The best winter trip is the ski vacation: Waking up under thick down comforters and opening the curtains to sublime views of powder-covered peaks; strolling down the snowy main streets of a ski town and dipping into this bar or that; and, of course, the snow sports themselves. In their rugged alpine settings, the best ski resorts feel far from life’s daily grind; they give you an opportunity to leave your comfort zone by taking a few risks out on the slopes—and relax with a little luxury and revelry after.
To help you plan a winter getaway, here are the 11 best ski resorts in the United States for skiers and snowboarders of all levels and budgets. (Prices reflect the 2024–2025 season.) Plus, we’re shouting out sustainability initiatives at each spot.
Park City Mountain
- Ski town: Park City, Utah
- Best for: Terrain parks and nightlife (plus the Sundance Film Festival)
Even with the ski-savvy locals of Salt Lake City pouring in on the weekends, there’s plenty of room for everyone on Park City Mountain’s 7,300 acres, 43 lifts, and 330-plus runs.
On the Canyons Village side, experts will love the double blacks off the Ninety-Nine 90 lift (named for its summit elevation) while intermediates will enjoy cruising the Apex Ridge trail off the Super Condor express lift. On the Park City Mountain Village side, head for the steep Jupiter Bowl on one of Utah’s legendary powder days; the intermediate King Con trail makes for fast, cruising carving in any conditions. There are several terrain parks, too—a big reason why so many Olympic freestyle athletes, including Joss Christensen and Sage Kotsenburg, call Park City home.
The town’s Main Street is packed with dive bars like the No Name Saloon and O’Shucks Bar & Grill. Fine dining spots like Riverhorse on Main and Chimayo are bustling all season long—not only during the Sundance Film Festival.
Where to stay: Washington School House & Pendry Park City
- Book now: washingtonschoolhouse.com; pendry.com/park-city
You’ll also find one of the city’s best under-the-radar hotels right in town: the luxury boutique Washington School House. For a slope-side move with ski-in/ski-out access in Canyons Village, try the 153-room Pendry Park City, which opened in 2022.
Sustainability at Park City Mountain
Park City Mountain is in the Vail family and part of its 2030 Commitment to Zero. Thanks to a partnership with a solar farm outside Salt Lake City, Park City Mountain is now fully solar-powered.
Alta Ski Resort is a ski-only resort in Park City, Utah (sorry, snowboarders).
Photo by Shutterstock
Alta
- Ski town: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Best for: Challenging ski terrain (sorry, snowboarders: Alta is ski only)
Set at the head of Little Cottonwood Canyon in Utah, and only a 35-minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City, Alta nonetheless feels a world away. Alta’s ski area is far cozier than what you’d experience at most U.S. resorts, the mountain doesn’t boast high-speed chair lifts or upscale dining, and snowboarders are not allowed on the slopes. In short, Alta is all about a killer ski experience.
Known first and foremost for peerless powder, Alta averages 540 inches annually of some of the lightest snow on Earth. Devotees love its long, steep runs, like Eagle’s Nest and High Nowhere, but Alta’s showcase run is Alf’s High Rustler, a 1,200-foot run that starts out at a nearly 45-degree angle and is visible from the base. Looking for a warm-up run, or someplace to perfect your powder technique? Almost half of the resort’s 2,614 skiable acres is well suited for intermediate skiers; the Crooked Mile run winds gently under the Albion lift, while Devil’s Elbow and Rollercoaster are classic, rolling blues accessed by the Sugarloaf lift.
Where to stay: Snowpine Lodge
- Book now: snowpine.com
Besides the mountain, Alta’s standout experience is a stay at one of the half-dozen cozy lodges that dot the valley floor, all of which are slope side and typically include breakfast. The 54-room Snowpine Lodge—Alta’s only true modern luxury hotel—packs in everything you could want with a gorgeous spa, legit game room, ski shop, and lively bar and restaurant.
Sustainability at Alta
The Alta Environmental Center hosts events throughout the year, including a slew of summer stewardship events—most notably, a land conservation program that’s resulted in the planting of nearly 43,000 trees and 110,000 other plants since 1991.
Aspen Snowmass encompasses more than 3,300 acres.
Photo by Jeremy Swanson
Aspen Snowmass
- Ski town: Aspen, Colorado
- Best for: A diverse mix of terrain with four mountains for the price of one
How did Colorado’s Aspen Snowmass become a playground for the rich and famous? By being a great Colorado ski resort. It’s actually four separate resorts—Aspen Mountain (also known as Ajax), Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands, and Snowmass—united by a single lift ticket; each has a distinct character.
