From Vail to Jackson Hole, America’s top ski destinations offer travelers wide open spaces and crisp, clean air—as well as cozy lodges and glamorous resorts to return home to after a day on the mountain. As a growing number of destinations move towards multi-mountain passes that give access to a wide reach of terrain, it’s helpful to understand the differences between the best places to ski in the US. Whether you’re traveling with bunny-slope beginners or double black diamond experts, après-ski mavens or off-piste enthusiasts, here is your ultimate guide to where to ski, where to stay and what to know.
This year, of course, things will be a little different, as hotels and ski mountains across the country navigate the New Normal of operating during the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more about what to expect at U.S. ski resorts this season here.
Contact Indagare or your Trip Designer for more information on the best places to ski in the U.S., as well as on coronavirus travel safety, including the destinations that are open to travel, new Covid-19 hotel policies, the safest routes or transportation options available, future trip-planning advice, inspiration and ideas.
For Family-Friendly Fun: Big Sky, Montana
The quieter counterpart to Wyoming’s Jackson Hole, Big Sky, Montana has western charm, wide-open spaces and truly stunning, peaceful landscapes.
- Vibe: Family-Friendly, Western Chic, Authentic
- Where to Stay: The Ranch at Rock Creek and Lone Mountain Ranch
- Ski Scene: Big Sky Resort is a hidden secret of the American ski world—vast and uncrowded, it offers nearly 6,000 skiable acres for all skill levels and attracts a stylish but low-key set.
- Indagare Tip: For the ultimate family getaway, The Ranch at Rock Creek can organize a day of crowd-free skiing and snowboarding at the Discovery Ski Area, an under-the-radar gem known as “Disco,” followed by an outdoor barbecue and bonfire with the Ranch’s head chef.
Related: What’s New: Stylish Ski Escapes
For the Purest Powder: Alta, Utah
When Snowpine Lodge reopened after an extensive renovation in early 2019, Alta finally had accommodations to match the superb quality and volume of its snow.
- Vibe: Old-School, Quiet, Serious
- Where to Stay: Snowpine Lodge
- Ski Scene: With a lack of snowboarders and some of the highest-quality powder in the West, Alta offers a traditional skiing experience akin to what can be found in the European Alps.
- Indagare Tip: Check out Alta’s next-door neighbor, Snowbird, for great powder and a craft beer at The Summit, the food hall atop Hidden Peak.
Related: Where to Go for the Holidays This Year
For Wild West Terrain: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Known as “The Big One” for its vast expanses of difficult runs, Jackson Hole embodies the spirit of the Wild West, both on the slopes and off. The rustic local ski scene is punctuated by pockets of luxury centered around the top hotels. Although it has attracted a trendy crowd in the past few years, Jackson Hole continues to maintain a rugged, easygoing atmosphere.
- Vibe: Outdoorsy, Mix of Rustic and Ultra-Luxury, True American West
- Where to Stay: Caldera House, Four Seasons Jackson Hole and Amangani
- Ski Scene: With plenty of mountain and great snow, Jackson Hole caters to experienced, serious skiers; however, there is a reserved area for beginners and a lively après-ski scene to keep your whole group entertained. This year, of course, the après-ski situation will be toned down, without bar service and with limited seating.
Related: The Top 10: Best Winter Cocktail Spots for a Fireside Drink
For a Glitzy Après-Ski Scene: Aspen, Colorado
With designer shops, luxury hotels, high-end restaurants and serious ski terrain, Aspen is the glittering crown jewel of the see-and-be-seen ski destinations.
- Vibe: Elite, Buzzy, Glamorous
- Where to Stay: The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, St. Regis Aspen Resort and Viceroy Snowmass
- Ski Scene: Aspen’s four mountains—Snowmass, Aspen Mountain (Ajax), Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk—offer an array of terrain for every skill level. Advanced skiers head to Highlands, while beginners and families with young children will love Snowmass.
Related: The Top 10: Best Ski Resorts
For a Crowd-Pleasing Vacation: Vail, Colorado
As the most well-developed ski resort in the U.S., Vail is a diverse destination that offers something for everyone, making it a perfect choice for multi-generational families and large groups. In addition to the wide variety of skiing experiences available, there are plenty of high-end hotels and restaurants to choose from, as well as a buzzy nightlife scene.
- Vibe: Large, Busy, Developed
- Where to Stay: Four Seasons Vail, Hotel Talisa and Sonnenalp. For a more private experience removed from the crowds, book the Game Creek Chalet or one of the Solaris Residences.
- Ski Scene: Vail has some of the most varied ski and snowboarding terrain in the U.S., as well as multiple ski schools. With the versatile Epic Pass, you can easily stay here for a week without getting bored. To avoid being overwhelmed (and especially first-time visitors), book a ski instructor for the beginning of your stay to help you navigate the right trails for your skill level—plus you’ll get to skip the lift lines.
