Whether you’re happiest shredding backcountry black diamonds or prefer sweeping corduroy slopes marked with blue and green signs, it’s time to head west this winter. U.S. resorts that dot the Rocky Mountains are known the world over for their awe-inspiring peaks, ubiquitous powder, and mind-bogglingly beautiful runs.
United Airlines recently released a slew of new flight routes that make these world-class destinations more accessible than ever. United now offers 100 flights and 10,000 seats daily to a dozen of the country’s most sought-after winter wonderlands such as Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Lake Tahoe, California; and Vail and Aspen, Colorado.
United is also helping to put lesser known ski towns on the map. Here, adventure travelers can find all of the amenities associated with big-name resorts — with far fewer crowds. Read on for easily-accessible and amazing destinations to add to your must-ski list this season.
Colorado — Crested Butte
Powder enthusiasts can’t help but gush about Colorado — but there is far more to this state’s offerings than Snowmass. At Crested Butte, for instance, visitors can tackle powder-stuffed bowls in a tantalizing terrain park, all while taking in jaw-dropping natural scenery.
Plenty of lodging options are available at the base of the resort, and a free bus runs up the mountain. Be sure to take an afternoon off the slopes to stop by the Crested Butte Heritage Museum for a taste of local culture and history. United offers daily flights to Gunnison/Crested Butte from both Denver and Houston.
California — Mammoth Lakes
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Mammoth Lakes is a stunner all year round, but especially in the winter. Mammoth Mountain has something for every level of skier and boarder, with lessons, clinics, terrain parks, and package deals. Or head to June Mountain, which is known as California’s family mountain. With over 1,500 feet of skiable terrain, you won’t be confined to the bunny slopes here.
United offers direct daily flights to Mammoth Lakes from Denver, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, making epic weekend trips very doable.
Montana — Big Sky and Whitefish
In Big Sky, Montana, a 45-minute drive from Bozeman, skiers and snowboarders get their fill of thrills via shocking vertical drops — and then catch their breath on long, meandering groomers. Visitors can opt to stay in Bozeman for access to a wide variety of lodging options, dining establishments, and après-ski scenes, or rent a condo at the base of Big Sky for easy access to the mountain.
At Whitefish, diverse terrain makes it a palatable choice for any level of skier or snowboarder. To visit, you can catch a flight directly to Glacier Park, just a stone’s throw away.
United has daily flights to Bozeman from Denver, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, and Newark. Find flights to Glacier/Whitefish directly from Denver and Chicago.
Utah — Snowbasin, Solitude, and Powder Mountain
In Utah, destinations like Park City, Deer Valley, and Alta tend to get all the glory — but locals know that the less-discovered mountains are the true treasures. A short drive from Salt Lake City, resorts like Snowbasin, Solitude, and Powder Mountain as idyllic as they are underutilized.
With terrain parks, groomed trails, and a four-lane tubing hill, Snowbasin offers family-friendly fun for any outdoorsy crew. Solitude, on the other hand, is best-suited for advanced or expert skiers — here, massive vertical slopes tempt thrill-seekers with daunting drops. Powder Mountain, too, lives up to its moniker: The famously dry Utah snow may remain untouched for days on some slopes, as lighter traffic leaves much of the fresh powder undisturbed.
United operates daily flights to Salt Lake City from Denver, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, and Newark.
If winter adventure is what you’re seeking, book a United flight today to one of the above resorts for a ski getaway that will have you dreaming of powder long after your last run.