Known for mellow runs and terrain parks, Buttermilk has been the site of the annual X Games since 2002. An excellent mountain for intermediate skiers, Snowmass is home to miles-long cruisers like Sheer Bliss, and the French Alps–inspired Alpin Room (start with glühwein and cheesy tartiflette). Experts congregate at Highlands for steep runs like North Castle and Kessler’s as well as the hike-to Highlands Bowl; Aspen Mountain features advanced terrain that descends directly into town—to the corner of Hunter and Dean streets. Link all four in a day via the shuttle system or sample them over a week, taking days off to enjoy world-class shopping and dining (like at the Michelin star–minted Bosq).
Looking for more exercise? Try a different discipline with uphill skiing ($69 for an Uphill Pass, free to Premiere Passholders) on dedicated routes at all four mountains. Rent the specialized skis, boots, and climbing skins in downtown Aspen at Ute Mountaineer, which also hosts events like the “Uphill Breakfast Club at Buttermilk.”
Where to stay: Little Nell
- Book now: thelittlenell.com
Aspen is also known for posh lodging, such as the five-star Little Nell. Located in town and at the base of Aspen Mountain, this is the place for ski-in/ski-out access, après-favorite Ajax Tavern and upscale Element 47 (try the private winetasting), a dedicated ski concierge, and wild amenities like a gourmet pet-friendly menu.
Sustainability at Aspen Snowmass
Led by eco-pioneer Auden Schendler and regarded by the ski industry as one of its biggest sustainability champions, Aspen Skiing Company defines sustainability as “the ability to stay in business forever.” One of its most notable initiatives has been converting methane from a nearby coal plant into electricity through a 2012 partnership. The project has mitigated methane emissions and produced enough energy annually to power all four Aspen Snowmass resorts, including hotels and restaurants.
Everything is big in Big Sky, Montana. The resort encompasses almost 6,000 acres of skiable terrain.
Photo by Shutterstock
Big Sky
- Ski town: Big Sky, Montana
- Best for: Beginners
With an average of 400 inches of snow falling on 5,850 acres of skiable terrain, 2,300 acres of which are perfect for beginners, Big Sky offers reliable conditions and a good place to learn. It’s one of the largest ski resorts on the continent, making it feel as if you have many of the trails all to yourself.
The resort is well into its 10-year, multimillion-dollar improvement plan. The winter 2024–2025 season includes the addition of the high-speed, eight-seater Madison 8 chairlift. Refreshed accommodations under the renovation also include 2021 renovations of Big Sky’s historic Huntley Lodge and the slope-side Summit Hotel.
Where to stay: Montage Big Sky
- Book now: montage.com/bigsky
Beyond the resort, the biggest news in recent seasons was the opening of the ski-in/ski-out Montage Big Sky in 2021, making it Big Sky’s first big-brand luxury stay. It boasts 139 modern rooms, six dining venues (including the northern Italian-inspired Cortina), a bowling alley, and a 10,000-square-foot Spa Montage, the first full-service spa to open in the destination.
Sustainability at Big Sky
As of January 2021, the entirety of Big Sky Resort’s electrical use is carbon-free (through the purchase of renewable energy credits), all part of its Forever Project initiative and plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Breckenridge Ski Resort is near the quaint town of Breckenridge.
Photo by Shutterstock
Breckenridge Ski Resort
- Ski town: Breckenridge, Colorado
- Best for: Families
Thanks to a high base elevation of 9,600 feet, Breckenridge in Colorado boasts one of the longest ski seasons in the country, and intermediate and above terrain typically remains open through Memorial Day. It features miles of excellent terrain for all levels across five peaks on nearly 3,000 acres. Peak 9 is the place to learn and ease into dozens of mellow, wide cruisers, while Peak 10 draws the experts with steep groomers and rock outcroppings.
Still, 58 percent of the terrain here is expert level, including hike-to double black diamond runs off Peak 6 and Peak 8, where you find the highest chairlift in North America at 12,840 feet. For something else big, ski Four O’Clock, the resort’s longest run at 3.5 miles, which starts as a black at the top and transitions to a green cruise near the base.
The town of Breckenridge is a true classic and far more concentrated than the vast resort. Main Street, lined with shops and restaurants, might be best known for hosting the world record shot-ski (1,299 people long) during an annual Ullr Fest in January 2019. But it’s got plenty of all-ages fun too, including the huge arcade at eatery Downstairs at Eric’s.
Where to stay: Gravity Haus
- Book now: Gravity Haus
Book a stay at the social club and hotel Gravity Haus at the base of Peak 9, where there are a variety of room types (from standard king suites to bunk rooms), a gear closet with premium demo rentals, and a Japanese-style onsen. It’s only a 10-minute walk from downtown Breckenridge, and a coworking space makes it a great place for adventure-minded digital nomads.
Sustainability at Breckenridge
A part of Vail Resorts, Breck aligns with the brand’s “Commitment to Zero” and currently operates on 85 percent renewable energy sourced from a large wind farm. It’s on track to have a net-zero operating footprint by 2030.
