerly known as Canyons Ski Resort, and Park City Mountain Resort is the combined powerhouse now known as Park City Mountain. That’s right, 7,300 acres of fresh powder for your liking provides skiing for every level. Not into sharing the slopes with snowboarders? There’s a bougie place for skiers only known as Deer Valley Ski Resort, and she is beautiful. When you’re tired and cold from a long day of shredding, take your pick of cozy restaurants or bars on Park City’s picturesque Main Street or Canyons Village. If relaxing at a lodge is more your style, take your pick between the Sundial Lodge, or any of the swanky lodges at Deer Valley. This town is arguably one of the most Instagram-able spots in Utah if you’re into that sort of thing. Lift tickets start at $164.
Breckenridge, Colorado
The tallest chairlift in North America belongs to the history-rich Colorado resort known as Breckenridge. The resort boasts 187 trails for every type of rider, accompanied by four terrain parks for the skilled. This area of Colorado also sees one of the highest snow totals which is even more incentive for all the powder hounds. There is plenty of ski-in and ski-out options for lodging thanks to the small town’s layout. To name just one, Gravity Haus Breck is rated the #1 hotel in Colorado by Conde Nast Traveler. Breckenridge is a popular spot, so pack your patience when it comes to lift lines and restaurant wait times. However, restaurants and bars are plentiful, so pack your good times too! If you get tired of skiing, try out something new like dog sledding, sleigh rides, or even gold mine tours! Lift tickets start at $167.
Big Sky, Montana
Stars in Big Sky are never scarce, whether they’re seen in the incredibly clear night sky or next to you on the slopes. Big Sky is known for bringing in celebs and public figures with its highly exclusive Yellowstone Club. Think Tom Brady, Justin Timberlake, and Bill Gates just to name a few. However, Big Sky is also a fan favorite for everybody. Not only is it one of the largest resorts in North America, but it also has one of the biggest vertical drops for all you thrill-seekers. Big resort means a lot of space for riders, so you’re free to take in the open space around you. There are lodging options for every budget, but many are partial to the vacation rentals with relaxing deck hot tubs and views to match. The mountain village has a few restaurants, shops, and bars but this isn’t your typical quaint ski town. It is as big as its name. The breathtaking views and wide-open spaces here are hardly something to complain about. Lift tickets start at $164.
Lake Tahoe, California
What was once a residential town full of locals getting to work and school on snowmobiles has burst into one of California’s biggest tourist towns. Bustling casinos, postcard views, and a busy mountain town, Lake Tahoe is one of a kind! There are multiple resorts in the area, but Heavenly Ski Resort is a visitor favorite. The resort sits right in the middle of everything. In fact, a ski lift can drop you off just steps from the town’s biggest casinos. The views you’ll find in South Lake Tahoe are breathtaking, quite literally at 6,224 feet. Imagine the bluest water you’ve ever seen as far as you can see surrounded by cascading snow-covered mountains and trees. That’s what you’ll get in this Northern California dream. You might have guessed this by now, but those views come with crowds, so pack your patience here. However, you won’t struggle to find a variety of lodging in the area. If you’d like a cabin off the beaten path, you got it, a room in the lively casinos, yep, or something in between, it’s there. Of course, lodging at Heavenly is available for a pretty penny. At least you can try your luck at Harveys next door! Lift tickets start at $164.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Idaho does a lot more than grow the world’s best vegetable, and what better way to work up that appetite for Idaho potatoes than a day on the Sun Valley slopes? If you’re looking for a European influence in the wild west, look no further. This highly well-kept resort is where you can go to stretch your legs, arms, whatever you’d like because it’s not known for its crowds. The town of Sun Valley is a charming breath of fresh air. The historic resort village is a must-visit for sights, restaurants, and shops. If you fancy switching out your skis for skates, there’s an ice rink for that. Winter activities both indoor and outdoor are plentiful! Visitors rave about staying at the Sun Valley Lodge, the European-inspired Sun Valley Inn, and the cozy cottages ready for booking. Lift tickets start at $164.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
It’s tough to compete with the picturesque beauty that is Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Wyoming is no stranger to blizzards, sometimes seeing them as early as September, and the fresh pow doesn’t stop. Speaking of powder, it’s a pretty popular experience for Jackson Hole and the lines of people pile up quickly. Visitors say this mountain will humble whatever skills you think you may have but love the challenge of it. Teton Village is a loved spot for activities and all the unique shopping you could want, especially if you’re looking to add a little western flair to your wardrobe. It’s quite unlike most resort villages that tend to look and feel the same. The town of Jackson is not to be missed, it’s a winter wonderland of sorts and the locals are welcoming. Don’t forget to take a picture under the town square’s famous antler archway. As far as lodging goes, you’ll find yourself in a rental or hotel in Jackson or Teton Village which are two excellent options. Lift tickets start at $181.
Insider tip: Most of these hotspots are included in the epic pass, giving you access to multiple resorts for a much better price if you’re looking to resort hop.
These ski adventures have something for all different types of riders, families, or solo shredders! You may find by visiting their websites that some provide discounts for booking lift tickets and accommodations together. Play around to find yourself the best deal and get out on some of the world’s greatest snow!