- Indagare Tip: Don’t miss a cocktail and/or dinner at Matsuhisa, one of Vail’s most popular restaurants. A reservation is necessary, although take-out is now available as well.
Related: The Top 10: Winter Weekends
For a Pampering Getaway: Deer Valley and Park City, Utah
No longer a secret among well-heeled families, Deer Valley is now often ranked as the top ski resort in the U.S. Keep in mind, however, that while Deer Valley is easily accessible, private and offers seriously pampering properties, it does not have its own village to explore. Those who desire a social scene can take the five-to-ten-minute drive to downtown Park City, home to the area’s best shops and restaurants.
- Vibe: Pampering, Relaxing, Skiing-Centric
- Where to Stay: St. Regis Deer Valley, Montage Deer Valley, Stein Eriksen Lodge or Residences and the Washington School House
- Ski Scene: Deer Valley offers pristine, uncrowded terrain for those who would rather ski than socialize. It also has an excellent ski school and is ideal for beginners (no snowboarding is allowed on the mountain). Those looking for greater variety can head to Park City, but here, you will also find crowds.
- Indagare Tip: The Lodge at Blue Sky from Auberge is an exciting new addition to the Park City hotel scene. Set on a 3,500-acre ranch, the Lodge provides a relaxing, remote escape to counter the action of Park City.
Related: Fun Ideas for a Multigenerational Vacation
For a Low-Key Adventure: Telluride, Colorado
Once a major mining town in the 19th century, Telluride today draws visitors for its scenic landscapes and Western charm. Well worth the journey to Colorado’s remote southwestern corner, the mountain village offers world-class skiing without the crowds, as well as a lively yet unassuming après-ski scene.
- Vibe: Rugged, Relaxed, Authentic
- Where to Stay: Dunton Hot Springs and Hotel Madeline
- Ski Scene: Telluride’s low-key atmosphere, intense peaks and beautiful terrain attract die-hard skiers, but there is a breadth of options for all levels, including bowls, chutes, cliffs, glades and mogul runs.
- Indagare Tip: For an exciting add-on to Telluride, head three hours north to the gorgeous Scarp Ridge Lodge in Crested Butte, where you can enjoy exclusive cat-skiing on Irwin Mountain—or, if you love the pampering amenities of Deer Valley, try Beaver Creek.
Related: 5 Ultimate Wilderness Vacations
For an East Coast Escape: Sugarbush, Vermont
With a variety of mountains to choose from, as well as a gourmet food scene, Vermont is the best destination for an East Coast ski trip. Though there is no shortage of charming properties, the incredible Pitcher Inn in the tiny village of Warren makes Sugarbush the Vermont ski spot of choice.
- Vibe: Charming, Bucolic, Quiet
- Where to Stay: The Pitcher Inn
- Ski Scene: Deep in the Mad River Valley, Sugarbush is one of the largest and most varied ski resorts in New England, making it an ideal destination for groups with mixed experience levels.
- Indagare Tip: With only 11 guest rooms, Pitcher Inn should be booked with advance notice. The Lodge, Colonial and Ski suites are favorites.
Related: Indagare Review: The Pitcher Inn
For the Original American Ski Lodge: Sun Valley, Idaho
Established in the 1930s, Sun Valley was the very first winter destination resort in the United States. Once the ski getaway for stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, including Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable, it continues to draw visitors with easy charm, old-school glamour, excellent slopes and natural beauty.
- Vibe: Classic, Soulful, Approachable
- Where to Stay: Sun Valley Lodge
- Ski Scene: Open to skiers and snowboarders, Sun Valley offers a variety of terrain for all skill levels, as well as excellent powder throughout the season The two main mountains to know are Bald (or Baldy) and Dollar (ideal for first-timers), and there are also themed “Adventure Trails” for children. After-hours on the slopes, an après-ski cocktail at the historic Sun Valley Lodge is the perfect conclusion to the day.
- Indagare Tip: Like many others, Ernest Hemingway fell in love with Sun Valley upon visiting. He finished For Whom the Bell Tolls in Suite 206 in the Sun Valley Lodge, and later bought a house in Ketchum, a charming nearby town where he lived until his death in 1961. Today, the house is closed to the public; however, you can visit Hemingway’s grave in the Ketchum Cemetery, as well as his memorial site. Afterwards, stop at the Kneadery for lunch.
Related: Best Places to Hike: The Top 10 Around the World
This year, of course, things will be a little different, as hotels and ski mountains across the country navigate the New Normal of operating during the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more about what to expect at U.S. ski resorts this season here.
Contact Indagare or your Trip Designer for more information on the best places to ski in the U.S., as well as on coronavirus travel safety, including the destinations that are open to travel, new Covid-19 hotel policies, the safest routes or transportation options available, future trip-planning advice, inspiration and ideas.