With winter slopes and summer hiking trails, Jackson Hole is a true four-seasons destination.
Courtesy of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
- Ski town: Teton Village and the town of Jackson, Wyoming
- Best for: Expert skiers and those who want to explore the backcountry
This Wyoming resort, a favorite of expert skiers, has been working to expand its options for all levels, including the 2018 opening of the Solitude Station, a full-service lodge and ski school.
But many still come to Jackson for steep shots like Tower Three chute, long powder runs like the three Hobacks (South, Middle, and North), or the infamous Corbet’s Couloir, the entrance of which is a 20-foot cliff. And the resort is also famous for the formidable backcountry terrain just outside its boundaries. It can be dangerous, but if you hire a guide to show you around, you may end up having one of the best ski days of your life.
Need a rest day from the continuous steeps that run down Jackson’s 4,139-foot vertical rise? Sleigh-ride tours of the famous 25,000-acre National Elk Refuge will get you near members of the herd of 6,000–8,000 that winters there every year.
Where to stay: Cloudveil
- Book now: thecloudveil.com
Roll into town and stay at the 100-room Cloudveil on Town Square with its rooftop terrace, outdoor pool, and the Bistro by local culinary legend Gavin Fine.
Sustainability at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
In 2019, the resort transitioned to 100-percent wind power for all its electricity needs. In 2021, it increased minimum wage pay and opened a housing development for employees, another move toward social equity in a pricey mountain town.
Killington, Vermont, is known for more than its fall foliage.
Photo by Shutterstock
Killington Resort
- Ski town: Killington, Vermont
- Best for: Those who like a little après-ski
Killington is far from simply a steep, icy racecourse; the resort’s six mountains have options for everyone, from beginner-level cruisers on Rams Head to the 65-odd features at the Stash terrain park, which includes a superpipe with 18-foot walls. Its 2021-launched Fast Tracks pass (from $49 a day) program gives priority access to dedicated express lift lanes.
Also full of options? Killington’s legendary après-ski scene. Pickle Barrel Nightclub is one of a dozen eating-and-drinking establishments on or near the Killington access road, known for its hopping musical performances.
Where to stay: Killington Grand Resort Hotel
- Book now: killington.com
This mountainside hotel is almost ski-in/ski-out—guests only need to take a few steps across a bridge and they’re on the slopes. The wide range of amenities include a 75-foot outdoor heated pool, two hot tubs, shuttle service between the hotel and base lodges, two eateries, and the Ship Skis partnership (which lets you ship your gear directly to the hotel from home and back).
Sustainability at Killington
Numerous initiatives in place here include the addition of roughly 50 EV car charging stations, solar farms that generate more than 3 million kWh of clean energy, and a partnership with Grow Compost that diverts over 200,000 tons of scraps from landfills.
Nab a Fast Tracks pass for access to dedicated lines at Mount Bachelor’s express lifts.
Courtesy of Mount Bachelor
Mount Bachelor
- Ski town: Bend, Orgeon
- Best for: Beer lovers
On a clear day, you can take in nearly the entire Cascade Range, from the peaks of Mount Rainier near Seattle down to Shasta in California, from the summit of 9,068-foot Mount Bachelor in Oregon. The 4,300-acres of Mount Bachelor ski resort wrap around the cone of the dormant volcano and make up the sixth-largest ski area in the United States. And there’s plenty of skiing for every level. If the Summit chair is running, drop off onto the double blacks on the back side. Intermediates and beginners will love cruisers like Avalanche or Marshmallow. If it’s been snowing a lot, consider taking multiple runs on the Red Chair area, which is often overlooked by the hordes heading for runs accessed by the Outback lift.
Where to stay: Oxford Hotel
- Book now: oxfordhotelbend.com
Mount Bachelor is worth the visit, if only for the chance to experience its uniquely popular RV/van life camping community (overnight paid parking for $40 or $60 with power). For more traditional options, head to the recreation paradise of nearby Bend for a stay at the boutique Oxford Hotel, which has generously proportioned rooms and a pillow menu with many choices.
Sustainability at Mount Bachelor
As part of its Play Forever commitment, Mount Bachelor’s numerous initiatives include a resort powered by 100 percent renewable energy and produced by hydroelectric dams, wind, and solar, and a Nordic Lodge powered by on-site solar, which has generated more than 52,000 kWh of clean electricity (enough to offset 37 metric tons of CO2).
On clear days, skiers and snowboarders can catch a view of Lake Tahoe as they descend.
Photo by Shutterstock
Palisades Tahoe
- Ski town: Tahoe City, California
- Best for: Following in the ski-steps of Olympians
Site of the 1960 Winter Olympics and, perhaps even more famously, a spawning ground for the extreme skiing movement of the 1980s, Palisades Tahoe boasts some 6,000 skiable acres across eight peaks. The resort has plenty of steeps: Test your bona fides on the runs off the KT-22, Headwall, or Granite Chief lifts. Alpine is the mellower choice, with a plethora of moderate terrain like the wide runs off the Treeline Cirque mountain lift, or the sunny back-side Sherwood Bowl, with prime views of Lake Tahoe. A free 15-minute shuttle connects the two base areas.
Where to stay: PlumpJack Inn
- Book now: plumpjacksquawvalleyinn.com
In the pedestrian-friendly base village, book a room at the PlumpJack Inn. After checking in, enjoy beer and a slice at Le Chamois, where the deck is bustling on sunny days. More skiing history was made here: It’s the scene of the snowball fight in ’80s screwball ski comedy Hot Dog: The Movie.
Sustainability at Palisades Tahoe
In 2021, Palisades Tahoe began using renewable diesel fuel created from discarded materials (like waste animal fat and used cooking oil) to power six trucks, lower-mountain snowcats, and backup generators, as well as to heat several buildings.
Sun Valley boasts state-of-the-art snowmaking and grooming machines, meaning there’s rarely a bad day to get on the slopes here.
Courtesy of Visit Sun Valley
Sun Valley Resort
- Ski town: Sun Valley, Idaho
- Best for: Big runs plus cross-country skiing
Sun Valley is known for its long, wide-open runs with sustained pitches like Limelight and Warm Springs, so the ski of choice here is the carver, which is good for stability at speed. In 2021, the resort added 380 acres of terrain, opening up some of Mount Baldy’s best and most challenging terrain, including a wide-open bowl and extensive tree skiing. The expansion also includes the extension of the gradually pitched and oh-so-smooth Lower Broadway run. Whichever floats your boat, don’t forget to pack a helmet because you are going to want to point those skis downhill and fly.
Sun Valley is also a Nordic skiing epicenter. Throughout the valley, there are more than 125 miles of groomed cross-country trails plus the 20 miles of groomed terrain on the multi-purpose Wood River Trail, which runs right through town.
Where to stay: Sun Valley Lodge
- Book now: sunvalley.com/lodging/sun-valley-lodge
Stay at Sun Valley Lodge, the epitome of classic ski hotels. Schedule a treatment at the Lodge’s 20,000-square-foot spa, and soak in its heated saline pool. Afterward, enjoy a drink at the bar and stroll the hallways, checking out photos that document the stays of celebrity guests like Ernest Hemingway, Clark Gable, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Sustainability at Sun Valley
Sun Valley’s continued partnership with the Healthy Forest Initiative has resulted in nearly 18 more acres of gladed terrain, which not only adds skiable acres for its recent expansion but also improves the health of the forest via measures that mitigate overstocked vegetation and destructive insects.
Most of Vail’s off-piste attractions are within a walkable, if somewhat quaint, area.
Photo by Shutterstock
Vail
- Ski town: Vail, Colorado
- Best for: Walkability
Reveling in blue skies for more than 300 days each year, 5,317-acre Vail is strung across multiple connecting peaks in Colorado and ribboned with classic intermediate runs like Born Free and Dealer’s Choice. A learning area near the Avanti Express Lift (Chair 2) offers a skills zone with terrain-specific training via three unique lanes and a performance center for ski and snowboard instruction featuring indoor training tools. The good news for advanced riders: There’s prime powder in the resort’s famous Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin.
You can leave your car parked for the weekend and walk everywhere you need to go in Vail’s Bavarian village–inspired, pedestrian-friendly base area. Home base is steps from Gondola 1 at the Lodge at Vail, the resort’s original hotel, and its steakhouse Elway’s (named for Broncos icon John Elway). Vendetta’s in the village serves specialty pizzas and is a favorite après spot. After dinner, make reservations to hang with the locals at Bol, a decked-out, 10-lane bowling alley and lounge.
Where to stay: The Four Seasons Resort Vail
- Book now: fourseasons.com/vail
With 121 rooms and 24 suites (each with in-room stone fireplaces, stand-alone marble soaking tubs, and cozy balconies), an outdoor heated lap pool and hot tubs, a spa with therapies that marry relaxation and recovery (important after a few days on the slopes), and a handful of drool-worthy eateries, the Four Seasons Resort Vail certainly impresses from both an accommodations and an amenities standpoint.
Sustainability at Vail
As with most other resorts under the Vail Resorts umbrella, Vail Mountain is on track to reach a net-zero operating footprint by 2030, including zero waste to landfill. The resort has also invested heavily in energy-efficient snowmaking to produce more snow, in less time, with less energy.
This article originally appeared in February 2019, and was most recently updated on December 9, 2024.
